Sutherland Shire Environment Centre in Sutherland, New South Wales, Australia | Community organisation

Sutherland Shire Environment Centre

Locality: Sutherland, New South Wales, Australia

Phone: +61 424 644 144

Address: PO Box 589 1499 Sutherland, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.ssec.org.au

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• Environmental conservation organisation

25.01.2022 Great work Port Hacking High School - installing 100kW solar!! And Sunny Shire for supporting with advice to the schools P&C. The NSW Department of Education has a program where they do the feasibility study, run the tender, manage the installation contract and provide 50% of the funding. This can see a 2-3 year payback for schools and ongoing savings of ~$20,000 per annum, money that can be spent on education rather than electricity bills.... These changes make a difference - and Port Hacking High School now joins other Shire schools like Menai and Caringbah High in having high capacity rooftop solar. For advice, see https://sunnyshire.org.au/sunny-schools/ And for general solar inquiries Sutherland Shire Solar Group

24.01.2022 Fines up to $44,000 apply for people who are caught ignoring the restrictions in Special Areas. Meanwhile this mining company allows mine waste water containing contaminants including arsenic to spill into a stream where people swim - the stream runs into the Bargo and Nepean Rivers. The penalty - $15,000. If you swim at Mermaids Pool in Tahmoor Gorge the EPA would like people to report any pollution they see.

24.01.2022 Bayside Council has made a written submission strongly opposing the request by Sydney Water to periodically discharge waste water into Mill Stream at Mascot which flows into Botany Bay. Bayside Council mayor Joe Awada described the move as unhealthy for the community and detrimental to the local environment... "This use of this waterway as sewage overflow cannot continue," Bayside Council mayor Joe Awada said. "It is unacceptable that residents are prevented from using a bea...ch because Sydney Water has not implemented measures to stop the sewage overflows. Mill Stream also plays an important role linking the significant waterways of Botany Bay and the Botany Wetlands. The regular discharge of sewage in such an environmentally sensitive is not appropriate in this day and age. It is unhealthy for our community and detrimental to the environment of this important area." Mill Stream flows directly into Botany Bay, a key recreational swimming area of the Sydney region bordered predominantly by the heritage listed Cook Park.

24.01.2022 "Sutherland Shire Council was directed through the South District Plan to provide an extra 5200 additional dwelling completions between July 2016 and June 2021. At the end of 2020, 4928 dwellings had been completed and 1355 were under construction. A further 5972 dwellings had been approved but not yet commenced... A new Local Housing Strategy, identifying new areas for high density development, is due to be released next year along with a new draft LEP. Capacity in all R4 High Density zones will be exhausted by 2031."

24.01.2022 Were delighted that one our education programs, Speaking 4 the Planet, has just been nominated for the EarthPrize International 2020 Speaking 4 the Planet is an arts-based approach to addressing sustainability issues. It offers young people the opportunity to express themselves creatively about an environmental topics. So wonderful to have this recognition for a group based in the Sutherland Shire. The EarthPrize identifies and recognises people, organizations and proje...cts that aim to protect and enhance landscapes and environmental resources. For more info about the program see http://speaking4theplanet.org.au/ And https://ssec.org.au/our-campaigns/environmental-education/

24.01.2022 Wonderful photos of these strangely named orchids National Parks Association Southern Sydney Branch, especially the bizarre flying duck!

24.01.2022 Local climate change denying Federal MP Craig Kelly in the news yet again - "A NSW Liberal MP, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity so they could discuss internal party deliberations, said it was unlikely the prime minister would again intervene to save Mr Kelly, who is said to lack the rank-and-file numbers to win preselection this time... Another Liberal familiar with the party’s internal discussions about Hughes said Mr Kelly’s outspoken ways and frequent post...ing of fringe medical theories - the MP often posts three or four times per day to his nearly 90,000 followers on the topic - had angered not just the moderate faction but also sections of the party’s centre right and hard right factions. No one knows why he is doing what he is doing."

23.01.2022 Beautiful White-bellied Sea-Eagle at Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal National Park. Photo credit - thank you Sharon Redman, and the South Eastern Sydney Birdwatchers group EagleCAM - eagles across Sydney

23.01.2022 Dear all, our Sutherland Shire Environment Centre AGM is tomorrow evening, Thursday 10 September, 7-9pm. Even if you are not a member you are welcome to attend. Our guest speaker this year is Su Morley, aka Steel City Sue, from Climate Action Newcastle. Were so pleased shes agreed to speak. Newcastle is a famous coal town exporting more coal than any other port in the world. Su has been involved in some brilliant community-led initiatives to support this transition away... from coal, including persuading traditional Newcastle bowling clubs to save money by switching to solar - fabulous video here, well worth watching: https://youtu.be/6-APZQHZpvo ______________________________ As part of our AGM general business we will also be announcing the winners of the 2020 RD Walshe Writing For the Environment Prize. There were two age categories under 18, and 18-25. The topic: I am Earth. Over 80 people submitted an amazing array of eloquent and heartfelt stories. Wed love to have members and visitors come to the meeting. If youre not currently a member of Sutherland Shire Environment Centre, we encourage you to join online. https://ssec.org.au/membership-join/ Membership is only $20 per year, $10 for concessions. Wed welcome your support. Your membership will allow us to increase our effectiveness, to advocate on behalf of the environment, and help us to work toward building a more sustainable future. ______________________________ Due to COVID-19 restrictions our AGM this year will be held via zoom. If you havent used zoom before, its quite straightforward, and very easy to set up. Please see this link for instructuctions https://ssec.org.au/how-to-use-and-install-zoom-for-the-20/ To join our AGM via zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6785081132 Meeting ID: 678 508 1132 Passcode: SSEC Please register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/steel-city-su-and-the-suthe

21.01.2022 The horror bushfires - 26 November 2019 - Lewis the koala died a year ago today... The WWF final estimate is 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds, and 51 million frogs. Matt Kean MP we should protect what we have left. No more land clearing bills to destroy koala habitat please. Submissions to support Zali Steggall's Climate Change 2020 Bill are also due tomorrow, 5pm, Friday 27 November. The Environment Centre will be putting in a submission. If ...you want to ask the government to take action just a few words would be enough. https://www.aph.gov.au//Environment_and_E/ClimateBills2020 Save Sydney's Koalas https://www.wwf.org.au//3-billion-animals-impacted-by-aust

20.01.2022 Lovely Sunday photo - spring flowering waratahs, in the Royal National Park. Photo courtesy of Adam Grant.

20.01.2022 The myth of gas as a clean, cheap fuel. This Saturday is the 'Protect Our Future, Not Gas' Day of Action, protesting the Santos coal seam gas fracking approval at Narrabri. Over 70 community groups are still battling the approval, including one of our Bill Ryan Activism Award nominees, Jo Evans, who is a member of the Country Women's Association (CWA) of NSW, and North West Protection Advocacy. Jo's NSWGasBan facebook page was censored by facebook during the week-long pub...lic NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) hearing into the Santos project. At the IPC hearing, Jo described bullying and intimidation on the part of Santos, and said What I have seen can be likened to an invasion... A slow, creeping, insidious takeover of land, air and water. The proponents attempt to justify the project are based on misrepresentation and a cherry picking approach to data and facts. The project was approved despite 22,484 submissions arguing against it. People's opinions and voices, including Indigenous people and farmers, dismissed. Now we have a water catchment for the Great Artesian Basin being risked, and one of our nation’s most productive food bowls being turned into an industrial gasfield. Now there will be 850 gas wells drilled in the Pilliga State Forest. Gas escalates the fire hazard - local RFS units have advised they will not send volunteers into the gas field to fight fires. --- * If you are concerned about what is happening at Narrabri there are a couple of things you can do - EnergyAustralia owns 20% of the Narrabri Gas Project. If they are your electricity provider please go to Switch for Narrabri, change your provider and let them know why - https://www.geni.energy/switch-for-narrabri Your super fund may also be investing in Santos - you can find out if they do here, and ask them not to https://www.marketforces.org.au/santosagm2020/ --- For Jo’s presentation to the IPC see - https://nwprotectionadvocacy.com/johanna-evans-presents-th/ More information about North West Protection Advocacy - https://nwprotectionadvocacy.com/ The NSWGasBan censoring by facebook - https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au//silenced-during/ The largest number of submissions the NSW Department of Planning has ever received opposing a development application - https://www.lockthegate.org.au/farmers_and_traditional_owne

20.01.2022 We have been advised that mining under Woronora Reservoir is to halt for 8 weeks from 4 January 2021. See the S&P Global article for a further discussion of Peabody potentially facing bankruptcy if the company defaults on its upcoming loans - as now appears likely... https://www.spglobal.com//coal-producer-peabody-faces-big-... The Leader

20.01.2022 There were 16,092 public submissions on the NSW governments "Future of Plastics in New South Wales" discussion paper. These submissions are now being used to develop the final NSW Plastics Plan. Were hoping the government takes action to address this problem soon. https://yoursay.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics-plan

19.01.2022 The Engadine Uniting Church has an event coming up this Sunday 30 August from 2pm - it looks like such a positive and proactive intervention, engaging the church for climate action in practical and creative ways. Its a free event, streamed live on Facebook, and will focus on young people sharing their gifts and skills - practical tools for living sustainably and the know-how to ensure climate resilient future. Therell be talks on Beekeeping Beeswax wraps, Superannuation, Community Organising, Environmental Art, Poetry, Gardening, and Compost.

18.01.2022 Important koala habitat will be protected for future generations with the creation of Guula Ngurra National Park... Environment minister Matt Kean said the new national park "sits alongside 15 kilometres of river frontage along the spectacular Wingecarribee River gorge and the Wollondilly River". "This new national park is home to a staggering 139 species, more than 20 of which are threatened, including the koala, glossy black cockatoo, flame robin and squirrel glider," Mr Kean said. "I also want to thank the local community and the Aboriginal traditional elders for working with us to create this new national park, which is home to several important cultural heritage sites."

18.01.2022 Dr Kerryn Phelps taking action to protect our water when our local MPs will not. A huge thank you... !! She has lobbied local councils across the State to oppose the coal mining that is taking place under the Sydney water catchment - all of them have now voted to condemn this. The vote ensures that the Local Government Association of NSW as a whole condemns the approval of all long wall coal mining that has the potential to contaminate drinking water supply of any communit...y in NSW. Now the Local Government Association of NSW has voted that it - (i) opposes the approval of long-wall coal mines under Sydney's drinking catchments; (ii) lobbies the NSW Government against the issue of long-wall mining approvals under Woronora reservoir, and other mines which have the potential to risk contaminating Sydney's drinking water supply; and (iii) opposes the approval of any mines which have the potential to contaminate drinking water supply of any community in NSW. The Leader

18.01.2022 The myth of gas as a clean, cheap fuel. While state governments have been enjoying praise for their leadership and their support of a clean energy transformation, recent announcements have masked a flurry of fossil fuel project approvals, that could undermine the environmental benefits of ambitious clean energy policies... The Australian Energy Market Operator has estimated that the cost to produce gas from the Narrabri project would likely fall within a range of $7.28 to $9....36 per gigajoule, and is more than double the $4 per gigajoule target recommended by the Morrison government’s National COVID-19 Commission. The development of new coal and gas projects, at the same time as plans for a substantial amount of new investments in clean energy projects are announced, raises questions about the risks being taken through the new fossil fuel investments, and the possibility of stranded assets. When asked about the Narrabri project, former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull told the AFR energy summit that he questioned whether the additional gas supplies would actually lead to lower energy costs for Australian consumers. If the cost of getting that gas out of the ground is $7 a gigajoule, you’d have to really ask yourself, Is it going to be competitive? Turnbull said. How much demand is there going to be for gas as you see more batteries? As you see pumped hydro deployed? Turnbull suggested that some of the projects may never go ahead. The simple proposition is that an energy company will not undertake a project, the cost of extraction of which is higher than the price of which they can sell the product. I mean, unless they want to go broke, Turnbull added. See also https://www.theage.com.au//narrabri-gas-project-goes-again

17.01.2022 The youngsters may not even know it, but any older person remembers very well that up to about 20 years ago any car trip meant a windshield covered in insects crushed by impact. Today, that doesnt happen the same way anymore. It may look great to travel with a clean windshield. But doesnt that tell you anything? Where did the bugs go anyway?

17.01.2022 Heathcote MP Lee Evans came out of the last election with a 4.9 per cent margin, but this will be virtually eliminated by the electorate boundaries moving south to take in more of the Illawarra.

16.01.2022 "Ecologists and conservation experts in government, industry and universities are routinely constrained in communicating scientific evidence on threatened species, mining, logging and other threats to the environment, our new research has found... In some cases, scientists self-censor information for fear of damaging their careers, losing funding or being misrepresented in the media. In others, senior managers or ministers officers prevented researchers from speaking truthfully on scientific matters. This information blackout, termed science suppression, can hide environmentally damaging practices and policies from public scrutiny. The practice is detrimental to both nature and democracy." See https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com//full/10/conl.12757

16.01.2022 Sutherland Shire residents living in R2 low density residential zones have gained relief from the State governments Low Rise Housing Diversity Code, which started on July 1. The new code will still be instituted in the Shire, and will apply to all residents living in R3 Medium Density zones. The code allows dual occupancies, manor houses and terraces to be built in zones where medium density housing is allowed, and to be approved within 20 days and without neighbour notif...ication. Planning Minister Rob Stokes agreed to exclude the R2 low density residential zone in the shire from the new system following a meeting with Sutherland Shire mayor, Carmelo Pesce. Late last year, Sutherland Shire Council wrote to the government, saying the code would lead to "excessive" development, allowing much greater density than is permitted by the 2015 local environmental plan (LEP). For a map of housing zones in the Shire see https://maps.ssc.nsw.gov.au/LEP/

15.01.2022 Congratulations to Sarah-Jo Lobwein from SO SHIRE who has been nominated for the Westfield Local Hero Award 2020, and is now a finalist! Sarah-Jo is a Board member of the Sutherland Shire Environment Centre and a founder of Sustainable Organisations of the Sutherland Shire and Plastic Free Sutherland Shire. As a volunteer she has put in a huge amount of time around the Shire to educate people about plastic pollution, and to advise about sustainable alternatives. Were so pro...ud of everything she does for our environment and community. If shes successful the grant money will be used to support programs to deal with plastic pollution. Please click on this link and scroll down to find Sarah-Jo and cast your vote. Plastic pollution is such a huge problem - it would be wonderful if the community can support someone who is doing everything she can to address this. So positive to have this recognition.

15.01.2022 Nipping cotton tip pollution in the bud is a wonderful aim. This is an citizen scientist project that makes a positive difference. If anyone would like to get involved SO SHIRE are looking for help collecting data on cotton tip bud pollution across a range of sites in our southern Sydney region: beaches across the Shire, in the Royal National Park, and Illawarra. Rivers, parks, streets, catchments The aim is to track how frequently cotton tip buds are washing up, and whe...re. The data will be logged in the Australian Marine Debris database in order to formulate a source reduction plan. Tangaroa Blue http://amdi.tangaroablue.org/ https://www.ssec.org.au/our-campaigns/so-shire/

15.01.2022 Sutherland Shire Council is seeking community feedback about what residents value and what is important in our Town Centres. The survey closes 20 September....

14.01.2022 Great work Woolworths - a good business decision that's also good for our planet - thank you! "Australia’s largest retailer, the Woolworths Group, will power all its operations including almost 3300 stores with renewable energy by 2025. The company, which says it uses 1% of Australia’s electricity, will get energy from sources such as wind and solar through power purchase agreements and will expand its use of rooftop solar panels, which are currently installed on 150 ...stores and provide about 13% of those sites' energy needs. It is the latest in a series of Australian-based companies including ALDI, Bunnings, Officeworks and Telstra to set a strong renewable electricity target, and the move will put pressure on rival retailer Coles to follow suit. Woolworths is Australia’s sixth-largest energy user..." See also - https://7news.com.au//woolworths-commits-to-green-energy-b "Businesses like Woolies know that wind and solar just make sense. They stand to make huge savings on electricity bills..." Woolworths has 1000 supermarkets and metro stores, and 3000 stores including Big W and Dan Murphy's, employing more than 215,000 people." Coles over to you... now we're waiting...

14.01.2022 WaterNSW has warned of 'extreme' risks and consequences if South32's Dendrobium mine proceeds, that it will potentially trigger rock fractures and water loss from nine major watercourses and about 100 smaller tributaries. The Dendrobium mine runs dangerously close to the Avon and Cordeaux dam walls. Despite this, and despite acknowledging the likely impacts, the Department of Planning have now given this project the tick of approval. Our water catchments should not be risk...ed and abused in this way. The swamps and watercourses drying out are also likely to contribute to an increased fire risk across the escarpment. We ask people to consider submitting objections if you can. POWA - Protect our Water Alliance have a submission guide and more information on their website - https://www.protectourwateralliance.org/dendrobium-ipc-subm The deadline for written submissions is Tuesday 15 December 2020 See also https://www.smh.com.au//waternsw-warns-of-extreme-risks-fr https://www.smh.com.au//where-s-the-squelch-coal-mine-dryi

14.01.2022 For people interested in finding out more about the Sutherland Shire Environment Centre Speaking 4 the Planet program, this video from an event at St George Girls High School is a great introduction

14.01.2022 The Eastern Tributary of the Waratah Rivulet - our drinking water -running into Woronora Reservoir. Sydney is the only city in the world that allows longwall mining in a publicly owned water catchment. And now the company has had the gall to apply for another mine exploration license under the left arm of the Reservoir around the upper Woronora River. The current damage can even be seen from google maps. Check it out here in satellite view and follow along the water courses:... https://goo.gl/maps/2HgQ4bZj5bpnREpg7 Last month Peabody shares dropped by -17.46% The full year performance of the company was -86.02% How much damage will this company mining under Woronora Reservoir continue to do on the way out? Is the government really going to give them another handout and permission to mine under our water supply? This company has paid zero tax over the last five years.

13.01.2022 Coal power plants in New South Wales are running less than 60% of the time due to an influx of renewable energy, increasing the likelihood some could become economically unviable and close earlier than planned. An analysis by Hugh Saddler, an energy consultant and ANU honorary associate professor, also found coal generation in Queensland had dropped to less than 70% of capacity as more cheap solar and wind came online. Saddler said the resulting fall in revenue for coal plan...t owners, and the wear and tear involved in ramping up and down decades-old generators designed to be run constantly, increased the likelihood of breakdowns and early closures in the years ahead... The Australian Energy Market Operator this year found solar and wind were the cheapest forms of new electricity generation, and that the national grid had the technical capacity to run on at least 75% renewable energy and could at peak times reach this level by 2025. See more

13.01.2022 According to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, "Flying foxes are listed as a threatened species and is protected by law because numbers have rapidly declined over a relatively short period of time." Council has written to the DPIE previously attempting to challenge this classification. Now Sutherland Shire Council has been awarded $10,000 to prepare a flying-fox management plan that will cover the entire shire, including new and seasonal camps. Exist...ing management plans for the Kareela and Camellia Gardens camps will be combined into one as a result of the grant announced by NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean... Mr Kean said the program assisted councils to prepare flying-fox camp management plans and implement approved actions. Miranda MP Eleni Petinos said the funding would "enable communication with our community to improve understanding of flying-foxes and develop effective management strategies to minimise impacts on communities while conserving flying-foxes and their habitat". Sutherland mayor Carmelo Pesce said council would be able "to take a more proactive approach in managing flying fox populations while ensuring that we strike a better balance between preserving our beautiful local environment and not causing further harm to this already threatened native species." What does Carmelo Pesce mean by "proactive" approach to management, and "better balance"? https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au//flying-f/why-protected

13.01.2022 For all Sutherland Shire residents with an interest in improvements to community facilities, Sutherland Shire Council is developing a draft Community Development Strategy and is seeking feedback. The strategy is supposed to establish Councils priorities and focus for the next 10 years and beyond. The aim is to achieve a caring, supportive and connected community, liveability and cultural vibrancy.... to provide for the social wellbeing of the community, by ensuring ther...e are services, programs and facilities that support and enable all. If you would like to give council feedback, you have till 28 September to do so - https://jointheconversation.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/cds- There are also zoom information sessions. For details please see the links below.

12.01.2022 Watch out, blue bottles about..

12.01.2022 The interim findings of the EPBC Act is that Australias "current environmental trajectory is unsustainable". Current laws are "not fit to address current or future environmental challenges". Now the Federal government is poised to implement laws prior to the final recommendations of the EPBC Review report being delivered - laws which are likely to undermine any of the reports recommendations to address Australias appalling rate of wildlife extinction. "The controversial "...one-stop shop" environment approval system the Abbott government tried and failed to create is being resurrected under a Morrison government bill introduced to Parliament on Thursday. The Streamlining Environmental Approvals Bill brought by Environment Minister Sussan Ley would create a "one-touch regime" for assessments of major projects, which would hand state governments responsibility for approval and management of major project development impacts on threatened species, habitat and biodiversity as well as World Heritage areas.... Labor, the Greens and several crossbench MPs and Senators have voiced objection to the bill, but the government is expected to have the numbers for it to pass... Australian Conservation Foundation chief executive Kelly OShanassy said the change would "fast-track extinctions" by removing federal responsibilities to protect ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef and threatened wildlife like the koala."

11.01.2022 Bats - flying foxes a keystone species critical for pollination vs inconvenienced citizens and politicians. In Cairns bat terrorising thugs on city council fire lasers and scream at populations of endangered bats to move them on. Sutherland Shire Council - Cairns is now known as the bat hating capital of Australia - with "small minded cruel politicians who hate decent, fun loving, inconvenient bats." Is this the reputation we want for Sutherland Shire? "Dispersal plans" - such a clean sounding phrase - what it represents is an attack that threatens an already endangered species.

11.01.2022 Fascinating, and dramatic policy shift - "When John Kerry, the United States’ new special presidential envoy for climate, stepped up to speak to the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday he had Australia on his mind. The former secretary of state had been struck by an article in the New York Times by the author Michael Benson that described satellite images of the flame vortexes that spiralled into the atmosphere as the continent’s wildlife burned a year ago, sending... a plume across New Zealand and into the Pacific. It was, Kerry said, evidence of the urgency of climate change literally all around us... With shocking iconographic precision, that unfurling banner of smoke said: ‘The war has started, we’re losing’. The expectation that Joe Biden would move quickly to reverse US recalcitrance on the climate crisis under Donald Trump has built since his election, but even those expecting an ambitious re-positioning have been stunned by the pace and breadth of the changes made. The new president made a detailed and multi-part executive order on Wednesday, a week after signing papers to re-join the Paris agreement on his first day in office. Observers who spoke with Guardian Australia about the plan emphasised the comprehensiveness of the Biden administration’s vision. The order embeds dealing with the climate emergency across all government operations, with a particular focus on its importance in foreign policy and national security. It underscores the scale of the international pressure the Morrison government is likely to face this year if it maintains its resistance to making the science-based commitments expected under the 2015 climate pact. Where the Morrison government prefers not to use the term climate change, having banished it from the ministry and its main emissions reduction policy, Biden declared it an existential threat to the planet and his order says there is only a narrow moment to pursue action at home and abroad to avoid the most catastrophic impacts and to seize opportunities to create jobs. His instructions include pausing and reviewing oil and gas drilling on federal land, doubling energy from offshore windfarms by 2030, moving federal government agencies from fossil fuel to clean cars, setting a goal of conserving at least 30% of lands and oceans by 2030, and ordering a national intelligence estimate on the economic and security implications of climate change..." Meanwhile, in Australia, see 'Coalition quietly adds fossil fuel industry leaders to emissions reduction panel' https://www.theguardian.com//coalition-quietly-adds-fossil

10.01.2022 The equivalent of the national capitals population has supported a petition calling for stronger environmental protection laws. The petition is the most supported in the Australian Conservation Foundations history, with close to 410,000 people signing it. ACFs chief Kelly OShanassy has sent it to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Environment Minister Sussan Ley, who are in the midst of tweaking the national protection laws. The changes are in response to an interim review of the laws, but rather than strengthening environmental standards the first move is to cut red tape.

10.01.2022 The myth of gas as a clean fuel. Please support this day of action - new research has shown the emissions from gas are widely unreported. Emissions from the Santos project at Narrabri are now expected to wipe out any gains from new NSW renewables investment plan that has just been passed... https://reneweconomy.com.au/graph-of-the-day-narrabri-gas-/

10.01.2022 The NSW Bushfire Inquiry report is a sobering read and the 76 recommendations cover a wide range of issues. It debunks a lot of myths, deals with some difficult issues such as hazard reduction, and recommends operational changes such as more finessed use of a different range of firefighting aircraft. Former deputy police commissioner Dave Owens and former NSW chief scientist Mary OKane have done a commendable job and should be congratulated. The report explains in detail how... climate change has forced us into a new, far more dangerous era of bushfire risk. Scientists have been warning about this for decades, and former fire and emergency chiefs tried to warn the federal government back in early 2019 that we were facing a bushfire catastrophe, fuelled by climate change... The one thing that is not covered, and was not in the inquiry terms of reference, is what we must now do about the fundamental problem: climate change. Last week the National Farmers Federation, not particularly radical folk, called upon the federal government to speed up emissions reduction efforts and to adopt a net zero emissions target, just as all states and territories have done... If we take anything from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry report, it is this: action on emissions is urgent if we are to tackle the increasing long-term bushfire risk, and it is unacceptable for those in Canberra to continue ignoring the growing threat.

10.01.2022 We say ditto Georgiana, aged 10 Thank you so much Hon Catherine Cusack MLC, for your integrity and care.

08.01.2022 "The Berejiklian government will spend $84 million to protect wildlife on the Cumberland Plain, including installing 120 kilometres of fencing and planting 100,000 trees...The plan also includes the creation of a new koala reserve to protect the marsupial population in the Georges River region. South-west Sydney is home to some of the healthiest koala colonies in NSW. The Georges River Koala Reserve will "enhance the connectivity of fragmented patches of important habitat, in...cluding protecting the important north-south corridor so this iconic species can move about safely", according to Environment Minister Matt Kean." Concerns have been raised about continuing urban development in this area, with the population of Western Sydney expected increase to 1.5 million by 2056. The timing for the delivery of the proposed park is being questioned, and whether the size of the park itself is sufficient. Georges River Environmental Alliance National Parks Association Southern Sydney Branch Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society

08.01.2022 For the diary: on 25 November the National Parks Association Southern Sydney Branch will be hosting a talk on bush orchids. So many beautiful varieties have been flowering in the Royal and surrounding parks this year. Join the zoom meeting from 7pm to hear Greg Steenbeeke, an ecologist with expertise in NSW vegetation and threatened species, discuss orchids and their role in our ecosystem... https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81398467370... Photo thanks to Brian Everingham

07.01.2022 Great work and wonderful recognition Heathcote resident and long-time environmental advocate Phil Smith has been nominated for an international award for an education program he runs in schools and universities. The Speaking 4 the Planet program, which Mr Smith founded seven years ago, provides opportunities for young people to speak about their environmental concerns and about their future. Mr Smith has been nominated for the Earth Prize International 2020, which is g...iven by the Permanent Secretariat of the World Environmental Education Congress Network. Mr Smith said the award recognised people who contributed ideas, actions or innovations which changed behaviours through lifestyle choices. "The nomination would not have been possible without the support of many students, schools, teachers, councils and, in particular, the Sutherland Shire Environment Centre," he said.

07.01.2022 ... Australians want change....

07.01.2022 Tesla vs a Holden HSV GTSR W1 ...and a drag race! Which will be fastest?!

07.01.2022 Sutherland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on the redesign of Cronulla Town Centre mall. Please add your response at https://jointheconversation.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/ctc- The link also shows the main areas of the proposed design Cronulla Square, the Plaza and Kingsway. For an overview see also https://www.theleader.com.au//have-your-say-on-cronulla-m/... The public consultation closes 28 September. If youd like more details, there are also public information sessions via zoom in September: Wednesday 16 September, 5.30pm-6.30pm, or Tuesday 22 September 5.30pm-6.30pm. You will need to register for these.

07.01.2022 New modelling has detailed how Australians are being left with an annual health bill of more than $2.4 billion due to the impacts of coal pollution, with leading environmental law experts claiming that a lack of pollution controls effectively amounting to a licence to harm. The new analysis has been published by environment law firm Environmental Justice Australia and has assessed the impacts of coal pollution on health across three factors, which including premature death...s, low birth weight live births and additional days of asthma symptoms. The modelling, completed by a team from the Actuaries Institute of Australia assessed each of these factors against two metrics; the direct economic costs and the costs caused by the burden of disease... Across these factors, the modelling estimated the costs of coal pollution in Australia on human health at more than $2.4 billion each year, which is in addition to the costs that will be caused by coal emissions through the impacts of global warming.

07.01.2022 Lovely Sunday morning bird photo - a young powerful owl at Oatley. Such a little beauty. She fledged the nest in August... https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Ninox-strenua Photos thanks to David Mercer and OASIS Oatley

06.01.2022 Lovely Sunday bird photo - OASIS Oatley juvenile Green figbird with adult male below. https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/spe/Sphecotheres-vieilloti

06.01.2022 NSW will pursue large-scale hydrogen production as part of its attempt to tackle the COVID-19 economic crisis, with Newcastle and Port Kembla identified as critical hubs for tens of thousands of new export jobs. NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean will use a major speech on Monday to release a report from the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer which highlights the economic opportunities of hydrogen. The report says Australia, and in particular NSW, has the potential to be one of... the most cost-competitive locations in the world to produce hydrogen. Hydrogen is a gas or liquid that can be used to store energy produced from other sources, including renewable energy. That means it can be used as a source of portable emissions-free power.

05.01.2022 The Shire Return and Earn now with an automated depot, and bin collection service for recycling cans, some glass and plastic bottles. The depot is in Caringbah, at 52 Cawarra Road, near the intersection of Captain Cook Drive. Open 8am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.. For a bin collection service its $50 deposit, see -https://theshirereturnandearn.vwork.io/signup

05.01.2022 An exhibition of images of the Royal National Park by French photographer Flore Vallery-Radot is showing at the Hazelhurst Gallery until this coming Tuesday, August 25. The biodiversity and beauty of the park is shown, but also "the other side", the lack of care we give it. The images are all photographed or filmed using natural light, without any artificial backdrop.

04.01.2022 Last month Peabody shares dropped by -17.46% The full year performance of the company was -86.02% How much damage will this company mining under Woronora Reservoir continue to do on the way out? Australia can take a different path. This is an image from an article in RenewEconomy which outlines the process behind a world-first fossil-free steel manufacturing plant completed in Sweden which has the chance to revolutionise the steel industry. It doesnt use coal.... The government needs to protect our drinking water catchments. Change cannot happen soon enough. https://reneweconomy.com.au/world-first-fossil-free-steel-/

04.01.2022 A tiled mosaic water feature, which portrays The Whale Story of the Gweagle People, is set to be removed from Peace Park as part of the $34 million Sutherland Entertainment Centre upgrade. The move has "saddened" artist Peter Day who created the work 13 years ago from the oral story shared with him by local Indigenous elders. "While I understand the built environment changes over time and the new Entertainment Centre will bring opportunities for residents and visitors, I was... saddened to learn the work will be destroyed, when I believe that relocation options could be explored," he said. The council says a final decision hasnt been made on the future of the water feature, comprising five panels in shallow pools, but Mr Day said he had been told it would be dismantled and destroyed. "They said if I wanted anything, they were happy to give it to me," he said. "Where am I going to put it?

03.01.2022 Cathy Wilcox says it all...

03.01.2022 Great work Sutherland Shire Council helping to educate people about critically endangered shorebirds. More enforcement would not go astray either. Many people still do not understand why taking dogs in areas they are not permitted to go is a problem. Critically endangered means one step off extinction. They need YOUR help. We can all come together as a community to protect critically endangered species like the Eastern curlew. Keep dogs ON LEAD in leashed areas and do ...NOT take dogs in the vicinity of roosting areas as they will scare parents from nests If you see these shorebirds ahead, walk around them allow 100m of space where possible. Educate others, including children, about not disturbing wildlife. Look out for signage and temporary fences installed to protect nest sites See more

03.01.2022 Zoom talk this Monday evening 23 November, ay 7.30pm. All welcome. Hosted by Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society - Dr Ian Wright on coal mining in our drinking water catchments... UPDATE - THE ZOOM LINK TO ACCESS THE MEETING IS - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3742141020

03.01.2022 The Killing-the-Environment Minister (per PrimeChinister telling it how it is...)

03.01.2022 So good to see a local supermarket with plastic free packaging - Supabarn Gymea on track to doing the right thing Not quite sure about the stickers on the apples themselves... Plastic Free Sutherland Shire ... Batlow Apples See more

02.01.2022 Federal parliament, yesterday - weakening our environment laws and shutting down debate - "The Federal Government has been compared to the North Korean autocracy by furious crossbench MPs, who were denied a chance to speak on environment laws in Parliament this afternoon. After Labor repeatedly attempted to suspend standing orders and extend debate in the lower house, the Government moved to gag further debate and force a vote to approve the bill... the move infuriated Hous...e crossbenchers, who said they were denied the chance to speak on the contentious laws. "The Morrison Government is actually shutting down democracy," Warringah MP Zali Steggall said outside Parliament. "It is important that members of Parliament have the opportunity to represent their communities and the views that they are asked to bring to this Parliament." "I never expected democracy to be this bad, but it is quite an eye-opener."" See also the statement by Zali Steggall - "The amendments that I was proposing were to stop water resources being mismanaged and contaminated by coal mining and coal seam gas developers. They were also implementing the recommended National Environmental Standards which would be strong safeguards for the environment. More shocking was the conduct of Coalition members in the Chamber. I would be surprised if this is how people expect to be represented, especially the people of Mackellar, North Sydney and Wentworth where I know they care about the environment. Their members were there, laughing. This legislation will accelerate environmental decline and Coalition MPs dont care." https://www.zalisteggall.com.au/damaging_environment_laws_r

01.01.2022 The NSW Rural Fire Service has advised there is a total fire ban in place for the Greater Sydney Region tomorrow, Sunday 29 November. All campgrounds, tracks and trails, including walking tracks, fire trails and mountain bike trails in the Royal National Park will be closed. For information regarding the park closure see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au//royal-n/local-alerts

01.01.2022 More coal mine pollution in our region damaging waterways...