New Land Management And Conservation Laws Start
NSW Government Green-Lights New Wave Of Tree Clearing And Species Loss
25 August 2017
As the leading conservation organisations in NSW, we reiterate our steadfast opposition to the NSW Coalition Government’s new land management regime that weakens tree-clearing laws and takes effect tomorrow.
These new arrangements, imposed by the Coalition Government against the wishes of the general community, significantly erode hard-fought safeguards for native species, soils and water supplies, and represent the most significant backward step in nature conservation in NSW in a generation.
The NSW Coalition Government has introduced this package against the advice of well-informed professional and civic organisations, including scientific societies, legal bodies, local councils and regional local government organisations, conservation groups, farmers, and even one of the government’s own key advisors on the reforms, Professor Hugh Possingham.
The government has also disregarded the wishes of the great majority of citizens who made their views known during the drafting and consultation process. More than 5000 people made submissions opposing the weakening of environmental protections and warning of the increased risk the proposals posed for native wildlife and bushland, soils and water supplies.
The number of species in NSW listed as threatened with extinction now exceeds 1000, a list that includes the iconic koala and about 60% of our remaining native mammals.
Land clearing is one of the key threats to the long-term survival of many of these species, so any measures likely to increase this form of habitat destruction amounts to environmental vandalism and will be vigorously resisted.
Today we give a commitment that we will not rest until the protections removed or weakened by these deeply flawed laws are restored and strengthened.
_________________________________________
25 August 2017
As the leading conservation organisations in NSW, we reiterate our steadfast opposition to the NSW Coalition Government’s new land management regime that weakens tree-clearing laws and takes effect tomorrow.
These new arrangements, imposed by the Coalition Government against the wishes of the general community, significantly erode hard-fought safeguards for native species, soils and water supplies, and represent the most significant backward step in nature conservation in NSW in a generation.
The NSW Coalition Government has introduced this package against the advice of well-informed professional and civic organisations, including scientific societies, legal bodies, local councils and regional local government organisations, conservation groups, farmers, and even one of the government’s own key advisors on the reforms, Professor Hugh Possingham.
The government has also disregarded the wishes of the great majority of citizens who made their views known during the drafting and consultation process. More than 5000 people made submissions opposing the weakening of environmental protections and warning of the increased risk the proposals posed for native wildlife and bushland, soils and water supplies.
The number of species in NSW listed as threatened with extinction now exceeds 1000, a list that includes the iconic koala and about 60% of our remaining native mammals.
Land clearing is one of the key threats to the long-term survival of many of these species, so any measures likely to increase this form of habitat destruction amounts to environmental vandalism and will be vigorously resisted.
Today we give a commitment that we will not rest until the protections removed or weakened by these deeply flawed laws are restored and strengthened.
_________________________________________
Conservation Groups Welcome The Senate’s Call To Delay NSW Government’s Tree-Clearing Laws
Sydney’s Drinking Water At Risk: Lock The Gate Urges Catchment Coal Mining Moratorium
Climate Impacts Of Coal Before The Court
FAIL: QLD Gov Changes To Minerals Act Won’t Protect Landholders From Gas Mining Impacts
Post-Whaling Recovery Of Southern Hemisphere
Native Rodent Rediscovered In The Kimberley
Thursday, 24 August 2017
The black-footed tree-rat, a species that has not been seen in the Kimberley since 1987, has been rediscovered by staff from the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Researchers caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a black-footed tree-rat during regular mammal monitoring at Bachsten Creek in the remote north-west Kimberley last year. DBCA Parks and Wildlife Service ecologist Ben Corey said remote field cameras deployed over the wet season confirmed the existence of the species once the cameras were collected after eight months in the field.
Black-footed tree-rat - image credit - DBCA
“Many species, such as the endangered northern quoll and golden-backed tree-rat, as well as sugar gliders and scaly-tailed possums were recorded,” Mr Corey said. “However, the biggest surprise was photographic evidence of the black-footed tree-rat – the first in 30 years. “It has not been seen in the Kimberley since 1987, despite considerable survey efforts during this period.” The black-footed tree-rat is a large tree dwelling rodent with distinctive black feet and a long black and white tail. Mr Corey said another unexpected record of the species came from the identification of hair in a python scat, which was found in a nest box at one of the monitoring sites. “This suggests black-footed tree-rats are still present in the Kimberley, although very elusive.” The north Kimberley is recognised as a stronghold for species that are now extinct across the northern regions of Australia.Each year, researchers from the department survey mammals in more than 100 locations across the north-Kimberley.
The black-footed tree rat is a large, tree-dwelling rodent. This one was photographed on Melville Island. Supplied: Hugh Davies @hughdavies
____________________________
The above demonstrates that just because we can't see it anymore, doesn't mean it's not still there, somewhere...
A little more about this elusive (nocturnal in W.A.) critter, from Wikipedia:
The black-footed tree-rat also known as Djintamoonga (Mesembriomys gouldii) is one of two endemic arboreal rat species from the genus Mesembriomys found in the northern regions of Australia. The species is one of the largest murids found in Australia. It is a folivore and frugivore and its diet may be supplemented by invertebrates such as termites and molluscs.
Mesembriomys gouldii From "Mammals of Australia"(1849–1861), Vol. III Plate 4 Part of the 3 Volumes by John Gould, F.R.S.
The tree rat has a greyish-brown coat that is shaggy and coarse and has a creamy white underbelly. The hind feet are black and they have well developed pads and strong sharp claws. They also large ears and a long tail with a brush of white hair at the tip. They grow up to a mass of 830 grams (29 oz). The height of the rat is typically 250 to 310 millimetres (9.8 to 12.2 in) with a length of 320 to 420 millimetres (13 to 17 in).
Mesembriomys gouldii has a range extending from the savannahs of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland westward to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Habitats such as tropical woodlands or open forest are suitable for the tree rat. It is not commonly found across the area and the population has been reduced between 30 to 50% in the last decade. The estimated population is 30,000.
The tree rat is solitary and nocturnal, it is arboreal sheltering in tree hollows and pandanus stands during the day
Thursday, 24 August 2017
The black-footed tree-rat, a species that has not been seen in the Kimberley since 1987, has been rediscovered by staff from the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
Researchers caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a black-footed tree-rat during regular mammal monitoring at Bachsten Creek in the remote north-west Kimberley last year.
DBCA Parks and Wildlife Service ecologist Ben Corey said remote field cameras deployed over the wet season confirmed the existence of the species once the cameras were collected after eight months in the field.
Black-footed tree-rat - image credit - DBCA
“Many species, such as the endangered northern quoll and golden-backed tree-rat, as well as sugar gliders and scaly-tailed possums were recorded,” Mr Corey said.
“However, the biggest surprise was photographic evidence of the black-footed tree-rat – the first in 30 years.
“It has not been seen in the Kimberley since 1987, despite considerable survey efforts during this period.”
The black-footed tree-rat is a large tree dwelling rodent with distinctive black feet and a long black and white tail.
Mr Corey said another unexpected record of the species came from the identification of hair in a python scat, which was found in a nest box at one of the monitoring sites.
“This suggests black-footed tree-rats are still present in the Kimberley, although very elusive.”
The north Kimberley is recognised as a stronghold for species that are now extinct across the northern regions of Australia.
Each year, researchers from the department survey mammals in more than 100 locations across the north-Kimberley.
The black-footed tree rat is a large, tree-dwelling rodent. This one was photographed on Melville Island. Supplied: Hugh Davies @hughdavies
____________________________
The above demonstrates that just because we can't see it anymore, doesn't mean it's not still there, somewhere...
A little more about this elusive (nocturnal in W.A.) critter, from Wikipedia:
The black-footed tree-rat also known as Djintamoonga (Mesembriomys gouldii) is one of two endemic arboreal rat species from the genus Mesembriomys found in the northern regions of Australia. The species is one of the largest murids found in Australia. It is a folivore and frugivore and its diet may be supplemented by invertebrates such as termites and molluscs.
Mesembriomys gouldii From "Mammals of Australia"(1849–1861), Vol. III Plate 4 Part of the 3 Volumes by John Gould, F.R.S.
The tree rat has a greyish-brown coat that is shaggy and coarse and has a creamy white underbelly. The hind feet are black and they have well developed pads and strong sharp claws. They also large ears and a long tail with a brush of white hair at the tip. They grow up to a mass of 830 grams (29 oz). The height of the rat is typically 250 to 310 millimetres (9.8 to 12.2 in) with a length of 320 to 420 millimetres (13 to 17 in).
Mesembriomys gouldii has a range extending from the savannahs of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland westward to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Habitats such as tropical woodlands or open forest are suitable for the tree rat. It is not commonly found across the area and the population has been reduced between 30 to 50% in the last decade. The estimated population is 30,000.
The tree rat is solitary and nocturnal, it is arboreal sheltering in tree hollows and pandanus stands during the day
Call For Community Comment On Mawson’s Huts Management Plan
The community is invited to comment on the management plan for the site considered the birthplace of Australia’s Antarctic endeavours, Mawson’s Huts. The Huts were home to the Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Douglas Mawson between 1911–14.
Raising the flag at Cape Denison after the erection of the hut, March 1912. (Photo: Frank Hurley)
The site is listed as a National Heritage place and Commonwealth Heritage place, with the Huts and surrounding area also protected under the Antarctic Treaty system.
The Australian Antarctic Division, which has responsibility for the management of the historic site, prepared the current version of the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site management plan in 2013. This plan is now up for its five year review and the public are invited to comment until 16 September.
Invitation to commentMawson’s Huts are a collection of buildings located at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, in the far eastern sector of the Australian Antarctic Territory.
Mawson's Huts, Cape DenisonMawson’s Huts are a collection of buildings located at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, in the far eastern sector of the Australian Antarctic Territory. The buildings were built and occupied by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) of 1911–14, led by geologist and explorer Dr (later Sir) Douglas Mawson.
Mawson’s Huts are of national and international heritage significance. They are rare in a world context as one of just six complexes surviving from the ‘Heroic Era’ of Antarctic exploration: a period of great human adventure, exploration, research and discovery on the last continent to be explored.
The buildings are unique in the context of Australian history as the only surviving site representing the work of an Australian Antarctic expedition during this period. The site also has great heritage values for Australia’s Antarctic interests, since Douglas Mawson’s AAE was the foundation of the modern Australian Antarctic science program.
Mawson’s huts have suffered over the years from the effects of wind, ice and time. A number of recent expeditions by the AAD and the Mawson’s Huts Foundation (a non-profit organisation whose expeditions have been largely funded by the Australian Government) have sought to stabilise the remains.
Explore the Home of the Blizzard website to find out more about Mawson’s Huts and the Australasian Antarctic Expedition.
Mawson's main hut at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay (Photo: Peter McCabe)
Mawson's Huts Historic Site Management Plan In 2001, the Mawson’s Huts Foundation commissioned a conservation management plan for the site, which guided works at the site for several years. In 2007, the AAD developed a management plan, to meet its obligations arising from the inclusion of the site on the National Heritage List (in 2005) and Commonwealth Heritage List (in 2004), and to reflect the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty management plans for the Cape Denison Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) and Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA).
This plan was reviewed and revised in 2013 and a management plan is available: Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan 2013–18 [PDF].
In 2014, ASMA No. 3 was de-designated and the boundary of ASPA No. 162 expanded to coincide with the previous ASMA boundary.
The Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian Antarctic Division, is conducting a review of the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan. Public comments are now being sought. Please send your comments on the management plan by Saturday 16 September 2017.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999Notice under sections 324W and 341XInvitation to comment on a Management Plan for a National Heritage place and Commonwealth Heritage place - Mawson’s Huts Historic Site
The Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian Antarctic Division, is conducting a review of The Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan. Public comments are now sought:
(i) as to whether this management plan is consistent with the National Heritage management principles;
(ii) on the effectiveness of the management plan in protecting and conserving the National Heritage management values of the site;
(iii) whether this management plan is consistent with the Commonwealth Heritage Management Principles; and
(iv) on the effectiveness of the plan in protecting and conserving the Commonwealth Heritage.
Download the Mawson’s Huts Management Plan 2013-2018 [PDF: 4.01MB].
Please send your comments on the management plan by Saturday 16 September 2017, by emailing Territories@antarctica.gov.au or writing to:
Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan reviewTerritories, Environment and Treaties SectionAustralian Antarctic Division203 Channel HighwayKingston TAS 7050
The community is invited to comment on the management plan for the site considered the birthplace of Australia’s Antarctic endeavours, Mawson’s Huts. The Huts were home to the Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Douglas Mawson between 1911–14.
Raising the flag at Cape Denison after the erection of the hut, March 1912. (Photo: Frank Hurley)
The site is listed as a National Heritage place and Commonwealth Heritage place, with the Huts and surrounding area also protected under the Antarctic Treaty system.
The Australian Antarctic Division, which has responsibility for the management of the historic site, prepared the current version of the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site management plan in 2013. This plan is now up for its five year review and the public are invited to comment until 16 September.
Invitation to comment
Mawson’s Huts are a collection of buildings located at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, in the far eastern sector of the Australian Antarctic Territory.
Mawson's Huts, Cape Denison
Mawson’s Huts are a collection of buildings located at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, in the far eastern sector of the Australian Antarctic Territory. The buildings were built and occupied by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) of 1911–14, led by geologist and explorer Dr (later Sir) Douglas Mawson.
Mawson’s Huts are of national and international heritage significance. They are rare in a world context as one of just six complexes surviving from the ‘Heroic Era’ of Antarctic exploration: a period of great human adventure, exploration, research and discovery on the last continent to be explored.
The buildings are unique in the context of Australian history as the only surviving site representing the work of an Australian Antarctic expedition during this period. The site also has great heritage values for Australia’s Antarctic interests, since Douglas Mawson’s AAE was the foundation of the modern Australian Antarctic science program.
Mawson’s huts have suffered over the years from the effects of wind, ice and time. A number of recent expeditions by the AAD and the Mawson’s Huts Foundation (a non-profit organisation whose expeditions have been largely funded by the Australian Government) have sought to stabilise the remains.
Explore the Home of the Blizzard website to find out more about Mawson’s Huts and the Australasian Antarctic Expedition.
Mawson's main hut at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay (Photo: Peter McCabe)
Mawson's Huts Historic Site Management Plan
In 2001, the Mawson’s Huts Foundation commissioned a conservation management plan for the site, which guided works at the site for several years. In 2007, the AAD developed a management plan, to meet its obligations arising from the inclusion of the site on the National Heritage List (in 2005) and Commonwealth Heritage List (in 2004), and to reflect the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty management plans for the Cape Denison Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) and Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA).
This plan was reviewed and revised in 2013 and a management plan is available: Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan 2013–18 [PDF].
In 2014, ASMA No. 3 was de-designated and the boundary of ASPA No. 162 expanded to coincide with the previous ASMA boundary.
The Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian Antarctic Division, is conducting a review of the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan. Public comments are now being sought. Please send your comments on the management plan by Saturday 16 September 2017.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Notice under sections 324W and 341X
Invitation to comment on a Management Plan for a National Heritage place and Commonwealth Heritage place - Mawson’s Huts Historic Site
The Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian Antarctic Division, is conducting a review of The Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan. Public comments are now sought:
(i) as to whether this management plan is consistent with the National Heritage management principles;
(ii) on the effectiveness of the management plan in protecting and conserving the National Heritage management values of the site;
(iii) whether this management plan is consistent with the Commonwealth Heritage Management Principles; and
(iv) on the effectiveness of the plan in protecting and conserving the Commonwealth Heritage.
Download the Mawson’s Huts Management Plan 2013-2018 [PDF: 4.01MB].
Please send your comments on the management plan by Saturday 16 September 2017, by emailing Territories@antarctica.gov.au or writing to:
Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan review
Territories, Environment and Treaties Section
Australian Antarctic Division
203 Channel Highway
Kingston TAS 7050
Film Screening: 'Coal- Is It Worth It?'
Friday, September 15 at 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Avalon Public SchoolOld Barrenjoey Rd, AvalonHosted by The Green Team
The film is a new documentary by veteran filmmaker and Pittwater resident, John Davis who tragically died in a helicopter crash while trying to expose damage caused by the Shenua coal-mine. His family and friends completed the film in his memory.
The film shows the effect on the land and the air we breathe. It depicts invasive coal expansion near our farms and forests. It also documents some of the inspirational people who have dedicated their lives to stopping this destruction of our environment. Some of the best experts in the field of climate change give us hope and knowledge to save the climate for future generations.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door on the night. The ticket cost goes towards the making of the film. FREE POPCORN will also be available on the night!
Please come along and support one of our local families!
Friday, September 15 at 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Avalon Public School
Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon
Hosted by The Green Team
The film is a new documentary by veteran filmmaker and Pittwater resident, John Davis who tragically died in a helicopter crash while trying to expose damage caused by the Shenua coal-mine. His family and friends completed the film in his memory. The film shows the effect on the land and the air we breathe. It depicts invasive coal expansion near our farms and forests. It also documents some of the inspirational people who have dedicated their lives to stopping this destruction of our environment. Some of the best experts in the field of climate change give us hope and knowledge to save the climate for future generations.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door on the night. The ticket cost goes towards the making of the film. FREE POPCORN will also be available on the night!
Please come along and support one of our local families!
Free Guided Bush Walk
Dundundra Falls Reserve, Terrey Hills.10th September 10 -12 pm at Myoora end of Larool Road Fire Trail Terrey HillsCome down and enjoy the wild flowers and have all your questions answered by our qualified bush consultant.
This reserve is exploding with colour at the moment so even if you can’t make this special walk you can come down anytime and enjoy our new map and information signs and appreciate what this 40 Hectare recreational Reserve is all about.
Wear clothes and shoes suitable for bush walking and be prepared for Ticks and Leeches as unfortunately they like living here too.
Questions to dundundrafalls@gmail.com
Dundundra Falls Reserve, Terrey Hills.
10th September 10 -12 pm at Myoora end of Larool Road Fire Trail Terrey Hills
Come down and enjoy the wild flowers and have all your questions answered by our qualified bush consultant.
This reserve is exploding with colour at the moment so even if you can’t make this special walk you can come down anytime and enjoy our new map and information signs and appreciate what this 40 Hectare recreational Reserve is all about.
Wear clothes and shoes suitable for bush walking and be prepared for Ticks and Leeches as unfortunately they like living here too.
Questions to dundundrafalls@gmail.com
Long Reef Walks 2017/18 Season
Navigation Warning - NSW Coastal Waters: Whale Migration Season
Muogamarra Season 2017
Hidden wildflower garden open for just six weekends31 July 2017: NPWS and NSW OE&HA hidden wildflower garden with a rare collection of botanical treasures and native plant species will open its gates this August and September for six weekends only.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Area Manager Michele Cooper said Muogamarra Nature Reserve-just north of Sydney-is home to more than 900 species of native plants as well as the remnants of an ancient volcano.
"Muogamarra is home to a vast range of Australian wildflowers such as native orchids, towering Gymea lily, pink Boronia, eriostemon and old-man Banksia, which makes it a spectacular wildflower destination," said Ms Cooper.
"This unique array of flora and fauna is one reason why we need to limit the opening times to just six weekends each year to allow it to flourish, to preserve the fragile ecosystems and to protect the reserve's Aboriginal cultural heritage.
"This year during our open season, visitors can join a Discovery guided tour on foot or on a kayak and discover the secrets of this special place," she said.
Some of the walking tracks in the reserve provide outstanding views of the Hawkesbury, Aboriginal rock engravings and convict built roads, and other tracks wind through rainforest and historic relics.
One of the guided walks leads people down to Peat's Crater, which is an unusual volcanic structure called a diatreme that is not found in many parts of Australia.
"By joining a guided walk you'll will see and learn all the secrets of the reserve that you might miss by going on your own," said Ms Cooper.
The launch weekend (12-13 August) will also mark the 50th anniversary of NPWS.
"The Muogamarra open season will launch on Saturday 12 August with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Ray Davison, cultural workshops throughout the day delivered by Aboriginal Discovery Ranger Jess Sinnott, and activities for young children including free show bags for the first 50 children," said Ms Cooper.
"While visitors can certainly come along on any of the weekends during our open season and explore the park at their own pace, keep in mind that the Discovery walks and kayak tours will need to be pre-booked online as numbers are limited and places can fill up quickly," she said.
Muogamarra Nature Reserve will open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 12 August until Sunday 17 September 2017.
What's on- Discovery tours include the Muogamarra Highlights Walk (new in 2017), Muogamarra Bird Gully Walk, Muogamarra Lloyd Trig Walk and Muogamarra Peats Bight Walk.
- A kayaking tour is also available: Paddle our Parks Muogamarra, the first of which will take place on Saturday 12 August.
- An event in celebration of the NPWS 50 Year Anniversary will take place on the first weekend (12 - 13 August).
More informationPrior bookings are essential for the guided walks and kayak tours and can be made by visiting the NPWS website:
Muogamurra Nature Reserve is located on the western side of the Pacific Highway, 3.35 kilometres north of Cowan Station.
A park access fee applies during the 6 annual open weekends of $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $40 for families of 2 adults and 2 children.
Hidden wildflower garden open for just six weekends
31 July 2017: NPWS and NSW OE&H
A hidden wildflower garden with a rare collection of botanical treasures and native plant species will open its gates this August and September for six weekends only.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Area Manager Michele Cooper said Muogamarra Nature Reserve-just north of Sydney-is home to more than 900 species of native plants as well as the remnants of an ancient volcano.
"Muogamarra is home to a vast range of Australian wildflowers such as native orchids, towering Gymea lily, pink Boronia, eriostemon and old-man Banksia, which makes it a spectacular wildflower destination," said Ms Cooper.
"This unique array of flora and fauna is one reason why we need to limit the opening times to just six weekends each year to allow it to flourish, to preserve the fragile ecosystems and to protect the reserve's Aboriginal cultural heritage.
"This year during our open season, visitors can join a Discovery guided tour on foot or on a kayak and discover the secrets of this special place," she said.
Some of the walking tracks in the reserve provide outstanding views of the Hawkesbury, Aboriginal rock engravings and convict built roads, and other tracks wind through rainforest and historic relics.
One of the guided walks leads people down to Peat's Crater, which is an unusual volcanic structure called a diatreme that is not found in many parts of Australia.
"By joining a guided walk you'll will see and learn all the secrets of the reserve that you might miss by going on your own," said Ms Cooper.
The launch weekend (12-13 August) will also mark the 50th anniversary of NPWS.
"The Muogamarra open season will launch on Saturday 12 August with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Ray Davison, cultural workshops throughout the day delivered by Aboriginal Discovery Ranger Jess Sinnott, and activities for young children including free show bags for the first 50 children," said Ms Cooper.
"While visitors can certainly come along on any of the weekends during our open season and explore the park at their own pace, keep in mind that the Discovery walks and kayak tours will need to be pre-booked online as numbers are limited and places can fill up quickly," she said.
Muogamarra Nature Reserve will open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 12 August until Sunday 17 September 2017.
What's on
- Discovery tours include the Muogamarra Highlights Walk (new in 2017), Muogamarra Bird Gully Walk, Muogamarra Lloyd Trig Walk and Muogamarra Peats Bight Walk.
- A kayaking tour is also available: Paddle our Parks Muogamarra, the first of which will take place on Saturday 12 August.
- An event in celebration of the NPWS 50 Year Anniversary will take place on the first weekend (12 - 13 August).
More information
Prior bookings are essential for the guided walks and kayak tours and can be made by visiting the NPWS website:
Muogamurra Nature Reserve is located on the western side of the Pacific Highway, 3.35 kilometres north of Cowan Station.
A park access fee applies during the 6 annual open weekends of $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $40 for families of 2 adults and 2 children.
Call For Submissions On Water Management Regulation
Department Seeks Community Input On Improving Environmental Impact Assessments
Threatened Species Day September 7th 2017
Asparagus Fern
Opera House Reef Breathes New Life Into Harbour
Update On Baleen 2D HR Seismic Survey
Have Your Say On Marine Park Draft Plans
21 July 2017: Media release - Australian Government, Director of National ParksAustralia 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
2. Emailing: managementplanning.marine@environment.gov.au 3. Writing (free of charge) to: Australian Marine Parks Management Planning CommentsDepartment of the Environment and EnergyReply Paid 787Canberra 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 figuresWith 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.
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
2. Emailing: managementplanning.marine@environment.gov.au
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.
Mathematical Mystery Of Ancient Babylonian Clay Tablet Solved By UNSW
August 24, 2017: University of New South Wales
The 3,700-year-old Babylonian tablet Plimpton 322 at the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Columbia University in New York.
Credit: UNSW/Andrew Kelly
UNSW Sydney scientists have discovered the purpose of a famous 3700-year old Babylonian clay tablet, revealing it is the world's oldest and most accurate trigonometric table, possibly used by ancient mathematical scribes to calculate how to construct palaces and temples and build canals.
The new research shows the Babylonians, not the Greeks, were the first to study trigonometry -- the study of triangles -- and reveals an ancient mathematical sophistication that had been hidden until now.
Known as Plimpton 322, the small tablet was discovered in the early 1900s in what is now southern Iraq by archaeologist, academic, diplomat and antiquities dealer Edgar Banks, the person on whom the fictional character Indiana Jones was based.
It has four columns and 15 rows of numbers written on it in the cuneiform script of the time using a base 60, or sexagesimal, system.
The UNSW Science research provides an alternative to the widely-accepted view that the tablet was a teacher's aid for checking students' solutions of quadratic problems.
"The huge mystery, until now, was its purpose -- why the ancient scribes carried out the complex task of generating and sorting the numbers on the tablet.
"Our research reveals that Plimpton 322 describes the shapes of right-angle triangles using a novel kind of trigonometry based on ratios, not angles and circles. It is a fascinating mathematical work that demonstrates undoubted genius.
The new study by Dr Mansfield and UNSW Associate Professor Norman Wildberger is published in Historia Mathematica, the official journal of the International Commission on the History of Mathematics.
A trigonometric table allows you to use one known ratio of the sides of a right-angle triangle to determine the other two unknown ratios.
The Greek astronomer Hipparchus, who lived about 120 years BC, has long been regarded as the father of trigonometry, with his "table of chords" on a circle considered the oldest trigonometric table.
"Plimpton 322 predates Hipparchus by more than 1000 years," says Dr Wildberger. "It opens up new possibilities not just for modern mathematics research, but also for mathematics education. With Plimpton 322 we see a simpler, more accurate trigonometry that has clear advantages over our own."
"A treasure-trove of Babylonian tablets exists, but only a fraction of them have been studied yet. The mathematical world is only waking up to the fact that this ancient but very sophisticated mathematical culture has much to teach us."
Dr Mansfield read about Plimpton 322 by chance when preparing material for first year mathematics students at UNSW. He and Dr Wildberger decided to study Babylonian mathematics and examine the different historical interpretations of the tablet's meaning after realizing that it had parallels with the rational trigonometry of Dr Wildberger's book Divine Proportions: Rational Trigonometry to Universal Geometry.
The 15 rows on the tablet describe a sequence of 15 right-angle triangles, which are steadily decreasing in inclination.
The left-hand edge of the tablet is broken and the UNSW researchers build on previous research to present new mathematical evidence that there were originally 6 columns and that the tablet was meant to be completed with 38 rows.
They also demonstrate how the ancient scribes, who used a base 60 numerical arithmetic similar to our time clock, rather than the base 10 number system we use, could have generated the numbers on the tablet using their mathematical techniques.
The UNSW Science mathematicians also provide evidence that discounts the widely-accepted view that the tablet was simply a teacher's aid for checking students' solutions of quadratic problems.
"Plimpton 322 was a powerful tool that could have been used for surveying fields or making architectural calculations to build palaces, temples or step pyramids," says Dr Mansfield.
The tablet, which is thought to have come from the ancient Sumerian city of Larsa, has been dated to between 1822 and 1762 BC. It is now in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Columbia University in New York.
A Pythagorean triple consists of three, positive whole numbers a, b and c such that a2 + b2 = c2. The integers 3, 4 and 5 are a well-known example of a Pythagorean triple, but the values on Plimpton 322 are often considerably larger with, for example, the first row referencing the triple 119, 120 and 169.
The name is derived from Pythagoras' theorem of right-angle triangles which states that the square of the hypotenuse (the diagonal side opposite the right angle) is the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
Daniel F. Mansfield , N.J. Wildberger. Plimpton 322 is Babylonian exact sexagesimal trigonometry. Historia Mathematica, August 2017 DOI:10.1016/j.hm.2017.08.001
Sub-Tropical Corals Vulnerable, New Study Shows
August 23, 2017: University of Queensland
Corals on a subtropical reef off eastern Australia. Credit: Brigitte Sommer
The vulnerability and conservation value of sub-tropical reefs south of the Great Barrier Reef -- regarded as climate change refuges -- has been highlighted in a new study.
University of Queensland School of Biological Sciences researcher Dr Brigitte Sommer said the study of Eastern Australian reefs revealed coral species would likely shift their distribution southward in response to climate change.
Coral range expansions would likely vary among species depending on the species' characteristics and traits.
"In the subtropical-to-temperate transition zone south of the Great Barrier Reef, corals are at the limits of their distribution and environmental tolerances, as the water is cooler," Dr Sommer said.
"There is less light and conditions are more seasonal and variable than on the Great Barrier Reef."
Dr Sommer, a member of Professor John Pandolfi's lab at UQ, said the new study examined 17 reefs from the Sunshine Coast, in south-east Queensland, to Port Stephens in New South Wales.
"We sought to investigate the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape coral biodiversity patterns at their southern range limits," she said.
"We also examined the evolution of coral species' traits to determine whether these characteristics were stable over time."
Dr Sommer said it was important to conduct such studies to understand the stability of the species' environmental tolerances and the ecological drivers of biodiversity patterns so scientists could more accurately predict species' range shifts and ecological responses to climate change.
"For example, if characteristics such as environmental tolerances are stable over time and don't change, then corals will likely only expand their ranges to areas where environmental conditions are similar to where corals currently occur," Dr Sommer said.
"And corals will probably have less capacity to adapt to novel environmental conditions."
"Our results suggest that species that occur in these subtropical and temperate reefs south of the Great Barrier Reef are more closely related to each other and have more similar characteristics than the coral species that occur on the Great Barrier Reef.
"This suggests that environmental tolerance is important for coral persistence in these marginal environments and that species with unsuitable traits cannot persist in these cooler and more light-limited environments."
Results suggested competition by corals for space and light were also important drivers of biodiversity patterns at local scales.
"These findings indicate that coral biodiversity patterns south of the Great Barrier Reef are shaped by a combination of regional and local processes," Professor Pandolfi said.
Species unable to persist in these cooler and darker conditions were initially excluded from the region and the remaining species then divided into local sites, depending on whether species interactions or environmental conditions were more important locally.
Brigitte Sommer, Eugenia M. Sampayo, Maria Beger, Peter L. Harrison, Russ C. Babcock, John M. Pandolfi. Local and regional controls of phylogenetic structure at the high-latitude range limits of corals.Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2017; 284 (1861): 20170915 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0915
Mammoth-Sized Exhibition Headed To Sydney
August 25, 2017: NSW Government
The world’s only intact and preserved woolly mammoth will be coming to the Australian Museum.
Province of British Columbia/Flickr licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Mammoths – Giants of the Ice Age is an interactive exhibition that will take visitors back in time. The highlight of the exhibition is baby mammoth Lyuba, the best preserved woolly mammoth in existence.
Lyuba was discovered in 2007 in Siberia and has been preserved for more than 40,000 years.
It will be the fifth time Lyuba has been seen outside Russia and her first appearance in the Southern Hemisphere.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the NSW Government is committed to continuing to develop world-class events.
“Securing exhibitions such as this will help us maintain our position as the number one tourism and events state in Australia,” Mr Marshall said.
The exhibition will open on 18 November 2017.