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The Nature Conservation Council welcomes new CEO Pepe Clarke
 Last week, Pepe Clarke started work as chief executive officer of the Nature Conservation Council. Pepe is an environmental lawyer with a background in law, environmental science and community education.He has recently returned to Australia after three years in the Pacific, where he played a key role in the establishment of a regional office for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and worked as a consultant to a range of international conservation groups, including WWF, Conservation International and the Wildlife Conservation Society. He previously worked as programs director for the Environmental Defender's Office (EDO), and has worked as a lecturer and researcher for a number of universities. He has a passion for nature conservation and a strong commitment to working for a just and sustainable future. With experience in strategic planning, a focus on innovation and a strong capacity to effectively manage environmental programs, Pepe will lead our organisation and its members as we work to conserve biodiversity and secure a better future for NSW’s environment. A big thank you to Dr Haydn Washington who demonstrated great passion and worked tirelessly for the organisation in his time as acting chief executive officer. Urgent action: show Cabinet you support no new coal-fired power generation
 In coming weeks, NSW Cabinet will be asked to consider a proposal for a moratorium on new coal-fired power stations in the state.Please show Cabinet members Premier Kristina Keneally and Ministers Sartor and Lynch that there is strong community support for an end to coal-fired power generation by sending our cyberaction today. You can also leave a personal message by calling the Premier's Office on (02) 9228 5239. Oil spill risk makes marine protection a federal election issue: enviro groups The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is part of an unprecedented alliance of 32 leading environment groups that this week called on more action from all political parties to provide safeguards against the risk of large scale oil spills off the coast of Australia.In the lead-up to the federal election and as one of the world’s worst environmental disasters, the BP oil spill, unfolds in the Gulf of Mexico, the groups are asking for stronger protection for Australia’s precious marine habitats and wildlife, including: 1. a moratorium on new oil and gas approvals in Australian waters until the safety issues associated with deepwater drilling have been addressed; and 2. the declaration of a national network of marine sanctuaries in Australian waters including Australia’s South West marine region, the Coral Sea and the Kimberley, to safeguard Australia’s unique and threatened marine life. Read more ... Member group news: concerns for future of national icon, the koala
 Our iconic koala is under increasing pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation, other human impacts and the stresses of climate change.The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts is currently assessing the level of protection the koala will be given under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. In the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and North Coast Environment Council joint submission on the issue, we have expressed our major concern that koalas may not receive the protection they need if they are granted ‘conservation dependent’ status rather than listing as a threatened species in the category of vulnerable under the Act. We urge the Scientific Committee assessing the koala to apply the precautionary principle in its considerations and to recommend to the Federal Environment Minister that the koala should be listed in the vulnerable category under the EPBC Act. Read more ... Private development must not endanger the natural value of national parks
 Despite the hard work and robust negotiations from environment groups, the National Park and Wildlife Amendment (Visitors and Tourists) Bill 2010 was passed earlierthis month. Our negotiations tightened several loopholes, improved sustainability criteria for projects and strengthened some environmental safeguards but, sadly, the State government refused to accept amendments that would retain conservation as the primary focus for the national parks leasing system. The final Bill will weaken national park protection and potentially allow a broad range of buildings and activities in national parks for exclusive commercial use, including new large-scale resorts and private facilities for tourists, sport and recreation. Groups are still assessing the final likely impact, and are prepared to see what developments will now be proposed to be built in national parks. The Nature Conservation Council of NSW will join local community groups in keeping a vigilant watch on future development proposals in our national parks to ensure inappropriate tourist developments and activities that damage landscapes and wildlife are kept out. Ben's Shark Swim Challenge adventure
 Our Marine Campaigner, Ben Birt, recently travelled to southern Africa for the Shark Swim Challenge, our amazing awareness and fund raising adventure forshark conservation. Follow his journey from Johannesburg and Mozambique to Swaziland and Zululand, through game parks and conservation reserves towards the ultimate challenge of a cage dive with Great White Sharks. Check out some great photos here . "A mad scramble ensued to peel on the wetsuits and slide into the cage for the up-close experience with great white sharks. Underwater, as shark after shark glided past the cage, mere centimetres away, the effect was mesmerising and an experience I'll certainly be looking to repeat some day." Read more ... Parramatta Eels sign up for community climate change solutions
 The launch of the Parramatta Climate Challenge at the Parramatta Farmers' Markets on Saturday 5th June was a big success.
More than 340 individuals and households, including members of the Parramatta Eels rugby league club team (pictured right), will take action to significantly reduce their greenhouse emissions as part of the Challenge. The Parramatta Climate Challenge is a free, community program featuring an interactive suite of local events, support materials, web portal and media that inspire actions to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change at a household through to community level. A very special thank you to our volunteers from Parramatta Climate Action Network (ParraCAN) and Winston Hills Sustainability Street who worked tirelessly answering questions from the community and gathering support. Registration for Parramatta residents is still open. Click here to register or call (02) 9516 1488. Read more ... Crowdy Bay bushfire workshop discusses fire frequency and biodiversity
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buyers, sellers and managers of environmental property anywhere and everywhere, including EcoRealEstate and the recognition of eco values and sustainable living www.eco.com.au or call 1300 796 326 Inside this edition of Nature News Online
New NCC CEO Pepe Clarke No new coal Greater action on oil spill risk off Australian coast We have moved
 The NCC has completed a smooth move to new offices in Newtown, sharing some great office space with the National Parks Association of NSW. Please update your records with our new details: Physical address: Level 2, 5 Wilson Street Newtown Postal address: PO Box 137 Newtown NSW 2042 Phone: (02) 9516 1488 We're close to Newtown Station, buzz up from street level to have the front door opened. Support Nature Conservation
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Local environment groups are encouraged to apply for funding to build and improve the environmental performance of community facilities in their area.
