18th October 2013

From the SCEC desk..

A very big thank you to all those wonderful people who attended the launch of SCEC's new book 'The Sunshine Coast Environment- Extraordinary People and Places'. Those attendees contributed to a very successful and joyful gathering. A special mention must also go to Ian Lowe who was guest speaker, and gave up time from his busy schedule to contribute to our launch. If you were unable to attend the event but would still like to purchase a copy of the book, we have them for sale here at the SCEC office (3 Porters Lane, Nambour) for $25 each or 2 for $40, or if preferred we can post a copy. You can be assured it is an excellent read that recognises the incredible dedication of our Honorary Life Members, not only to SCEC but environmental preservation also. If you have any queries please call the office on: (07)5441 5747

Please feel free to give us feedback anytime by emailing us here.

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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...

Airport expansion deal could fast-track species loss

The survival of endangered and vulnerable flora and fauna such as the Emu Mountain She-oak and the wallum froglet on the Sunshine Coast Airport site has just become even more tenuous with exemptions under the Vegetation Management Act 1999.

It seems the only law now standing between endangered vegetation and the bulldozers is the Federal ..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.

Boost for Coast conservation!

The welcome recent purchases of high value conservation areas with the Environment Levy demonstrate the importance of.. 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.

Flying-foxes targeted for dispersal again

This time, the important roost at Tepequar Drive, Maroochydore is the next site for dispersal actions following the poor decision by Council ..Read online.

Noosa on Weyba

De-Amalgamation and Noosa on Weyba from SCEC Member Group 'Friends of Lake Weyba'

The Sunshine Coast Council has written to the State Government proposing that the new Noosa Shire Council be appointed assessment manager of the controversial development proposal..Read more

What's next for the Sunshine State? Uranium says the govt

In the space of the last 48 hours, the Qld government has released its 30 Year Electricity Strategy Discussion Paper.. Read more

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.

Places You Love update

The stunning Obi Obi Gorge in the Kondalilla NP where a zipline is proposed under the guise of 'eco-tourism'. In the lead up to the September Federal Election..Read more.

Save Steve Irwin Way Forest

Stage 1: Bruce Hwy Upgrade Project (Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway) represents significant impact to the remnant forest on the Steve Irwin Way. Read more

Member Group Events

See what our Member Groups are up to below. If your group would like an event listed please send us an email at [email protected] with 'E-Bulletin event' in the subject line.

Noosa Landcare & NICA Garage Sale

Noosa Landcare, NICA & Cooroora Netball Association is holding a MEGA GARAGE SALE as part of the national Garage Sale Trail. Are you ready ..Read online.

Yandina Quarry Update

The No Blasted Quarry Campaign continues as the trial date has been postponed to November. They will still need to keep raising funds and so several events have been planned for October. Read online.

Mary River Festival

The annual Mary River Festival is an annual celebration and interactive day including workshops, kids activities, music, ideas sharing..Read online.

Surfrider Eco Challenge 2013

GOLDEN DAYS FESTIVAL ECO CHALLENGE
Coolum's annual Golden Days Festival is on again in 2013. This part of the festival was established in 2011 the event has..Read online.

To find out more about other workshops and events that are on, 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

24hrs of Reality-Climate Reality

Beginning at 11am PST on October 22, former Vice President Al Gore and the The Climate Reality Project will stop the clock for a full 24hrs to focus the world's attention on the greatest challlenge of our time: climate change driven by ...Read more

NPAQ Petition for National Parks

National Parks in Queensland are currently facing many challenges. National Parks Association of Queensland has established a petition on the link below. Read more

Fight for the Reef Campaign

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. But it is under threat from the most widespread, rapid and damaging set of industrial developments in Queensland’s history. Read more...

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..

Other events in our region?

Sunshine Coast Orangutan Fundraiser Dinner

The Orangutan Project is collaborating with the Maroochy Chamber of Commerce on the Sunshine Coast to hold a benefit dinner for the endangered Orangutan of Borneo. Leo Biddle, Head of..Read online.

Re-consider ways to farm your property- workshop

Mary Valley Country Harvest Cooperative is hosting the first of its educational projects focusing on integrated property management for new and intending landholders...Read online.

Great Extinction Debate-Science on the edge

It is not a just a debate, it is not just a discussion on what has been or what might be in the future. It is an opportunity for you to meet some of our top scientists ..Read online.

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

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

Say 'NO' to the Cooroy Broiler Farm Proposal-council still considering submissions

Uphold the Environmental Values of the Maleny Community Precinct

Riparian buffer zones are important environmental areas- for the health of the Obi Creek and our wildlife. Buffer zones on the Maleny Community Precinct are being threatened. Maleny & District Green Hills have begun a campaign to protect these important corridors. Read more here.

You can join the campaign by: viewing campaign details page or signing the petition here.

Read Steven Lang's speech to the Maleny Chamber of Commerce championing the Precinct as an Iconic Regional Treasure with tourism and business benefits.

Keep the bridge for the people

Pickering Bridge at Moy Pocket on the Mary River is an old timber bridge and is the site of the annual Brownwater Classic, a community mid-winter event which has been running for 24 years. It's also a popular spot on the river and is the start of one of the best bits of the Mary to kayak.

The old low-level timber bridge is a real survivor. While floods have swept away many of its compatriots, Pickering Bridge (built in 1925) is still intact. It's been upgraded a couple of times to handle the heavy trucks that service the nearby quarry and there's years of life left in it yet.

Click here to visit the website and find out how you can support the campaign.

Stewards of the Future Report

A report to map out and identify strategic opportunities to further enhance the development of Environmental Education for sustainability processes on the Sunshine Coast was recently completed. The stewards of the future project was commissioned by the Sunshine Coast Council and undertaken by Sunshine Coast QESSI hub Maroochy Catchment Centre. You can view it here.

Other News

Lead advice group cut as poison concerns increase: ABC News 14/10/2013

Questions are being raised as to the 'safe' level of lead in children's blood. They come as a popular Australian lead advisory group has its funding taken away. Read more..

Outdoor air pollution leading cancer cause: WHO SMH: 17/10/2013

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified outdoor air pollution as a leading cause of cancer in humans. Read more..

Green group rejects push for environmental approvals handover: ABC News 17/10/2013

A conservation group says Government and industry will live to regret a so-called streamlining of the environmental approvals process for major projects. Read more..