27th September 2013

From the SCEC desk..

A very big thank you to all those group representatives who attended SCEC's very first, 'Member Group Round Table'. It was a huge success and a great opportunity to share ideas and network, so far the feedback has been very positive. We look forward to having many more in the future.

Check out this weeks thought provoking and inspiring Q & A, with very special guest David Suzuki. View  here  before it expires.

With the dryness, heat and strong winds around at the moment, you might want to keep and eye on the bushfires around your area, visit the Rural Fire Service Qld website here for more info.

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

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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...

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.

Kenilworth Poets Breakfast

Commencing at 8am on Saturday September 28 in the woodchop arena just behind the Kenilworth Hall. Entry to Poets is $5 plus breakfast from menu selection, coffee and ..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

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?

Caloundra Fringe Festival

Caloundra Fringe Festival will be held from 27/9- 7/10 2013. Eleven days of diverse, arts, culture, culinary and sporting activities leading up to the Caloundra Music Festival,including the renowned Festuri Festival on Sunday.  SCEC will be there on Monday 30th, so call in and say hello.

Plant Identification Workshop @ USC

Register Now for the Plant Identification Workshop- 28 & 29 September with renowned Botanist Dr Mike Olsen...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

A new bus network is on the way for the Sunshine Coast

With our region's growing population there is obviously an urgent need for improving our public transport systems which will encourage people to use these services more frequently. Translink have created a new bus network which will be easier to use and that will reflect the needs of the Sunshine Coast. You can view the draft routes and schedules on the Translink website here or pick up the booklet from local libraries, bus depots and council customer service centres.

Positions Vacant: AMCS- Communications Officer 

Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) are recruiting a Communications Officer to cover a temporary vacancy we have until August next year. This position requires a mix of communications skills, and is focused on leading our online and digital communications.
The post will be based in Brisbane. Applications are due by 21st October. Click here for more info.

Other News

Get Up- Show and Tell..

A "one-stop shop" environmental approvals process will allow state governments to make short-sighted decisions that could have permanent, detrimental impacts on the places that make Australia great. The more Australians know about this unpopular plan, the more the incentive for the Abbott Government to leave these important laws in place. That's why Get Up plan to get this TV ad on air and is a great place to start. Click here to view the ad and show your support.

IPCC at a crossroad with fifth climate change report:  25/09/2013

The meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in Stockholm this week is arguably the most important in its 25-year history. Read more..

Recycled plastic bags might have medical use: ABC News 27/09/2013

Plastic shopping bags might have a valuable future, first blasted in a furnace at more than 800 degrees Celsius and then possibly turned into materials able to deliver targeted cancer treatments, among other things. Read more..

Links for sustainable living

Living Greener in Australia

Sunshine Coast Council's Living Smart Program

Reduce your energy costs

Reduce your waste

Reduce your water footprint