Pittwater Online News

Hollows as Homes Citizen Scientist Project: Sydney and NSW

Launched March 3rd, 2016: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and University of Sydney

With the help of the community this project aims to assess the availability of tree hollows and their use by wildlife across the Sydney region. The Hollows as Homes team wants you to report tree hollow(s) in your backyard, street, park and/or paddock through

Find out more and Register at: www.hollowsashomes.com

Facebook page

Participants will take measurements of the hollow-bearing tree and periodically conduct monitoring and report wildlife using the hollow(s). Training is available through workshops and the website.

Background

Around 300 animal species rely on tree hollows in Australia, including birds, possums, gliders, microbats, frogs, lizards, snakes, insects and spiders. Changes to the landscape from urbanisation and agriculture not only reduce the amount of trees and homes for animals, but also create big gaps between the remaining trees and bushland. In New South Wales, of terrestrial vertebrate species that are reliant on tree hollows for shelter 40 species are listed as threatened with extinction.

Why does tree hollow loss matter?

Tree hollows are so important to our native wildlife, that their loss has been classed as a Key Threatening Process to biodiversity in New South Wales. It can take decades for a tree hollow to form. In Australia, there are no animals that are able to create tree hollows (e.g. wood pecker), thus hollow creation is a slow process that relies on fungus to eat away at the tree. What can we do to help?Cities and agricultural areas provide habitat for endangered animals and plants. We can encourage animals to share our cities, suburbs and farms by retaining:

Large, hollow bearing trees

Remnant patches of bushland that surround these trees which make it easier for them to move through the environment

Dead trees which provide important habitat whether they are standing or on the ground.

Top: Lorikeet in Angophora, McKay Reserve, Palm Beach

Spotlight On Sustainability Of Pittwater Estuary

29 February 2016

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced the NSW Government is commencing consultation on the future of commercial fishing within the Pittwater estuary.

The NSW Marine Estate Management Authority has put forward a range of management initiatives to help improve marine conservation and maximise community benefits in key coastal areas.

The Pittwater estuary has been identified due to evidence of resource-use conflict between commercial net fishing and other user groups and the threats posed to the estuary’s long-term environmental sustainability and social value.

“The Pittwater estuary is our community’s most valuable natural asset,” Rob Stokes said today.

“Boating, fishing, kayaking, sailing and swimming are key parts of our community’s lifestyle and are all supported by this incredible waterway.

“Countless marine based businesses, tourism operators and retail providers also heavily depend on the estuary’s attractiveness and sustainability.

“Managing risks and conflicts is vital to help protect this valuable community asset and the continuation of commercial netting is now squarely under the spotlight.

“Various controls such as closures to commercial netting on weekends have been implemented but concerns still remain.

“For the first time an extensive threat and risk assessment has been undertaken and our community is now being asked to have our say on the future of commercial netting and the best ways forward.

“Community feedback will help inform further evaluation of the management responses and final recommendations to the NSW Government later this year.

“Copies of the report, and details on how to provide feedback, are available by visiting www.marine.nsw.gov.au .

“Submissions close on 24 April – so I encourage everyone who uses and enjoys the Pittwater to get involved and have their say,” Rob Stokes said.

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Hawkesbury Shelf marine bioregion assessment

Have your say

The NSW Government is inviting your comments on suggested management initiatives to enhance marine biodiversity in the Hawkesbury Shelf marine bioregion while achieving balanced community outcomes, including opportunities for a wide range of recreational and commercial uses. These initiatives are described in the Marine Estate Management Authority’s Discussion Paper.

The Discussion Paper (4.8 MB, PDF) summarises the outcomes of community engagement, the findings of the threat and risk assessment and presents eight suggested management initiatives being considered to address the priority threats.

Supporting the discussion paper are seven background reportsincluding the Hawkesbury Shelf Marine Bioregion Threat and Risk Assessment (TARA) Report. A series of frequently asked questions are also available.

The feedback you provide will help inform the final package of management initiatives that MEMA will present to the NSW Government in mid-2016.

You can also provide new evidence about the threats that affect your use and enjoyment of the bioregion. New evidence could include scientific data, research outcomes or reports, including unpublished data.

Online submissions are welcome from 28 February 2016 until Sunday 24 April 2016.

Hard copy submission forms are also available at NSW DPI Fisheries offices and completed forms can be posted to:

Submission - Hawkesbury Shelf marine bioregion initiatives

NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 1, Nelson Bay NSW 2315

If you would like to receive newsletters or notifications on the project, please email contact.us@marine.nsw.gov.au with your name, email address and postcode to be included on our mailing list.

Wild Things Talk At Warriewood: Get Native Bee Hives, Nest Boxes For your Own Backyard

Thursday 21 April, 7:15pm

Nelson Heather Centre, Banksia Room, 5 Jacksons Road, Warriewood

If you are passionate about our wildlife and their presence in our local areas – why not get help in your own backyard?

The Wild Things program, based at Ku-ring-gai Council, aims to protect urban wildlife and create suitable habitat in our backyards to encourage the return of wildlife. Wild Things work with Permaculture Northern Beaches and supply native bee hives. They also supply native fish, nest boxes as well as promote swimming pool conversions to aquaponics.

For more information please contact elle232@gmail.com

Sydney Marine Park one step closer for marine life and coastal communities

NPA of NSW: February 29, 2016

The Government has released the Hawkesbury Shelf Marine Bioregion Assessment report which looks at ways to enhance the health of the marine environment between Newcastle and Shellharbour, including Sydney Harbour and beaches.

The report identifies a number of threats to our marine environment, including climate change, shipping, over-fishing, coastal development and pollution. It recommends a number of initiatives to address these threats.   

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW’s Campaigns Director Daisy Barham said, “The report makes clear that Sydneysiders love our beaches and marine life and the coastal lifestyle in and around Sydney but we’re at risk of loving it to death. 

“Unsurprisingly people want to see cleaner water and more abundant and diverse marine life. The report identifies a number of factors which threaten the health of our estuaries, beaches and seas, including climate change, over-fishing, inappropriate coastal and foreshore development and pollution. 

“A science based marine park with protected sanctuaries for Sydney is one of the fundamental tools in the toolbox of ocean conservation. It is wonderful to see this option recognised as a way to respond to a large number of the environmental and social threats identified in the report.

CEO of the National Parks Association Kevin Evans said, “The need for a marine park in the Sydney region has been established for many years. 

“It is reassuring to see this document recognise that the current network of aquatic reserves across the region don’t meet the internationally recognised principles for conservation planning and are not comprehensive, adequate nor representative. 

“There is huge public support for marine parks and sanctuaries in NSW. Polling and surveys consistently show that around 90% of people, including fishers, support marine parks and sanctuaries where marine life is protected from fishing. So a Sydney Marine Park option is both great for the health of the marine environment and is popular.” 

Marine Parks Campaign Manager from the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Fiona Maxwell said, “If done right, a marine park for Sydney offers a bright future for the region’s sea life and economy. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that marine parks with sanctuaries rebuild our marine wildlife. Marine parks and sustainable fisheries deliver an environmental and economic win-win.

“What is needed now is a science based process that engages the community to create a marine park that protects our marine life and benefits all ocean users. 

“Sydney is renowned for our spectacular beaches, lagoons and of course the Sydney Harbour which is loved by all. A marine park will help protect marine life and continue to provide a playground to fish, snorkel and surf.” 

The assessment is open for public comment until 24 April 2016, more information can be found at: http://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/key-initiatives/hawkesbury-shelf-marine-assessment

Federal Government strengthens efforts to tackle plastic waste

Media Release - 29 February 2016: The Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for the Environment

The Australian Government is taking further steps to tackle the detrimental impact of plastics on our environment.

Last December, Commonwealth, state and territory Environment Ministers announced plans to achieve a voluntary phase out of microbeads by no later than July 2018.

“Today I am pleased to announce that the Federal Government is taking a stronger stance on this important environmental issue,” Minister Hunt said.

“We will continue to work with companies towards a voluntary phase out of microbeads. However, if by 1 July 2017 it is clear that the voluntary phase out will not achieve what is effectively a widespread ban on microbeads, the Federal Government will take action to implement a ban in law.”

“We are also committing $60,000 of priority funding under the National Environment Science Programme (NESP) to kick-start research into the major sources of marine plastic waste and determine the most cost-effective options to reduce its volume.”

“I am aware of concerns about biodegradable plastics being used as a substitute for regular microbeads. Some companies are instead using natural alternative products due to concerns that biodegradable plastic microbeads do not break down in water.”

“The NESP will undertake research into this and I look forward to hearing about their findings.”

“I will discuss the Federal Government’s announcement at the Ministerial Roundtable being held at Taronga Zoo in Sydney today.”

The Ministerial roundtable brings together State and Commonwealth governments, representatives from industry, retailers, environment groups and scientific experts. The roundtable will review the experiences of Australian jurisdictions who have implemented plastic shopping bag bans.

“Like microbeads, plastic shopping bags have a devastating impact on the environment,” Minister Hunt said.

“Australians consume billions of plastic shopping bags each year, which are often only used for a few minutes before being thrown away.”

Many are made from non-renewable fossil fuels, which break down into smaller pieces of plastic and can exist in the environment for hundreds of years.

Plastic bags and plastic fragments easily make their way across our land as litter, eventually entering our waterways and oceans with harmful effects on our wildlife and marine life.

It is estimated that around eight million tonnes of plastics enter the world’s oceans every year.

“I’m looking forward to discussing options at the Ministerial Roundtable on how best to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags,” Minister Hunt said.

“What’s most important to me is that we get the best possible outcome for the environment.”

“I would like to thank the New South Wales Government for the significant role they have played in examining options for how best to deal with the problem of plastic bags.”

New South Wales Environment Minister Mark Speakman welcomed the Federal Government’s stance on microbeads.

“The NSW Government is proud to have been the first state to have led the push for a national ban on microbeads,” Mr Speakman said.

“We’re so fortunate to enjoy rich aquatic ecosystems in Australia, and yet personal care products can cause significant damage to our marine life, and scientists are also worried that this may have implications further up the food chain.”

DoSomething founder Jon Dee has played a major role in campaigning for companies and retailers to phase out microbeads from their products and shelves. He has also led the National Plastic Bag campaign since 2002 and co-organised Australia’s first ban on single use plastic shopping bags in the Tasmanian town of Coles Bay.

He has also played a leading role in the phaseout of single use plastic bags in South Australia and Tasmania and will be speaking at today’s Ministerial Roundtable.

“For the sake of the marine life who mistake plastic bags and plastic microbeads for food, we must act decisively and nationally on these issues,” said Jon Dee.

“When it comes to plastic microbeads and plastic bags, we need an outcome where we achieve the best possible result for the environment.”

“Given that we also have billions of plastic microbeads ending up in our waterways, we welcome Minister Hunt’s announcement that if the voluntary phase out is not working by 1 July 2017, the Federal Government will take action to implement a ban in law. This is a very welcome move.”

Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association Inc v Warkworth Mining Limited and NSW Minister for Planning

February 29, 2016: EDO NSW

Our client Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association Inc is challenging the PAC’s 2015 decision to approve the Warkworth coal mine expansion near the village of Bulga in the Hunter Valley.

The case will be heard in the Land and Environment Court later this year. This expansion is very similar to the project that was refused by the Land and Environment Court in 2013 and then that refusal was upheld by the NSW Court of Appeal in 2014.

The community group says that in granting the approval this time, the PAC breached the law by failing to consider what would happen if the Warkworth Sands Woodland, an endangered ecological community becomes extinct as a result of the project. The group also says that both the Office of Environment and Heritage and the PAC failed to apply the NSW Government’s Offsets Policy for Major Projects in accordance with the law.

The approval lets Warkworth extract an additional 230 million tonnes of coal from the mine over the next 21 years, and will bring the mine closer to Bulga village. Controversially, the approval lets Warkworth mine part of a biodiversity offset that the company was originally required to protect as a condition of a former approval from 2003. As well as providing habitat for threatened plants and animals, the offset area acts as a buffer between the village of Bulga and the mine. The offset area is ecologically significant, as it contains a unique and endangered ecological community, Warkworth Sands Woodland, and is home to threatened squirrel glider and speckled warbler. This Warkworth Sands Woodland is unique to the area and only 13 per cent of the original forest remains.

The PAC approved  a very similar expansion to the mine in 2012. Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association challenged this approval, and won, with the Land and Environment Court finding that the project would have significant and unacceptable impacts on biodiversity, as well as unacceptable noise and social impacts. The Court considered that the proposed conditions of approval were inadequate and would not allow the project to achieve satisfactory levels of impact on the environment, including the residents and community of Bulga. The Court found that these matters outweighed the substantial economic benefits and positive social impacts of the project on the region, and that the extension project should not go ahead.

When Warkworth appealed the Land and Environment Court’s disapproval of the mine, the community was again victorious.

The expansion project approved by the PAC in 2015 is very similar to the project that both the Land and Environment Court and the Court of Appeal ruled could not go ahead. The community’s appeal now in the Court is not the same as the appeal it won in 2013. This time the community has identified a legal error made by the PAC. The community does not have merit appeal rights in the Land and Environment Court this time round as merit appeal rights are extinguished where a public hearing about the project is held. There were two public hearings held into the project.  

Overfishing increases fluctuations in aquatic ecosystems

March 2, 2016

Fish are often at the top of the food web in the aquatic ecosystem, so changes in fish, prompted by overfishing, can have broader consequences which involve the entire ecosystem. 

Intense fishing of primarily larger fish not only makes fish populations smaller, it changes the remaining fish. When the fish which have a chance to reproduce before being caught are smaller and have reached sexual maturity earlier, these characteristics are passed down to future generations. In many fish populations targeted by intense fishing, e.g., Atlantic cod across the west coast of North America, the sizes of fish have been observed to have decreased and the age of sexual maturity to have reduced.

Fish are often at the top of the food web in the aquatic ecosystem, so changes in fish can have broader consequences which involve the entire ecosystem.

Together with her American and German colleagues, Academy of Finland Research Fellow Anna Kuparinen from the University of Helsinki studied how fishing changes the ways aquatic ecosystems function. The researchers used computer-generated simulations to help them model the interactions between species and the flow of energy through the food web as well as the overall dynamics of the ecosystem. The research focused on the fishing of perch and whitefish in Lake Constance, which borders Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

Simulations describing the development of the ecosystem targeted by fishing indicated that once intense fishing causes fish to become smaller and reach sexual maturity earlier, the production of plankton in the lake becomes unstable. Similarly, the sizes of the fish populations and their production of offspring fluctuate greatly from one year to the next.

"If the changes in fish are genetic, the stability of the fish populations and the lake ecosystem cannot be regained even if fishing was permanently ended. The study demonstrates how important it is to consider the entire ecosystem and indirect impacts on other species when the impact of fishing is evaluated. For example, the production of offspring among perch is more dependent on the fluctuations of the production of plankton in the lake than the number of female fish producing eggs," says Anna Kuparinen.

"The many food chains leading to fish form complex food webs. The better we understand this complexity, the better we understand how fishing impacts fish and the environment," says Professor Neo Martinez from the University of Arizona, US.

Anna Kuparinen, Alice Boit, Fernanda S. Valdovinos, Hélène Lassaux, Neo D. Martinez. Fishing-induced life-history changes degrade and destabilize harvested ecosystems. Scientific Reports, 2016; 6: 22245 DOI: 10.1038/srep22245

Eastern quolls finally return to the mainland

March 2nd, 2016: JCU

A senior James Cook University academic is helping catch eastern quolls in Tasmania as part of a project to bring the animal back to the mainland after more than 60 years of extinction.

Professor Iain Gordon, JCU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Division of Tropical Environments and Societies, said the animals will be released into the Mulligans Flat woodland sanctuary near Canberra.

“These first individuals will form part of a long term project to restore the native small mammal community that used to thrive in this area,” he said.

Quolls were once widespread in south-eastern Australia, but were wiped out by introduced foxes and cats, disease, habitat loss and human intervention. Tasmania is now the only place the animal can be found in the wild.

Professor Gordon said Australia holds the dubious honour of having lost many of its small mammal species from the mainland since European settlement. “We’ve been involved in restoring many species into a protected area in the ACT; now it’s time to reintroduce the quoll, a small predator that is in effect at the top of the food chain, when cats and foxes are kept at bay.”

Eastern quolls were last seen in the Sydney region in 1956. They have not been seen in the Canberra region for 80 years.

Professor Adrian Manning from the Australian National University’s Fenner School of Environment and Society said it was the first such translocation of wild eastern quolls on the Australian mainland.

“Our aim is not just to establish a healthy and diverse population of eastern quolls but also to undertake critical research to understand the best way to introduce the species to improve success in future reintroductions on the mainland,” he said.

The quolls are fitted with radio-tracking collars to allow researchers to do regular health checks and monitor their breeding and habitat requirements.

The eastern quoll reintroduction is part of a $1.8 million Australian Research Council Linkage Project Bringing back biodiversity - a research partnership between the ACT Government, ANU, CSIRO and James Cook University.

The Tasmanian Department of Primary Industry, Parks, Water and the Environment and the Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre are major partners in the translocation project. The Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is managed in partnership between the ACT Government and the Woodland and Wetland Trust.

Public invited to review Kosciuszko's carrying capacity

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is exploring ways to manage the environmental carrying capacity of Kosciuszko National Park's alpine resorts and is encouraging the community to have their say.

Mick Pettit, NPWS Regional Manager, said this timely review will look at the best ways to ensure the economic and social benefits continue to flow from visitation to the resorts without compromising the environment.

“Up until now the carrying capacity of the resorts has been guided by bed numbers and while they are an easily understood means to limit the number of people and their impacts in an area, sustainable visitation and environmental management needs a multifaceted approach,” said Mr Pettit.

“The review delivers on actions in the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management that recognises that bed numbers alone don't comprehensively reflect the environmental footprint of the resorts and their visitors.

“NPWS want to work with the community to develop a new way to manage environmental carrying capacity, one that may include thresholds for a range of parameters such as water quality, habitat condition, soil health and the quality of the visitor experience.

“The review commences this month and will initially involve scoping the views of the community, before moving to Stage 2 when a carrying capacity framework will be prepared for comment.

“The review will also take into consideration the impact of increasing summer tourism and day visitors, which are not adequately addressed under the existing carrying capacity limits.

“The unique economic and cultural values of the area require a robust framework that will sustainably manage the impacts of park visitors on the environment now and into the future,” Mr Pettit said.

Stage one of the review marks the release of a discussion paper.

“I invite all interested parties to participate in the review, to discuss and provide comment on alternative methods and approaches for establishing carrying capacity,” said Mr Pettit.

Further information on the review and how to have your say can be found at: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/alpineresorts/index.htm

Kosciuszko National Park draft cycling strategy – public consultation

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is seeking comments on its draft cycling strategy for Kosciuszko National Park.

The draft strategy sets out  the objectives, vision and recommended actions for the future of cycling within the park, which includes road cycling and mountain biking.

There has been a significant increase in the popularity of cycling across Australia with Kosciuszko National Park becoming a leading cycling destination with outstanding cycling experiences and facilities available within the park and the surrounding area.

NPWS recognises the increasing demand for access and cycling in Kosciuszko National Park and hopes to increase visitation by providing high quality cycling experiences while ensuring that the natural and cultural heritage values of the park are protected. 

The draft strategy has been prepared with a round of community consultation and input from stakeholder groups including shire councils, resort operators, commercial tour operators and cycle clubs.

• Kosciuszko National Park Cycling Strategy: Consultation draft (PDF 2.5MB)

Related material:

• Kosciuszko National Park Overview map (JPG 7.6MB)

• Kosciuszko National Park Zoning Scheme map (JPG 2.5MB).

The community is invited to make a submission on the draft strategy with submissions closing on 15 March 2016.

Provide your comments in the following ways:

• by emailing kosciuszko.cyclestrategy@environment.nsw.gov.au

• by posting your submission to Project Manager, Kosciuszko National Park – Draft Cycling Strategy, PO Box 2228, Jindabyne NSW 2627

• by filling out the form below.

See: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/parks/kosciuszko-cycling.htm

Community feedback sought for the Wilpinjong Extension Project

Departmental Media Release - Department of Planning and Environment

A proposal to expand the Wilpinjong Coal Mine located approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Mudgee will be on exhibition from today for community feedback.

The Department of Planning and Environment is keen to hear the community’s views on the proposal which seeks to create a new open cut pit to the east of existing operations, extend various existing open cut pits and extend the life of the mine by seven years (to 2033). 

The project will be subject to a comprehensive merit assessment process and will include reviews by State government agencies and the Commonwealth Independent Expert Scientific

Committee. The Department of Planning and Environment will also be engaging a number of experts to provide independent advice on the project. 

A spokesperson for the Department of Planning and Environment said the local community always has an opportunity to share their views. 

“Community consultation is an integral part of the planning process and the applicant will have to respond to the feedback. 

Submissions we receive are taken into consideration when we develop our recommendations,” the spokesperson said.

“It’s easy to participate by going online and we encourage everyone to take a look and have their say.” 

The Department will hold a community information session in the local area to assist residents in preparing their submissions and understanding the development assessment process.

Further details about the meeting will be provided shortly.

To make a submission or view the EIS, visit www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au

Submissions can be made from Wednesday, 27 January 2016 until Thursday, 10 March 2016. 

Written submissions can also be made to: Department of Planning and Environment, Attn: Executive Director – Resource Assessments and Business Systems, GPO Box 39. Sydney NSW 2001

The application and EIS are also available to view in person at:

• Department of Planning and Environment, 23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney

• Mid-Western Regional Council, 86 Market Street, Mudgee

• Mid-Western Regional Council, 109 Herbert Street, Gulgong

• Nature Conservation Council, Level 2, 5 Wilson Street, Newtown

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Direct link: http://www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au6764 

Project Summary – retrieved from EIS:

ES3.2 PROJECT SUMMARY The main activities associated with the Project would include: • open cut mining (Plate ES-1) of ROM coal from the Ulan Coal Seam and Moolarben Coal Member in Mining Lease 1573 and in new Mining Lease Application areas in Exploration Licences 6169 and 7091; • open cut extensions (Figure ES-3), including: - approximately 500 hectares of incremental extensions to the existing open cut pits in areas of Mining Lease 1573 and Exploration Licence 6169; and - development of a new open cut pit of approximately 300 hectares in Exploration Licence 7091 (Pit 8); • continued production of up to 16 Mtpa of ROM coal; • extension of the approved mine life by approximately seven years (i.e. from approximately 2026 to 2033); • a peak operational workforce of approximately 625 people; • continued use of the approved Wilpinjong Coal Mine CHPP and general coal handling and rail loading facilities and other existing and approved supporting mine infrastructure; • rail transport of approximately 13 Mtpa of thermal product coal to domestic and export customers (within existing maximum and annual average daily rail limits); • relocation of a section of the TransGrid Wollar to Wellington 330 kilovolt electricity transmission line to facilitate mining in Pit 8; • various local infrastructure relocations to facilitate the mining extensions (e.g. realignment of Ulan-Wollar Road and associated rail level crossing, relocation of local electricity transmission lines and services); • construction and operation of additional mine access roads to service new mining facilities located in Pits 5 and 8; • construction and operation of new ancillary infrastructure in support of mining including mine infrastructure areas, ROM pads, haul roads, electricity supply, communications installations, light vehicle roads, access tracks, remote crib huts, up-catchment diversions, dams, pipelines and other water management structures; • ongoing exploration activities; and • other associated minor infrastructure, plant and activities.

March 1st, 2016: UNSW

Award-winning: Urban Pinboard is a new digital platform designed to raise the “urban IQ” of Sydneysiders by making building and planning information publicly accessible. 

A new digital platform designed to raise the “urban IQ” of Sydneysiders, by making building and planning information publicly accessible, has won an Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW award.

Platform collaborators UNSW Built Environment and Cox Richardson Architects and Planners say the Urban Pinboard App aims to address the lack of shared information between the public, private and community sectors on urban issues.

As the winner of the Connected Cities strand of the UDIA’s City Life project,  the Urban Pinboard is one of only three submissions selected to each receive $50,000 from the UDIA NSW as part of the organisation’s CityLife project which aims to tackle issues of affordability, livability and connectivity within Sydney, Australia’s biggest city.

The winning proposal was announced during an address by Sarah Hill, CEO of the recently formed Greater Sydney Commission.

Project leaders, Hank Haeusler, from UNSW’s Bachelor of Computational Design and COX Director Philip Graus, say the fragmented components of Sydney’s building industry need to be encouraged to collaborate so that talent, ideas and potential can be realised.

“Urban Pinboard is a data and knowledge rich resource that has the ability to raise the urban IQ of the city and as a result, produce more informed decision making and smarter city transformation,” says Haeusler.

Haeusler says the App will be a tool for government agencies to engage and communicate with other sectors, while providing communities with access to neighbourhood data, and developers, professionals and consultants with extra insight and knowledge.

“By giving all sectors an equal voice and the ability to share ideas, this platform will unlock the latent talent and knowledge in our city allowing it to be utilised for more innovative and efficient outcomes,” says Haeusler.

Graus, who is UNSW Built Environment’s first conjoint professor, says the partnership with UNSW allows Urban Pinboard to combine industry knowledge with academic rigour.

“COX is a multidisciplinary design practice and UNSW is a world-leading research university that is also dedicated to interdisciplinary collaborations that more strongly engage research with practice to the benefit of both,” he says.

Stephen Albin, UDIA NSW's CEO, says he is thrilled with the response to the competition, which received more than 60 entries from around the world.

“An urban population explosion is leading to a number of issues that, if not addressed now, will lead to a looming crisis in affordability, transport and our health in the future,” Mr Albin says.

“The CityLife project is putting responsible and innovative plans in place now, to build more liveable cities in our greater urban city future.”

The two other CityLife Project winners are business management consultants, Macroplan Dimasi, whose research will address the potential of employment-based urban development in non-CBD centres, and Hames Sharley/UTS, whose project will enable future cities to be founded on a network economy, not just traditional land economics and planning.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY FRAN STRACHAN

Hep C cures available today for as low as $6.20 a prescription

1 March 2016

Hepatitis C sufferers will today get access to publicly-subsidised breakthrough cures that could eradicate the deadly and debilitating disease within a generation, thanks to an investment of more than $1 billion by the Turnbull Government. 

Minister for Health Sussan Ley announced Australians with Hep C would now pay just $6.20 a prescription if they were a concession card holder or $38.30 a prescription as a general patient for four different cures listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme today – saving patients as much as $100,000 for treatment.

Ms Ley said that when taken as prescribed, the four breakthrough medicines listed today had a cure rate of over 90 per cent and worked faster and with fewer side effects than anything else previously subsidised on the PBS. 

“Australia is one of the first countries in the world to publicly subsidise these cures for every one of our quarter-of-a-million Hep C suffers, no matter what their condition or how they contracted it,” Ms Ley said. 

“This is a watershed moment in Australian history and we are hoping to eliminate one the great disease challenges facing Australia in the 21st century.

Hepatitis C is an infectious blood borne virus that attacks the liver, causing its inflammation, and may lead to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, liver cancer and, in some cases, death. It has six different genotypes.

Ms Ley said there were about 700 deaths attributable to chronic Hep C infection each year, with thousands more suffering a variety of serious liver diseases and conditions.

As a result deaths from primary liver cancer, for which untreated Hep C is a major driver, are rising faster than for any other cancer, with Ms Ley describing today’s PBS listings as a “game changer”.

“Essentially one in every 100 Australians has Hep C, with another 10,000 people diagnosed every year, and they come from all walks of life,” Ms Ley said.

“With this announcement there is great hope we can not only halt the spread of this deadly infectious virus, but eliminate it altogether in time.

“It’s therefore important we tackle this disease head on, and that includes providing these medicines to all Australians, particularly vulnerable populations where rates of infection are high.”

Ms Ley said today’s announcement would see the listing of multiple drug combinations to ensure cures for all types of Hep C were made available to the entire patient population through the PBS from March 1 2016. The medicines are: Sofosbuvir with ledipasvir (Harvoni); Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi); Daclatasvir (Daklinza); and Ribavirin (Ibavyr). 

Ms Ley said in the majority of cases the medicines would be taken orally, with treatment duration as short as 8 to 12 weeks. 

Ms Ley said the cures would be administered in line with the Australian Government’s broader 4th National Hepatitis C Strategy. 

Ms Ley advised people with Hep C to consult their doctor about the best course of treatment for them. 

These Hep C cures were part of $1.6 billion the Turnbull Government invested in its recent MYEFO update. 

“The Turnbull Government is committed to listing medicines recommended by the PBAC without fear or favour, unlike Labor, who tried to halt listing new drug recommendations until it returned budget to surplus,” Ms Ley said. 

“As such, the Coalition has now approved over 900 new and amended listings to the PBS since coming to office – nearly triple the 331 new listings in Labor’s final term.

“Every dollar spent on inefficiency in the health system is a dollar we cannot invest in new breakthrough cures like this one.”

Ms Ley said like access to all PBS medicines, funding was demand driven and the Government would account for any potential variations in spending accordingly. 

Study finds dancing halves chance of death from cardiovascular disease

March 1st, 2016: UWS

A world first study has found people over the age of 40 who participate in dancing almost halve their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Researchers from Western Sydney University and the University of Sydney studied 48 thousand people without cardiovascular disease over a decade to determine how exercise affected their health outcomes.

The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, is the first to track the impact of dance on mortality from heart disease. It found those who participated in dancing had 46% lower risk of cardiovascular death over a decade compared to those who rarely or never danced.

These outcomes were achieved by people who were at least slightly out of breath or sweaty while dancing, but not for those whose dancing was at a light intensity.

"The Bee Gees said it best- you should be dancing," says lead author Associate Professor Dafna Merom, from the Western Sydney University School of Science and Health.

"Our study shows that dancing is one of the best ways to protect from cardiovascular disease death."

"For example, the study found that, compared to fast walking, dancing further reduced the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 21%."

Senior author Associate Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre and School of Public Health said the social nature of dancing plays an important role.

"We should not underestimate the playful social interaction aspects of dancing which, when coupled with some more intense movement, can be a very powerful stress relief and heart health promoting pastime," he says. 

Associate Professor Merom said the health benefits could be due to the very physical nature of dance.  

"Some styles of ballroom or folk dancing almost mimic the short bouts of vigorous intensity we see in interval training, and that we know has proven heart health benefits, so it is like exercise in disguise," said Associate Professor Merom.

"Furthermore dancers are often dancers for life, so we don't see the drop in and out as much as we do in regular exercise classes."

The study draws on data from 48,390 Great Britain residents recruited between 1994 and 2008.

Recipients of the 2016 Science and Innovation Awards announced!

March 2nd, 2016

The recipients of the 2016 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry have been announced at the ABARES Outlook 2016 conference dinner on 1 March. The Science Awards recognise big ideas from young rural innovators that contribute to the success of Australia’s agriculture sector.

Congratulations to Giana Bastos Gomes who was awarded the ultimate honour with the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Award for her project - New on-farm device for pathogen detection in aquaculture systems.

We congratulate all the recipients of the industry category awards:

Giana Bastos Gomes, Recipient of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Award

Yvonne Chang, Recipient of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation Award

Dr Jake Dunlevy, Recipient of the Australian Grape and Wine Authority Award

Jock Graham, Recipient of the Meat & Livestock Australia Award

Dr Cindy Hauser, Recipient of the CSIRO Health and Biosecurity Award

Dr Lauren Hemsworth, Recipient of the Australian Pork Limited Award

Joanne Hughes Recipient of the Australian Meat Processor Corporation Award

Dr Jatin Kala, Recipient of the Grains Research and Development Corporation

Dr Yujuan Li, Recipient of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Award

Amy Lockwood, Recipient of the Australian Wool Innovation Award

Dr Edward Narayan, Recipient of the Meat & Livestock Australia Award

Dr Nadeeka Wawegama, Recipient of the Dairy Australia Award

Recipients have each been granted funding to undertake a project on an emerging scientific issue or innovative activity over the next twelve months. The recipient of the Minister’s Award receives additional funding for an extended research project. The Awards aim to encourage science, innovation and technology in rural industries and help to advance the careers of young scientists and innovators through national recognition of their research ideas. The Science Awards have already helped more than 200 young Australians make their ideas a reality and showcase their talent to the world.

Small dragonfly found to be world's longest-distance flyer

March 2, 2016

The body and wings of the dragonfly Pantala flavescens have evolved in a way that lets the insect glide extraordinary distances on weather currents. Credit: Greg Lasley

A dragonfly barely an inch and a half long appears to be animal world's most prolific long distance traveler -- flying thousands of miles over oceans as it migrates from continent to continent -- according to newly published research.

Biologists at Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N) who led the study -- which appears in the journal PLOS ONE -- say the evidence is in the genes. They found that populations of this dragonfly, called Pantala flavescens, in locations as far apart as Texas, eastern Canada, Japan, Korea, India, and South America, have genetic profiles so similar that there is only one likely explanation. Apparently -- somehow -- these insects are traveling distances that are extraordinarily long for their small size, breeding with each other, and creating a common worldwide gene pool that would be impossible if they did not intermingle.

"This is the first time anyone has looked at genes to see how far these insects have traveled," says Jessica Ware, an assistant professor of biology on the faculty of RU-N's College of Arts and Sciences and senior author of the study. "If North American Pantala only bred with North American Pantala, and Japanese Pantala only bred with Japanese Pantala," Ware says, "we would expect to see that in genetic results that differed from each other. Because we don't see that, it suggests the mixing of genes across vast geographic expanses."

But how do insects from different continents manage to meet and hook up? These are not large birds or whales that one would expect to travel thousands of miles. Ware says it appears to be the way their bodies have evolved. "These dragonflies have adaptations such as increased surface areas on their wings that enable them to use the wind to carry them. They stroke, stroke, stroke and then glide for long periods, expending minimal amounts of energy as they do so."

Dragonflies, in fact, have already been observed crossing the Indian Ocean from Asia to Africa. "They are following the weather," says Daniel Troast, who analyzed the DNA samples in Ware's lab while working toward his master's degree in biology, which he earned at the university in 2015. "They're going from India where it's dry season to Africa where it's moist season, and apparently they do it once a year."

Moisture is a must for Pantala to reproduce, and that, says Ware, is why these insects would be driven to even attempt such a perilous trip, which she calls a "kind of suicide mission." The species depends on it. While many will die en route, as long as enough make it, the species survives.

Flight patterns appear to vary. The hardiest of the dragonflies might make the trip nonstop, catching robust air currents or even hurricane winds and gliding all the way. Others may, literally, be puddle jumpers. Pantala need fresh water to mate and lay their eggs -- and if while riding a weather current they spot a fresh water pool created by a rainstorm -- even on an island in the middle of a vast ocean -- Ware and Troast say it's likely they dive earthward and use those pools to mate. After the eggs hatch and the babies are mature enough to fly -- which takes just a few weeks -- the new dragonflies join the swarm's intercontinental and now multi-generational trek right where their parents left off.

For the moment, the details of this extraordinary insect itinerary are an educated best guess, as are specific routes these migrations might take. Much more work is needed to bring many loose ends together. But now that their work has established a worldwide population of intermingling dragonflies, Ware and Troast hope that scientists can work on plotting those routes in earnest. They would need to be innovative, because tracking devices that can be attached to larger animals are far too big to put on insects.

What the Rutgers scientists have discovered puts this dragonfly far ahead of any identified insect competitor. "Monarch butterflies migrating back and forth across North America were thought to be the longest migrating insects," traveling about 2,500 miles each way, says Troast, "but Pantala completely destroys any migrating record they would have," with its estimated range of 4,400 miles or more. It also exceeds Charles Lindbergh's celebrated solo flight from New York to Paris by at least several hundred miles.

Pantala leaves many of its fellow dragonflies even farther behind. The mysteries of evolution are such that while Pantala and its cousin the Green Darner (Anax junius) have developed into world travelers, Ware says that by contrast, other members of the family "don't ever leave the pond on which they're born -- traveling barely 36 feet away their entire lives."

Daniel Troast, Frank Suhling, Hiroshi Jinguji, Göran Sahlén, Jessica Ware. A Global Population Genetic Study of Pantala flavescens. PLOS ONE, 2016; 11 (3): e0148949 DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0148949