13th December 2013

Sunshine Coast Environment Council Inc

SCEC's community activism and education role around environmental issues and protection, would not be possible without the ongoing support from our members and donors. Your kind donations and membership renewals are what keep this organisation going and contribute to us achieving our vision for an ecologically sustainable world, so thank you!

A big thank you must also go out to all our wonderful volunteers who assist greatly to our daily operations and events, without you it would not be possible to do what we do, and your commitment and dedication does not go unnoticed, so big hugs to you all.

Keep an eye out in the post for the Eco Publications sent out yesterday, which has a great lift-out of whats on in the Greenhouse at Woodford Folk Festival this year.

On a personal level I would also like to thank the Management Committee for giving me the opportunity to work at SCEC over the past 5 years. Working with such a great team has been an absolute honor and certainly one of my most memorable. I am continually in awe at the outstanding work of our many Member Groups, so many people doing so many fantastic things for the future of this planet, it was a privilege to be associated with you all, thank you... Michelle

SCEC, it's staff and volunteers are looking forward to a well earned break, before we head into another challenging year with this dis-enchanting government. SCEC's office will be closed from 20th December and will re-open on the 7th January. We would like to wish everybody an enjoyable and relaxing Christmas break with family and friends.

From all the team at SCEC

Don't forget the SCEC Christmas Party: 19/12/13 @ Buderim Tavern..

Function Room from 4 pm ...Read more.

SCEC Photo Competition

The Sunshine Coast is a region of stunning natural beauty where people live, work and play against one of the most amazing natural backdrops found anywhere on earth. This summer SCEC is running a photo competition exploring the relation between our community and our environment. We are inviting all budding amateur photographers to enter this competition celebrating the natural beauty and wonderful community that is the Sunshine Coast.

Entries can be submitted in three categories:

Our natural environment – focusing on the natural beauty of the region

People and place – focusing on the relation between people and the environment

The good, the bad and the ugly – exploring where our community sits comfortably in the landscape, and where we have missed the mark in the past

Entries are open from 16 December 2013 to 26 January 2014 and must be submitted online The winners in each category will take home a brand new digital camera provide by Fujifilm Australia.

Happy snapping!

Follow us on facebook to receive ongoing updates about conservation issues on the Sunshine Coast and throughout Australia, sustainability stories from around the world and all other things green and inspiring.

SCEC is funded by the generous donations from people like you. Please support the work we do and help us preserve the environment we love.

From the campaigners desk

cam·paign /kamˈpeɪn/work in an organised and active way towards a goal

SCEC campaigns for environmental protection cover four strategic areas protecting nature, good government, green economy, sustainable communities.

Our latest campaign activities have included...

Protect Queensland's National Parks

NPAQ calls on the QLD Government to: Remove cattle grazing from Queensland National Parks, Protect National Parks from high impact recreation, Prohibit resort construction ..Read online.

Design, route & operation proposed for Obi Obi unknown as subject to commercial-in-confidence EOI process

Obi Obi Gorge zipline news

Design, route and operation proposed for Obi Obi unknown as subject to commercial-in-confidence EOI process..Read online.

Solar Citizens Petition: 'Don't tax the Sun'

Solar Citizens has launched a petition to push back against a new proposal floated by the Australian Energy Market Commission to hit every solar home with a fee or tariff.. Read online.

Have your say on the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Government are currently seeking public comment ..Read online.

Noosa on Weyba Update

Dear Friends of Lake Weyba and concerned members of our community,

Thank you for your support of our organisation whether through membership..Read online.

Overgrazing in northern area of Moorrinya National Park

Overgrazed National Parks are a wildlife wasteland

National Parks becoming a wildlife wasteland..Read online.

Moreton Bay Eco-Alliance Fights to Save Koala Habitat

Appeal to block Moreton Bay Regional Council's West Petrie Bypass Read online.

A call to action: Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

Trade Ministers from the 12 TPP countries will meet in Singapore on December 7-9 to make decisions about the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). Read online.

Waterway health revealed

The recent release of this year's Healthy Waterways Report Card showed that better investment in catchment management and the great efforts..Read online.

Environment & its protection continues decline

This week more legislative rollbacks necessary to protect an increasingly fragile environment have been pushed through state Parliament.Read online.

More environmental legislation rollbacks

Submissions & hearings have been held into the Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2013. The Nature Conservation Act (NCA) is ..Read online.

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2013-2020 released

While SCEC is currently reviewing the Plan (view here), as concerns remain regarding the potential impact on the conservation values of our few National Parks..Read online.

Member Group Events

If your group would like an event listed please send us an email at [email protected] with 'e-Bulletin event' in the subject line. To find out more about upcoming Member Group workshops and events visit our Member Group page here

National & State Campaigns

This is where we would call on people to support national and state campaigns, sign petitions etc again only a short blurp as the bulk will be in the posts below

Take action for Marine Parks

With an ocean jurisdiction twice the size of our land and such unique and fragile marine wildlife, there is a lot at stake beneath the waves right now. Tell our new government to 'Honour our Marine Reserves'..Read more..

Places You Love

The Places You Love campaign, of which SCEC is an alliance member, has achieved some positive gains in retaining environmental protection. Read online

Other events in our region?

Support local farmers and visit the growers markets

Farmers' Markets are the best source of fresh local produce 'from paddock to plate'. Visit our webpage here on where to find a produce market near you and how to support Aussie farmers.

Find out what else is happening throughout the region on council's 'Whats Happening' page.

Local News

Well known local inventor Herb Fenn needs some unused round plastic outdoor tables with easily removable legs, to be made into 'Herbie Derbies'. You may remember these amazing pieces of musical creativity from this year's World Environment Day (pictured) and Climate Day of Action Rally. If you can upcycle these unwanted items then give Herb a call on: 5446 8829.

New Coast planning scheme awaits state approval: SCC 6/12/2013

The draft Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme is one step closer to being adopted after Sunshine Coast Council finalised changes to the draft plan and sent it to the State Government for approval. Read more..

Flexilink grows in popularity: SCC 9/12/2013

Flexilink passenger numbers on the Conondale to Maleny service are growing, showing that the Hinterland community are willing to change their public transport habits. Read more...

Murray de-listing driven by politics, not science: ACF 11/12/2013

The Federal Government’s scrapping of the Murray River’s ‘critically endangered’ listing is a poor decision driven by politics, not science, the Australian Conservation Foundation said. Read more...

Have your say on Local Issues:

Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project

Sunshine Coast Light Rail Project

Draft Amendment to the Caloundra City Council Planning Scheme 1996

Other News

Barrier Reef: Dredge and dump projects approved: SMH 11/12/2013

Several massive resource projects have been approved on the Great Barrier Reef coast by the federal government including the dredging and dumping of spoil near the reef and a new coal export terminal. Read more..

Abbot Point approval misses the point: ABC News 11/12/13

What is the point of an environmental assessment processes if it misses out one of the most pressing environmental issues? Jutting out into the deep waters of the Coral Sea, the jetty can berth a pair of coal ships loading up with the lucrative cargo. Read more..

Commonwealth Government turns its back on expert scientific advice and sets shocking precedent for national environment protection: HSI 11/12/13

Humane Society International (HSI) is extremely disappointed in the Federal Government’s rash decision this morning to disallow two Critically Endangered Ecological Communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act). Read more..

Humane Society International's Technical Bulletin has been released, and includes a key section on federal environmental legislation on pages 2-5, with an “update on the "Places You Love campaign” (SCEC is a member of the Places You Love Alliance) http://placesyoulove.org/