Inbox and Environment News: Issue 323

July 30 - August 5, 2017: Issue 323

Harbour Trust Appoints Architects For HMAS Platypus Site

Thursday, 27 July 2017: Media Release - Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has engaged award winning architectural firm Lahznimmo Architects to undertake the Design Development phase of the former HMAS Platypus site at North Sydney.

Lahznimmo Architects specialise in public projects working across a number of spheres including education, local government and government authorities to deliver innovative and quality public spaces. They are well versed in the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings to create appealing public spaces having delivered St James Station Café in Hyde Park, City of Sydney Council’s Easy Sydney Community Art Centre and the Armory Wharf at Blaxland Park, Sydney Olympic Park.

They are joined by award winning landscape architectural firm Aspect Studios, responsible for the highly successful Goods Line in Ultimo.
“It’s an exciting phase for the project following a significant period of planning and community consultation and the remediation works,” said Mary Darwell, Sydney Harbour Trust CEO. “The Design Development phase will now see the outcomes of the Platypus Management Plan start to come to life,” she said.

“While the industrial heritage values of the buildings will be retained, the buildings and public spaces will be adapted and opened up to suit new uses with a mix of cultural, community and commercial uses expected,” she said.

The Platypus site, located on Neutral Bay in North Sydney, has been closed to the public for more than 150 years. The Harbour Trust is working to revitalise the site with new open space and urban parkland as well as adaptively reusing the buildings to create commercial and public spaces. New access and site links will allow pedestrian access into and across the site, and a new over water pedestrian link will provide access to Kesterton Park and High St Wharf.

“This brings us a step closer to opening up the area to the public,” said Josh Frydenberg, Minister for the Environment and Energy. “Importantly, the final design will balance community access with maintaining the significant heritage values of the site,” he said.

Andrew Nimmo, Director at Lahznimmo Architects said they are honoured to be involved in this landmark project.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the creation of a new public space for all of the community to enjoy,” said Mr Nimmo. “The Platypus site is a unique place. It has a fascinating history with industrial buildings that lend themselves to creative and innovative reuse. Once complete the site is sure to be a landmark destination on the harbour for the people of North Sydney,” he said.

The Detailed Design phase will be completed by late 2017 and works are scheduled to start in the second half of 2017. The Harbour Trust is exhibiting the Platypus Renewal Project for public comment until 16 August 2017.

The Harbour Trust was provided funding of $20M by the Federal Government in 2015 in order to open up the site to the public following remediation. The Harbour Trust has contributed an additional $3.8 million.

Vale Dr G Yunupingu

27 July 2017
I was saddened to hear of the passing of prominent Indigenous music artist Dr G Yunupingu.

From the remote community of Galiwinku on Elcho Island, he shared the Yolngu language with the world through his music, bringing to life the deep connection between language and identity.

Dr Yunupingu became the highest-selling Indigenous artist in history, touching the world with his music which was sung in a mix of Yolngu and English.  

The extraordinary work he carried out to support his community and encourage young First Australians to engage in the arts and cultural programs through the G Yunupingu Foundation will continue to inspire and foster great Indigenous artists.

Dr Yunupingu will be remembered for his outstanding musical achievements, his community contributions and his inspiration to artists with disability.

I extend my sincere condolences to his community, family and friends.

Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield
Minister for Communications
Minister for the Arts
Manager of Government Business in the Senate

Korean War Veterans Remembered

27 July 2017: The Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Today, the nation remembers those Australians who served in the Korean War, on the 64th anniversary of the 1953 Armistice agreement.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Dan Tehan, said that of the more than 17,000 who served, 340 Australians lost their lives and more than 1,200 were wounded.

21 Nations provided military personnel, medical support or other assets to the United Nations effort in Korea, despite most still recovering from the impact of the Second World War.

“Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses made an important contribution to this international endeavour, serving both during the conflict and in the post-armistice period which continued until 1957,” Mr Tehan said.

“In Korea Australian service personnel earned international respect for their courage and endurance in battle. Today we pause to remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans and the debt of gratitude owed to them by all Australians.”

Among the many actions in which Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen were involved in Korea, two in particular, the battles of Kapyong and Maryang San, have become the focus of commemorations.

At Kapyong, 32 Australians died in fierce fighting, and the Battle of Maryang San, where 20 Australians died, was described by Official Historian, Robert O’Neill as the greatest single feat of the Australian Army in Korea.

In October last year, eight Australian veterans of the Korean War returned to Korea for the 65th anniversary commemorations of the battles of Kapyong and Maryang San.

“I had the pleasure of meeting this group of men both on that mission to the Republic of Korea and at services in Canberra last March to honour their service and sacrifice. Australia owes the men and women who served in Korea our ongoing thanks and gratitude,” Mr Tehan said.

Shining Star Of Seafood Industry

27 July 2017: AFMA


Veronica Papacosta with Star of the Sea award

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) congratulates Veronica Papacosta, Chair of Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), who took out the Star of the Sea Award at the Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards 2017 last week.

The Seafood Excellence Awards recognise and reward the valuable contributions to the Australian seafood industry from operators, suppliers, retailers and prominent seafood industry individuals.

Sponsored by AFMA, the prestigious Star of the Sea award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution and is an ambassador for the seafood industry.

A very deserving recipient of this award, Ms Papacosta has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to an important Australian industry, having held both state and national roles within the seafood industry. Ms Papacosta is also a third generation seafood retailer and has an in-depth understanding of industry and consumer needs.

In April this year, Ms Papacosta was appointed as the first chair for the new national seafood industry body, SIA. She was a driving force in developing SIA and as a result was elected as inaugural chair by the SIA board of directors.

Congratulations again to all winners and highly commended nominees. A full list of winners can be found at seafoodexcellenceawards.com.au.

During July and August, excellence in the seafood industry is being recognised with state and territory awards being held across Australia, culminating with the National Seafood Industry Awards at the Seafood Directions 2017 Conference in September.

Riesling Is Back On Top! So Say Judges At 2017 Sydney Royal Wine Show 

July 27 2017
Riesling has been the star of the Show with an outstanding example from South Australia taking out five awards at the KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show’s awards night held in Sydney this evening.
 
The 2017 RieslingFreak No.3 Clare Valley Riesling from John Hughes Wines was awarded the following accolades:
  • The KPMG Perpetual Trophy for the Best Wine of Show.
  • The Albert Chan Memorial Prize for Best White.
  • The Douglas Lamb Perpetual Trophy for Best Riesling.
  • The RAS of NSW Annual Prize for Best Young White.
  • The Tucker Seabrook Perpetual Trophy for Best State Show Wine.
The prestigious Tucker Seabrook Trophy is awarded to the Exhibitor of the best wine entered at the seven major Capital City Wine Shows held around Australia within the previous twelve months, with each Show submitting their Wine of Show for a final round of judging at Sydney Royal. Over 17,000 wines have been distilled to reach this one standout exhibit.
 
It is extremely rare for one wine to take out so many awards at a Sydney Royal Wine Show and the last time a Riesling was awarded Best Wine of Show was in 2003.
 
South Australia born and bred RieslingFreak Head Winemaker John Hughes was excited that a smaller producer like RieslingFreak, only established in 2009, could claim so many accolades in such a prestigious competition as the KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show.
 
“My love for Riesling comes from its variety and diversity, being able to go from sparkling to fortified and dry to sweet,” Mr Hughes said.
 
“We are fairly new in the game, but we are getting there,” he said.
 
The name RieslingFreak originated from John’s university days, his fellow students giving him that nickname because of his passion for Riesling.
 
John Hughes gained earlier national acclaim as a popular contestant on the 2011 series of MasterChef.
 
In all, 33 Trophies were awarded at the 2017 KPMG Sydney Wine Show following four days of intensive judging by a team of 31 wine experts.
 
More than 2100 wines were entered from NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT and Tasmania by 352 exhibitors. Over 11,000 glasses of wine were poured by the battalion of stewards during the four days of judging.
Chair of Judges in 2017 Samantha Connew has praised both the quality and the variety of the wines presented to judges at this year’s KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show;
 
“Across the board, the wines rewarded demonstrate the diversity of a dynamic Australian winemaking and winegrowing community which never rests on its laurels”, Ms Connew said.
 
“Riesling has a special place in the hearts of Australians as it was for many their very first venture into the world of wine decades ago and which is rightly celebrated not just for the vitality of youth but an amazing ability to age as well as reflecting a strong sense of site and place,” she said.
 
Meantime Sydney Royal Wine Committee Chair Sally Evans has thanked Ms Connew for the way she has conducted this year’s competition;
 
“But it is with great sadness that after 3 years at the helm, we say goodbye to Samantha, who has been a thoroughly excellent Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Show.
 
“We couldn’t have asked for someone more committed and competent.
 
“She is so well respected by her peers, and year after year has delivered results with the highest levels of integrity and expertise. We are very grateful for her outstanding contribution to our Show,” Ms Evans said.
 
A total of 1212 medals were awarded to entries in the 2017 edition of the KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show though fewer gold medals (6.9%) were awarded this year than in 2016 (7.6%).

Photography Competition Open - Prize Worth $600

Wednesday 19 July 2017
The Australian Human Rights Commission is once again running its photography competition, with a $600 prize up for grabs for the most outstanding image!

For almost a decade, the Commission has been holding photo competitions every couple of years. Our last competition attracted a record 450 entries.

Photography is a powerful medium with a long history in the promotion and advancement of human rights around the world. Photos foster empathy for the suffering and experience of others, community engagement and positive social change. No one can forget the impact of photos such as Nick Ut’s famous photo The Terror of War of child Kim Phuc after a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.

The theme for the 2017 competition is Home, inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous quote “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home..."

The shortlisted and winning photos to be displayed at the 2017 Human Rights Awards on 8 December in Sydney.

So, what are you waiting for?

About the competition
  • Enter at https://photocompetition.humanrights.gov.au/
  • There will be two categories for entries: Under 18 and 18 & over.
  • Overall winners will receive their prizes at the 2017 Human Rights Awards on December 8 in Sydney. A selection of photos from the Competition will also be on display.
  • Main prizes worth $600.
  • The competition will close on 30 September 2017.
If you have a query about the competition, please emailphotocomp@humanrights.gov.au

Labour Account: Filled Jobs Grew By 2.7 Per Cent In 2015-16

25 July 2017
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has published the first, detailed Labour Account of jobs across industries including secondary employment.

“The Australian Labour Account gives a rich picture of the dynamics of the labour market. For the first time we know how many jobs actually have people in them, and we can estimate people’s total hours worked and income across multiple jobs - not just their main job ," Bruce Hockman, Chief Economist at the ABS, said.

“These new experimental estimates show that, through the year to June 2016, filled jobs grew by 2.7 per cent, from 12.9 million to 13.2 million,” Mr Hockman said. 

The Labour Account provides information across the 19 industry divisions available for each of the years from 2010-11 to 2015-16.

It also showed that an increase in the number of secondary jobs, which grew by 3.7 per cent, contributed to the overall growth in filled jobs.

"The Australian Labour Account showed that the total number of hours worked increased from 2014–15 to 2015-16 by 2.0 per cent, up to 20.2 billion hours," Mr Hockman said. 

The Labour Account further showed that in 2015–16, total labour income increased by 3.8 per cent to $895.2 billion, while total labour costs increased by $34.4 billion (3.8 per cent) to $947.4 billion.

The Labour Account also provides longer term insights into changes that have occurred in the labour market over the past six years. Five years ago, the industries with the highest growth in jobs were Mining, Wholesale trade, and Professional, scientific and technical services. By comparison, more recently the industries with the highest growth were all service industries, such as Information media and telecommunications, Administrative and support services, and Health care and social assistance.

The Labour Account provides a new framework through which to use existing labour market data from diverse sources. It is also an important new source of industry information that is expected to lead to improvements in the measurement of productivity in Australia. 

Further details can be found in Labour Account Australia, Experimental Estimates (cat. no. 6150.0.55.001) and Information Paper: Australian Labour Account (cat. no. 6150.0.55.002). These are available for free download from www.abs.gov.au.

Circles In The Sand Reveal Boating Damage To Marine Biodiversity

July 27, 2017

Moored boats. Credit: Swansea University
The findings of a study by Swansea and Cardiff University scientists highlights the need for boating activities along the UK's beautiful coastlines to be conducted in a more environmentally friendly manner.

Seagrass meadows are an important marine habitat in support of our fisheries and commonly reside in shallow sheltered embayments typical of the locations that provide an attractive option for mooring boats. Research led by scientists at Swansea University provides evidence for how swinging boat moorings have damaged seagrass meadows throughout the UK (and globally) and create lifeless halos within the seagrass. The creation of these halos devoid of seagrass fragments the meadow and reduces its support for important marine biodiversity.

The seagrass Zostera marina (known as eelgrass) is extensive across the northern hemisphere, forming critical fisheries habitat and creating efficient long-term stores of carbon in sediments. This is the first research to have quantified this impact on eelgrass.

The study "Rocking the Boat: Damage to Eelgrass by Swinging Boat Moorings," was led by Richard Unsworth and Beth Williams at Swansea University where it formed the basis of Beth's MSc thesis. The research was conducted in conjunction with Benjamin Jones and Dr Leanne Cullen-Unsworth of Project Seagrass and the Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cardiff University has been published in the Open Access journal Frontiers in Plant Science.

Lead author Dr Richard Unsworth, said; "In the present study we examined swinging chain boat moorings in seagrass meadows across a range of sites in the United Kingdom to determine whether such moorings have a negative impact on the seagrass Zostera marina at the local and meadow scale. "We provide conclusive evidence from multiple sites throughout the UK that Z. marina is damaged by swinging chain moorings leading to a direct loss of at least 6 ha of United Kingdom seagrass. Each swinging chain mooring was found to result in the loss of 122 m2 of seagrass. Importantly loss was found to be restricted to the area surrounding the mooring and the impact did not appear to translate to a meadow scale. This loss of United Kingdom seagrass from boat moorings is small but significant at a local scale. This is because it fragments existing meadows and ultimately reduces their resilience to other stressors (e.g. storms, anchor damage and poor water quality).

"Boat moorings are prevalent in seagrass globally and it is likely this impairs their ecosystem functioning and resilience. Given the extensive ecosystem service value of seagrasses in terms of factors such as carbon storage and fish habitat such loss is of cause for concern." "Our research highlights the need for boating activities in and around sensitive marine habitats such as seagrass to be conducted in a sustainable fashion using appropriate environmentally friendly mooring systems" stated Dr Unsworth.

Richard K. F. Unsworth, Beth Williams, Benjamin L. Jones, Leanne C. Cullen-Unsworth. Rocking the Boat: Damage to Eelgrass by Swinging Boat Moorings. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2017; 8 DOI:10.3389/fpls.2017.01309

Antibiotics Come With 'Environmental Side Effects'

July 25, 2017
Researchers writing in Microchemical Journal are bringing attention to the fact that commonly used antibiotic drugs are making their way out into the environment, where they can harm microbes that are essential to a healthy environment. Their review article has been selected for the Elsevier Atlas Award, which recognizes research that could significantly impact people's lives around the world or has already done so.

"The amount of antibiotics is very, very low -- there are normally nanograms per liter of these molecules found in natural environments," said Dr. Paola Grenni, a microbial ecologist at the National Research Council's Water Research Institute in Italy. "But the antibiotics and also other pharmaceuticals can have an effect even in low concentrations, the so-called environmental side-effects."

When people take antibiotics, their bodies break down and metabolize only a portion of the drugs. The rest is excreted and enters wastewater. Because wastewater treatment plants aren't designed to fully remove antibiotic or other pharmaceutical compounds, many of those compounds reach natural systems where they can accumulate and harm microbes in nature.

That's a big concern, Dr. Grenni said, because many microbial species found in the environment are beneficial, playing important roles in natural cycles of nutrients, primary production and climate regulation. Some microbes also degrade organic contaminants, such as pesticides.

The review paper published by Dr. Grenni along with colleagues Drs. Valeria Ancona and Anna Barra Caracciolo highlights commonly used antibiotic compounds and their active ingredients. Some of those medications are used to treat people. Many others are used in veterinary medicine, especially to treat farm animals including cattle, pigs and poultry.

The release of antibiotics into natural systems is a "real-life experiment" with consequences that aren't yet fully known. Dr. Grenni and her colleagues say there's a need for more specific protections of environmental microbes given their importance to functioning ecosystems.

It's important for nations to work to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and the release of those antibiotics that are needed into the environment. To that end, efforts should be made to equip wastewater treatment plants for removal of those compounds and to devise methods to improve the degradation of antibiotics once they reach natural environments. Members of the public can help by taking care to use antibiotics only when they are truly needed, and by disposing of expired medications properly.

"There are only a few researchers working in this field, but it's very important," Dr. Grenni said. "We need to know the different molecules we normally use that are in the environment and the effect they have. We need more research in this field."

Paola Grenni, Valeria Ancona, Anna Barra Caracciolo. Ecological effects of antibiotics on natural ecosystems: A review. Microchemical Journal, 2017; DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2017.02.006

More Mental Health Support For Youth

26 July 2017: The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health
Young people seeking help to deal with the pressures of life will benefit from a $500,000 Turnbull Government investment in better online mental health support.

ReachOut - the online mental health organisation for young people - has today unveiled a new digital platform that significantly expands its ability to help young people and their parents.

The Australian Government contributed over $500,000 to the development of the new platform, dubbed ReachOut Next Generation. 

This is in addition to $3.9 million of federal funding which will support ReachOut’s mental health and suicide prevention activities over the next two years. 

The platform, which was co-designed with 174 people, deals with issues such as bullying and exam stress, sexuality, relationship difficulties, alcohol and drugs and mental health problems.

It offers an understanding of a young person’s journey through life with relevant information and content, while promoting ideas to improve health outcomes.

Very importantly, the website is representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, of our rural and regional localities and of Australia’s diversity. 

Elsewhere, the Government has committed $73 million over three years to the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program to improve mental health outcomes from the early years of life right through to adolescence.

We’ve also recently announced an additional ten headspace services for young people in regional and rural communities, investing $29 million to bring the total number of services to 110 by 2019.

The digital space is also playing an increasing role in the delivery of mental health care within the 31 Primary Health Care Network across Australia.

ReachOut is currently accessed by 1.58 million people every year and the new platform aims to reach an additional one million people over the next three years.

I congratulate the ReachOut team on creating an important tool for young people and I encourage young people and their parents visit and use the resource. 

Police Join Crime Writer To Launch Fifth Book On Missing Persons

Thursday, 27 July 2017: Australian Federal Police
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and its National Missing Persons Coordination Centre are joining international best-selling crime writer Melissa Pouliot this evening to launch her latest fiction novel, Found.

Ms Pouliot is the only Australian family member of a missing person to cope with the complexities of not knowing the whereabouts of a loved one by writing fiction. Her cousin, Ursula Barwick, went missing in September 1987, when she boarded a train from Tuggerah Station to Sydney. Ursula was 17.

In 2009, Ursula became one of the first people in Australia to have her image age-progressed by the National Missing Persons Coordinator Centre. Four years later, Ms Pouliot released her first book, Write About Me, and the investigation into Ursula’s disappearance was re-launched by Kings Cross detectives of the NSW Police Force.

In 2015, Ursula’s profile was featured during National Missing Persons Week. An influx of information provided to Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000) allowed police to pursue new leads into the circumstances surrounding Ursula’s disappearance.

A former journalist and advocate for missing persons, Ms Pouliot has now written five books inspired by Ursula’s disappearance. She describes to her audience the roller-coaster of hope and hopelessness experienced by the families of missing persons. She was 15 when Ursula disappeared.

 “I remember the trauma and the emptiness of waiting for her to come home,” Ms Pouliot said.

“It feels like an ambiguous loss where you’ve lost somebody but there’s no closure.

“Writing in the fictional world has been an important part of my journey. It started out as a way to keep remembering Ursula, but then it got bigger – it became about helping people understand what ‘missing’ means.”

Thirty years later, Ms Pouliot confirmed Ursula’s death as a result of a car accident shortly after she was reported missing.

“I want to thank the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre for sharing Ursula’s profile with the community, who then provided the information police needed to solve this mystery. My family is also eternally thankful to the Kings Cross detectives who worked tirelessly to find the answers we were so desperately seeking.”

Found picks up the story of teenage runaway Annabelle Brown, who vanishes in the rugged Blue Mountains west of Sydney, in a shroud of mystery and intrigue. Twenty-seven years later, with no body, no clues and no leads, the case remains unsolved; but Detective Louise Whadary, determined to solve this cold case, discovers some hidden clues.

The launch is being held in Canberra. It precedes National Missing Persons Week, which commences this Sunday (30 July).

Australia Post Seeks National Heritage Listing For Sydney GPO As It Completes Sale

26th July 2017
Australia Post will seek National Heritage listing for the Sydney GPO in recognition of its historical importance and to reinforce existing heritage protections.

The move comes as Australia Post confirmed it had finalised the sale of the Sydney GPO freehold to a Far East Organization and Sino Land Company joint venture. Far East Organization/Sino Land already holds a 99-year lease on the site and owns the adjoining Westin Hotel.

The Minister for the Environment and Energy this week notified Australia Post that he accepted the existing Heritage Management Plan attached to the sale, paving the way for the completion of the deal.

Australia Post's General Manager of Property Adam Treffry said the nomination for National Heritage listing will be made jointly and in full cooperation with Far East/Sino Land. Far East/Sino Land have established track records for conserving heritage buildings, including The Fullerton Building in Singapore which was once home to Singapore's GPO.

"While the existing heritage plan already ensured the protection of the Sydney GPO, National Heritage listing would further reinforce the historical importance of the site to the benefit of future generations," he said.

"National Heritage recognises exceptional natural and cultural places that contribute to Australia's identity. If successful, the building would join other iconic sites including the Australian War Memorial, Sydney Opera House and Bondi beach covered by the highest level of heritage protections in the country.

"From the very outset of this sale process protection of the heritage value of the Sydney GPO has been foremost in our approach.

National Heritage listing would reflect the shared commitment of Australia Post and Far East/Sino Land to maintain the historic significance of the building."

Mrs Ai Lian Fang, Chairperson of Far East's Australia properties executive committee said Sydney GPO would be a marvellous addition to the National Heritage List.

"We are deeply respectful of the Sydney GPO's historical significance to Australians. We are fully committed to operating the property in a way that will honour its rich heritage," she said.

The planned sale of the Sydney GPO was announced in May, after an extensive expression of interest process in relation to Australia Post's GPO property portfolio, including the Sydney GPO.

That process involved 40 organisations identified to have extensive property experience, including Australian and foreign-owned entities.

Negotiations began with Far East/Sino Land after its response identified the best commercial outcome, while meeting Australia Post's stringent heritage requirements.

An updated Heritage Management plan is attached to the sale to ensure the ongoing protection of the site. Australia Post has complied with all other regulatory requirements concerning heritage protection.

The Sydney GPO sale will free up valuable capital for Australia Post to invest in its people and its services to the community, without any impact on the continued operation of and heritage protections covering the site.

Australia Post has not operated the site since the late 1990s when it handed over management under the terms of the 99-year leasehold. The post office based at the GPO will continue to operate under a sub-lease.

ABC Celebrates National Science Week

The ABC is celebrating Science and Science Week (12-20 August) with a range of dedicated programming and audience engagement initiatives that highlight its commitment to the genre. The ABC broadcasts more Science content than any other free-to-air Australian broadcaster and is proud to present this range of new offerings for audiences of all ages, across TV, radio, digital and online.

The ABC will be kicking off Australia’s Biggest Smartphone Survey, working with researchers and audiences across multiple platforms and programs, to explore Australians’ relationship with their smartphones – for better or worse.

Meanwhile, ABC Splash, the home of digital educational content, is calling on Australian school children to get involved with the War on Waste competition. Following on from ABC’s hugely successful series and campaign of the same name, this competition asks children to identify a waste problem and a solution.

ABC TV’s flagship science program Catalyst is back for a new series to inspire Australian audiences. And on ABC RN, season two of the new podcast and program Science Friction delves into artificial intelligence, medicine and bias.

Michelle Guthrie, ABC Managing Director said: “At a time when other media organisations are abandoning key genres like Science, the ABC is stepping up its commitment to providing distinctive, quality local programming. The ABC is committed to Science broadcasting and we look forward to delivering on that commitment to our audiences across all our platforms.”

Online
Education – ABC Splash
ABC Splash is running a competition asking students to use their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths) skills to create solutions to Australia’s waste problems. Students need to research one waste problem identified in ABC’s War on Waste television series and come up with a 90-second pitch for a solution that has been designed using STEAM thinking. For more information visit: http://splash.abc.net.au/home#!/competition/2576886/war-on-waste-competition

ABC Science: Australia’s Biggest Smartphone Survey

This Science Week, the ABC wants to know about one of the key relationships in your life – the one between you and your smartphone. These deceptively simple pieces of technology have transformed our lives. And we want to know how it’s affected you – the good, the bad and the ugly! How has it changed your life for the better? Or for worse? How much time do you spend on it? What would you like to know about smartphones and smartphone use?

We’ll use all this information to build a picture of the relationship Australians have with their smartphone. And we’re doing this in the pursuit of science – your responses will help researchers paint a picture of smartphone use in Australia.

All In The Mind
In a Science Week special on Sunday August 13, All In The Mind on ABC RN – one of the ABC’s most popular podcasts, presented by Lynne Malcolm – delves into the relationship between your brain and your smartphone: is this technology genuinely addictive, and if so why?
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/

Life Matters
ABC RN’s daily program dedicated to living a better life will also explore how we use our smartphones. Life Matters will interview scientists and hear from its audience, learning all about the good and the bad of living such a highly connected existence.

In addition, Life Matters will expand on Australia’s Biggest Smartphone survey by following a number of people as they experiment with a targeted ‘digital detox’, exploring the good and bad effects it has on their lives.
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/

Science Friction
ABC RN’s Science Friction, hosted by Natasha Mitchell, is launching its second season in National Science Week. Season 2 dives into intriguing, surprising, sometimes chilling stories — from the bone wars to the drone wars, a body organ heist and real-life luddites. But we’re kicking off with a special on sex, science and technology, over two episodes for National Science Week on August 12 and August 19. Does AI have a white guy problem? Is your digital life discriminating against you? And, from lab rats and beyond, has science turned a blind eye to female bodies?
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sciencefriction/

triple j
Dr Karl will continue to grapple with life’s scientific mysteries during his Science Week chat with Zan Rowe on triple j and his Great Moments in Science podcast.

More wonders of Science will be explored on ABC Local and Regional Radio, and Radio Australia with more details to be announced soon.

Television

Catalyst – Series returns Tuesday, 15 August at 8.30pm on ABC TV and iview
We’re living through a golden age of scientific discovery and Catalyst returns to take you to the heart of the biggest Science stories from Australia and around the world. The series is made up of hour long programmes, each one looking at the latest Science on single subjects from human health and medical breakthroughs to astronomy and technology. We’re aiming to capture the wonder and excitement at the heart of these stories and meet the scientists and researchers working at the forefront of these fields.

Many of the films are hosted by presenters chosen for their expertise and ability to communicate the discoveries in their fields. We dive into the hunt for alien life beyond our solar system, investigate whether seaweed can help save the world, witness some of the extraordinary techniques used in operations to heal the human heart, and undertake a world-first experiment to understand how changing what’s in your gut can radically alter your life. We’re also working with international co-producers to bring some of the best filmmaking from around the world. It’s a series that will surprise, delight and inform in equal measure.

The Farthest – 9.30pm Tues 8th August (Part 1) and Tues 15th August (Part 2) on ABC and iview
The Farthest tells the captivating stories of the people and events behind one of humanity’s greatest achievements in exploration: NASA’s Voyager mission, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this August. Still going strong four decades after launch, the twin spacecraft carries an iconic golden record with greetings, music and images from Earth – a gift for any aliens that might one day find it. It left our solar system and ushered humanity into the interstellar age in 2012, and is the farthest-flung object humans have ever created. A billion years from now, when our sun has flamed out and burned Earth to a cinder, the Voyagers and their golden records will still be sailing on – perhaps the only remaining evidence that humanity ever existed.

The A.I. Race – Tuesday 8th August at 8.30pm on ABC TV and iview
In a one-hour special we explore how humans are taking on the robots designed to replace us. Artificial intelligence is coming and the disruption will impact workers and our society far into the future. Get ready for The A.I. Race.

ABC ME
Throughout Science Week, ABC ME is celebrating by airing science themed programs to encourage an interest in science amongst Australian children.

ABC Education (10am-12pm) will be treating viewers to Physics House, Ecomaths, Full Proof, Nature’s Microworlds, Take on Technology, an encore screening of Stargazing for Beginners and more.

From 2pm, ABC ME continues the science theme with Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom, selected episodes of Horrible Science, Annedroids, Brain Freeze, Backyard Science, Science Max: Experiments at Large, and premiere episodes of METV’s Science Time.

Sciencey – coming soon to iview
Can you control your dreams? Why do we sound Australian? Can you 3D print another you?  Why are things cute? Why do headphones get tangled? When will we go off grid? Sciencey is a new social series from ABC that delivers illuminating answers to some of the strangest questions in the universe. In the process of answering the seemingly unanswerable, the series showcases the latest in Australian Science and offers a platform for the best young minds and thinkers in the nation.

During Science Week, iview will also feature a curated collection of Science-themed programming, including Todd Sampson’s Life on the Line, Stargazing Live, Brian Cox: Life of a Universe and Nano.

During National Science Week, and all year round, the ABC is home to fascinating stories and extraordinary achievements. Join the conversation: #ScienceWeek

Spot The Spotted-Tailed Quoll

Monday, 24 July 2017: Media Release - Gabrielle Upton, Minister for the Environment
The NSW Government is asking people to help spot Illawarra’s spotted-tailed quoll among a line-up of thousands of animals as part of a citizen science project, Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said today.

More than 100,000 images from 29 remote cameras are online for the public to help sort through as part of the NSW Government Saving our Species quoll project in the Illawarra.

“We need help sorting through thousands of animal selfies to help narrow down the number of spotted-tailed quolls in the region,” Ms Upton said.

“This is an important conservation project because the spotted-tailed quoll is the only remaining quoll species in the state.”

Quolls are the project’s target animal but the cameras have also captured other species such as a wedge-tailed eagle eating a ringtail possum, long-nosed potoroos and even a powerful owl.

“All this information will go towards improving the monitoring of quolls and other threatened species across the region,” Ms Upton said.

It will help the NSW Government increase the resilience and size of the local quoll population. 

The project, undertaken at the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve and Budderro National Park, is funded under the NSW Government’s $100 million Saving our Species project.

The photos are available to view on DigiVol, which is a crowdsourcing platform developed by the Australian Museum in collaboration with the Atlas of Living Australia.

Secretary Of The Department Of Environment And Energy 

25 July 2017
Prime Minister of Australia
THe Hon. Malcolm Turnbull
Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM has advised me that he wishes to leave his position as Secretary of the Department of the Environment and Energy from 8 September 2017 to pursue other interests.

Dr de Brouwer has had an extensive and distinguished career with three decades of public service in academia and the public sector.

Dr de Brouwer was a G20 sherpa and supported Australia’s Prime Ministers at eight G20 summits. He was awarded a Public Service Medal and made a Knight in the Legion of Honour by the President of the French Republic for both his public and G20 service.

As Secretary of the Department of the Environment and Energy, Dr de Brouwer oversaw the release of the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan as well as the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan which was unanimously welcomed by the World Heritage Committee. Also during Dr de Brouwer’s time as Secretary, Australia signed and ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change.

I thank Dr de Brouwer for his advice and leadership in a number of roles and his commitment to the Australian Public Service. I wish him all the very best for the future.

A new Secretary will be announced in due course.

Have Your Say On Marine Park Draft Plans 

21 July 2017: Media release - Australian Government, Director of National Parks
Australia is surrounded by magnificent oceans and a marine environment that is the envy of the world. Our marine parks are distinctive and diverse, home to marine life found nowhere else.
And from today you can have your say on how we will manage our marine parks into the future.

The Director of National Parks Sally Barnes has released five draft plans to manage 44 Australian Marine Parks over the next 10 years.
“Our marine parks protect important marine habitats and species,” Ms Barnes said.

“They also support people’s livelihoods and the Australian lifestyle. They provide places for people to watch wildlife, dive and snorkel, go boating, and fish. They create jobs in industries like fishing and tourism, and are a source of food and energy.”

Ms Barnes said Australian Marine Parks recognised our oceans as a shared resource -– protecting our environment and supporting the sustainability of our fishing industry and the communities whose livelihoods rely on it.

“I’d encourage everyone to take a look at these five plans my team at Parks Australia have put together,” she said.

“This is your chance to influence how we’ll manage a large area of our marine environment over the next 10 years. We want to hear from you, all of you. It’s your passion that will make marine parks work for everyone.”

Australian Marine Parks (also known as Commonwealth marine reserves) were established in 2012 to protect our oceans. This was a significant contribution to Australia’s marine parks which now cover more than 3.3 million square kilometres of ocean – that’s an area the size of India.

“Before creating these plans, my team and I met with many of you from across our country. We listened to many people, fishers, conservationists, tourism operators, traditional owners and coastal communities before writing these plans,” Ms Barnes said.

“These draft plans balance our commitment to protect the marine environment, while supporting a sustainable fishing industry, promoting tourism and providing cultural, recreational and economic benefits for coastal communities.”

Australian Marine Parks are located in Commonwealth waters that start at the outer edge of state and territory waters, generally no less than three nautical miles (5.5 km) from the shore, and extend to the outer boundary of Australia’s exclusive economic zone, 200 nautical miles (about 370 km) from the shore. The draft plans cover Commonwealth waters off the coast of New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Individual marine parks have been carefully zoned to include representative examples of Australia’s marine habitats and features. This builds the resilience of our marine environment to withstand pressures, including some of the impacts of climate change, cyclones, marine pollution, and invasive species.

Ms Barnes has considered comments from over 54,000 submissions providing feedback on the preparation of draft plans. She has also considered the recommendations from the independent review of Commonwealth marine reserves released in 2016; the best available science; the expertise of traditional owners on managing sea country; and experiences from those managing Australian and international marine parks.

“Finalising these plans makes us one of the world’s leaders in marine protection. Already our country’s marine parks cover 36 per cent of waters around this country. That’s more than comparable to many similar countries, like the United States, France, Canada, Mexico or Chile,” Ms Barnes said.

“I truly believe that we will enhance our international reputation as marine park managers with these plans. But I want to hear your thoughts on whether we’ve got that balance right. Doing nothing is not an option for anyone – we want to provide certainty to all. So please have a read of the plans, and let us know what you think.”
To reduce any impacts on commercial fishers, the Australian Government will make funding available to assist those directly affected by the new arrangements.

The draft plans can be found at www.parksaustralia.gov.au/marine .

We are seeking your feedback on whether we have the balance right in these draft plans.  Please send your feedback on these draft plans or the proposed renaming by 20 September 2017, by:

1. Filling in our feedback form, available at: parksaustralia.gov.au/marine 

3. Writing (free of charge) to: 
Australian Marine Parks Management Planning Comments
Department of the Environment and Energy
Reply Paid 787
Canberra ACT 2601
 
To help us to consider your feedback, please: 
• Say what you would like to see kept or changed in the plan/s and why
• Refer your points to a specific marine park or use, where appropriate
• Give sources of any information you refer to, where possible.
 Please note, comments sent after 11.59 pm AEST Wednesday 20 September 2017 or to an address other than those listed above cannot be considered.
 Comments may be made public. Personal information provided to us will be dealt with in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. 

Further information and our privacy notice is available atwww.parksaustralia.gov.au/marine. Your personal information may be disclosed to the Minister, relevant government agencies, the Australian Parliament and where required by law. 

Your submission may also be published online by the Director of National Parks. Please tell us in your submission if you do not want it published. Your submission will still be considered in the Director’s Report on the Preparation of the Management Plans, and may be provided to the Minister and tabled before Parliament.

Important facts and figures
With 36 per cent of Australia’s waters included in marine parks, we are well ahead of both the international benchmark ‘Aichi target’ of 10 per cent by 2020, and a recent World Conservation Congress resolution calling for 30 per cent by 2030.

According to data from the IUCN’s World Database on Protected Areas, we compare very favourably with the United States of America (41 per cent), New Zealand (30 per cent), the United Kingdom (28 per cent), Mexico (22 per cent), Canada (less than 1 per cent), and France (15 per cent).

Under the zoning proposed in the draft plans, the portion of green (or no take) zones within all of the marine parks managed by the Commonwealth would be 25 per cent.

There is no reliable ‘league table’ against which we can compare this with other nations as methodology and reporting differ considerably, but we are among the closest nations to meeting the 2016 call by the World Conservation Congress four countries to designate 30 per cent of their marine parks to have no extractive activities.

Thanks to our carefully targeted approach to zoning, the same number of conservation features are protected in green zones in the plans released today as those in 2012.

Australia’s biodiversity hotspots and sites of ecological significance, including Coral Sea reefs and the Bremer Reserve are protected in these plans.

97 per cent of waters within 100 kilometres of the coast are open for recreational fishing.

By intelligently zoning conservation areas like this, we have halved the economic impact on commercial fishers compared with 2012, from $8.2 million to $4.1 million a year (that’s less than 0.3 per cent of total income generated by Australia’s wild catch fisheries). This zoning will also enable a continued Australian tuna fishing industry based out of northern Queensland.

The Australian Government has committed an additional $56.1 million over four years to fund the management of Australian Marine Parks.
Our more balanced approach means there is a significant increase in yellow zones – where the seafloor is protected, but activities like diving and fishing are allowed. Our green zones are based on the best available science – while minimising impacts on our important tourism and fishing industries.


A New Look For Pipers Lookout

Media release: 28 July 2017 - NPWS
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are planning a series of maintenance activities at Piper's lookout in the South-East Forests National Park to refresh the popular local landmark.

NPWS Ranger Jo Vincent said the $125,000 redevelopment project will see the heritage features of the original Pipers lookout maintained, recognising its historical significance to motorists crossing Brown Mountain.

"The project will refurbish the toilet facilities making this very popular 'pit stop' more enjoyable for passing motorists," Ms Vincent said.

"We are also planning on creating new interpretation and signage to explain the natural and cultural values of the site.

"The works will breathe new life into this tired site while keeping up its reputation as a must-see for travellers and locals crossing the mountain.

"The 20-year old elevated walkways will be removed due to extensive and ongoing maintenance requirements.

"Removing this outdated infrastructure will enhance the area and allow visitors to take in the sweeping views of the Bega Valley from the original lookout platform," said Ms Vincent.

Pipers Memorial Lookout is named in memory of Fred Piper, a local identity and coach driver who drove across Brown Mountain regularly for 28 years.

The redevelopment works are due to commence later this year.

People are encouraged to contact the NPWS Bombala Office on 6458 5900 if they wish to discuss the planned works.

For more information on Pipers lookout, visit NSW National Parks: Pipers lookout

Have Your Say On New Environmental Measures For Scrap Metal Businesses

Media release: 26 July 2017 - EPA
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is inviting the community to have a say on proposed minimum environmental standards for scrap metal facilities.

The scrap metal industry in NSW ranges from small car wrecking yards to large metal processing facilities, and plays an important role in diverting waste from landfill and recovering resources.

While many operators in the industry are doing the right thing, some scrap metal businesses have shown poor environmental controls and inadequate management practices. Common issues across the industry have required regulatory action by the EPA and other agencies. These issues include management of oils and solvents, air pollution and odour issues, noise and vibration, fire risks and the on-site management of waste. Inadequate management of these issues can lead to pollution incidents, including soil and groundwater contamination. 

To address these environmental concerns, the EPA has drafted a consultation paper that outlines proposed minimum environmental standards across the scrap metal industry. These standards include things like putting controls in place for the safe storage and disposal of liquids and chemicals, no burning of waste on site, measures to minimise noise and vibrations, and the construction of bunds to manage any spills. If adopted these standards would be legislated and apply across the industry.

EPA Executive Director Waste and Resource Recovery Steve Beaman said the proposed standards were an important step in the right direction.

“Many scrap metal businesses are doing the right thing but there are some outliers putting the environment at risk,” Mr Beaman said.

“It’s important for the community – including people working in the scrap metal business – to have their say on these proposed environmental standards so that when they come into force, they accurately reflect the challenges and realities of the industry.”

To view the consultation paper and provide feedback please visit the EPA website 
The submission period closes at 5pm on 18 September 2017.

The Clean Bin Project Screening

Monday, July 31 at 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM
Desire Books & Records
3/3 Whistler Street, Manly

Is it possible to live completely waste free? 'The Clean Bin Project' tells the story of partners Jen and Grant who go head to head in a competition to see who can swear off consumerism and produce the least garbage. Their light-hearted competition is set against a darker examination of the problem that is waste and the environmental impacts of our 'throw-away society'.

Join the 'Convenient for who?' community, along with three Northern Beaches mums who are determined to bring awareness to waste reduction and the harmful effects single-use items are having on our environment.

• Enjoy complimentary popcorn from the Manly Food Co-op 
• Bring a little cash, along with  YOUR OWN CUP and have a drink to toast the end of 'Plastic Free July' 

Tickets: $15 HERE

All proceeds from the night will go to 'Living Ocean' - "a not for profit celebration of this special place and the people that shape it."

Please bring along any unwanted fabric you may have lying around and the 'Boomerang Bags' crew will gratefully take it off your hands!

Bushcare in Pittwater 

For further information or to confirm the meeting details for below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367

BUSHCARE SCHEDULES 
Where we work                      Which day                              What time 

Avalon     
Angophora Reserve             3rd Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Dunes                        1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Golf Course              2nd Wednesday                 3 - 5:30pm 
Careel Creek                         4th Saturday                      8:30 - 11:30am 
Toongari Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon (8 - 11am in summer) 
Bangalley Headland            2nd Sunday                         9 to 12noon 

Bayview     
Winnererremy Bay                 4th Sunday                        9 to 12noon 

Bilgola     
North Bilgola Beach              3rd Monday                        9 - 12noon 
Algona Reserve                     1st Saturday                       9 - 12noon 
Plateau Park                          1st Friday                            8:30 - 11:30am 

Church Point     
Browns Bay Reserve             1st Tuesday                        9 - 12noon 
McCarrs Creek Reserve       Contact Bushcare Officer     To be confirmed 

Clareville     
Old Wharf Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      8 - 11am 

Elanora     
Kundibah Reserve                   4th Sunday                       8:30 - 11:30am 

Mona Vale     
Mona Vale Beach Basin          1st Saturday                    8 - 11am 
Mona Vale Dunes                     2nd Saturday+3rd Thursday     8:30 - 11:30am 

Newport     
Bungan Beach                          4th Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
Crescent Reserve                    3rd Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
North Newport Beach              4th Saturday                    8:30 - 11:30am 
Porter Reserve                          2nd Saturday                  8 - 11am 

North Narrabeen     
Irrawong Reserve                     3rd Saturday                   2 - 5pm 

Palm Beach     
North Palm Beach Dunes      3rd Saturday                    9 - 12noon 

Scotland Island     
Catherine Park                          2nd Sunday                     10 - 12:30pm 
Elizabeth Park                           1st Saturday                      9 - 12noon 
Pathilda Reserve                      3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon 

Warriewood     
Warriewood Wetlands             1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 

Whale Beach     
Norma Park                               1st Friday                            9 - 12noon 

Western Foreshores     
Coopers Point, Elvina Bay      2nd Sunday                        10 - 1pm 
Rocky Point, Elvina Bay           1st Monday                          9 - 12noon

Landcarers Making A Difference On International Mangrove Day

26 July 2017: Media Release - Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon. Luke Hartsuyker
International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the vital role these unique ecosystems play in sustaining communities, economies and the environment in Australia and around the world. ​

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, applauded local movements dedicated to protecting mangrove forests across Australia, often working in conjunction with Landcare and Coastcare initiatives.

"As an island continent, Australia is surrounded by approximately 11,000 kilometres of mangrove-lined coast—around 18 per cent of the coastline and the third largest area of mangroves in the world after Indonesia and Brazil," Minister Hartsuyker said.

"Sadly, Australia's mangroves, like those around the world, are facing the challenges of a rapidly changing, dynamic world from rising sea levels and climate variability, to tourism development.

"The Government recognises the importance of protecting these precious ecosystems in the face of these climate and development threats. 

"Through Landcare and Coastcare initiatives, we are working hand-in-hand with local communities and Indigenous people who, with their deep connection to the Sea Country and long history of estuarine living, are invaluable partners.

"On the floodplains of the Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast, members of the Bunya Bunya Country Aboriginal Corporation, who have developed skills in mangrove propagation and rehabilitation over the last nine years, are working with cane farmers to stabilise eroding riverbanks with mangrove planting.

"At Golden Beach in Caloundra, this team is also part of a collaborative community project through Healthy Land and Water, which is establishing a natural shoreline vegetation buffer, partly through mangrove propagation, to prevent erosion and promote fish habitat.

"Mangroves are uniquely adapted trees and larger shrubs that inhabit the tidal sea edge between land and sea—diverse forested wetlands where thousands of species interact.

"The habitat they form is rich in biodiversity, providing a valuable nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans; a food source for kangaroos, nectar for honeybees and they can survive waters that are 100 times saltier than what most freshwater-dependent plants can stand.

"Mangroves ensure food security for many local communities around the world, protect coastlines and reduce vulnerability to natural hazards like storm surges and rising sea levels, are highly effective carbon sinks and the forest roots filter run off, reducing soil erosion.

"On International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, these wonderful projects remind us why the Government's $1 billion plus contribution to Landcare is so important.

"It's an investment in the future of Australia's unique and precious mangrove ecosystems. It's an investment in our future."

For more information on the National Landcare Programme, visitnrm.gov.au/national-landcare-programme. 

Navigation Warning - NSW Coastal Waters: Whale Migration Season

NSW COASTAL WATERS
2017 WHALE MIGRATION SEASON
June to December 2017

DESCRIPTION
Migrating whales and whale calves are expected to be present in numbers off the NSW coast during this time.

From June to August whales will be in greater abundance generally moving north within about five nautical miles (nine kilometres) of the coast.

From August to December whales will be in greater abundance generally moving south within about 10-15 nautical miles (18-28 kilometres) of the coast.

From July to December Southern Right Whales with calves are likely to be present within 10 nautical miles of the NSW coast and within coastal estuaries.

DIRECTION
Within this period it is expected that whale sightings may be common and mariners are advised to navigate with due care and appropriate caution around any whale activity, including reducing to an appropriate speed to maintain safe navigation.

The approach distance for whales in NSW and Commonwealth waters is 100 metres for whales without calves.  If calves are present the approach distance is 300 metres.

In the event of a collision with a whale, entanglement or whale carcass sighting please call:

National Parks and Wildlife Service Incident Duty Officer on: 02 9895 6444

MAP & CHARTS AFFECTED
Charts: AUS 806 to AUS 813 Inclusive.

RMS Coastal Boating Maps: 1-14 Inclusive.

Contact Details:

For further details please contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Team on 9585 6523 or (RMS Contact details 13 12 36)

Information regarding the current location of whales may be obtained at:http://www.wildaboutwhales.com.au/

Further information about whale approach distances or whale behaviour may be obtained from the Office of Environment and Heritage website at:http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/

MARINE NOTICE SY1724

Department Seeks Community Input On Improving Environmental Impact Assessments

July 5th, 2017: Departmental Media Release, Department of Planning and Environment
The community has a chance to improve the way state significant projects are assessed during workshops to gather feedback on new draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines.

The draft guidelines are on exhibition until Friday,1 September 2017, and representatives from the Department of Planning and Environment will be holding community information sessions across NSW during the exhibition period.

Executive Director, David Kitto, said the new guidelines are an important initiative to drive better practice in NSW.

“While state significant projects such as large infrastructure, industry, mining and urban renewal developments are essential for NSW, they require a comprehensive triple-bottom line assessment with extensive community input,” Mr Kitto said.

“Last year we exhibited a discussion paper on improving the assessment process and received strong support for the improvements from industry and the community.

“After extensive consultation we developed draft guidelines and we’re undertaking workshops to hear what the community has to say about them.

“This is an important opportunity for the community to make sure we get the new guidelines right.”

Mr Kitto said key improvements include getting the community involved much earlier in the assessment process, focussing on the most important issues and improving the quality of all assessment documents.

“While assessment documents, such as environmental impact statements, need to be technically rigorous they also need to be easy to understand and clearly address issues raised by the community. This means everyone should be able to understand them, not just technical experts,” he said.

All public feedback gathered during the exhibition and roadshows will be considered and will assist the Department in finalising the EIA guidelines.

On exhibition are:
  • Guides for proponents covering all stages of the assessment process
  • A guide to help the community understand and participate in the assessment process
  • A guide on the Department’s approach to setting conditions for projects
To view the draft guidelines currently on public exhibition and make a submission, visit the Department’s website http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/EIAreview

To attend the public information sessions, people should call 1300 305 695 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/EIAreview

Once registered, relevant information for the community information session will be provided via email.
Comment by September 1st, 2017

Visit a community information session

Tuesday 25 July Sydney
S1:  12:00pm - 2.30pm
S2:  4:30pm – 7:00pm

Thursday 10 August Sydney  
S1:  12:00pm - 2.30pm

Guideline 1
Overview of the EIA Improvement Project
This document outlines the proposed improvements. It will help you locate further details of the improvements outlined in each of the guidelines.
Make a submission

Guideline 2
Community Guide to EIA
This guideline outlines the opportunities to participate at each phase of EIA, what information the community can expect to receive and how the community’s knowledge and opinions will be used by the proponent and the Department.
Make a submission

Guideline 3
Scoping an Environmental Impact Statement
This guideline will help proponents identify the key issues for assessment in the EIS by providing guidance on how to scope a project and setting out the requirements for engagement with the community and other stakeholders in the early phases of EIA.
Make a submission

Guideline 4
Preparing an Environmental Impact Statement
This guideline will help proponents prepare a clear and consistent EIS with all the required information. It will also enhance understanding by the community and other stakeholders.
Make a submission

Guideline 5
Responding to External Submissions 
This guideline provides direction to proponents on how to address comments and issues and communicate to the community and other stakeholders who have made a submission in response to a proposed project during the exhibition of the EIS.
Make a submission

Guideline 6
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
This guideline encourages proponents to engage earlier with the community and other stakeholders by introducing a set of engagement requirements applicable to all projects. It will also help proponents to improve the quality of engagement by directing them to focus on meeting participation outcomes during the preparation of the EIS.
Make a submission

Guideline 7
Approach to Setting Conditions
This guideline outlines the Department’s approach to setting conditions of approval. It will promote understanding of the role of conditions of approval in decisions about the project and the management of environmental impacts during construction and operation.
Make a submission

Guideline 8
Modifying an Approved Project
This guideline will help proponents to understand if changes are permitted using the same development consent, if the consent needs to be modified or if a new application is required. It will also help them to understand whether community and other stakeholder engagement is required.
Make a submission

Guideline 9
Peer Review
This guideline sets out a methodology for independent peer review including criteria to determine the suitability of a peer reviewer, review practice, review reporting and post approval requirements. It will provide for greater consistency in peer review.
Make a submission

For further information, please call our Information Centre on 1300 305 695 or email EIAproject@planning.nsw.gov.au.

Bushcare’s Major Day Out At Mona Vale 2017

Mona Vale Bushcare and Pittwater Natural Heritage Association have been awarded a Stronger Communities Grant to continue the restoration of the coastal dune and littoral rainforest at the end of Basset Street. The Bushcare group will continue to remove weeds, replant native species and encourage natural regeneration. The $12,000 received will be used to support the group through contract bush regeneration and the purchase of native plants. 

This site has been chosen for Bushcare volunteers to come together and join in the nationwide “Bushcare’s Major Day Out” event to support all our local volunteers working to conserve and restore our unique natural environment. 

When: September 17, 2017 - 8.30 a.m.to 12p.m.
Where: Mona Vale Basin Beach Reserve, at the end of Bassett Street Mona Vale

Grants Of Up To $3 Million Available For Innovative Solutions For Organic Waste

Media release: EPA
Applications for grants up to $3 million are now open to councils, waste and/or organics processing companies and not-for-profit organisations who have plans for projects that can tackle the amount of food and garden waste that goes to landfill.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority and Environmental Trust are inviting applicants to submit their proposals under three different grant streams:
  • Organics Processing Infrastructure - up to $3 million for infrastructure process more source separated organics from households and businesses 
  • Food Donation Infrastructure – up to $500,000 for equipment to collect, store and redistribute surplus food to people in need
  • Product Quality – up to $500,000 for equipment to improve recycled organics product quality 
Previous rounds of these grants have already funded projects that have made a positive impact on local communities. Last year 3 Pallaettes was awarded a $295,600 Organics Processing Infrastructure Grant to provide the Central Coast with an open windrow composting system for organic wastes, that would otherwise be sent to landfill, to produce a premium grade humified soil conditioner.

With a $89,500 grant under the Food Donation stream, Settlement Services were able to purchase a van, cool rooms and freezer to run The Staples Bag program, supplying a bag of food staples to people in need.

EPA Unit Head Organics Amanda Kane said the grants gave councils and community groups the chance to fund projects that could make a real difference when it came to organic waste.

“From saving good food from being wasted and tackling food insecurity in our state, to increasing NSW capacity to process more collected green waste,  these grants are designed to tackle organic food waste from every angle,” Ms Kane said.

The Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) Director Grants Peter Dixon said the Environmental Trust was pleased to offer the new rounds of organics funding for organics collections under the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative.

“This is a significant amount of money that will go to projects that will make a significant change to organic waste in our state.”

The grants are being delivered through a partnership between the EPA and the Environmental Trust (which is administered by OEH).

Applications close 5pm Thursday 10 August 2017. The EPA is hosting webinars to assist potential applications find out more about grant programs. More information on these webinars available here

For more information on the organics collections grants and webinar visit.http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/wastegrants/local-gov-organics.htm

Help Stop Spread Of Dangerous Aquatic Weed

27 Jul 2017: NSW DPI
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is asking for the public’s help to contain a new aquatic weed, following the detection of Amazon Frogbit in the mid north coast’s Great Lakes region last week.

This is the first time an infestation of this prohibited weed has been discovered in NSW.

DPI’s Manager of Invasive Species Programs, Scott Charlton said that members of the public can help stop the spread of the pest plant by reporting any sightings in waterways, and ensuring they don’t buy or sell it.

“As well as being a priority weed, Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is declared ‘prohibited matter’ under the Biosecurity Act, which means it’s illegal to buy or sell this plant in NSW,” Mr Charlton said.

“Although being banned from sale since 2014, Amazon Frogbit is still being sold illegally on internet shopping sites like eBay and Gumtree for use in aquariums and ponds.”

“Knowing that this is how it is spread, we ask that people make themselves aware of what plants they are purchasing online and ensure they never buy or sell Amazon Frogbit – or any prohibited matter.”

“There are heavy fines in place for offences committed under the Biosecurity Act.”

Under the new Biosecurity Act, everyone in NSW now has a general biosecurity duty to minimise biosecurity risks, and Mr Charlton said that there are specified “mandatory measures” that must be taken in relation to Amazon Frogbit.

“The mandatory measure for this plant is that you are not allowed to deal with the plant – this means that you cannot buy, grow, sell or trade it, and if you find this plant, or become aware of people selling it, you also have a duty to notify DPI,” Mr Charlton said.

“If a person complies with these mandatory measures they will have discharged their general biosecurity duty.”

Amazon Frogbit originates from fresh water habitats of tropical and subtropical central and South America, and has the potential to seriously degrade our ecosystems if left untreated.

To report any suspected sightings of Amazon Frogbit, phone the aquatic pest reporting hotline on 1800 680 244.


The Amazon Frogbit infestation near Forster.

Extreme El Nino Events To Stay Despite Stabilisation 

25 JULY 2017: CSIRO
The frequency of extreme El Niño events is projected to increase for a further century after global mean temperature is stabilised at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Research published today in Nature Climate Change by an international team shows that if warming was halted to the aspirational 1.5°C target from the Paris Agreement, the frequency of extreme El Niño events could continue to increase, due to a continuation of faster warming in the eastern equatorial Pacific.

CSIRO researcher and lead author Dr Guojian Wang said the growing risk of extreme El Niño events did not stabilise in a stabilised climate.

"Currently the risk of extreme El Niño events is around five events per 100 years," Dr Wang said.

"This doubles to approximately 10 events per 100 years by 2050, when our modelled emissions scenario (RCP 2.6) reaches a peak of 1.5°C warming.

"After this, as faster warming in the eastern equatorial Pacific persists, the risk of extreme El Niño continues upwards to about 14 events per 100 years by 2150.

"This result is unexpected and shows that future generations will experience greater climate risks associated with extreme El Niño events than seen at 1.5°C warming."

The research was based on five climate models that provided future scenarios past the year 2100.

The models were run using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's lowest emissions scenario (RCP2.6), which requires negative emissions late in the century.

Director of the Centre for Southern Hemisphere Oceans Research and report co-author, Dr Wenju Cai, said that this research continues important work on the impacts of climate change on the El Niño-Southern Oscillation which is a significant driver of global climate.

"The most severe previous extreme El Niño events occurred in 1982/83, 1997/98 and 2015/16, years associated with worldwide climate extremes," Dr Cai said.

"Extreme El Niño events occur when the usual El Niño Pacific rainfall centre is pushed eastward toward South America, sometimes up to 16,000 kilometres, causing massive changes in the climate. The further east the centre moves, the more extreme the El Niño.

"This pulls rainfall away from Australia bringing conditions that have commonly resulted in intense droughts across the nation. During such events, other countries like India, Ecuador, and China have experienced extreme events with serious socio-economic consequences."

Dr Cai added that while previous research suggested that extreme La Niña events would double under a 4.5°C warming scenario, results here indicated that under a scenario of climate stabilisation (i.e. 1.5°C warming) there was little or no change to these La Niña events.

The research was conducted by researchers at the Hobart based Centre for Southern Hemisphere Oceans Research, an international collaboration between CSIRO, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Tasmania.

The National Environmental Science Programme's Earth System and Climate Change Hub co-funded this research.

Applications Open For Grants To Inspire Young Australians In Science

21 July 2017: Senator the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science
The Australian Government’s Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions is now open for applications.

I encourage schools and organisations to apply for assistance to support young Australians to take up science engagement opportunities in Australia and overseas.

This is the program’s second year of operation with the Government having supported more than 1000 students to attend Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics-related events and competitions in 2016-17.

For example, a Canberra-based student received funding to attend the London International Youth Science Forum and a group of students from near Brisbane was sponsored to compete in the national finals of competitions to build a F1 car and four‑wheel drive vehicle.

Through this program, the Government is providing up to $1.6 million in grants in 2017–18 to assist students under the age of 18 to participate in science events including conferences and competitions. This will help them to develop skills and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Nurturing the STEM skills of the next generation is essential to Australia’s prosperity given 75 per cent of future jobs will require expertise in STEM disciplines.

Under the program, grants of up to $1500 for domestic events and $5000 for international events are available, with up to $20,000 for group applications.

Grants may be used to support travel and event registration for opportunities such as attending science fairs, pitching innovations to entrepreneurs and participating in STEM competitions. Applications can be made until the annual funding allocation is exhausted.

The Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions is part of the Government’s Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme to inspire, motivate and cultivate a scientifically-engaged community.

For more information on the grants program, go towww.business.gov.au/sgseic.

High School Science WritingCompetition

If you love writing, exploring or following your sense of curiosity, this prize is for you. The UNSW Bragg Student Prize for Science Writing is a great way for high school students to show off their skills and win amazing prizes. Find all the details and resources to get you started on our website.

When: Until Sunday, August 20 2017 10:30 PM
Topic: Environment and nature, Innovation and technology
Cost: Free

The UNSW Bragg Student Prize is designed to encourage and celebrate the next generation of science writers, researchers and leaders!

This year’s topic is ‘Future Earth: creating a more sustainable planet by 2030’. Students write an 800 word essay about their own ideas on sustainability or current research, and go in the running to win a $500 UNSW Bookshop voucher, a subscription to the Australian Book Review and a trip to the launch of The Best Australian Science Writing 2017 in Sydney!

All schools receive a prize and early bird entries win an awesome book pack including Adam Spencer’s World of Numbers.

We’ve compiled a bunch of fun, free resources to help get students started.



Young Archie 2017

Art Gallery of NSW
There were over 2000 entries in this fifth Young Archie competition: 37% in the 5-8 year category, 45% in 9-12 year, 12% in 13-15 year and 5% in 16-18 year. Of the total, 72% were from girls.

The five finalists from each age category are displayed at the Art Gallery of NSW and the honourable mentions at the SH Ervin Gallery.
Winners will be announced 16 September 2017.

The competition was judged by the Gallery’s senior coordinator of education and family programs and the guest judge – artist Abdul Abdullah, himself an Archibald Prize finalist in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

The Young Archie competition is supported by presenting partner ANZ.

View the Young Archie Finalists and Honourable Mentions works here: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/young-archie/2017/

One of the Honourable mentions: 5-8 year olds
Krystal Kyung - Age 5
Title: 
My dad with cockatoo friend
 
I drew my dad who was next to a cockatoo in the Blue Mountains. I was very excited because the cockatoo walked toward my dad and they looked like good friends. It was very funny.


ABC Celebrates National Science Week

The ABC is celebrating Science and Science Week (12-20 August) with a range of dedicated programming and audience engagement initiatives that highlight its commitment to the genre. The ABC broadcasts more Science content than any other free-to-air Australian broadcaster and is proud to present this range of new offerings for audiences of all ages, across TV, radio, digital and online.

The ABC will be kicking off Australia’s Biggest Smartphone Survey, working with researchers and audiences across multiple platforms and programs, to explore Australians’ relationship with their smartphones – for better or worse.

Meanwhile, ABC Splash, the home of digital educational content, is calling on Australian school children to get involved with the War on Waste competition. Following on from ABC’s hugely successful series and campaign of the same name, this competition asks children to identify a waste problem and a solution.

ABC TV’s flagship science program Catalyst is back for a new series to inspire Australian audiences. And on ABC RN, season two of the new podcast and program Science Friction delves into artificial intelligence, medicine and bias.

Michelle Guthrie, ABC Managing Director said: “At a time when other media organisations are abandoning key genres like Science, the ABC is stepping up its commitment to providing distinctive, quality local programming. The ABC is committed to Science broadcasting and we look forward to delivering on that commitment to our audiences across all our platforms.”

Online
Education – ABC Splash
ABC Splash is running a competition asking students to use their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths) skills to create solutions to Australia’s waste problems. Students need to research one waste problem identified in ABC’s War on Waste television series and come up with a 90-second pitch for a solution that has been designed using STEAM thinking. For more information visit: http://splash.abc.net.au/home#!/competition/2576886/war-on-waste-competition

ABC Science: Australia’s Biggest Smartphone Survey

This Science Week, the ABC wants to know about one of the key relationships in your life – the one between you and your smartphone. These deceptively simple pieces of technology have transformed our lives. And we want to know how it’s affected you – the good, the bad and the ugly! How has it changed your life for the better? Or for worse? How much time do you spend on it? What would you like to know about smartphones and smartphone use?

We’ll use all this information to build a picture of the relationship Australians have with their smartphone. And we’re doing this in the pursuit of science – your responses will help researchers paint a picture of smartphone use in Australia.

All In The Mind
In a Science Week special on Sunday August 13, All In The Mind on ABC RN – one of the ABC’s most popular podcasts, presented by Lynne Malcolm – delves into the relationship between your brain and your smartphone: is this technology genuinely addictive, and if so why?
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/

Life Matters
ABC RN’s daily program dedicated to living a better life will also explore how we use our smartphones. Life Matters will interview scientists and hear from its audience, learning all about the good and the bad of living such a highly connected existence.

In addition, Life Matters will expand on Australia’s Biggest Smartphone survey by following a number of people as they experiment with a targeted ‘digital detox’, exploring the good and bad effects it has on their lives.
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/

Science Friction
ABC RN’s Science Friction, hosted by Natasha Mitchell, is launching its second season in National Science Week. Season 2 dives into intriguing, surprising, sometimes chilling stories — from the bone wars to the drone wars, a body organ heist and real-life luddites. But we’re kicking off with a special on sex, science and technology, over two episodes for National Science Week on August 12 and August 19. Does AI have a white guy problem? Is your digital life discriminating against you? And, from lab rats and beyond, has science turned a blind eye to female bodies?
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sciencefriction/

triple j
Dr Karl will continue to grapple with life’s scientific mysteries during his Science Week chat with Zan Rowe on triple j and his Great Moments in Science podcast.

More wonders of Science will be explored on ABC Local and Regional Radio, and Radio Australia with more details to be announced soon.

Television

Catalyst – Series returns Tuesday, 15 August at 8.30pm on ABC TV and iview
We’re living through a golden age of scientific discovery and Catalyst returns to take you to the heart of the biggest Science stories from Australia and around the world. The series is made up of hour long programmes, each one looking at the latest Science on single subjects from human health and medical breakthroughs to astronomy and technology. We’re aiming to capture the wonder and excitement at the heart of these stories and meet the scientists and researchers working at the forefront of these fields.

Many of the films are hosted by presenters chosen for their expertise and ability to communicate the discoveries in their fields. We dive into the hunt for alien life beyond our solar system, investigate whether seaweed can help save the world, witness some of the extraordinary techniques used in operations to heal the human heart, and undertake a world-first experiment to understand how changing what’s in your gut can radically alter your life. We’re also working with international co-producers to bring some of the best filmmaking from around the world. It’s a series that will surprise, delight and inform in equal measure.

The Farthest – 9.30pm Tues 8th August (Part 1) and Tues 15th August (Part 2) on ABC and iview
The Farthest tells the captivating stories of the people and events behind one of humanity’s greatest achievements in exploration: NASA’s Voyager mission, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this August. Still going strong four decades after launch, the twin spacecraft carries an iconic golden record with greetings, music and images from Earth – a gift for any aliens that might one day find it. It left our solar system and ushered humanity into the interstellar age in 2012, and is the farthest-flung object humans have ever created. A billion years from now, when our sun has flamed out and burned Earth to a cinder, the Voyagers and their golden records will still be sailing on – perhaps the only remaining evidence that humanity ever existed.

The A.I. Race – Tuesday 8th August at 8.30pm on ABC TV and iview
In a one-hour special we explore how humans are taking on the robots designed to replace us. Artificial intelligence is coming and the disruption will impact workers and our society far into the future. Get ready for The A.I. Race.

ABC ME
Throughout Science Week, ABC ME is celebrating by airing science themed programs to encourage an interest in science amongst Australian children.

ABC Education (10am-12pm) will be treating viewers to Physics House, Ecomaths, Full Proof, Nature’s Microworlds, Take on Technology, an encore screening of Stargazing for Beginners and more.

From 2pm, ABC ME continues the science theme with Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom, selected episodes of Horrible Science, Annedroids, Brain Freeze, Backyard Science, Science Max: Experiments at Large, and premiere episodes of METV’s Science Time.

Sciencey – coming soon to iview
Can you control your dreams? Why do we sound Australian? Can you 3D print another you?  Why are things cute? Why do headphones get tangled? When will we go off grid? Sciencey is a new social series from ABC that delivers illuminating answers to some of the strangest questions in the universe. In the process of answering the seemingly unanswerable, the series showcases the latest in Australian Science and offers a platform for the best young minds and thinkers in the nation.

During Science Week, iview will also feature a curated collection of Science-themed programming, including Todd Sampson’s Life on the Line, Stargazing Live, Brian Cox: Life of a Universe and Nano.

During National Science Week, and all year round, the ABC is home to fascinating stories and extraordinary achievements. Join the conversation: #ScienceWeek

Disclaimer: These articles are not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Pittwater Online News or its staff.