2nd August 2013

From the SCEC desk..

Another busy month with lots on for August so enjoy the read below.

If you missed viewing SCEC's Strategic Plan that will take us into the future and operate in a more sustainable fashion., you can see it here.

We hope you like our new newsletter format and of course feel free to give us feedback 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...

Places You Love

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

By signing petitions, sending the Prime Minister postcards and spreading the word on social media, you are making .. Read online.

Flying Foxes in Coolum

The Sunshine Coast Council has received Federal approval under the EPBC Actto undertake non-lethal dispersal of the flying-fox colony in the Cassia Wildlife Corridor in Coolum. Read online.

Protect the Pumicestone Passage Petition

THE TAKE ACTION FOR PUMICESTONE PASSAGE (TAPP) GROUP are concerned that the Pumicestone Passage is being damaged by over-use for recreational purposes. 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.

Roving Restorers Day @ Booloumba Creek, Cambroon

You are invitied to join us on Sunday 11th August with weeding trees planted at the launch of Hinterland Bush Links. Read online.

Yandina Community Gardens Workshops

Yandina Community Gardens has full program of FREE events and workshops happening at the Gardens every Saturday as part of the Community Partnership under the ‘Living Smart Saturday’ Program between Yandina Community Gardens Inc. and Sunshine Coast Council. For more info visit webpage 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

Stradbroke Island Sand-mining

A report on last nights ABC 7.30 Report revealed confidential documents obtained by the ABC showed that the State Government intended to change legislation to allow sand mining at the Enterprise mine to continue beyond its current closure date of 2019. Read online.

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...

'Places You Love' Campaign

URGENT ACTION NEEDED Give the Federal Government power to protect our national parks. National parks protect some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and provide critical habitat for our unique native plants. Read more.

Other events in our region?

Keep Australia Beautiful Week

Keep Australia Beautiful Week is just around the corner. This year we are going to be asking you what’s wrong. From the 19th of August we are encouraging everyone to get involved in our ‘Littering Is Wrong Too’ campaign. There are no two ways about ..Read online.

Friends of Maroochy Botanical Gardens Meeting

Friends of Maroochy are Inviting interested members of the Sunshine Coast community to their next Monthly Meeting, when our guest speaker, Kate Heffernan, will offer special insights into the world Read online.

Solar Citizens Info Night

Solar Citizens is a new community organisation, but in a few months, we've managed great things. Earlier this year, thousands of Solar Citizens came together in Queensland to stop the Newman Government from penalising solar owners, and won! Read online.

Valley Bees Open Day 11th August

A day of information on how these pollinating beauties are a critical component of our ecosystems. Learn what natives to plant to attract and how to house your own and much more. 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.

Local News

'The Noosa's Independent'- Noosa's own online newspaper

Great source of information on whats on, latest news, culture, food and environmental issues within he Noosa Shire and throughout the region Read more..

Other News

Check out this interesting ABC documentary where Dick Smith explores Australia's options as the era of cheap and abundant energy is replaced by scarcity and high cost. View it here.

Major project proponents are invited to be part of the Major Projects App, to be launched at theMajor Projects Conference Queensland 2013

The Major Projects App will feature information on Queensland's biggest infrastructure, coordinated and major projects. This app will display the project location and key details.

Submit your project before 23 August, visit www.mpc.qld.gov.au

RSPCA 'not consulted' on free range chicken move: Brisbane Times 2nd August

Last month, the government changed the Animal Care and Protection Regulation Act 2012 to allow an increase in stocking densities for free range hens. Where once 1500 chickens per hectare was the maximum, now 10,000 chickens per hectare can be kept. Read more..

Humane Choice for farm animals have a pro-forma letter where you can send a message on this issue to Campbell Newman here.

On 1 July 2013, the Queensland Government launched the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).

There has been a high level of activity in MyDAS- the new online system that allows you to prepare and lodge or refer particular applications to DSDIP, as the single state assessment and referral agency. If you wish to find out more information about SARA or MyDAS, please refer to the DSDIP website.