September 2017 E-News

Great news for our precious environment this month with laws being passed to bring in a container deposit scheme, and ban single-use plastic bags in Queensland, and it's time to have your say on the Maroochy River rock wall.
We're proud to announce SCEC's World Environment Day Festival won a State award!!

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Great news for our precious environment this month with laws being passed to bring in a container deposit scheme, and ban single-use plastic bags in Queensland. Our vibrant Sunshine Coast community has been taking action to raise awareness of deadly shark nets, and it's time to have your say on the Maroochy River rock wall.

We're proud to announce SCEC's World Environment Day Festival won a State award, and our sold-out annual event Drag Queen Bingo is back! Snap up your tickets today.

Catch up on all the action below and don't forget to check out the huge range of events happening on the Sunshine Coast at the bottom of the email!

 

SCEC Campaigns

No Rocks for Maroochy! We need your voice!

The protection of the mighty Maroochy, one of the last untrained estuaries on the east coast is a significant, generational issue. The Sunshine Coast Council has now launched an online opinion survey as part of its consultation process which includes a disastrous proposal to build a 200m rock wall at the mouth of the Maroochy River. This is a critical time to speak up and ensure the community’s views are heard. Take the survey here, and contact the Mayor and local Councillor.

Building a rock wall is unnecessary and will destroy the dynamic, natural system of the beautiful Maroochy River. Experts have confirmed that the existing geo-fabric groyne field has been successful over the last 16 years and is still performing the function it was designed to do, protecting the caravan park as well as the environmental and recreational values of the adjacent estuary. Have your say today.

 

Have your say on environmental protection and regulation in Queensland!

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) wants your feedback about environmental issues that interest and concern Queenslanders, to better understand community needs and expectations of environmental regulation services in the state, and more.
Now’s an important time to speak up and have your say on how our local environment should be protected. Take the survey before 6pm on October 6, 2017 here.

SCEC joins marine conservationists for shark nets action

On the 3rd of August, skipper of Migaloo 2 vessel Dean Jefferys made his way north from Byron Bay to Mooloolaba spit, where he led conservationists in an action to raise awareness about lethal shark nets. Dean was joined by SCEC, and recent winner of the Healthy Land and Water Lifetime Achievement Award - Tony Isaacson. Passionate community members swam under the nets positioned off Mooloolaba beach to show the public how ineffective they really are. Mr Isaacson spoke of the horrendous by-catch caught in the nets in QLD, and showed images to the media of a turtle that had been caught on the net directly opposite Mooloolaba beach.

Serendipitously, a sea turtle swam up to the wharf just as Tony was speaking to the media. The camera person and reporters immediately captured the moment. If that's not a sign from nature then what is!

SCEC got in contact with both the Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Council this month seeking their support for net removal, and support for the immediate trial of available non-lethal technology.

WED Festival wins Prestigious Award!

Last Wedneday, SCEC joined leaders in the events industry at the Australian Event Awards held at the Caloundra Events Centre. SCEC attended the event in celebration of their award nomination for Australia's "Best Charity or Cause Related Event of the Year" for World Environment Day Festival 2017. SCEC was up against the Sony Foundation's 'Wharf for Ward' event, the Hawaiian Ride for Youth, and the Third International Abspetos Awareness Conference. The Asbestos Awareness Conference took out the national winner, however SCEC very proudly won the State Champion award for this category. 
 
SCEC see this award as a testament to the many people and groups that bring WED Festival alive year after year. As a true grassroots community event, WED Festival really is a demonstration of the commitment and dedication of hundreds, if not thousands, of people across our region working to promote and protect our beautiful region. Thank you to everyone, in their own unique way, for making WED Festival so special!

SCEC Events

Biodiverity Talks series

Thanks to everyone for coming along to our biodiversity talks held at the Sunshine Coast libraries. Look out for the presentation on our website soon and we hope to run them again

Drag Queen Bingo is on AGAIN!

After 2016's sell-out event, Drag Queen Bingo is back!

When: Friday 10 November, 7pm
Where: Coolum Civic Centre
Cost: $20 per ticket

 

Other News

Species in Strife - The Figures

WWF and RSPCA have joined forces in a new report that highlights just how many of our species are under threat in Queensland from excessive tree-clearing. The numbers are shocking. They've found that up to 34 million animals are killed every year.

Australia and California - We're pretty similiar Right?

Both home to sand, surf and sun. We have similar vulnerabilities to climate change, and are both rich in renewable energy resources. We also use about the same amount of electricity! But that’s where the similarities end.
 
Californian communities and businesses are embracing their renewable energy future with optimism. There are no half measures - California aims to be the biggest and the best in every way.

But Australia has an advantage over California, we are the sunniest country in the world with enough renewable energy resources to power our economy 500 times over

World has already used nature's budget for the year, and Australia is the worst offender.

The world has already consumed its nature 'budget' for the entire year, and Australia has been identified as the worst offending country among major economies. If everyone lived like the average Australian, the world’s nature budget for the year would have been consumed in early March.

Grant Opportunities

NAB Sustainable Regions Grant: applications are open now and close 5pm, 27 October 2017. Find out more here.

Date Claimers

Saving the Green on the Sunshine Coast - FREE EVENT

  • Thursday 28 September at 6pm-8pm
  • Maleny Community Centre (see map)
RSVP required for this free community event. Secure your seat today.

Come and learn about the importance of maintaining trees in our suburbs and regions, how our laws currently operate to regulate tree clearing at a state, federal and local government level, how we can strengthen our laws to better protect our trees in our region, and what you can do to help!

This joint event with Environmental Defenders Office Queensland, The Wilderness Society, and Sunshine Coast Environment Council will impart knowledge and skills to protect the green where we live.

WATER WISDOM: The Urban Water Cycle


SCEC is working alongside Healthy Land and Water and the Univeristy of the Sunshine Coast to bring you a free public information session on the urban water cycle.WATER WISDOM: The Urban Water Cycle will provide the most current information on options for the urban water cycle presented by leading experts in their fields.

This day is a must for anyone who wants to be better informed about water supply and treatment.

This event is not to be missed, with clear and easily understandable presentations by some of Australia's foremost experts in their fields including Ian Lowe and many more. Registration is essential by 22nd September. More details including even
t program here.See you there!

LEARNING FROM NATURE - Improving the Profitability of your Horticultural Enterprise

Attend this workshop to learn from agro-ecologist Dr Wendy Seabrook about how to reduce input costs and improve income reliability, by increasing ecological functioning in your production systems. The two day event is set on the Noosa Black plantation in the beautiful Noosa hinterland.

When: October 10th & 11th, 9-5pm
Cost: $25.00
What to bring: Hat, enclosed shoes
Additional info: Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is provided

Register here or contact Susie as below by Tuesday October 3 2017

For more info &/or special dietary requirements contact: Susie Chapman: 0400 910 682 or [email protected]
Why 100% Renewables is 100% Better for Queensland
Imagine a future powered by cheap, clean, renewable energy. With solar panels on every roof, and big wind and solar farms creating jobs for thousands of Queenslanders.

Australia is the sunniest continent on earth. If anyone can make it happen, we can. And get this - it will actually reduce power bills for everyone.

Come along to this free event to find out how we can turn the Sunshine State into the Sun Powered State.

  WHAT: 100% Renewables: Why it's better and how to make it happen
  WHERE: Caloundra Community Centre, 58A Queen Street, Caloundra
  WHEN: 6.30 for a 7pm start, Thursday 12th October 2017
  WHO: Solar Citizens Sunshine Coast Volunteer Group

Solar Citizens is an independent community organisation bringing together millions of solar owners and supporters to grow and protect solar in Australia.

Hear about our “Homegrown Power Plan” - a roadmap that shows how we can repower Australia’s homes and businesses with 100% renewable power by 2030.

Find out how you can become part of the renewable energy revolution, right here on the Sunshine Coast.

To RSVP: visit our Facebook page: Sunshine Coast Solar Citizens
or email [email protected]

More Upcoming Events

23 September 2017 – Energy Independence 2pm 
A free ZEN Renewable Energy Community Workshop held at Central Queensland University, Noosaville is open for all this Saturday. Residents will hear about innovative community energy initiatives and have the opportunity to put their ideas forwards and get involved in future action. Register or read more here.

Sept 23 2017 – Hinterland Bush Links AGM, 10:00am to 12:00pm  
The Management Committee invites all comers to the Hinterland Bush Links AGM to be held at the Verandah Room, Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple St Maleny. Guest speaker Prof. Brendan Mackey will present a talk “Can Connectivity Conservation Save Biodiversity from Climate Change”. Please RSVP by Friday 15th September via [email protected]

September 22 - 23 – Pick it up 6:30pm Friday – 11am Sunday 
Come on down to Alexandra Headlands over the weekend of 22 - 24th of September for a family-friendly weekend of events to raise awareness of plastic waste, its effect on marine environments, and reduce every day dependence on plastics. For a full list of program details, click here.
 
Sept 24 to Nov 11 2017 – Mary River Month
The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC) is again hosting Mary River Month in 2017. A full list of the month’s activities can be viewed here.

September 25 2017 BIEPA Meeting 7pm start
The Bribie Island RSL is hosting the next BIEPA meeting. For more information click here.

26 September 2017- Roving Restorers 9am – 12pm
Join us with weeding at this beautiful property in the headwaters of the Obi Creek. We will enjoy morning tea at the Big Table in the forest. All tools will be provided. Bring gloves, water, boots, sunscreen and insect repellent. Long-sleeved shirt, trousers and hat are essential. More information here.

2 October 2017 – Noosa Biosphere Day 2017 10am
Noosa River Pirate Park, Noosaville will be the venue for Noosa Biosphere Day to celebrate the past 10 years of UNESCO MAB Reserve. Join the family fun day with local food, entertainment, activities and environmental information. More information here.

19th of October - Noosa and District Land Care Group Annual Meeting 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Delicious afternoon tea provided, please RSVP by the 12th of October. More information here.
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Authorised by Narelle McCarthy
Sunshine Coast Environment Council
3 Porters Lane
75009 PARIS
[email protected]