Extreme Weather Conditions Close Many Sydney Region Parks, Tracks And Trails
Threat Abatement Plan For The Impacts Of Marine Debris On Vertebrate Marine Life
Sea Kayakers Rescue Turtle In Distress
If Victoria Can Ban CSG, NSW Can Too!
By The Wilderness SocietyCoal seam gas (CSG) threatens our water, our health and our climate. Many jurisdictions around the world are permanently banning this dangerous industry, most recently Victoria. We do not need or want risky coal seam gas in NSW. It’s clear that the industry has no social licence in our state, yet vast and critical areas—as well as human health—are still under threat from CSG across the state.
Call on the new Premier Berejiklian and the new Planning Minister Roberts to follow Victoria's lead and ban this harmful and risky industry in NSW.
By The Wilderness Society
Coal seam gas (CSG) threatens our water, our health and our climate. Many jurisdictions around the world are permanently banning this dangerous industry, most recently Victoria. We do not need or want risky coal seam gas in NSW.
It’s clear that the industry has no social licence in our state, yet vast and critical areas—as well as human health—are still under threat from CSG across the state.
Call on the new Premier Berejiklian and the new Planning Minister Roberts to follow Victoria's lead and ban this harmful and risky industry in NSW.
Banning Fracking Once And For All
February 8, 2017: Victorian Government Minister for Resources - Wade Noonan
Landmark legislation to permanently ban fracking for gas will today return to the Victorian Parliament as the Andrews Labor Government puts regional communities first to protect our clean and green reputation.
Victorians have overwhelmingly embraced a ban on fracking to support farmers, the environment and the state’s vital food and fibre sector.
In a national first, the Resources Legislation Amendment (Fracking Ban) Bill 2016 will:- permanently ban all onshore unconventional gas exploration and development, including hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) and coal seam gas
- extend the moratorium on conventional onshore gas exploration and development to 30 June 2020
The Bill amends the Petroleum Act 1998 and the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 to implement the permanent ban.
The legislation forms part of the Labor Government’s response to the 2015 Parliamentary Inquiry into Onshore Unconventional Gas in Victoria which received more than 1600 submissions, mostly opposed to onshore unconventional gas.
Extending the moratorium to 2020 will allow for experts to carry out scientific, technical and environmental studies on the risks, benefits and impacts of onshore conventional gas
That work will be overseen by Victoria’s lead scientist in consultation with a stakeholder advisory committee made up of farmers, industry, local government and community members.
The Government has called on the Victorian Liberals and Nationals to support the Bill and take a stand on this critical issue for the state.
Victoria’s agricultural sector exports $12 billion in food and fibre products each year and employs about 190,000 people.
The Bill will ensure Victoria remains frack-free to support food and fibre production across the state, regional economies and local jobs.
We promised we would end fracking for good, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“Victorians have resoundingly rejected fracking, and we’re putting an end to it.” Minister for Resources Wade Noonan said.
“It threatens the reputation of our vital agricultural sector and puts the state’s world-class food producers and regional economies at risk.”
“Our ban on fracking is what the community has asked for, and I call on the Victorian Liberals and Nationals to support the Bill as it’s debated in Parliament today.”
Resources Legislation Amendment (Fracking Ban) Bill 2016 - Bills passed Assembly (go to the Legislative Council next) 9/2/2017
February 8, 2017: Victorian Government Minister for Resources - Wade Noonan
Landmark legislation to permanently ban fracking for gas will today return to the Victorian Parliament as the Andrews Labor Government puts regional communities first to protect our clean and green reputation.
Victorians have overwhelmingly embraced a ban on fracking to support farmers, the environment and the state’s vital food and fibre sector.
In a national first, the Resources Legislation Amendment (Fracking Ban) Bill 2016 will:
- permanently ban all onshore unconventional gas exploration and development, including hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) and coal seam gas
- extend the moratorium on conventional onshore gas exploration and development to 30 June 2020
The Bill amends the Petroleum Act 1998 and the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 to implement the permanent ban.
The legislation forms part of the Labor Government’s response to the 2015 Parliamentary Inquiry into Onshore Unconventional Gas in Victoria which received more than 1600 submissions, mostly opposed to onshore unconventional gas.
Extending the moratorium to 2020 will allow for experts to carry out scientific, technical and environmental studies on the risks, benefits and impacts of onshore conventional gas
That work will be overseen by Victoria’s lead scientist in consultation with a stakeholder advisory committee made up of farmers, industry, local government and community members.
The Government has called on the Victorian Liberals and Nationals to support the Bill and take a stand on this critical issue for the state.
Victoria’s agricultural sector exports $12 billion in food and fibre products each year and employs about 190,000 people.
The Bill will ensure Victoria remains frack-free to support food and fibre production across the state, regional economies and local jobs.
We promised we would end fracking for good, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“Victorians have resoundingly rejected fracking, and we’re putting an end to it.” Minister for Resources Wade Noonan said.
“It threatens the reputation of our vital agricultural sector and puts the state’s world-class food producers and regional economies at risk.”
“Our ban on fracking is what the community has asked for, and I call on the Victorian Liberals and Nationals to support the Bill as it’s debated in Parliament today.”
Resources Legislation Amendment (Fracking Ban) Bill 2016 - Bills passed Assembly (go to the Legislative Council next) 9/2/2017
Petition: Ban Balloons Release
Goal - Australia-wide ban on the release of balloons and the use of helium to inflate balloons.
Problem: Released balloons always come back to Earth as litter. * When mistaken as food, balloons can slowly kill wildlife through digestive blockage, strangulation and choking. Affected wildlife includes marine animals such as shearwaters and turtles, as well as freshwater such as platypus. Farm animals can also be affected.
* Many marine wildlife research scientists support a ban on the release of balloons, as do organisations involved with litter and marine protection, such as Boomerang Alliance, Tangaroa Blue, Lord Howe Island Museum, Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre and the Australian Platypus Conservancy.
* Marine Plastic Pollution is increased with balloon releases.
* Balloons are no longer made from natural latex but a synthetic. While the industry claims balloons biodegrade in the same time as “an oak leaf”, this can take many months or years, all the while posing a threat to wildlife. Non-biodegradable attached streamers and disks add to the litter and threat.
* Mylar balloons do not biodegrade; they can cause power outages and spark fires.
* Agencies already spend a great deal of time and effort attempting to educate people about the environmental impacts of released balloons. Despite this and a variety of anti-litter and anti-balloon release laws across Australia, releases still occur.
* The use of helium enables the accidental release of balloons. With easy access to helium and helium balloons now ubiquitous at events and festivals, this is all too common. Just one released balloon will result in litter and pose a threat to wildlife.* Alternatives to balloon releases include reusable banners, flags, ribbon dancers, or pinwheels. For memorials and fundraisers: plant trees or gardens, actions that promote life.
There is a global movement against the release of balloons due to their environmental impact (see BalloonsBlow. org). Australia could lead the way and be the first to nationally ban helium balloons.
Solution: The Federal Government unites the States and Territories of Australia for a national ban on the release of balloons and the use of helium to inflate balloons for non-scientific uses.
Goal - Australia-wide ban on the release of balloons and the use of helium to inflate balloons.
Problem: Released balloons always come back to Earth as litter.
* When mistaken as food, balloons can slowly kill wildlife through digestive blockage, strangulation and choking. Affected wildlife includes marine animals such as shearwaters and turtles, as well as freshwater such as platypus. Farm animals can also be affected.
* Many marine wildlife research scientists support a ban on the release of balloons, as do organisations involved with litter and marine protection, such as Boomerang Alliance, Tangaroa Blue, Lord Howe Island Museum, Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre and the Australian Platypus Conservancy.
* Marine Plastic Pollution is increased with balloon releases.
* Balloons are no longer made from natural latex but a synthetic. While the industry claims balloons biodegrade in the same time as “an oak leaf”, this can take many months or years, all the while posing a threat to wildlife. Non-biodegradable attached streamers and disks add to the litter and threat.
* Mylar balloons do not biodegrade; they can cause power outages and spark fires.
* Agencies already spend a great deal of time and effort attempting to educate people about the environmental impacts of released balloons. Despite this and a variety of anti-litter and anti-balloon release laws across Australia, releases still occur.
* The use of helium enables the accidental release of balloons. With easy access to helium and helium balloons now ubiquitous at events and festivals, this is all too common.
Just one released balloon will result in litter and pose a threat to wildlife.
* Alternatives to balloon releases include reusable banners, flags, ribbon dancers, or pinwheels. For memorials and fundraisers: plant trees or gardens, actions that promote life.
There is a global movement against the release of balloons due to their environmental impact (see BalloonsBlow. org). Australia could lead the way and be the first to nationally ban helium balloons.
Solution: The Federal Government unites the States and Territories of Australia for a national ban on the release of balloons and the use of helium to inflate balloons for non-scientific uses.
NSW And Victoria Put Basin Plan Under The Microscope
Extreme Fires Will Increasingly Be Part Of Our Global Landscape, Researchers Predict
February 6, 2017: University of TasmaniaIncreasingly dangerous fire weather is forecast for Australia and the Mediterranean as the global footprint of extreme fires expands, according to the latest research.
University of Tasmania Professor of Environmental Change Biology David Bowman led an international collaboration -- including researchers from the University of Idaho and South Dakota State University -- to compile a global satellite database of the intensity of 23 million landscape fires used to identify 478 of the most extreme wildfire events.
"Extreme fire events are a global and natural phenomenon, particularly in forested areas that have pronounced dry seasons," Professor Bowman said.
"With the exception of land clearance, the research found that extremely intense fires are associated with anomalous weather -- such as droughts, winds, or in desert regions, following particularly wet seasons.
"Of the top 478 events, we identified 144 economically and socially disastrous extreme fire events that were concentrated in regions where humans have built into flammable forested landscapes, such as areas surrounding cities in southern Australia and western North America."
Using climate change model projections to investigate the likely consequences of climate change, the research found more extreme fires are predicted in the future for Australia's east coast, including Brisbane, and the whole of the Mediterranean region -- Portugal, Spain, France, Greece and Turkey.
"The projections suggest an increase in the days conducive to extreme wildfire events by 20 to 50 per cent in these disaster-prone landscapes, with sharper increases in the subtropical Southern Hemisphere, and the European Mediterranean Basin," Professor Bowman said.
The research has been published in the scientific journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
The research is released on the day the State remembers the impact of the1967 bushfires in the city of Hobart and across the South, which claimed the lives of 62 people, left 900 injured and more than 7,000 homeless.
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The Cascade Brewery was destroyed during the Tasmanian Bushfires of 1967. 4 million beer bottles were fussed together from the intense heat.
David M. J. S. Bowman, Grant J. Williamson, John T. Abatzoglou, Crystal A. Kolden, Mark A. Cochrane, Alistair M. S. Smith. Human exposure and sensitivity to globally extreme wildfire events. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 2017; 1: 0058 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-016-0058
February 6, 2017: University of Tasmania
Increasingly dangerous fire weather is forecast for Australia and the Mediterranean as the global footprint of extreme fires expands, according to the latest research.
University of Tasmania Professor of Environmental Change Biology David Bowman led an international collaboration -- including researchers from the University of Idaho and South Dakota State University -- to compile a global satellite database of the intensity of 23 million landscape fires used to identify 478 of the most extreme wildfire events.
"Extreme fire events are a global and natural phenomenon, particularly in forested areas that have pronounced dry seasons," Professor Bowman said.
"With the exception of land clearance, the research found that extremely intense fires are associated with anomalous weather -- such as droughts, winds, or in desert regions, following particularly wet seasons.
"Of the top 478 events, we identified 144 economically and socially disastrous extreme fire events that were concentrated in regions where humans have built into flammable forested landscapes, such as areas surrounding cities in southern Australia and western North America."
Using climate change model projections to investigate the likely consequences of climate change, the research found more extreme fires are predicted in the future for Australia's east coast, including Brisbane, and the whole of the Mediterranean region -- Portugal, Spain, France, Greece and Turkey.
"The projections suggest an increase in the days conducive to extreme wildfire events by 20 to 50 per cent in these disaster-prone landscapes, with sharper increases in the subtropical Southern Hemisphere, and the European Mediterranean Basin," Professor Bowman said.
The research has been published in the scientific journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
The research is released on the day the State remembers the impact of the1967 bushfires in the city of Hobart and across the South, which claimed the lives of 62 people, left 900 injured and more than 7,000 homeless.
The Cascade Brewery was destroyed during the Tasmanian Bushfires of 1967. 4 million beer bottles were fussed together from the intense heat.
David M. J. S. Bowman, Grant J. Williamson, John T. Abatzoglou, Crystal A. Kolden, Mark A. Cochrane, Alistair M. S. Smith. Human exposure and sensitivity to globally extreme wildfire events. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 2017; 1: 0058 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-016-0058
Powerful Change: A Profile Of Today's Solar Consumer
Invitation To Nominate Significant Places To The National Heritage List
$10 Million To Protect Koala Habitat
Unearthing Immune Responses To Common Drugs
February 6, 2017: Monash University
Australian researchers are a step closer to understanding immune sensitivities to well-known, and commonly prescribed, medications.
Many drugs are successfully used to treat diseases, but can also have harmful side effects. While it has been known that some drugs can unpredictably impact on the functioning of the immune system, our understanding of this process has been unclear.
The team investigated what drugs might activate a specialised type of immune cell, the MAIT cell (Mucosal associated invariant T cell). They found that some drugs prevented the MAIT cells from detecting infections (their main role in our immune system), while other drugs activated the immune system, which may be undesirable.
The results, published in Nature Immunology overnight, may lead to a much better understanding of, and an explanation for, immune reactions by some people to certain kinds of drugs. The findings may also offer a way to control the actions of MAIT cells in certain illnesses for more positive patient outcomes.
The multidisciplinary team of researchers are part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, and stem from Monash University, The University of Melbourne and The University of Queensland. Access to national research infrastructure, including the Australian synchrotron, was instrumental to the success of this Australian research team.
Dr Andrew Keller from Monash University's Biomedicine Discovery Institute said that T cells are an integral part of the body's immune system.
"They protect the body by 'checking' other cells for signs of infection and activating the immune system when they detect an invader," he said.
"This arrangement is dependent on both the T cells knowing what they're looking for, and the other cells in the body giving them useful information."
PhD student Weijun Xu from The University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience used computer modelling to predict chemical structures, drugs and drug-like molecules that might impact on MAIT cell function. Such small compounds included salicylates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac, and drug metabolites.
University of Melbourne Dr Sidonia Eckle from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity said the implications point to possible links between known drug hypersensitivities and MAIT cells.
"A greater understanding of the interaction between MAIT cells and other host cells will hopefully allow us to better predict and avoid therapeutics that influence and cause harm," she said.
"It also offers the tantalising prospect of future therapies that manipulate MAIT cell behaviour, for example, by enhancing or suppressing immune responses to achieve beneficial clinical outcome."
Andrew N Keller, Sidonia B G Eckle, Weijun Xu, Ligong Liu, Victoria A Hughes, Jeffrey Y W Mak, Bronwyn S Meehan, Troi Pediongco, Richard W Birkinshaw, Zhenjun Chen, Huimeng Wang, Criselle D'Souza, Lars Kjer-Nielsen, Nicholas A Gherardin, Dale I Godfrey, Lyudmila Kostenko, Alexandra J Corbett, Anthony W Purcell, David P Fairlie, James McCluskey, Jamie Rossjohn. Drugs and drug-like molecules can modulate the function of mucosal-associated invariant T cells. Nature Immunology, 2017; DOI: 10.1038/ni.3679
Civil Society Delegates For CSW61 Announced
7 February 2017: Media release - Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
The Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash today announced the non-government delegates to the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW61).
Ms Jahna Cedar, Ms Elizabeth Shaw and Ms Leann Wilson will represent Australia at CSW61, the world’s highest forum on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
"I am delighted to announce the 2017 non-government CSW delegates, who were selected based on their leadership qualities and outstanding contributions to their communities and the advancement of women," Minister Cash said.
The CSW meets annually in New York to promote women’s rights and actively shape global standards on gender equality and women’s empowerment. This year, CSW61 will be guided by the theme of women’s economic empowerment, with a focus on the empowerment of Indigenous women.
"Boosting women’s economic participation is essential for our society to prosper in the 21st century," Minister Cash said.
"With the employment rate for Indigenous women 25.5 percentage points below the rate for non-Indigenous women it is crucial that the discussion includes economic empowerment through employment for Indigenous women."
"I’m confident that Australia’s non-government delegates will contribute productively to these important discussions."
Non-government delegates play an invaluable role in ensuring a broad range of views are represented at CSW. The delegates will provide expert advice to the Australian Government and liaise with domestic and international civil society organisations.
CSW61 will be held in New York from 13-24 March 2017. For more information, visit the UN Women website.
Non-government delegates to the CSW61
Ms Jahna Cedar
Ms Cedar is the Executive Officer at Gumala Aboriginal Corporation and has worked and advocated for gender equality and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reconciliation for over 18 years. Ms Cedar’s achievements are marked by her induction into the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame in 2012.
Ms. Elizabeth Shaw
Ms Shaw is the President of UN Women Australia, the youngest woman to hold the position. Ms Shaw has written extensively on gender issues and presented on diversity and inclusion options around Australia and at the UN. In 2016, she was listed as one of Australia’s ‘100 Women of Influence’ by AFR and Westpac.
Ms Leann Wilson
Ms Wilson is the Executive Director of Business Development and Innovation for Regional Economic Solutions. Ms. Wilson has worked extensively to progress the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, with a focus on women’s leadership and empowerment.
Consumers King As Country Of Origin Laws Pass Parliament
9 February 2017: Media Release
A KEY commitment to introduce sweeping changes to Australia’s Country of Origin labelling system was delivered last night, as the Turnbull-Joyce Government kept its commitment to Australian consumers, Small Business Minister Michael McCormack says.
Legislation passed by the Senate last night will clarify when to use “made-in” and “packed-in” claims.
“These changes are sweeping and necessary, and will give consumers more information about the products they purchase from supermarket shelves clearly and concisely,” Mr McCormack said.
As Small Business Minister, Mr McCormack has responsibility for consumer affairs and says better information for consumers was central to the Coalition’s plan.
“We understand how busy Australian consumers are and how they want more information on Country of Origin labelling, which is easy-to-use and clear,” Mr McCormack said.
“That’s why we consulted widely on the scope and scale of the labelling system, to give consumers the information they want.
“More and more, Australians are conscious of where their food comes from and want to buy Australian product to keep our farmers doing what they do best, whilst keeping jobs and services local in communities.
“As a country MP I also understand how crucial these sweeping changes are for producers and for country communities more broadly. This is an issue constituents have often raised with me since I was elected to Parliament and I am delighted the Government has delivered on our promise.
“Businesses can now be confident in rolling out the new labels and consumers will soon see even clearer information for their favourite products on supermarket shelves.”
For food businesses, an online tool to assist businesses in creating labels, along with a range of other information and support for business, is available at the Business.gov.au.
Bird Walks And Talks 2017: PNHA
Come and see and hear some of our fantastic native birds, many of which you'll never see in your garden. Join in a Sunday guided bird walk with Pittwater Natural Heritage Association. All walks start at 8am and end about 10am.
March 26, Irrawong reserve. Meet at corner Irrawong Rd and Epworth Rd.
May 28, Warriewood Wetlands, meet at End of Katoa Close, north Narrabeen.
August 27 Chiltern Track. Meet at gate, off northern of Chiltern Rd Ingleside.
September 17 Irrawong reserve. Meet at corner Irrawong Rd and Epworth Rd.
November 26 Warriewood Wetlands. Meet end of Katoa Close, north Narrabeen.
Bring binoculars if possible. Drink, hat and comfortable shoes.
More information contact pnhabirdwatching@gmail.com or
Ph Kerry on 0402605 721.
You don't need to book but if we know you're coming we'll watch out for you. Call if in doubt about weather as we won't go out if it's raining.
Myna Action Group
Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)
Indian Mynas - what a pest - like flying rats.
Can you help distribute our new flyers about our Northern Beaches Indian Myna Action Group?
They are for people in cafes and coffee shops, explaining why not to feed these birds and how to get involved in their control. Just take a few and hand out where ever you can. Cafe staff are usually glad of the help. Contact us on pnhainfo@gmail.com for more information and have a look athttps://www.facebook.com/MynaProblems/
Indian Mynas are displacing our native birds.
They often nest in and around shops where their food source is. I took this one down this morning in Avalon (no chicks or eggs but I disturbed the female). There were literally hundreds of tiny bits of plastic in the nest which makes you think that all this plastic would be swilling down the stormwater drains into the sea.
Clean Up Australia Day 2017
SUNDAY 5 MARCH
SCHOOLS CLEAN UP DAY 3 MARCH
BUSINESS CLEAN UP DAY 28 FEB
Register or join a site at: www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
2108
Coasters Retreat
Meeting Point: The fire brigade shed
Date: March 5th 2017
Start time: 9:00 AM
End time: 11:00 AM
Contact Wilma Taylor - Email: warwiskataylor@yahoo.com
2107
Avalon Beach
Meeting Point: Avalon Beach SLSC.
Date: March 5th 2017
Start time: 9:00 AM
End time: 10:00 AM
Site Coordinator Details
Guy Williment - Email: gwilliment@live.com.au
Avalon Dunes Careel Creek
Meeting Point: near Avalon Skate Park
Date: March 5th 2017
Start time: 8:00 AM
End time: 11:00 AM
Site Coordinator Details
Marita Macrae - Email: marita.macrae@gmail.com
2104
Bayview Shore Front
Come For Half An Hour Or As Long As You Can Manage. Plastic Is The Number One Material Caught In The Mangroves, Buried In Mud And Sand And Mixed In With Shore Debris.
Meeting Point: Bayview Baths - in the park to the right of Gibsons Marina
Date: March 5th 2017
Start time: 08:00 AM
End time: 11:00 AM
Site Coordinator Details
Louise Smith - Email: le_gbsmith@optusnet.com.au
2103
Coastal Environment Centre
Representing: Upper Northern Beaches Rotary Club
Meeting Point: Volunteers will meet at the Coastal Environment Centre and work north towards Warriewood SLSC
This Clean Up is a recurring one which takes place yearly.
Next Clean Up: March 5th 2017
Date: March 5th 2017
Start time: 9:30 AM
End time: 11:00 AM
Site Coordinator Details
Michael Baxter - Email: mdbax@hotmail.com
2102
Mona Vale Beach
Representing: Blackmores Ltd
Meeting Point: Car park next to Bronze Cafe
Date: March 2nd 2017
Start time: 7:00 AM
End time: 2:00 PM
Site Coordinator Details
Jackie Smiles - Email: jsmiles@blackmores.com.au
2101
Narrabeen Lagoon State Park
Representing: Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Meeting Point: Berry Reserve
Date: March 5th 2017
Start time: 8:00 AM
End time: 11:00 AM
Site Coordinator Details
Judith Bennett - Email: email@narrabeenlagoon.org.au
Red-Letter Day For Rabbit Management
7 Feb 2017: NSW Department of Primary Industries
February 2017 marks a huge turning point in pest rabbit management for Australia, with the national mail out of information to drive the release of RHDV1 K5, the Korean strain of a naturally-occurring rabbit virus first released here in 1996.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) invasive species manager, Quentin Hart, said information kits have this month been mailed to 265 community release sites in NSW, prior to the March release of RHDV1 K5.
"The community is leading and managing the strategic release of the virus across NSW, with support from NSW DPI and Local Land Services," Mr Hart said.
"Three intensive management sites near Orange, Gundagai and Hay, linked with the community-led sites, will be managed and monitored by NSW DPI and Local Land Services."
Information kits include specific instructions on how to manage and monitor rabbit control programs, including RHDV1 K5 and conventional management.
NSW DPI advises rabbit owners to vaccinate domestic rabbits and provide additional protection against the virus and myxomatosis by keeping rabbits inside or in insect-proof enclosures.
Pet owners should contact a veterinarian for advice on how to protect their rabbits, with online information available from the Australian Veterinary Association.
Release of RHDV1 K5 is planned nationally in the first week of March 2017 as part of Australia’s 20-year plan to reduce negative impacts on agriculture, the environment and communities through managing rabbit populations.
The European rabbit is Australia’s most destructive agricultural pest animal, costing more than $200 million in lost agricultural production annually and wreaking havoc on the environment and biodiversity, affecting 304 threatened native plant and animal species.
National release of RHDV1 K5 has been delivered through the Invasive Animals CRC, with major financial and in kind resources provided by the Australian and NSW governments, CSIRO, Meat & Livestock Australia, Australian Wool Innovation and Foundation for Rabbit Free Australia.
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Native species, like this mountain pygmy possum living in the Snowy Mountains Kosciuszko National Park, are critically endangered by the damage rabbits cause in destroying their habitat and food sources.
Have Your Say On Proposed Improvements To Campbells Cove In The Rocks
08.02.2017: Media Release - Department of Planning and Environment
A proposal by Property NSW for public domain and foreshore improvements at Campbell’s Cove in The Rocks is on exhibition for community consultation.
The proposed works include:
- a new 10-metre-wide promenade
- a new waterfront leisure area and amphitheatre for public events
- a shared plaza/pedestrian square with reduced land levels, pedestrian circulation and truck access to the new Overseas Passenger Terminal wharf extension
- new east-west connections from the Campbell’s Cove promenade to Hickson Road and The Rocks
Submissions can be made from Wednesday 8 February until Friday 10 March 2017.
View the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or make a submission here.
Theft And Drugs Behind Rise In Female Offenders
8 February 2017: Media Release - Australian Bureau of Statistics
The number of female offenders increased by 5 per cent (4,957 offenders) in 2015–16, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
ABS Director of Crime and Justice Statistics, William Milne, said that by contrast, male offenders increased by only 49 offenders, or less than 1 per cent.
"Theft was the most prevalent principal offence for females, while the largest increases in female offender numbers were for Theft (up 12 per cent), Illicit drug offences (up 8 per cent) and Acts intended to cause injury (up 6 per cent)," said Mr Milne.
"The number of female offenders proceeded against for Illicit drug offences has almost doubled since the beginning of the time series in 2008–09."
Despite the increase in female offenders in 2015–16, there were more than three times as many male offenders (323,949) as females (97,304).
This publication also contains the second release of experimental statistics about offenders of Family and Domestic Violence related offences. Details of the background information, methodology and key findings can be found in the chapter ‘Experimental Family and Domestic Violence Statistics’.
Further information can be found in Recorded Crime – Offenders, Australia 2015-16 (cat. no. 4519.0), available for free download from the ABS website: http://www.abs.gov.au/.
OCEAN AND EARTH JUNIOR REGIONAL TITLE OPENING DATES.
Saturday 11th February, 2017 By Surfing NSW
The Ocean and Earth Regional Junior Titles are the start of the pathway to NSW Junior and Grommet State Titles and the Australian Junior Titles.
The eight Ocean and Earth Regional Title events will run between March and May 2017.
All qualifiers for the Ocean and Earth NSW Junior Shortboard State Titles and Havaianas NSW Grommet State Titles will be determined by the aforementioned regional titles.
All Regional Titles registrations will open online Monday 13th Feb at 5pm.
NSW Far North Coast Junior Shortboard Regional Titles
Event Date: 13-14th May
Lennox Head
NSW North Coast Junior Shortboard Regional Titles
Event Date: 1-2nd April
Sawtell Beach *RESCHEDULED*
NSW Mid North Coast/Newcastle Junior Shortboard Regional Titles
Event Date: 27-28th May
Newcastle (TBC)
NSW Central Coast Junior Shortboard Regional Titles
Event Date: 25-26th March
Soldiers Beach
NSW Northern Beaches Junior Shortboard Regional Titles
Event Date: 13-14th May
Long Reef Beach
NSW Southern Beaches Junior Shortboard Regional Titles
Event Date: 13-14th May
Cronulla Beach
NSW Illawarra Junior Shortboard Regional Titles
Event Date: 21st May
Shellharbour Beach
NSW South Coast Junior Shortboard Regional Titles
Event Date: 28th May
Jones Beach, Kiama
Photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW
BHP Billiton Science And Engineering Awards Winners 2017
February 7, 2017: by CSIRO
It is estimated that by 2030, 40 per cent of current Australian jobs probably won't exist as we know them and that the pathway to the careers of the future will mostly come from a STEM education.
Twenty-six Australian teenagers, selected as finalists in the BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards, have proven themselves to be STEM leaders of the future by producing work that has solved real-world problems with innovative inventions and ambitious scientific investigations.
BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards winners
A beach-side rip warning system, a laser system to keep cyclists safe on roads, and research into treatments for diabetes and antibiotic resistant bacteria are just some of the projects that have been chosen for the finals of the 2017 BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards.
At a ceremony in Melbourne today, attended by CSIRO Chief Executive Larry Marshall, BHP Billiton Foundation Director Pat Risner and Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) Treasurer Jenny Weber, the winners of the 2017 BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards were announced.
They are:
1st Place Engineering Award: Justin Mitchell from Victoria
1st Place Investigations Award: Jade Moxey from New South Wales
Winner of the Innovation to Market Award: Amber Kraczkowska from South Australia
Winner of the Teacher Award: Hamish Gibson from Western Australia
2nd Place Engineering Award: Callum & Declan Predavec from Mosman High School, New South Wales
2nd Place Investigations Award: Amy Zhou from Queensland
3rd Place Engineering Award: Dylan Sanusi-Goh from Victoria
3rd Place Investigations Award: Rebekah Kang from New South Wales
Selected finalists will represent Australia at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in the United States in May 2017.
Karen Wood, Chairman of the BHP Billiton Foundation, said the Foundation was thrilled to support bright, young future scientists and engineers.
"I'm very proud of what the Awards aim to achieve in encouraging students to explore, research and delight in the study of science, and challenge their understanding of the world around them," Ms Wood said.
The Awards, which have been running since 1981, reward young people who have undertaken practical research projects that demonstrate innovative approaches and thorough scientific or engineering procedures.
CSIRO Chief Executive Larry Marshall said it was critical to support and promote STEM for students.
"STEM drives innovation globally but in Australia the participation and engagement in STEM subjects by school students is declining," Dr Marshall said.
"These Awards are an innovative and inspiring way to connect with future STEM professionals and encourage them to join us in tackling the challenges of tomorrow.
"The work that these students have done is truly inspiring and I have high hopes for the future of Australia."
The Awards are a partnership between the BHP Billiton Foundation (a charity funded by BHP Billiton), CSIRO and ASTA. They are supported by the BHP Billiton Foundation and managed by CSIRO.
