Author Archives: admin
CW request to Council to adopt OEH Long Beach Sandy Place Reserve Coastal Wattle management Sep 2017 Report
Dear Mayor and Councillors – Eurobodalla Shire Council I am writing in response to The Long Beach Community Association letter to Coastwatchers requesting our support for the Long Beach Coastal Wattle Management Project as outlined in the attached OEH Report … Continue reading
Letter to the Editor – Bay Post – March 23rd 2018
South Coast conservationists have declared the UN International Forests Day on March 21 as a day of shame for the NSW Forestry Corporation and the NSW Government because of the systematic destruction of South Coast forests. They should hang their heads … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Forests and Forestry, Letters, News Coverage, RFA Renewals
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UN International Forests Day 21 March 2018 – Day of Shame for South Coast Forestry over destructive logging and Rotten Forest Deals.
Download (Coastwatchers MR 21 Mar 2018 Protest on International Forest Day 82KB .pdf) or read below. South Coast conservationists have declared the UN International Forests Day as a day of shame for the NSW Forestry Corporation and the NSW Government … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Forests and Forestry, Media Releases, RFA Renewals
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Long Beach Coastal Management Project
In response to The Long Beach Community Association letter to Coastwatchers requesting our support for the Long Beach Coastal Wattle Management Project, we provide the following response. In the first instance, we acknowledge the ecological value of Coastal Wattle as … Continue reading
16 March 2018 CW Bulletin inc Wed 21 Mar B Bay Forest Rally
Coastwatchers Bulletin 16 March 2018 Dear Coastwatchers Members and Friends HELP WANTED for the planet! There are a number of interesting and exciting things happening but Coastwatchers needs volunteers for various tasks if we are to support these events. Please consider what you … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Newsletters
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Rolling Logs Over is Purely Political – Keith Joliffe
In the last few weeks, social media has begun predicting a “roll-over” for the Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs). RFAs are arrangements between the Commonwealth and States aimed at balancing the needs of the forestry industry and its small dependent communities … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Fauna, Forests and Forestry, RFA Renewals
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South Coast Conservationists Reject NSW Government Propaganda on Rotten Forest Deals (AKA Regional Forest Agreements)
Coastwatchers, Eurobodalla Shire’s largest conservation group, has rejected as complete nonsense the recent attempts by the NSW Department of Primary industries (DPI) to defend the existing Regional Forest Agreements and proposed 20 year extensions as ecologically sustainable and economically responsible.
Posted in 2018, Forests and Forestry, Media Releases, RFA Renewals
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Letter to the Editor of The Beagle re Gold Mine Tailings Dam Collapse
Please click here to read the letter, dated March 11th 2018, on the Beagle website.
Posted in Dargues Reef Gold Mine, News Coverage
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Court finds NSW Government land-clearing laws invalid
The Land and Environment Court today ruled the NSW Government’s land-clearing laws invalid because they were made unlawfully.
CW Submission to ESC re No Investments in Fossil Fuel Industries – March 7th 2018
Submission to Eurobodalla Shire Council. Amended Investment Policy Ref. No. EOO4623 Due date Wednesday 7th March 2018 Coastwatchers supports and endorses Council’s policy to exit investment in fossil fuel industries. Coastwatchers urges all Councillors to vote for the Amended Investment Policy, to … Continue reading
President’s Report 2017 AGM
The 2017 AGM was held at Tomakin Community Hall on October 28th 2017. It is with pleasure that I welcome members and friends today. In the 2016-2017 financial year we have held 6 Coastwatchers committee meetings. Though technically outside that … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, AGM President's Reports, Meetings
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“Predetermined Outcome” prompts green groups to ditch NSW forest talks – Sydney Morning Herald
Please click here to read the article on the SMH website.
Posted in 2018, Forests and Forestry, News Coverage, RFA Renewals
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Coastal Management Report Feb 9th 2018
Please note that the reports formerly called CEMAC Reports in the Coastwatchers website will from now be called Coastal Management Reports. Background The NSW Government is working to deliver a new legislative and regulatory framework to better equip coastal communities … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Coastal Management
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Media Release Feb 14th 2018 – South Coast Conservationists Rally Against Rotten Forest Deals (Regional Forest Agreements)
Coastwatchers, other conservation groups and supporters are today rallying at Batemans Bay to protest plans by the Turnbull and Berejiklian governments to lock up 2 million hectares of public forests, hand them over to big business like the Eden Wood … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Forests and Forestry, Media Releases
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UPDATE: Alert! Save the Forests – Batemans Bay Forest Rally and ‘Drop In’ on DPI – Donate your lunch hour on 14 Feb 2018
Dear Coastwatchers Members and Friends As promised here is an update on action in Batemans Bay next Wednesday 14 February 2018 (see below if you missed this ). RFA Community Consultation Drop In (aka GreenWash) – Coachhouse Marina Resort 49 beach Road Batemans Bay12.30pm … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Expired Notices
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Renewables Forum Moruya Golf Club Feb 20
Interested in energy prices, renewables, climate change? Please come along to this free community forum with Mark Butler, Labor’s Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, and NSW Senator Jenny McAllister. Have your opportunity for input and hear directly from … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Expired Notices
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Unusual Ecological Phenomena Survey
The survey of unusual ecological phenomena, being run by researchers at the University of Adelaide, has been extended until the 5th of March 2018 to give more people the chance to participate. The information collected with this survey will help … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Expired Notices
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NSW Government SEPP Review
SEPP 55 (Remediation of Land) and the Managing Contaminated Land Planning Guidelines have been reviewed as part of the Government’s SEPP review program. The Department is exhibiting an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for a new Remediation of Land SEPP, … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Expired Notices
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Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy
The Department of the Environment and Energy is seeking feedback on this strategy and action inventory for 2018-30. The draft revised strategy is open to public comment until Friday 16 March 2018.
Posted in 2018, Expired Notices
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Clean Energy Finance Corporation Public Submission Deadline
The Department of the Environment and Energy is overseeing a statutory review of the operation of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Act 2012. The review will consider the effectiveness of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation in facilitating increased flows of … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Expired Notices
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Time2Choose Rally
Join the Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) on the 24th of March in Sydney, one year out from the state election, as they call for the State Government to choose a clean energy future. Lock the Gate, The Wilderness Society, 350.org and … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Expired Notices
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Alert! Save the Forests – Donate your lunch hour on 14 February 2018 at Batemans Bay
Dear Coastwatchers Members This is a chance to tell the Turnbull and Berejiklian Governments how deeply opposed you are to the destruction of our native forests by the logging industry. Please put Wednesday 14 February in your diary NOW! The push to lock … Continue reading
Posted in 2018, Expired Notices, Forests and Forestry
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President’s Report to 2017 AGM
President’s Report It is with pleasure that I welcome members and friends today. In the 2016-2017 financial year we have held 6 Coastwatchers committee meetings. Though technically outside that in August, the Moruya Forest Forum was arguably a high point … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, AGM President's Reports
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NSW Govt Publication – Overview of RFA Renewals
overview-extending-regional-forest-agreements (102KB .pdf)
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry, RFA Renewals
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Proposed Changes to Rules Governing Environmental Organisations
The Coastwatchers Environment Fund is one of hundreds of environment funds which have been registered on the Commonwealth Government’s REO – the Register of Environmental Organisations. This registration process provides the legal basis for attracting tax-deductible donations. A Commonwealth Parliamentary … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, WHAT WE DO
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Dargues Reef Mine Gets Final Approval
In April 2017, Big Island Mining received final approval from the Commonwealth Government to proceed with the development of the Dargues Reef Gold Mine at Majors Creek. Big Island Mining had previously received approval under NSW Planning legislation following the … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Dargues Reef Gold Mine
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Victorian Forest Investigation Underway
In February 2017, VicForests began logging an area near Warburton known as the Blue Vein coupe, just a few hundred metres from the famous 350- year-old Ada Tall Trees Reserve. Local citizen scientists from the ‘Wildlife of the Central Highlands’ … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry
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Moruya Forest Forum Success
The Coastwatchers ‘Moruya Forest Forum’, was held on Wednesday 23 August 2017, and was a great success. About 100 people attended the Forum in the St. Mary’s Performing Art Centre, an ideal venue for this type of activity. The meeting opened … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry, Meetings, Public Meetings, RFA Renewals
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Forest Forum Letter to the Premier October 16th 2017
Dear Premier, Prohibition on the Logging of Mogo State Forest The Coastwatchers Association Inc. opposes the continued logging of State Forests in the Batemans Bay region of the South Coast of NSW, particularly the logging of timber, which is destined … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry, Letters, RFA Renewals
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Moruya Forest Forum Resources – August 23rd 2017
NPA Forests for All Plan https://npansw.org/what-we-do/our-work/campaigns/end-native-forest-logging/ Great Southern Forest Campaign seeks to protect all of the 430,000 hectares of public native forests of the Southern and Eden Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) regions following the expiry of the RFAs. The GSF is … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry, RFA Renewals
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Moruya Forest Forum Resolutions- August 23rd 2017
This meeting calls on the NSW Government to: 1. Cease Logging Mogo State Forest Immediately cease logging the Mogo State Forest until a professionally based pre logging review is undertaken and assessed, given the known presence of both the Vulnerable … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry, Meetings, Public Meetings, RFA Renewals
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Moruya Forest Forum Invitation
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry, Meetings, Public Meetings, RFA Renewals
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Rabbit Control Continues in Eurobodalla
The Eurobodalla Shire’s Environment Team are commended for their efforts to reduce the numbers of rabbits across the Shire. Rabbit warrens have been destroyed and fumigated in Tuross, Long Beach and South Durras. The new Korean strain of Calcivirus (RHDV-K5) … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Pests, Rabbits
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Propping Up a Potential Dead Asset – The Closure/Sale of the Heyfield Timber Mill
A salutary lesson in timber resource management Gippsland in Victoria is still reeling from the loss of hundreds of jobs following the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station. And then months later the largest hardwood sawmill in Australia, also based … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry
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Concerned Community Members Find Endangered Greater Gliders, and Vulnerable Yellow-bellied Gliders in the Mogo State Forest
Since the logging operation commenced, volunteer members of the community have been surveying the Mogo Forest, searching for fauna that would be adversely affected by the logging activities. They were also noting the presence of habitat and feed trees. The … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry
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Forest Logging Debate Erupts in Eurobodalla
For many years there have been many environmental battles to reduce or halt the logging of State Forests on the South Coast of NSW. They have never ended. The campaigns have been run by dedicated members of the community particularly … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Forests and Forestry
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Obituary – Martyn Phillips – 1947 – 2017
In May this year I notified Coastwatchers members of the death of Martyn Phillips, a long serving member of the Association and an extremely capable past President. Martyn died after losing his second battle with cancer. Martyn had a critical … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, WHAT WE DO
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Farewell to Maureen and Jim Baker
The Association has farewelled two of its greatest supporters and environmental warriors, with the departure of Maureen and Jim Baker in early July, moving closer to Sydney to be nearer to their family. Maureen and Jim have been members of … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, WHAT WE DO
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CEMAC Report July 7th 2017
To date there has been no update on the new coastal management legislation. The following information is on the Planning website: Thank you to all who have taken the time to provide feedback on various aspects of the coastal reform … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Coastal Management
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Coastwatchers AGM Preliminary Date: Saturday September 23rd 2017
For those members who plan ahead, the Executive is planning to hold the Annual General Meeting this year on Saturday September 23rd at 2:00pm at the Tomakin Community Hall. This will be finalised at the next Committee meeting on Wednesday … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Meetings
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Scientists Warn Greater Glider is Near Extinction
Written by Adam Morton, The Age, June 2nd 2017 Those who know the greater glider have a vivid way of describing it: like a flying possum crossed with a Koala. About the size of a garden variety possum, but with … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Fauna, Greater Glider
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Experts Review the Findings of the “Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market” (The Finkel Report)
The final report entitled “Independent Review into the Future Stability of the National Electricity Market”, was handed to the Commonwealth Government in the last week. The Review known as the Finkel Report was prepared by the Review Panel of 5 … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Climate Change, Energy
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Huge 300MW Solar Farm begins construction near Port Augusta
By Giles Parkinson on April 11th 2017 in Renew Economy The first of two stages of a 300MW solar farm – Australia’s biggest – has begun construction near Port Augusta in South Australia. The first two stages, totalling 220MW, of … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Energy
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Wharf Road Coastal Zone Management Plan Back for Final Certification with Minister
The submerged and tidal land at Wharf Road Batemans Bay (400 metres from the bridge) has, indirectly and directly, been on Council Agendas for over 30 years. It is shortly to be progressed when the NSW Minister for Planning and … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Coastal Management
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Solar Panel Installations “Skyrocket” in Australia in March
This is an edited report by the ABC’s consumer affairs reporter Amy Bainbridge from ABC News on April 13th 2017. Key Points: Solar panels were installed on about 15,000 homes and businesses in March 2017 Installations have hit their highest … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Energy
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Dargues Reef Mine Set to Commence Mining
After nearly two and a half years of inquiries and approvals, the Dargues Reef Gold Mine will shortly commence operation. The timeline of events for the approval process was as follows. As you will see, it commenced in November 2014 … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Dargues Reef Gold Mine
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The Invasive Cassia Weed
Many Landcare volunteers in the Eurobodalla Shire have been targeting the invasive weed Cassia in the past few weeks. The flowers are bright yellow, so they are very conspicuous. If you have them in the garden or bush, please remove … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Cassia Weed
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Eurobodalla Shire Cat Bib Program
Roaming domestic cats are a significant conservation issue because they may hunt, harass and compete with wildlife. They hunt, among other things, birds, lizards, frogs and many native mammals including bandicoots and gliders in the Eurobodalla. There are also concerns … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Cats, Pests
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New CEO Appointed to the Australian Electricity Marketing Organisation
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recently appointed (March 2017) Audrey Zibelman, an American, as its new CEO. Zibelman was one of the leaders of New York’s “Reforming the Energy Vision” following the 2012 Hurricane Sandy, in which thousands of … Continue reading
Posted in Energy
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New Rabbit Virus Released in Eurobodalla
A new Korean strain of calicivirus virus has been released across the Eurobodalla Shire, and will hopefully result in a dramatic reduction in wild rabbits. This new strain of calicivirus is highly contagious, and can kill rabbits within 24 hours. … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Pests, Rabbits
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April 18th Newsletter now online
Coastwatchers Newsletter 2017-04-18
Posted in 2017, Newsletters
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CW Management Committee Meeting April 12th 2017 Draft Minutes
These minutes will remain in draft form until they are accepted at the next Management Committee meeting. CW MC Draft Minutes 12_04_17 (133KB Docx)
Posted in 2017, Meetings
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Death of Martyn Phillips
It is with the deepest regret that I am notifying members of the death of the long standing Coastwatchers member and leader Martyn Phillips. Martyn died after another battle with cancer On behalf of the Association I pass on my … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, WHAT WE DO
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March 21st Newsletter Available
Topics: Snowy Hydro / Islands Around Durras / Koalas / NSW Govt. Biodiversity Offset Policy / Editorial – Energy / Finkle re Energy Policy / Clean Up Australia / Social Media Coastwatchers Newsletter 2017-03-21 (286KB, opens in new tab)
Posted in 2017, Newsletters
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February 21st Newsletter available
Topics: Kayak 4 Earth / Old Growth Trees / ESC Fossil Fuel Divestment / CW Website / NSW Planning Laws / Dargues Reef Mine / Australia’s Electricity Market / SHASA Solar Bulk Buy. Coastwatchers Newsletter 2017-02-21 (456KB, opens in new tab)
Posted in 2017, Newsletters
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Welcome!
The Coastwatchers Association Incorporated (Coastwatchers) is the leading community environmental and conservation group serving the South Coast of NSW. Coastwatchers works principally in the Shire of Eurobodalla from South Durras to Wallaga Lake, (and including the major towns of Batemans … Continue reading
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Statement of Reasons for Approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
I, MIKE SMITH, as the then acting Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment and Energy (the Department), then delegate for the Minister for the Environment and Energy (the Minister), provide this statement of reasons for my decision of 17 February … Continue reading
Posted in Dargues Reef Gold Mine
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Council Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Target Media Release
Eurobodalla Council is aiming to source 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and reduce its energy emissions 80 per cent by 2030. Council’s new draft Emissions Reduction Plan outlines high-impact cost-effective actions to reduce Council’s … Continue reading
CW Submission to NSW Dept Planning re Changes to Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 – March 31st 2017
The Association opposed the 2010 Development Application regarding the Dargues Reef Gold Mine by Big Island Mining Pty Ltd in 2010, and again opposed the Modification to that Development Approval in 2015. That experience highlighted some major deficiencies with the … Continue reading
Clean Up Australia
A number of Coastwatchers members participated in the annual Australia Clean Up Day in the Eurobodalla Shire. This day attracts approximately half a million volunteers Australia wide every year, and is the nations largest community wide based environmental event. Australians … Continue reading
Posted in 2017
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Finkle says Europe, US well advanced on Energy Policy, Technologies
By Sophie Vorrath, Renew Economy, 17 March 2017 As state and federal politicians duke it out over energy policy and investment, the Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market, led by Australia’s chief scientist Dr Alan … Continue reading
Posted in Energy
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Editorial – Thought Bubbles Dominate the Energy Debate
Many Australians are totally disheartened with the political impasse and policy inertia in Australia. In turn this leads to significant disrespect for the elected politicians at both Federal and State level. Talk to them in private and their aspirations are … Continue reading
Posted in Energy
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NSW Nature Conservation Council Critical of the NSW Government’s Biodiversity Offset Policy
The NCC has just released a report titled ‘PARADISE LOST’. The report shows that, far from ensuring no loss in biodiversity, offsetting rules are pushing the endangered plants and animals they’re supposed to protect, closer to extinction. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF … Continue reading
Coastwatchers Makes Two Submissions on Koalas to the NSW Government – March 2017
Coastwatchers recently made two submissions to the NSW Government regarding the preparation of a “NSW Koala Strategy” and what is known as SEPP 44, a State Environmental Policy covering Koala habitat. Only the “NSW Koala Strategy” is considered in this … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Fauna, Submissions
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Explore the South Coast Islands Around Durras
Islands adjacent to Murramarang National Park coastline are continental islands, created when sea levels stabilised about 6,500 years ago. People can explore them from the water, but landing is prohibited. The NPWS personnel are permitted to undertake invasive weed control, … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Your Local Environment
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Coastwatchers Endorses Calls for Full Environmental Inquiry Before the Snowy Mountain Upgrade Part 2 Proceeds
The President of the Coastwatchers Association, John Perkins, has joined calls from a number of environmental organisations calling on the Commonwealth Government to undertake a full environmental assessment before proceeding with the upgrade of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electricity Scheme. … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Energy, Snowy Mountains Hydro
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CW Submission to NSW Planning re Sepp 44 Koala Habitat – March 3rd 2017
The Coastwatchers Association has been involved with the development of Koala Recovery Startegies in the Eurobodalla Shire for a number of years. The Association commissioned and funded research through its independently administered ‘Coastwatchers Environment Fund’. The project was led by … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Fauna, Submissions
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CW Submission to NSW Dept Environment & Heritage Koala Strategy – March 2017
The detailed history of Koalas in the Shire of Eurobodalla is extremely deficient. there was clearly a resident Koala population in the Shire when Europeans settled the South Coast of NSW in the 1800s. It has been reported that there … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Fauna, Submissions
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Australia’s Electricity Market is Not Agile and Innovative Enough to Keep Up
By Hugh Sadler, Honorary Associate Professor, Centre for Climate Economics and Policy, Australian National University (The Conservation 18 February 2017) On the early evening of Wednesday, February 8, electricity supply to some 90,000 households and businesses in South Australia was … Continue reading
Posted in Energy
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Dargues Reef Mine Gets Conditional Final Approval from the Commonwealth Government
Most members were under the impression that all approvals for the Dargues Reef Mine were finalised, and that mining was set to commence, as the Miner was saying. However, that was not correct and the Association has been monitoring the … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Dargues Reef Gold Mine
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Environmental Defenders Office Provides Advice on the New NSW Planning Laws
The Environmental Defenders Office has provided detailed advice on the proposed changes to NSW Planning Laws. The NSW Government is proposing to amend State planning laws – updating the Act’s objects and structure, clearer public participation requirements and timeframes, reforms … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Planning & Law - New South Wales
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The Need to Preserve Old Trees for the Conservation of Wildlife
The NSW Government is still allowing the logging of native forests, including in some areas old growth forests, here on the South Coast of NSW. This article was submitted by John Perkins to remind members of the critical significance of … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Biodiversity, Ecology, Forests and Forestry
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Eurobodalla Shire Council Votes to Divest from Fossil Fuel Investments
At the Council meeting on 14 February 2017, the Council in a 5:4 vote agreed to give preference to investing with financial institutions that do not invest in, or finance, the fossil fuel industry. Councillors McGinlay, Brown, Thomson, Constable and … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Climate Change, Energy, Planning & Law - Eurobodalla
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NSW Planning Law Changes – EDO NSW Key Issues Summary
Six big changes to the Planning Act in 2017 (and three missed opportunities). The NSW Government is proposing to amend our State planning laws – updating the Act’s objects and structure, clearer public participation requirements and timeframes, reforms to state … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Planning & Law - New South Wales
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Update from NASA’s Newsletter CO2 reaches 405ppm
As you are all aware atmospheric CO2 concentrations are rising at an exponential rate, reaching 405.25 in December 2016. Last Saturday the ‘Friends of the Botanic Gardens’ had a world expert, Tony Haymet, address their meeting. Not only was it … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Climate Change
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Things fall apart: why do the ecosystems we depend on collapse?
Professor David Lindenmayer, ANU (The Conversation 23/01/2016) People collapse, buildings collapse, economies collapse and even entire human civilizations collapse. Collapse is also common in the natural world – animal populations and ecosystems collapse. These collapses have the greatest impact on … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Ecology, Forests and Forestry
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Sea Spurge Still in the Eurobodalla
The Eurobodalla Shire Council has nearly completed a project, which maps, using GIS mapping, weeds along the coastal zone of the Shire. From this survey priorities are determined and appropriate management procedures introduced. Sea Spurge is one of the weeds, … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Sea Spurge, Weeds
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Tasmanian Volunteers receive FROGGATT AWARD for removing Sea Spurge Weed
When bushwalker Jon Marsden- Smedley first started telling people of his plan to rid southwest Tasmania’s coast of Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralius) an invasive weed—he was told he was dreaming. Last week the Sea Spurge Action Teams SPRATS which was … Continue reading
Posted in Sea Spurge, Weeds
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Coastwatchers Submission to ESC on Amendment to the Broulee Residential Zones DCP – Jan 27th 2017
Submission to ESC re Broulee Residential Zones DCP (100KB PDF, opens in a new tab)
Posted in 2017, Planning & Law - Eurobodalla, Submissions
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Chief Scientist Alan Finkel’s Preliminary Assessment of Renewable Energy
The Commonwealth Chief scientist Alan Finkel who chairs a five-member panel, presented a preliminary report to the Commonwealth Government on renewable energy, in early December 2016. He outlined the need for serious and urgent market reform in Australia’s energy markets. … Continue reading
Posted in Energy
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Closing Down the Hazelwood Power Station
It was a surprise to many in the community in early November 2016, when the French energy giant Engie (one third owned by the French Government) announced the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station in Victoria. The power station was … Continue reading
Posted in Climate Change, Energy
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New NSW Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy (MC SEPP)
Earlier this month the Association made a detailed submission to NSW Planning, regarding the Department’s recently released draft MC SEPP. The Association supported the thrust of the SEPP, along with a number of recommended changes. The draft MC SEPP is … Continue reading
National Parks & Wildlife Service Senior Staff to be Downsized
Over the past few years the NSW Government has embarked on a significant reduction in staff levels of the NPWS to achieve budgetary savings. The latest annual report for the Office of Environment and Heritage (which includes NPWS) shows the … Continue reading
Pied Oyster Catchers Traditional Nesting Site at the Batemans Bay Marina About to End
The resident Pied Oystercatchers (Haematopus longirostris) at the Batemans Bay Marina, have nested on the sandflats for many years. The species is on the NSW endangered species list. However, their welcome is about to finish, because of their exposure to … Continue reading
Posted in 2017, Fauna, Pied Oystercatcher, Your Local Environment
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CW Submission re Coastal Management SEPP – Jan 12th 2017
Coastwatchers submission of 12th January 2017 to NSW Govt re Draft Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy CW Submission CMSEPP 2017-01-12 (147KB PDF, opens in a new tab).
CEMAC Report October 12th 2016
CEMAC Report on Coastal Management Progress Coastwatchers Committee Meeting October 12th 2016; written by Reina Hill The new Coastal Management Act 2016 communicates the NSW Government’s vision for coastal management. It reflects the vital natural, social, cultural and economic values … Continue reading
Posted in Coastal Management
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CW Presentation to ESC re Dargues Reef – Aug 25th 2016
Clean water is a fundamental right in Australia, and cannot be compromised for the profits of a mining company. The existing fresh water supply must be secured and maintained, not just for today’s community, but for future generations. Presentation to … Continue reading
Posted in 2016, Dargues Reef Gold Mine, Submissions
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CW Submission to Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Big Island Mining – Aug 17th 2016
In 2010 and again in 2015-16 when the miner was preparing its environmental assessments, the NSW Government only required an assessment covering the impacts and consequences in a small immediate area around the mine site. No consideration was required of … Continue reading
Posted in 2016, Dargues Reef Gold Mine, Submissions
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CW Presentation to NSW Planning Assessment Commission re Dargues Reef – July 26th 2016
The major concern of the Association with the Dargues Reef mine is with the integrity of the tailings dam, now, in the future, and when the mine is no longer operational. Irrespective of the cause, many mining tailings dams worldwide … Continue reading
Posted in 2016, Dargues Reef Gold Mine, Submissions
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Dargues Reef Gold Mine Next Stage – NSW Planning Report Referred to the NSW Planning Assessment Commission
Background Recap In July 2015 the Department of Planning and Environment (Planning) exhibited for 6 weeks Unity Mining’s application for Modification 3 and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Dargues Reef Gold Mine at Majors Creek. This resulted in 417 submissions, … Continue reading
Posted in Dargues Reef Gold Mine
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CW Submission to NSW Dept Planning & Environment re Dargues Reef – Jan 3rd 2016
Response to Proponent’s response to August 2015 Submissions The proponent’s “Modification 3” application to the NSW Department of Planning fundamentally changed the original 2010 development approval of the project. As a result of these changes, environmental risks were significantly increased. … Continue reading
Posted in 2016, Dargues Reef Gold Mine, Submissions
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Submission from South East Land Services re Rural Lands Strategy Proposal – Dec 9th 2015
South East Local Land Services (724KB .pdf)
Submission from NSW Rural Fire Service re Rural Lands Strategy Proposal December 4th 2015
Rural Fire Service (851KB .pdf)
CW Submission to ESC – Eurobodalla Draft Rural Lands Strategy – Nov 27th 2015
You can view a PDF of the submission using this link Submission to the ESC pdf or read below: ——————————————– Submission to the Eurobodalla Shire Council Eurobodalla Draft Rural Lands Strategy 27 November 2015 Background In a submission regarding an earlier version … Continue reading
Submission from Office of Environment and Heritage re Rural Lands Strategy Proposal – Nov 27th 2015
Office of Environment and Heritage (903KB .pdf)
Presentation by Dr Emmett O’Loughlin to Coastwatchers AGM 2015
PRESENTATION BY DR EMMETT O’LOUGHLIN to the COASTWATCHERS ASSOCIATION AGM, Saturday 31 Oct 2015 Title: THEY’RE NOT REAL! (An acknowledgment to Roger Hosking, the Braidwood weather observer.) HISTORY In September 1851 gold was discovered at Araluen, NSW and in October … Continue reading
Posted in 2015, Dargues Reef Gold Mine, Meetings, Presentations
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Braidwood Times Article “Sayonara Cyanide” September 16th 2015
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CW Submission to Federal Dept of Environment re Dargues Reef Mine 3rd Modification – Sept 4th 2015
The Coastwatchers Association Inc. requests that the Dargues Mine proposal as modified by Modification 3 be assessed as a controlled action under sections 18 and 18A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 because of likely significant impacts … Continue reading
Posted in 2015, Dargues Reef Gold Mine, Submissions
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CW Submission to NSW Dept of Planning and Environment re Dargues Reef Modification 3 August 26th 2015
The Coastwatchers Association Inc. OBJECTS to the NSW State Government approving the construction of a cyanide treatment plant at the Dargues Reef gold mine at Majors Creek, by Unity Mining Limited through its subsidiary Big Island Mining Pty Ltd. CW … Continue reading
Posted in 2015, Dargues Reef Gold Mine, Submissions
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CW Presentation to ESC August 25th 2015
“This cyanide processing plant must never be approved and the toxicity it will harbour must never be allowed to hang over this community.”
Posted in 2015, Dargues Reef Gold Mine, Submissions
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