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South East's koalas face crisis point
Pictures tell the tale of the world's threatened species
 The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has launched ‘Species of the Day’ as part of its involvement in the International Year of Biodiversity.
Today's featured species is the Indiana Bat (pictured left). With mounting scientific evidence of a serious extinction crisis, it’s time to take action.
Each day of 2010 will see a different species featured on the IUCN website, with information on the threats it faces. The 365 species selected represent the entire range of taxonomic groups and cover all regions. It will start by featuring some better known species, including the polar bear and will move on to cover plants, fungi, invertebrates and more.
Both charismatic and obscure species will be featured, providing an insight into the astonishing level of biodiversity that exists.
The NCC is a proud IUCN member and invites you to visit the archive of featured species at www.iucnredlist.org/species-of-the-day/archives
Read more ...
Nominate your environmental achivements for the WED Awards 2010
 Nominations for the 2010 United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards are now open. This national awards program recognises those from all Australian sectors who display innovation and dedication in their work to protect, manage or restore the environment.
Projects from businesses, local governments, community organisations, individuals, schools and the media are invited to nominate in 12 Award categories, including the Department of Sustainability and Environment Biodiversity Award, Meeting the Greenhouse Challenge Award and the Community Award.
Nominations close Friday, 14 May 2010.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Presentation Dinner to be held at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne on Friday, 4 June 2010.
For entry forms and further details see www.unaavictoria.org.au or call
(03) 9670 7878
Hope in the campaign to stop shooting of NSW's flying-foxes
By Nancy Pallin
 There is now wide consensus that to end both licensed and illegal shooting of flying-foxes in fruit orchards across NSW, the government must contribute to protecting crops with exclusion netting.
The NCC is part of a coalition of more than 60 conservation, wildlife rescue and animal welfare organisations asking the NSW Government to stop issuing licences to fruit growers to shoot flying foxes.
Read the report Why NSW Should Ban the Shooting of Flying-foxes here.
This week coalition representatives from NCC, Humane Society International, WWF, Bat Advocacy and WIRES met with the Hon Angela D’Amore, Parliamentary Secretary to NSW Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and Paul O’Grady, Ministerial Adviser on this issue. We understand that funding proposals for providing exclusion netting will be presented to Cabinet soon.
The NSW Farmers Association is also seeking a commitment from the NSW Government to provide grants for part of the costs of installing netting. In return the industry would avoid culling flying-foxes as management tool. You can read their media release here.
Let the NSW Premier know that you support ending the killing of flying-foxes and native birds in orchards and funding assistance for exclusion netting by sending an email to premier@www.nsw.gov.au
The money or the koala: the high price of development at Goolawah Estate
By John Jeayes
 I was just appalled to read that Kempsey Shire mayor John Bowell could see economic and social benefits through houses being built at Goolawah Estate - but could see no environmental consequences.
The mayor listed the Recommendation Implications in a mayoral minute on the assessment of Minister Tony Kelly’s declared intention to develop Goolawah Estate Sects 3-5 (Stage 2). The Environmental Implication listed is ‘Nil’.
I thought it was obvious the mayor and the Environmental Services Department were fully aware of the previous intention to rezone the area to Environmental Protection. Cr Bowell had expressed his belief to Mr Kelly’s advisor that he believed the subdivision was not to go ahead.
I worked on Council’s Ecologically Sustainable Development Policy for months but it was obviously a waste of time. There was supposed to be a triple bottom line assessment of anything put up to council.
How on earth Cr Bowell’s mayoral minute proclaims there will be no environmental implications in clearing a forest containing an Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) is beyond me.
Read more of The money or the koala here.
This article first appeared in the Macleay Argus (16/03/10) and is reproduced with permission.
Inadequate urban bushland protection: Planning Minister Kelly responds
The NCC and our member groups are very concerned with the introduction of a standard LEP template in NSW. We believe this template approach lacks any real protection for the natural environment - in its wording or in its intent.
In December last year we wrote to the Minister outlining our concerns and asking for the protection of urban bushland through specific inclusion within the E2 Environmental Conservational zoning in the standard LEP template.
You can read Minister Tony Kelly's response here.
Are you happy with Minister Kelly's comments? We think it's inadequate. Let him know your views at sharon.armstrong@lands.nsw.gov.au
Become an NCC rep and speak up for NSW's environment
 We have two exciting opportunities available for people to represent the Nature Conservation Council and the interests of our natural world on committees.
Nominations for Western Lands Advisory Council
The Western Lands Advisory Council is a key advisory body providing advice to the Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly, on matters affecting the administration of the Western Division through the Western Lands Act. The Western Lands Advisory Council is comprised of 14 members representing groups that have an interest in the Western Division and has an independent chairperson.
Click here for more information. Applications close Thursday, 8 April 2010.
Nominations for Environmental Trust Board
We're seeking a representative for the Environmental Trust Board.
Objects of the Environmental Trust Act include (but are not limited to): encouraging and supporting restoration and rehabilitation projects in both the public and the private sectors; promoting research in both the public and the private sectors into environmental problems; promoting environmental education; and funding the acquisition of land for national parks. Please click here to view the Environmental Trust Act .
Member Group News: Save the South East's forests from the furnace
 South East Fibre Exports has submitted an Environmental Assessent for a proposed 5.5 Megawatt Biomass-Fired Power Station at the company' woodchip mill at Eden in the Bega Valley. You can read the full EA here.
NCC member group South East region Conservation Alliance, Chipstop and other local environment groups have a long-running campaign to save Australia's precious South East forests from the woodchippers. We join with local activists in condemning the burning of native forest for electricity and strongly oppose this proposal.
Already the Eden Chip Mill chops up thousands of trees from the beautiful South East forests to be shipped to Japan and pulped into paper. If approved it will provide Nippon Paper with another justification to continue to log native forests.
Empower local community action on reducing greenhouse emissions
 Want to work on a proven community engagement project on climate change? Want to get your foot in the door with a non-government environment organisation?
The Nature Conservation Council is seeking an energetic and self-motivated person to provide administrative, organisational and communications support to the Climate Challenge Coordinator to deliver two Climate Challenges – one in NSW and one in Victoria. The position is part time and offers a flexible working arrangement equating to 2.5 days per week.
Download the Climate Change Project Assistant position description here .
Applications close Monday 12 April 2010.
Read more ...
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Beyond the 'usual suspects': involving your community in decision making through deliberative democracy. Hosted by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and Wollongong City Council
9.00am - 5.00pm. Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 March 2010
Level 9 Function Room, Administration Building, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: $90 + GST (members of community organisations and practitioners)
$120 + GST (government and agency staff)
Call Rachel Mimmo on (02) 9279 2633
Juanita Nielsen 2010 Memorial Lecture
The Greens: Mainstream Party or Minor Irritant?. Organised by Greens MP Lee Rhiannon.
6.15pm for 6.30pm start. Monday 22 March 2010
Mori Gallery, 168 Day Street, Sydney
RSVP 0468 540 203 or email: JNlecture@gmail.com
Eco Choices for Renters workshop. Hosted by the City of Sydney.
Session 1: 6.30pm-8.30pm. Tuesday 23 March 2010
Session 2: 6.30pm-8.30pm. Tuesday 30 March 2010
Newtown Library, 8-10 Brown Street Newtown
Interactive public seminar on the findings of the Who Cares about the Environment in 2009?. Hosted by DECCW.
1.15pm for 1.30pm start - 4.00pm. Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Mary Jane Barker B Room, The Y Hotel, 5-11 Wentworth Ave, Sydney (nr Hyde Park)
Register online or call Khiem Forbutt on 02 8837 6000
Interactive public seminar on the findings of the Who Cares about the Environment in 2009? (Hunter region). Hosted by DECCW.
9.45pm for 10.00am start - 1.00pm. Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Toohey Room, The Monte Pio, Cnr New England Hwy and Dwyer Sts, Maitland
Register online or call Khiem Forbutt on 02 8837 6000
Bob Carr on his love of the outdoors. Hosted by the Art Gallery of NSW.
6.30pm-7.30pm. Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, The Domain, Sydney
Interactive public seminar on the findings of the Who Cares about the Environment in 2009? (Coffs Harbour region). Hosted by DECCW.
10.45am for 11.00am start - 2.00pm. Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Northside Room, C.ex Coffs (Coffs Ex-Services Memorial & Sporting Club), Cnr Pacific Hwy and Vernon Streets, Coffs Harbour
Register online or call Khiem Forbutt on 02 8837 6000
Interactive public seminar on the findings of the Who Cares about the Environment in 2009? (Lismore region). Hosted by DECCW.
9.45pm for 10.00am start - 1.00pm. Friday, 26 March 2010
Goonellabah Community Centre, 27 Oliver Ave, Lismore
Register online or call Khiem Forbutt on 02 8837 6000
Interactive public seminar on the findings of the Who Cares about the Environment in 2009? (Parramatta region). Hosted by DECCW.
9.15am for 9.30am start - 12 noon. Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Wentworth Room, Parramatta Leagues Club, 13-15 O'Connell Street, Parramatta (on free Loop bus route from station)
Register online or call Khiem Forbutt on 02 8837 6000
Strategies for a Climate-friendly Life with Dr Saul Griffith.
6.00pm-7.30pm. Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Law School Lecture Theatre 101, Law School, Camperdown, University of Sydney.
Australia's Gardens Past and Future
10.30am-12.00pm. Saturday, 10 April 2010
Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Cost: $18/$12 Members, including refreshments
Bookings: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/friends or call (02) 9231 8182
2010 Climate Change @ Work Conference: Growing the Sustainable Workplace. Hosted by the Workplace Research Centre, The University of Sydney.
9.00am – 5.00pm. Wednesday 26 May 2010
Hilton Hotel, 488 George Street, Sydney, NSW
Cost: Early-bird price until 31 March $695.00 including GST,
Team price (2 or more) $695.00 inc. GST, full-price $795.00 inc. GST,
Full + accommodation $895.00 inc. GST
WildEndurance 100km team challenge. Fundraising team competition by The Wilderness Society.
Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May 2010
Blue Mountains World Heritage wilderness
Email the Event Organiser at wildendurance@wilderness.org.au
Latest Nature Conservation Council submissions
Ashton South East Open Cut Coal Project
Friday, 22 January 2010
Submissions open
Inquiry into Recreational Fishing
Closing date: Friday, 19 March 2010
Pacific Hwy Upgrade Warrell Creek to Urunga Project
Closing date: Monday, 28 March 2010
Draft Australia's Native Vegetation Framework
Closing date: 5pm AEDT. Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Draft code of practice for injured, sick and orphaned protected fauna
Closing date: Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Review of State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007
Closing date: Monday, 12 April 2010
Shell Cove Boat Harbour Precinct Environmental Assessment
Closing date: 5pm. Friday, 16 April 2010
Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Flood Enhancement Works
Closing date: Monday, 19 April 2010
Champions Quarry Project
Closing date: Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Salt Ash Sand Extraction
Closing date: Wednesday, 21 April 2010
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The last remaining colony of koalas in NSW’s South East is at immediate risk from logging of their precious habitat, and other threatened species are also being pushed to the brink. 
