What's new in 2008
November
Round 3 of the Central Coast Water Savings Fund allocated $713, 610 to 12 projects, saving almost 40 million litres of potable water a year.
Sydney Harbour National Park has a range of great vantage points for viewing the New Year's Eve fireworks. This page explains the arrangements for 31 December 2008.
Towards an Aboriginal land management framework: The NSW Government is currently working with Aboriginal communities to reach a common understanding about how to strengthen their connections to Country. Find out how to have your say. Input from the community will be received until Tuesday 31 March 2009.
A revised set of brochures about how to deal with neighbourhood noise issues. These five new brochures update material from the previous brochures and cover neighbourhood noise, barking dogs, intruder alarms and vehicle noise issues. There is also a brochure that guides the use of Noise Abatement Orders.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) invite public submissions on A new Biodiversity Strategy for New South Wales - Discussion Paper. The closing date for submissions is 13 February 2009.
October
Native Plant Species at Risk from Bitou Bush Invasion - a field guide for NSW: a guide to the native plant species, threatened plant populations and ecological communities at risk from bitou bush and boneseed invasion in NSW as a companion document to the threat abatement plan.
Pesticide Control (1080 Liquid Concentrate and Bait Products) Order 2008 specifies how 1080 is to be used in NSW to control wild dogs, foxes, feral pigs and rabbits. You now only need to refer to a single 1080 pesticide control order when using 1080 on your property.
Industrial estates - Strategic Environmental Compliance and Performance Review Report on two industrial estates undertaken by the DECC in partnership with Tamworth Regional Council and Wollongong City Council
Comments are currently being sought on the Draft Sydney Region Pest Management Strategy 2008-2011. The strategy identifies the negative impacts of pest animals and weeds to biodiversity, cultural heritage, amenity and other park values and provides NPWS with a strategic approach to pest management. The draft Strategy will be on exhibition from 13 October until 21 November.
Climate change: Regional community consultation forums - resource kit complements the presentations made at the regional climate forums held throughout NSW in 2008. It explains what has changed since the 2005 Greenhouse Plan and why the NSW Government is developing a new Climate Change Action Plan.
September
Soil and Land Resources of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment: interactive DVD: The DVD includes a spatial viewer and 21 interactive maps showing the distribution of the 282 soil landscapes described within this important 2.18 million hectare catchment, plus their specific capabilities, hazards and limitations. It’s easy to find your area of interest using the background SPOT5 satellite image.
The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme: Green Paper - NSW Government Submission
Acid Sulfate Soils Remediation Guidelines for Coastal Floodplains in NSW build on the information and processes presented in Acid Sulfate Soils Manual.The guidelines have been developed to provide a framework for designing the most effective acid sulfate soil remediation projects for low elevation floodplain sites such as broadacre agricultural land - particularly (former) freshwater backswamps and saline wetlands.
DECC has undertaken a review of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 1998 to identify changes required to improve its operation. DECC invites submissions on the draft regulation before 17 October 2008.
August
The National Parks Establishment Plan identifies priorities for building DECC’s terrestrial park and reserve system in each biogeographic region of NSW over the next 10 years.
The NSW Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels Strategy is now available for download
Activities will be running at several NPWS lighthouses over International Lighthouse Weekend on 16 - 17 August 2008.
International Lighthouse Weekend promotes public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and the need for preservation and restoration of lighthouses.
The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) is seeking community comment on a revised Construction Noise Guideline. It is intended that this will replace the Noise Control Guideline: Construction Site Noise published by the State Pollution Control Commission in 1985. The objective of the proposed guideline is to provide clear and consistent guidance on how to assess. Comments must be received by 19 September 2008.
The Washing machine rebate provides $150 for buying a 4.5 star or higher WELS rated washing machine from 1 August 2008
Rebates are also available for rainwater tanks, hot water systems and insulation.
July
The Proponents Guidelines for the Review of Environmental Factors provide guidance on how to undertake an environmental impact assessment for activities on land reserved under the NPW Act.
The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change and the NSW Department of Water and Energy invite stakeholders and members of the public to make comments in writing on the design of the Discussion Paper on the NSW Energy Efficiency Trading Scheme. Closing date for comments is Wednesday 6 August 2008.
June
On Your Bike: Increasing Cycling for Short Trips: 21, 24 & 30 July 2008. RSVP by 11 July 2008. A one-day active transport conference.
Interested parties are invited to attend a Stakeholder Consultation Forum for the NSW Energy Efficiency Trading Scheme, being conducted by the NSW Government - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Friday, 4 July 2008
Draft contaminated land management regulation open for consultation until 22 July 2008. Download the draft regulation and impact statement.
The Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, The Hon Verity Firth MP and the Minister for Tourism, The Hon Matt Brown MP, have established a Ministerial Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks in NSW. Under its Terms of Reference, the Taskforce will advise the Ministers for the Environment and Tourism on practical methods to increase visitation in line with NSW State Plan objectives. Submissions are invited from interested individuals and organisations on tourism and national parks by Monday 29 August 2008.
The purpose of the 5-year review of NSW forest agreements & integrated forestry operations approvals is to assessprogress of milestones in each forest agreement and whether the IFOAs are effective in achieving their purpose.
The Environmental Risk Assessment and Mitigation Package (E-RAMP for small waste facilities) is designed to help rural and regional councils assess and manage the potential risks associated with small waste facilities and identify measures to improve the way they operate.
Premier Morris Iemma and the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Verity Firth, today announced Energy Future: 6 step action plan - a $150.5 million energy efficiency package to help families and businesses save money and help the environment. The package will reduce the growth in energy use and the State’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The WRAPP Progress Report 2008 is based on data submitted by 106 agencies and assesses agency progress in reducing waste, recycling and purchasing recycled content products.
New air quality reporting: maps and tables updated hourly; alerts; forecasts; search air quality data.
Proposed changes to vehicle access permits for commercial fishing and aquaculture permit holders: open for comment until 14 July 2008.
May
Recovery plan for the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata)
Guidelines for Developments Adjoining Department of Environment and Climate Change Land have been prepared for use by Councils and other consent authorities when assessing development applications that may impact on areas managed by the DECC.
Improving the environmental management of NSW golf courses: while the focus of the manual is on environmental compliance, thereby reducing risks and avoiding penalties, the manual will also help golf courses operate more efficiently and so save resources.
Strategic Environmental Compliance and Performance Review Report – Preventing Contaminated Sites. A review focusing on preventing future contaminated sites.
DECC is seeking to replace the existing Regulation with the proposed Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Regulation 2008. The only changes proposed in the new Regulation are to adjust the fees. Written comments and submissions on the proposed Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Regulation 2008 will be accepted up to Friday 20 June 2008.
Round 3 of the Central Coast Water Savings Fund is open for applications until Wednesday 11 June 2008. Applications are invited for projects that will save or recycle water in Gosford City Council or Wyong Shire Council local government areas.
April
Changes to NSW waste legislation under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 commenced on 28 April 2008. The changes streamline waste licensing and regulation and better promote resource recovery.
Statement of Intent for infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi outlines DECC's approach to implementing a broad program of actions over the next 5 years to manage the threat and minimise the impact of root-rot disease on the biodiversity of NSW.
A new regulation for underground petroleum storage systems commences on 1 June 2008 and requires owners and operators to regularly check for leaks in the fuel tanks and pipes used to store and handle petroleum products. They also now need to meet minimum standards in their day-to-day environmental management of these storage systems.
March
Marine park zoning plans are a key tool for managing NSW marine parks. The Marine Parks Authority commenced a review of the Jervis Bay and Solitary Islands Marine Parks zoning plans on 31 March 2008. The current zoning plans came into effect in 2002. Public submissions on the current zoning plans are now invited and will be received until 2 June 2008.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will celebrate NSW Seniors Week by offering free national park entry to NSW Seniors Cardholders on Wednesday, 9 April 2008.
Crackdown on Illegal Dumping - Handbook for Local Government provides an insight into what motivates illegal dumpers and focuses on ways of minimising the opportunities that give rise to illegal dumping in NSW.
Minister announces zoning review for Jervis Bay and Solitary Islands marine parks
Environmental Water and RiverBank News No. 1: the first issue of a newsletter to advise on progress with environmental water recovery programs.
The Living Murray is a joint initiative of the NSW, Victorian, South Australian, ACT and Australian governments, agreed to in 2004. The 'first step' is to recover 500 gigalitres (GL) of water by 2009 to improve the ecological condition of six Living Murray icon sites.
February
The 2008 Sustainability Green Globe Award winners were announced on Thursday 28 February 2008. The awards recognise and honour achievement in environmental sustainability. They are open to businesses, individuals, government and non-government organisations.
The new noise control regulation commences on 1 March 2008 and controls noise from motor vehicles and marine vessels and sets community standards on noise from appliances such as intruder alarms, music amplifiers, air conditioners and powered garden tools.
January
Radiation Advisory Council Annual Report 2006-07
Alps to Atherton Initiative: a globally significant and internationally recognised program that will help people, plants and animals adapt to future environmental threats by maintaining, improving and reconnecting 'islands' of natural vegetation along the great eastern ranges. These ranges are 2800 km long and extend from the Australian Alps north of Melbourne, Victoria to the Atherton Tablelands to the west and north of Cairns in far north Queensland.
Reducing Contamination of Dry Recyclables and Garden Organics at the Kerbside, looks at the implementation and strategies of NSW councils as well as several local councils and contractors around Australia, to reduce contamination of recyclables and organics in domestic resource recovery for kerbside recycling systems.
World Wetlands Day photography awards - entries close 21 January 2008
Interim community consultation requirements for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit
Who Cares about Water and Climate Change in 2007? A follow-up to the 'Who Cares About the Environment in 2006?' survey to assess whether public attitudes and priorities shifted in the 12 months following the 2006 survey as a result of the substantial public and media attention given to drought, water resources and climate change from the second half of 2006.
Extended Producer Responsibility Statement 2007 replaces the EPR Priority Statement 2005-06, retains the "wastes of concern" nominated in the previous statement, and gives notice of the wastes that DECC may recommend for regulatory action during 2008.
Flying-fox camp management policy: Three species of flying-fox roost in camps in NSW: the grey-headed, black and little red flying-fox. These flying-foxes help to preserve native forests by pollinating plants and dispersing seed. As a result, they have a crucial role to play in conserving native plants and animals.