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News of our world
Date: 11/04/08
In the role as ACT Regional Natural Resource Management and Landcare
Facilitator, I thought it appropriate to give you a bit of an update every month or
so. I will keep comments to a minimum and rely on readers contacting me if they
wish to know more. In the interests of brevity contributions are not individually
acknowledged here. Please notify me of anyone who may wish to be added to the
distribution list. This newsletter will also appear on www.actlandcare.org
In this issue:
1. Funding Opportunities
 Caring for our Country Information Session
 Threatened Species Network Community Grants
 Health Promotion Capacity Building Funding
 Community Grant – Australian Ethical
 Professional Advice and Planning Grant
2. Federal Budget Announcements
3. Catchment News
 Adopt a Tree
 Come and get your hands dirty! A Bush of the Boundary Event
4. Public Notices and Media Releases
 Volunteer of the Year Awards
 Farm Day 2008 May 24 & 25
 World Environment Day 5 June 2008
 The Japanese Whales Case: Implications for Australia and Beyond
 World Environment Day 2008 Walk Talk & Tea on Mt Majura
 Weed management guide is now available on the Weeds CRC website.
5. Conferences
 National Emissions Trading Summit
6. Stories of Interest
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1. Funding Opportunities
NRM Regional Funding – Caring for our Country Information Session
The Department of Territory and Municipal Services, the ACT Natural Resource
Management Council and the ACT Region Catchment and Landcare Association
invite you to attend an information session on the Caring for our Country Program
and its implications for the ACT.
This information session will provide an opportunity to discuss the new program
and how the ACT intends to invest in Natural Resource Management.
The protection and sustainable management of Australia’s unique natural
environment underpin the Commonwealth Governments “Caring for our Country”
program announced in March 2008. The program will commence from 1 July
2008 replacing the current Natural Heritage Trust, National Action Plan for
Salinity and Water Quality and the National Landcare Programme.
Where:
When:
Time:
Contact:
Majura Community Hall , Rosevear Pl DICKSON ACT, 2602
Thursday 22 May 2008
4pm to 6pm
Rebecca Blundell 0439 895 019 [email protected]
Please forward this invitation through your networks and to those involved in
Natural Resource Management in the ACT.
Threatened Species Network Community Grants
Round 11 of the TSN Community Grants program is open from 28 March 2008.
Community groups are invited to apply for up to $50,000 to conduct on-ground
conservation work for the ongoing health of our natural environment, specifically
targeting the needs of nationally threatened species and ecological communities.
Funding is available for activities such as habitat restoration, weeding, feral
animal control, population surveys and monitoring, fencing, and fire
management.
Copies of the Program Guidelines, Application Form and Guide to
Completing an Application may be obtained from www.wwf.org.au/tsn or
phone the Program Officer Grants on 1800 032 551; or contact the TSN
Coordinator for your region.
Original signed applications must be submitted by mail. Closing date for
applications is 5pm Friday 30 May 2008.
2008/09 Health Promotion Capacity Building Funding Round
The ACT Health Promotion Grants Program is seeking applications from
community and not-for-profit organisations with 10 or less full time equivalent
employees for the 2008/09 Health Promotion Capacity Building Funding Round.
Grants up to a maximum of $10,000 are available.
The mission of the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program is to encourage health
promotion partnerships that strengthen the capacity of people and communities
to make healthy choices.
The aim of the Health Promotion Capacity Building Funding Round is to assist
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small community and not-for profit organisations to develop their ability to deliver
health promotion projects. Through this funding round, the ACT Health Promotion
Grants Program aims to increase the capacity of these organisations to promote
health and wellbeing in the community.
Applications will need to clearly demonstrate how your organisation will use the
funding to build internal structures, sustainable skills, resources and capability to
plan and deliver health promotion projects in the future – or better deliver your
current health promotion projects.
We are committed to providing applicants with practical assistance to complete
their application form. Come along to a FREE information and training session to
work with an independent facilitator, experienced in health promotion who will
help you to clarify your proposed project’s plan. It is essential that you bring your
project ideas drafted on the application form with you when you attend this
training on Tuesday 20th of May 9:30 – 12:00 midday in the Seminar Room, The
Rheinberger Centre, Cnr Weston and Loch Streets, Yarralumla.
RSVP ESSENTIAL - ph 6205 1325 by Friday 16 May 2008.
The Funding Guidelines and Application Form are available to download online at
http://www.health.act.gov.au/hpgrants. Alternatively, please contact the ACT
Health Promotion Grants office on 6205 1325 or email us at
[email protected].
Applications close 5pm Monday 23 June 2008. Funding will be available October
2008 allowing for nine months of implementation.
Community Grant – Australian Ethical
Australian Ethical donates 10% of its profit to useful charitable, benevolent and
conservation projects. The grants are made from the shareholder profits of
Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. The grants are not made from the investment
trusts or superannuation fund managed by Australian Ethical.
The 2008 community grants will be announced in late September. All applications
for the 2008 round must be received by Monday 14 July 2008.
www.austethical.com.au/company_information/community_grants/community_gr
ants
Professional Advice and Planning Grant
Rural Financial Counsellors have lists of consultants who can provide advice using
the Professional advice and training grants of up to $5500 (Inc GST). Visit the
RAA website www.raa.nsw.gov.au for a complete list of all rural counsellors.
The scope of the grants has been broadened to include the development of all risk
management and business plans for a farm, NOT just a drought management
plan. You do not have to be in receipt of other benefits through Centrelink. The
aim of the grants is to assist farmers with planning and decision making
processes during this difficult time. There is an off farm assets test limit of
$750,000 but NO Income test. Applicants must have been farmers for two years
or more. Ring 13 23 16 for more information.
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2. Federal Budget Announcements
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$3.0 BILLION FOR A SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA
GREEN LOANS FOR AUSSIE HOMES
REBATES FOR LANDLORDS, ENERGY COST SAVINGS FOR RENTERS
GOVERNMENT MAKES IT EASIER TO BE GREEN IN ONE EASY STOP
ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
INCREASED FUNDING FOR SOLAR REBATES IN 2008-09
SECURING THE FUTURE FOR AUSTRALIAN SCREEN INDUSTRY
NEW INITIATIVES FOR A CREATIVE AUSTRALIA
RESALE ROYALTY RIGHTS FOR AUSTRALIA’S VISUAL ARTISTS
www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/budget/2008
3. Catchment News
Molonglo Catchment Group www.molonglocatchment.com.au
Ginninderra Catchment Group www.ginninderralandcare.org.au
Adopt a Tree
Macgregor Landcare in conjunction with the Ginninderra Catchment Group and
Parks, Conservation and Lands conducted a community planting day in the area
adjacent to the BBQ and playground off Berne Crescent on the 17 May.
Households and/or individuals who live in the area are invited to SPONSOR A
PLANT' All Plants have been provided by TAMS, but need to be cared for after
planting until they establish themselves. For more information on how you can
sponsor a plant contact the Ginninderra Catchment Group on 62783309
Come and get your hands dirty! A Bush of the Boundary Event
Learn the ground rules on gardening
Come along to the Forde Landscaping and Sustainability Day at Heritage Park,
Sunday 22 June 11am-3pm and get hands on experience developing your own
sustainable landscaped garden. Local garden experts will be on hand to provide
personal advice on suitable plant species for Forde and Gungahlin, and how to
create a garden that can be a haven for local wildlife. Plus there’ll be displays and
presentations by local experts and a BBQ provided by Mitchell-Gungahlin Rotary
Club.
And for the saplings...
The Francis and Friends Field Trip will keep kids entertained, while teaching them
valuable lessons on caring for the environment. A character created by Mark
Johnson from the Fool Factory will lead them through Mulligans Flat on this fun
and educational adventure. Book now on 02 6230 0800 or email
[email protected]
For more information visit www.ourenvironment.org.au or contact Sarah Davies
at the Conservation Council on (02) 6229 3210 or [email protected]
Brought to you by Forde and the Conservation Council.
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Southern ACT Catchment Group www.sactcg.org
4. Public Notices
Volunteer of the Year Awards
Congratulations to Ted Fleming who was awarded ACT Volunteer of the year
award for the category ‘Environment’. Nominated by the Southern ACT
Catchment Group, Ted is a very dedicated Parkcarer of the ACT with a contagious
enthusiasm for the environment. To read more visit: www.volunteeract.com.au
Farm Day 2008 May 24 & 25
Fun, Friendship & Understanding
Farm Day is when a farm family hosts a city family for a day of real hands-on
experiences and a greater understanding of the day-to-day life of the farming
family. Farm Day has had so many city families wishing to come out to the
country this year that they are looking for people who are willing to be hosts on
their farms! Please look at the website and follow the links to the registration
form. Be quick as there is only a few weeks to get organised.
REGISTER NOW AS THEY NEED FARMS IN NSW
www.farmday.com.au
NEW REPORTS RELEASED ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN MURRAY DARLING
The Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today
welcomed the release of three new reports on the effect of climate change on
future water availability in the Murray Darling Basin.
CSIRO released the reports on the Goulburn-Broken, Campaspe and LoddonAvoca regions of Victoria as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Sustainable Yields
project being undertaken on behalf of the Australian Government and the MurrayDarling Basin states.The project looks at the impact of climate change and land
use change across the Basin’s 18 catchments.
“The Rudd Government is working to secure water supplies as we deal with the
challenges of climate change,” Senator Wong said.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/pubs/mr20080512.pdf
World Environment Day 5 June 2008
World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the
principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide
awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low
Carbon Economy. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining
issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus
on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World Environment
Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies
and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources,
forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.
www.unep.org/wed/2008
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The Japanese Whales Case: Implications for Australia and Beyond
The event is open to all, but registration is essential.
Thursday 5 June from 3.30 – 7pm
Sydney Law School, 173-175 Phillip Street, Sydney
To Register: Full details of the seminar and registration form can be downloaded
via the following link:
http://www.law.usyd.edu.au/scil/pdf/WhaleForum5.6.08.pdf
If you are unable to download the brochure, please contact SCIL. Email:
[email protected]
Celebrate World Environment Day 2008 with a Walk Talk & Tea on Mt
Majura
Come for a gentle walk in the beautiful woodlands of Mount Majura. Visit Friends of Mt
Majura projects and learn about the processes involved in enhancing degraded sites. Enjoy
afternoon tea and hear about the bush habitat on your doorstep from local naturalist and
author Ian Fraser.
When: Sunday 8 June 2008, 1.00 - 3.00 pm
Where: Meet at Mackenzie Street Nature Park entrance opposite Grayson Street, Hackett
Enquiries: ph 6247 7515 or [email protected]
www.majura.org
Weed management guide is now available on the Weeds CRC website.
The latest weed management guide is now available on the Weeds CRC website.
Providing a series of weed management guides that tackle environmental weeds
and which community groups and agencies managing land at the local level will
find informative.
These weeds threaten biodiversity and the guides detail identification, biology and
control of them. These weeds are adapted to sensitive situations such as native
vegetation and riparian zones. Some widespread weed species have close
relatives that are more localised, and the guides also include relevant information
on these.
www.weeds.crc.org.au/publications/weed_man_guides.html#biodiversi
5. Conferences
May

National Emissions Trading Summit 29-30 May 2008.Crowne Plaza,
Darling Harbour www.informa.com.au
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6. Stories of Interest
1. Revitalising box woodlands - Box-gum grassy woodlands were once a
widespread and productive ecosystem in south eastern Australia. Now most of
them are gone and we don't even know how to effectively conserve what's left.
(Relevant to the investments being made under the Environmental Stewardship
Program)
2. Preparing the National Reserve System for climate change Conservation planning in a dynamic and uncertain world was always going to be a
hot topic over the coming years - climate change has made it even hotter. (How
do we best determine where to invest the $180 m going into expanding the NRS
over the next 5 years particularly given the changes imposed by a dynamic and
changing environment)
For these and other stories see
http://www.aeda.edu.au/docs/Newsletters/DPoint_18.pdf
Rebecca Blundell
ACT Regional NRM/Landcare Facilitator
Territory and Municipal Services
6205 2913, 0439 895 019
[email protected]
Regional facilitators are part of a national network funded
through the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust to
support community engagement in natural resource
management.
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