AVGT's 2nd Ever Sustainability Day!
Bird Walks And Talks 2017: PNHA
Come and see and hear some of our fantastic native birds, many of which you'll never see in your garden. Join in a Sunday guided bird walk with Pittwater Natural Heritage Association. All walks start at 8am and end about 10am.
March 26, Irrawong reserve. Meet at corner Irrawong Rd and Epworth Rd.May 28, Warriewood Wetlands, meet at End of Katoa Close, north Narrabeen.August 27 Chiltern Track. Meet at gate, off northern of Chiltern Rd Ingleside.September 17 Irrawong reserve. Meet at corner Irrawong Rd and Epworth Rd.November 26 Warriewood Wetlands. Meet end of Katoa Close, north Narrabeen.
Bring binoculars if possible. Drink, hat and comfortable shoes.More information contact pnhabirdwatching@gmail.com or Ph Kerry on 0402605 721.
You don't need to book but if we know you're coming we'll watch out for you. Call if in doubt about weather as we won't go out if it's raining.
Come and see and hear some of our fantastic native birds, many of which you'll never see in your garden. Join in a Sunday guided bird walk with Pittwater Natural Heritage Association. All walks start at 8am and end about 10am.
March 26, Irrawong reserve. Meet at corner Irrawong Rd and Epworth Rd.
May 28, Warriewood Wetlands, meet at End of Katoa Close, north Narrabeen.
August 27 Chiltern Track. Meet at gate, off northern of Chiltern Rd Ingleside.
September 17 Irrawong reserve. Meet at corner Irrawong Rd and Epworth Rd.
November 26 Warriewood Wetlands. Meet end of Katoa Close, north Narrabeen.
Bring binoculars if possible. Drink, hat and comfortable shoes.
More information contact pnhabirdwatching@gmail.com or
Ph Kerry on 0402605 721.
You don't need to book but if we know you're coming we'll watch out for you. Call if in doubt about weather as we won't go out if it's raining.
Call To Local Councils As Floodplain Management Grants Open For Applications
More Large-Scale Solar Farms Coming To NSW
Public Comment Open: Dolphin Mitigation Strategies For The SPF And SESSF
Call For Public Comment On Draft Seabird Threat Abatement Plan
15th March 2017
Public comment is now being sought on the draft Threat abatement plan for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations (Threat abatement plan for incidental catch of seabirds). The public consultation period is open until 30 June 2017.
The draft Threat abatement plan for incidental catch of seabirds provides a national strategy to guide the activities of government, industry and research organisations in abating the impact of oceanic longline fishing operations on seabirds in Commonwealth fisheries.
The consultation paper and related documents are available on theDepartment of the Environment and Energy website. Your comments on this consultation paper are welcome.
Further information about the existing Threat abatement plan 2014 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations is available at the Threat Abatement Plan – seabirds page
A black-browed albatross with chick, on Macquarie Island. (Photo: Kim Kliska)
15th March 2017
Public comment is now being sought on the draft Threat abatement plan for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations (Threat abatement plan for incidental catch of seabirds). The public consultation period is open until 30 June 2017.
The draft Threat abatement plan for incidental catch of seabirds provides a national strategy to guide the activities of government, industry and research organisations in abating the impact of oceanic longline fishing operations on seabirds in Commonwealth fisheries.
The consultation paper and related documents are available on theDepartment of the Environment and Energy website. Your comments on this consultation paper are welcome.
Further information about the existing Threat abatement plan 2014 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations is available at the Threat Abatement Plan – seabirds page
A black-browed albatross with chick, on Macquarie Island. (Photo: Kim Kliska)
Thirsty Mangroves Cause Unprecedented Dieback
Boaty McBoatface Submersible Prepares To Dive Into The Abyss On First Antarctic Mission
March 13, 2017
Autosub long range "Boaty McBoatface". Credit: National Oceanography Centre
Boaty McBoatface is joining ocean scientists from the University of Southampton and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) on an expedition to study some of the deepest and coldest abyssal ocean waters on earth -- known as Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) -- and how they affect climate change.
The team of researchers, alongside engineers from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), will assess water flow and underwater turbulence in the Orkney Passage, a region of the Southern Ocean around 3,500m deep and roughly 500 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula.
They will use one of the Autosub Long Range class of unmanned submersibles, the latest type of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by the NOC, now known as Boaty McBoatface, following last year's campaign by the Natural Environment Research Council to name the UK's new polar research ship. While the ship will be named after famous naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, the popular winner of the contest -- Boaty McBoatface -- lives on in the form of a unmanned submersible that is now embarking on its first Antarctic research mission.
The DynOPO (Dynamics of the Orkney Passage Outflow) expedition will travel to the Southern Ocean aboard the BAS research ship RRS James Clark Ross, departing Punta Arenas in Chile on Friday 17 March. The researchers will use a combination of specialised instruments deployed from a ship, instruments moored to the seafloor, as well as measurements made by Boaty, to measure ocean turbulence.
The submersible will travel back and forth through an abyssal current of Antarctic Bottom Water along the Orkney Passage while measuring the intensity of the turbulence. This current forms off the coast of Antarctica as cold winds off the ice sheet cool the sea surface. The resulting cold, dense water sinks and moves northwards, forming an important part of the global circulation of ocean water. The Orkney Passage is a key chokepoint that AABW has to navigate on its way from Antarctica's Weddell Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
Current evidence suggests that changing winds over the Southern Ocean affect the speed of seafloor currents carrying AABW. The speed of these currents determines how turbulent their flow around underwater mountain ranges (submarine topography) is. Faster flow is more turbulent, and in this turbulence more heat is mixed into AABW from shallower, warmer ocean layers -- thus warming the abyssal waters on their way to the Equator, affecting global climate change.
Professor Alberto Naveira Garabato from the University of Southampton, the lead scientist of the research cruise, commented: "We know that a major driver of the abyssal ocean warming, at least in the Atlantic Ocean, is changes in winds over the Southern Ocean.
"The abyssal waters of the World Ocean sink in the Southern Ocean, and flow northward along the seafloor in submarine streams. When these streams encounter submarine topography or key chokepoints, they navigate it by squeezing through valleys and around mountains, occasionally forming submarine waterfalls -- much as a river flowing toward the sea does on the Earth's surface..
"The Orkney Passage is a key chokepoint to the flow of abyssal waters in which we expect the mechanism linking changing winds to abyssal water warming to operate. We will measure how fast the streams flow, how turbulent they are, and how they respond to changes in winds over the Southern Ocean.
"Our goal is to learn enough about these convoluted processes to represent them (for the first time) in the models that scientists use to predict how our climate will evolve over the 21st century and beyond."
BAS oceanographer Dr Povl Abrahamsen, a co-investigator of the study, said, "We have been monitoring the flow of AABW through the Orkney Passage for years. The DynOPO project will provide us with a unique, high-resolution dataset combining moored and moving instruments, which will help us get to the bottom of the complex physical processes occurring in this important region."
Professor Alberto Naveira Garabato added: "One of the most surprising features of the climate change that we are currently experiencing is that the abyssal waters of the world ocean have been warming steadily over the last few decades. Establishing the causes of this warming is important because the warming plays an important role in moderating the ongoing (and likely future) increases in atmospheric temperature and sea level around the globe."
Materials provided by University of Southampton.
March 13, 2017
Autosub long range "Boaty McBoatface". Credit: National Oceanography Centre
Boaty McBoatface is joining ocean scientists from the University of Southampton and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) on an expedition to study some of the deepest and coldest abyssal ocean waters on earth -- known as Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) -- and how they affect climate change.
The team of researchers, alongside engineers from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), will assess water flow and underwater turbulence in the Orkney Passage, a region of the Southern Ocean around 3,500m deep and roughly 500 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula.
They will use one of the Autosub Long Range class of unmanned submersibles, the latest type of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by the NOC, now known as Boaty McBoatface, following last year's campaign by the Natural Environment Research Council to name the UK's new polar research ship. While the ship will be named after famous naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, the popular winner of the contest -- Boaty McBoatface -- lives on in the form of a unmanned submersible that is now embarking on its first Antarctic research mission.
The DynOPO (Dynamics of the Orkney Passage Outflow) expedition will travel to the Southern Ocean aboard the BAS research ship RRS James Clark Ross, departing Punta Arenas in Chile on Friday 17 March. The researchers will use a combination of specialised instruments deployed from a ship, instruments moored to the seafloor, as well as measurements made by Boaty, to measure ocean turbulence.
The submersible will travel back and forth through an abyssal current of Antarctic Bottom Water along the Orkney Passage while measuring the intensity of the turbulence. This current forms off the coast of Antarctica as cold winds off the ice sheet cool the sea surface. The resulting cold, dense water sinks and moves northwards, forming an important part of the global circulation of ocean water. The Orkney Passage is a key chokepoint that AABW has to navigate on its way from Antarctica's Weddell Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
Current evidence suggests that changing winds over the Southern Ocean affect the speed of seafloor currents carrying AABW. The speed of these currents determines how turbulent their flow around underwater mountain ranges (submarine topography) is. Faster flow is more turbulent, and in this turbulence more heat is mixed into AABW from shallower, warmer ocean layers -- thus warming the abyssal waters on their way to the Equator, affecting global climate change.
Professor Alberto Naveira Garabato from the University of Southampton, the lead scientist of the research cruise, commented: "We know that a major driver of the abyssal ocean warming, at least in the Atlantic Ocean, is changes in winds over the Southern Ocean.
"The abyssal waters of the World Ocean sink in the Southern Ocean, and flow northward along the seafloor in submarine streams. When these streams encounter submarine topography or key chokepoints, they navigate it by squeezing through valleys and around mountains, occasionally forming submarine waterfalls -- much as a river flowing toward the sea does on the Earth's surface..
"The Orkney Passage is a key chokepoint to the flow of abyssal waters in which we expect the mechanism linking changing winds to abyssal water warming to operate. We will measure how fast the streams flow, how turbulent they are, and how they respond to changes in winds over the Southern Ocean.
"Our goal is to learn enough about these convoluted processes to represent them (for the first time) in the models that scientists use to predict how our climate will evolve over the 21st century and beyond."
BAS oceanographer Dr Povl Abrahamsen, a co-investigator of the study, said, "We have been monitoring the flow of AABW through the Orkney Passage for years. The DynOPO project will provide us with a unique, high-resolution dataset combining moored and moving instruments, which will help us get to the bottom of the complex physical processes occurring in this important region."
Professor Alberto Naveira Garabato added: "One of the most surprising features of the climate change that we are currently experiencing is that the abyssal waters of the world ocean have been warming steadily over the last few decades. Establishing the causes of this warming is important because the warming plays an important role in moderating the ongoing (and likely future) increases in atmospheric temperature and sea level around the globe."
Materials provided by University of Southampton.
NSW Water Resource Plan Consultation
Open Space Across Sydney
March 13, 2017: Article by NSW Department of Planning and Environment
By 2036, the population of Sydney is projected to grow by more than two million people and an extra 725,000 homes will be needed to meet this increase.
Sydney is a great place to live and visit with its iconic landmarks and natural environment, and it’s important to ensure that there is open space to enjoy for locals and tourists now and in the future. More than 90 per cent of Sydney’s residents live within a five to 10 minute walk of green space and the latest Sydney Open Space audit shows the total amount of open space across Greater Sydney has increased by nearly 40,000 hectares (from 550,784 in 2003 to 589,494 in 2014).
What is the Department of Planning and Environment doing?
Land transfers and planningThe Sydney Green Grid is a NSW Government initiative aimed at creating a network of interlinked tree-lined walkways, cycleways and open spaces across the city and create green connections from people’s homes to local centres, to workplaces and to where they spend their leisure time.
The Metropolitan Greenspace Program (MGP) is administered by theGreater Sydney Commission. The MGP supports local councils in Greater Sydney and on the Central Coast to improve open spaces, parks, bushland, natural areas, waterway corridors and tree-lined streetscapes in a network that connects our homes to centres, public transport, jobs and recreation. Since 1990, over $41 million has been allocated to more than 600 projects. Funds are awarded to councils on a matching dollar-for-dollar basis.
During the 2015/16 financial year, the Department facilitated the transfer of 101 hectares to five councils in Sydney to be used only as open space. These councils were Bankstown, Blacktown, Gosford, Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai and Warringah.
Priority Growth AreasThe development of new communities is important in the supply of new homes and employment opportunities. But it also provides opportunities for open space. The Department has included new or retained hectares of open space in its land releases and precinct plans. For example…- Draft plans for the Kellyville, Bella Vista and Showground Station precincts include 17 hectares of new parks and open space.
- Draft plans for Bayside West aim to retain the existing five hectares of open space in Arncliffe and three and 3.6 hectares of in Banksia, and proposes an extra hectare in Arncliffe.
- Draft plans for Ingleside include nearly 16 hectares of open space, including playing fields, local walking and cycling paths, and local parks.
- Sydney Olympic Park is already surrounded by 430 hectares of expansive parklands. The draft Master Plan includes nearly two hectares more open space and neighbourhood parks for people to enjoy, equivalent to nearly three football fields.
Ingleside sporting overview - artists impression
Land rezoningThe Wentworth Park rezoning included 3.9 hectares of open space and a $5 million NSW Government investment to build the new Peninsula Park at Wentworth Point, opening up the harbour foreshore to the community for the first time ever.
Amendments to planning policy for Penrith Lakes has secured waterway zone 80 hectares of waterways, 110 hectares of parklands and 118 hectares of environmental protection land.Biodiversity Certification
The North West and South West Growth Centres biodiversity certification is achieving strong conservation outcomes. This has resulted in maintaining the protection of the 2,000 hectares of existing native vegetation within the growth centres while protecting 511 hectares of high environmental value lands outside over 12 sites.Infrastructure projects
A number of development conditions are placed on projects, ensuring that impacts are avoided, minimised or offset. For example, in relation to WestConnex, and in consideration of issues raised by the community, a series of conditions have been set to provide new open public space; new cycling and pedestrian infrastructure; and strict environmental protections including:- provision of a new land bridge to connect Sydney Park and open space at St Peters interchange
- a green link incorporating new and upgraded cycling and pedestrian pathways connecting open spaces of Sydney Park, Simpson Park, Camdenville Park and St Peters interchange
- strict air quality limits for the tunnel and ventilation facilities
- establishing an Air Quality Community Consultative Committee with members of the community and local councils to help decide locations of monitoring stations
- protections for Green and Golden Bell Frogs
- a biodiversity offset strategy for the Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest.
March 13, 2017: Article by NSW Department of Planning and Environment
By 2036, the population of Sydney is projected to grow by more than two million people and an extra 725,000 homes will be needed to meet this increase.
Sydney is a great place to live and visit with its iconic landmarks and natural environment, and it’s important to ensure that there is open space to enjoy for locals and tourists now and in the future.
More than 90 per cent of Sydney’s residents live within a five to 10 minute walk of green space and the latest Sydney Open Space audit shows the total amount of open space across Greater Sydney has increased by nearly 40,000 hectares (from 550,784 in 2003 to 589,494 in 2014).
What is the Department of Planning and Environment doing?
Land transfers and planning
The Sydney Green Grid is a NSW Government initiative aimed at creating a network of interlinked tree-lined walkways, cycleways and open spaces across the city and create green connections from people’s homes to local centres, to workplaces and to where they spend their leisure time.
The Metropolitan Greenspace Program (MGP) is administered by theGreater Sydney Commission. The MGP supports local councils in Greater Sydney and on the Central Coast to improve open spaces, parks, bushland, natural areas, waterway corridors and tree-lined streetscapes in a network that connects our homes to centres, public transport, jobs and recreation.
Since 1990, over $41 million has been allocated to more than 600 projects. Funds are awarded to councils on a matching dollar-for-dollar basis.
During the 2015/16 financial year, the Department facilitated the transfer of 101 hectares to five councils in Sydney to be used only as open space.
These councils were Bankstown, Blacktown, Gosford, Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai and Warringah.
Priority Growth Areas
The development of new communities is important in the supply of new homes and employment opportunities. But it also provides opportunities for open space.
The Department has included new or retained hectares of open space in its land releases and precinct plans.
For example…
- Draft plans for the Kellyville, Bella Vista and Showground Station precincts include 17 hectares of new parks and open space.
- Draft plans for Bayside West aim to retain the existing five hectares of open space in Arncliffe and three and 3.6 hectares of in Banksia, and proposes an extra hectare in Arncliffe.
- Draft plans for Ingleside include nearly 16 hectares of open space, including playing fields, local walking and cycling paths, and local parks.
- Sydney Olympic Park is already surrounded by 430 hectares of expansive parklands. The draft Master Plan includes nearly two hectares more open space and neighbourhood parks for people to enjoy, equivalent to nearly three football fields.
Ingleside sporting overview - artists impression
Land rezoning
The Wentworth Park rezoning included 3.9 hectares of open space and a $5 million NSW Government investment to build the new Peninsula Park at Wentworth Point, opening up the harbour foreshore to the community for the first time ever.
Amendments to planning policy for Penrith Lakes has secured waterway zone 80 hectares of waterways, 110 hectares of parklands and 118 hectares of environmental protection land.
Biodiversity Certification
The North West and South West Growth Centres biodiversity certification is achieving strong conservation outcomes. This has resulted in maintaining the protection of the 2,000 hectares of existing native vegetation within the growth centres while protecting 511 hectares of high environmental value lands outside over 12 sites.
Infrastructure projects
A number of development conditions are placed on projects, ensuring that impacts are avoided, minimised or offset.
For example, in relation to WestConnex, and in consideration of issues raised by the community, a series of conditions have been set to provide new open public space; new cycling and pedestrian infrastructure; and strict environmental protections including:
- provision of a new land bridge to connect Sydney Park and open space at St Peters interchange
- a green link incorporating new and upgraded cycling and pedestrian pathways connecting open spaces of Sydney Park, Simpson Park, Camdenville Park and St Peters interchange
- strict air quality limits for the tunnel and ventilation facilities
- establishing an Air Quality Community Consultative Committee with members of the community and local councils to help decide locations of monitoring stations
- protections for Green and Golden Bell Frogs
- a biodiversity offset strategy for the Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest.
Draft Threat Abatement Plan For The Impacts Of Marine Debris On Vertebrate Marine Species (2017)
Whanganui River Settlement Passes Third Reading
March 15, 2017: New Zealand Government Media ReleaseThe New Zealand House of Representatives has passed Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Bill through its third reading today.
“Whanganui Iwi has fought for recognition of its relationship with the Whanganui River since the 1870’s,” Mr Finlayson said. “Today brings the longest running litigation in New Zealand’s history to an end.”
The legislation will establish a new legal framework for the Whanganui River, Te Awa Tupua, which recognises the river as an indivisible and living whole from the mountains to the sea. Te Awa Tupua will have its own legal identity with all the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person.
“The approach of granting legal personality to a river is unique,” Mr Finlayson said. “It responds to the view of the iwi of the Whanganui River which has long recognised Te Awa Tupua through its traditions, customs and practise.
“This legislation recognises the deep spiritual connection between the Whanganui Iwi and its ancestral river and creates a strong platform for the future of Whanganui River.”
Financial redress of $80 million is included in the settlement as well as an additional $1 million contribution towards establishing the legal framework for the river. The Crown will also contribute $30 million towards a contestable fund to further the health and wellbeing of the Whanganui River.
“This is an innovative settlement. The Crown is committed to working alongside Whanganui Iwi to ensure the success of this settlement for Te Awa,” Mr Finlayson said.
The Whanganui River - given legal person status this week. Image Courtesy Kathrin and Stefan Marks - Flickr -CC by NC 2.0
March 15, 2017: New Zealand Government Media Release
The New Zealand House of Representatives has passed Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Bill through its third reading today.
“Whanganui Iwi has fought for recognition of its relationship with the Whanganui River since the 1870’s,” Mr Finlayson said. “Today brings the longest running litigation in New Zealand’s history to an end.”
The legislation will establish a new legal framework for the Whanganui River, Te Awa Tupua, which recognises the river as an indivisible and living whole from the mountains to the sea. Te Awa Tupua will have its own legal identity with all the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person.
“The approach of granting legal personality to a river is unique,” Mr Finlayson said. “It responds to the view of the iwi of the Whanganui River which has long recognised Te Awa Tupua through its traditions, customs and practise.
“This legislation recognises the deep spiritual connection between the Whanganui Iwi and its ancestral river and creates a strong platform for the future of Whanganui River.”
Financial redress of $80 million is included in the settlement as well as an additional $1 million contribution towards establishing the legal framework for the river. The Crown will also contribute $30 million towards a contestable fund to further the health and wellbeing of the Whanganui River.
“This is an innovative settlement. The Crown is committed to working alongside Whanganui Iwi to ensure the success of this settlement for Te Awa,” Mr Finlayson said.
The Whanganui River - given legal person status this week. Image Courtesy Kathrin and Stefan Marks - Flickr -CC by NC 2.0
Agreement In Principle Signed With Ngāti Rangi
Join The Fight Against Foxes
27 February 2017: Media Release - Greater Sydney Local Land ServicesNorthern Sydney residents are being urged to join the fight against foxes in the lead up to an autumn baiting program in March.
Run by Greater Sydney Local Land Services in partnership with the Sydney North Vertebrate Pest Committee, National Parks and Wildlife Services and other land management agencies, the annual program coincides with fox cubs leaving the den and adults finding a mate for the winter breeding period.
Greater Sydney Biosecurity Manager Graham Wilson said coordinated, large-scale baiting programs had proven most effective in limiting the impacts of foxes in urban areas.
“Past experience has shown foxes are more likely to take baits in autumn but the support and cooperation of local residents is vital to the program’s success.”
Mr Wilson said there were simple things residents could all do to minimise the impact of foxes.
“Foxes are attracted to food scraps and domestic pets like chickens and rabbits. You can help by ensuring compost bins are properly closed, keeping household rubbish in a secure location, feeding domestic pets inside, ensuring food is not left outside and wherever possible, keeping pets inside overnight.
“Pesticide restrictions mean baiting can’t be undertaken on the average suburban block which is why coordinated programs like this are crucial to limiting the damage foxes can cause to native wildlife, infrastructure, livestock and domestic pets,” he said.
“Keeping yards in check by tidying gardens, weeding to reduce fox harbour and housing backyard chickens in secure, fox-proof enclosures rather than free ranging will also help.”
The Northern Sydney baiting program will be in place until the end of March. It is important for residents to keep their domestic pets away from sign-posted bait sites and walk their dogs on a leash during this time.”
The baiting will take place in The Hills Shire, Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Willoughby, Ku-Ring-Gai, Mosman and Hornsby areas.
For further information contact Greater Sydney Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
Photo: Fox courtesy James Doumtsis Invasive Animals CRC
27 February 2017: Media Release - Greater Sydney Local Land Services
Northern Sydney residents are being urged to join the fight against foxes in the lead up to an autumn baiting program in March.
Run by Greater Sydney Local Land Services in partnership with the Sydney North Vertebrate Pest Committee, National Parks and Wildlife Services and other land management agencies, the annual program coincides with fox cubs leaving the den and adults finding a mate for the winter breeding period.
Greater Sydney Biosecurity Manager Graham Wilson said coordinated, large-scale baiting programs had proven most effective in limiting the impacts of foxes in urban areas.
“Past experience has shown foxes are more likely to take baits in autumn but the support and cooperation of local residents is vital to the program’s success.”
Mr Wilson said there were simple things residents could all do to minimise the impact of foxes.
“Foxes are attracted to food scraps and domestic pets like chickens and rabbits. You can help by ensuring compost bins are properly closed, keeping household rubbish in a secure location, feeding domestic pets inside, ensuring food is not left outside and wherever possible, keeping pets inside overnight.
“Pesticide restrictions mean baiting can’t be undertaken on the average suburban block which is why coordinated programs like this are crucial to limiting the damage foxes can cause to native wildlife, infrastructure, livestock and domestic pets,” he said.
“Keeping yards in check by tidying gardens, weeding to reduce fox harbour and housing backyard chickens in secure, fox-proof enclosures rather than free ranging will also help.”
The Northern Sydney baiting program will be in place until the end of March. It is important for residents to keep their domestic pets away from sign-posted bait sites and walk their dogs on a leash during this time.”
The baiting will take place in The Hills Shire, Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Willoughby, Ku-Ring-Gai, Mosman and Hornsby areas.
For further information contact Greater Sydney Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
Photo: Fox courtesy James Doumtsis Invasive Animals CRC
Department Seeks Community Views On Narrabri Gas Project Proposal
Av. Green Team Back At Work
If Victoria Can Ban CSG, NSW Can Too!
By The Wilderness SocietyCoal seam gas (CSG) threatens our water, our health and our climate. Many jurisdictions around the world are permanently banning this dangerous industry, most recently Victoria. We do not need or want risky coal seam gas in NSW. It’s clear that the industry has no social licence in our state, yet vast and critical areas—as well as human health—are still under threat from CSG across the state.
Call on the new Premier Berejiklian and the new Planning Minister Roberts to follow Victoria's lead and ban this harmful and risky industry in NSW.
By The Wilderness Society
Coal seam gas (CSG) threatens our water, our health and our climate. Many jurisdictions around the world are permanently banning this dangerous industry, most recently Victoria. We do not need or want risky coal seam gas in NSW.
It’s clear that the industry has no social licence in our state, yet vast and critical areas—as well as human health—are still under threat from CSG across the state.
Call on the new Premier Berejiklian and the new Planning Minister Roberts to follow Victoria's lead and ban this harmful and risky industry in NSW.
Myna Action Group
Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)
Indian Mynas - what a pest - like flying rats. Contact us on pnhainfo@gmail.com for more information and have a look athttps://www.facebook.com/MynaProblems/
Indian Mynas are displacing our native birds. They often nest in and around shops where their food source is. I took this one down this morning in Avalon (no chicks or eggs but I disturbed the female). There were literally hundreds of tiny bits of plastic in the nest which makes you think that all this plastic would be swilling down the stormwater drains into the sea.
Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)
Indian Mynas - what a pest - like flying rats.
Contact us on pnhainfo@gmail.com for more information and have a look athttps://www.facebook.com/MynaProblems/
Indian Mynas are displacing our native birds.
They often nest in and around shops where their food source is. I took this one down this morning in Avalon (no chicks or eggs but I disturbed the female). There were literally hundreds of tiny bits of plastic in the nest which makes you think that all this plastic would be swilling down the stormwater drains into the sea.
Federal Senate Inquiry: The Rehabilitation Of Mining And Resources Projects As It Relates To Commonwealth Responsibilities
Draft NSW Marine Estate Threat And Risk Assessment Report Released
Wildlife Carers and Organisations in Pittwater:
Sydney Wildlife rescues, rehabilitates and releases sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. From penguins, to possums and parrots, native wildlife of all descriptions passes through the caring hands of Sydney Wildlife rescuers and carers on a daily basis. We provide a genuine 24 hour, 7 day per week emergency advice, rescue and care service.
As well as caring for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, Sydney Wildlife is also involved in educating the community about native wildlife and its habitat. We provide educational talks to a wide range of groups and audiences including kindergartens, scouts, guides, a wide range of special interest groups and retirement villages. Talks are tailored to meet the needs and requirements of each group.
Found an injured native animal? We're here to help.
Keep the animal contained, warm, quiet and undisturbed. Do not offer any food or water.
Call Sydney Wildlife immediately on 9413 4300, or take the animal to your nearest vet. Generally there is no charge.
Find out more at: www.sydneywildlife.org.au
Southern Cross Wildlife Care was launched over 6 years ago. It is the brainchild of Dr Howard Ralph, the founder and chief veterinarian. SCWC was established solely for the purpose of treating injured, sick and orphaned wildlife. No wild creature in need that passes through our doors is ever rejected.
People can assist SCWC by volunteering their skills ie: veterinary; medical; experienced wildlife carers; fundraising; "IT" skills; media; admin; website etc. We are always having to address the issue of finances as we are a non commercial veterinary service for wildlife in need, who obviously don't have cheque books in their pouches. It is a constant concern and struggle of ours when we are pre-occupied with the care and treatment of the escalating amount of wildlife that we have to deal with. Just becoming a member of SCWC for $45 a year would be a great help. Regular monthly donations however small, would be a wonderful gift and we could plan ahead knowing that we had x amount of funds that we could count on. Our small team of volunteers are all unpaid even our amazing vet Howard, so all funds raised go directly towards our precious wildlife. SCWC is TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
Find out more at: southerncrosswildlifecare.org.au/wp/
Wildlife Carers and Organisations in Pittwater:
Sydney Wildlife rescues, rehabilitates and releases sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. From penguins, to possums and parrots, native wildlife of all descriptions passes through the caring hands of Sydney Wildlife rescuers and carers on a daily basis. We provide a genuine 24 hour, 7 day per week emergency advice, rescue and care service.
As well as caring for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, Sydney Wildlife is also involved in educating the community about native wildlife and its habitat. We provide educational talks to a wide range of groups and audiences including kindergartens, scouts, guides, a wide range of special interest groups and retirement villages. Talks are tailored to meet the needs and requirements of each group.
Found an injured native animal? We're here to help.
Keep the animal contained, warm, quiet and undisturbed. Do not offer any food or water.
Call Sydney Wildlife immediately on 9413 4300, or take the animal to your nearest vet. Generally there is no charge.
Find out more at: www.sydneywildlife.org.au
Southern Cross Wildlife Care was launched over 6 years ago. It is the brainchild of Dr Howard Ralph, the founder and chief veterinarian. SCWC was established solely for the purpose of treating injured, sick and orphaned wildlife. No wild creature in need that passes through our doors is ever rejected.
People can assist SCWC by volunteering their skills ie: veterinary; medical; experienced wildlife carers; fundraising; "IT" skills; media; admin; website etc. We are always having to address the issue of finances as we are a non commercial veterinary service for wildlife in need, who obviously don't have cheque books in their pouches. It is a constant concern and struggle of ours when we are pre-occupied with the care and treatment of the escalating amount of wildlife that we have to deal with. Just becoming a member of SCWC for $45 a year would be a great help. Regular monthly donations however small, would be a wonderful gift and we could plan ahead knowing that we had x amount of funds that we could count on. Our small team of volunteers are all unpaid even our amazing vet Howard, so all funds raised go directly towards our precious wildlife. SCWC is TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
Find out more at: southerncrosswildlifecare.org.au/wp/
Corroboree Frog Habitat Trial Is A Hop In The Right Direction
Media release: 17 March 2017- NPWS
More than 300 Southern Corroboree Frogs were released into remote enclosures in Kosciuszko National Park yesterday as part of a massive effort to save this critically endangered species.
Gabriel Wilks from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the frogs were successfully placed into specially-constructed frog enclosures within the park as part of efforts to return healthy populations of this species back into the wild.
“The newly built enclosures are in very remote locations in the national park where these frogs were once found,” Ms Wilks said.
“The eight specially constructed enclosures are 7 meters in diameter and essentially look like a bottomless swimming pool with native vegetation, logs and small ponds placed inside.
“Designing the enclosures to ensure the frogs and their mini-ecosystems remain healthy and survive the extreme weather conditions has been a challenge.
“Similar enclosures have been installed throughout Kosciusko National Park as part of a long term recovery plan to save this iconic species, but we’ve never before attempted to place them in such a remote area.
“The specialist skills and local knowledge of the NPWS Landforms and Rehabilitation Team was vital to work out how habitat and irrigation requirements could actually be achieved in the field.
NPWS Field officer Joel Fordham is part of the crew that constructed the enclosures and described these new frog homes as ‘move-in-ready’ for the tiny black and yellow striped frog.
“The enclosures are like frog resorts - ponds will have water in summer for breeding, the right vegetation for habitat shelter, plenty of ants for food and timber slabs for winter retreats,” Mr Fordham said.
The construction of these enclosures was funded by the Australian Government through the Threatened Species Strategy and is part of a long term recovery plan to save this iconic species.
The frogs that were released yesterday were bred in captivity by the Taronga Zoo and Zoo Victoria.
Earlier trials with frog enclosures have already shown promising results with breeding observed at other locations.
For more information on efforts to save the iconic Southern Corroboree Frog in NSW, visit the Saving our Species.
Top: One of the specially constructed enclosures, Above: Corroboree frogs are 2.5-3cms in length!. Photos courtesy NPWS and NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
At Taronga:
Taronga is heavily involved in breeding and release of Corroboree frogs into the wild in a National Recovery Program to help save this species. The program involves breeding both species of frogs in at our breeding units that contain computerised temperature and water filtration systems. They are set up with dual thermostats and alarms to ensure the temperature stays within the optimal range. One of these breeding units can be seen next to Reptile World at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
Corroboree Frogs are Australia’s most iconic amphibian species and amongst the most visually spectacular frogs in the world. These tiny frogs can be readily distinguished by their bold yellow and black strips n the body and their marbled black, white and yellow belly. All known populations of the Southern Corroboree Frog inhabit Kosciuszko National Park, which is one of the best known and best loved National Parks in Australia, attracting around 3 million visitors each year. Living in marshlands and sclerophyll forests under logs and vegetation means that catching a glimpse of these stunning creatures is a rare and exciting occurrence.
Life as a Corroboree Frog
Diet
These frogs feed mainly on small invertebrates such as ants, beetles, insect larvae and mites. Tadpoles feed on algae and small bits of organic material.
Habitat
The Southern Corroboree Frog is found only within Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. This species is found at heights of between 1,300 and 1,760 metres above sea level. Habitat critical to the survival of Corroboree Frogs includes both breeding habitat and the surrounding woodland. Corroboree frogs use pools and sphagnum bogs, wet tussock grasslands, fens and wet heath for breeding. Some water bodies dry up outside of breeding season so frogs will shelter in dense litter and under logs and rocks. Northern Corroboree Frogs are known to move over 300 metres into surrounding woodland after breeding.
Breeding
Corroboree Frogs have a typical amphibian life-cycle with an aquatic tadpole stage and terrestrial frog stage. Adult males move into breeding areas in early to late summer, and call from small chambers (nests) in moss or other soft vegetation and soil at the edges of the breeding pools. The pools are often dry during the breeding season when the eggs are laid. If a female is attracted to a male, she will lay her eggs in his nest. Within the nest, the eggs develop to an advanced stage, before development stops and they enter ‘diapause’, where the embryos remain without developing further, until flooding of the nest following autumn or winter rains stimulates them to hatch.
After hatching, the tadpoles move out of the nest site and into the adjacent pool where they live for the remainder of the larval period as a free swimming and feeding tadpole. Corroboree Frog tadpoles are dark in colour, have a relatively long paddle shaped tail, and grow to 30 mm in total length. The tadpoles continue growing slowly, particularly over winter when the pool may be covered with snow and ice, until metamorphosis in early summer.
Behaviour
The Corroboree Frog is unusual in that this frog walks in a manner far more like a lizard than a frog and cannot hop. These frogs have no known predators due to its toxic skin secretions. Not only does it obtain pumiliotoxins from its diet, it also produces its own poisonous alkaloids, pseudophrynamines. The Corroboree Frog is a secretive creature and is often very hard to see in the wild. Adults become dormant during winter however the tadpoles remain active as the ice forms a layer of insulation that stops the bog freezing solid and they are able to survive with an extremely low body temperature, only a couple of degrees above freezing.
Information courtesy the Taronga Zoo Corroboree Frogs webpage - more on that page!
Above: Corroboree frogs are 2.5-3cms in length!. Photo courtesy NPWS and NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
Hydrogen On Demand
March 13, 2017
Technion-Israel Institute of Technology researchers have developed a new approach to the production of hydrogen from water using solar energy. In findings published in Nature Materials, the researchers explain that this approach will make it possible to produce hydrogen in a centralized manner at the point of sale (for example, at a gas station for electric cars fueled by hydrogen) located far from the solar farm. The new technology is expected to significantly reduce the cost of producing the hydrogen and shipping it to the customer.
(from left) Professor Gideon Grader, Ms. Avigail Landman, Prof. Avner Rothschild
The study was led by Avigail Landman, a doctoral student in the Nancy & Stephen Grand Technion Energy Program (GTEP), and Dr. Hen Dotan from the Electrochemical Materials & Devices Lab. Ms. Landman is working on her doctorate under the guidance of Prof. Avner Rothschild from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, and Prof. Gideon Grader, Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering.
Hydrogen is considered one of the most promising energy carriers for vehicles and various other uses because of its salient advantages:
1. Hydrogen can be produced from water, and therefore production does not depend on access to non-renewable natural resources.
2. Using hydrogen fuel would reduce the dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, whose availability depends on geographical, political and other factors, and would increase the energy available to Earth's population.
3. Unlike diesel and gasoline engines that emit considerable pollution into the air, the only byproduct of hydrogen fuel utilization is water.
Because of the advantages of hydrogen fuel, many countries -- led by Japan, Germany and the United States -- are investing vast sums of money in programs for the development of environmentally friendly ("green") technologies for the production of hydrogen. Most hydrogen is currently produced from natural gas in a process that emits carbon dioxide into the air, but it is also possible to produce hydrogen from water by splitting the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen in a process called electrolysis. However, since electricity production itself is an expensive and polluting process, researchers at the Technion and around the world are developing a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell that utilizes solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen directly, without the need for external power source.
The main challenges in the development of PEC solar farms for the production of hydrogen are 1.) keeping the hydrogen and the oxygen separate from each other, 2.) collecting the hydrogen from millions of PEC cells, and 3.) transporting the hydrogen to the point of sale. The Technion team solved these challenges by developing a new method for PEC water splitting. With this method, the hydrogen and oxygen are formed in two separate cells -- one that produces hydrogen, and another that produces oxygen. This is in contrast to the conventional method, in which the hydrogen and oxygen are produced within the same cell, and separated by a thin membrane that prevents them from intermixing and forming a flammable and explosive mixture.
The new process allows geographic separation between the solar farm consisting of millions of PEC cells that produce oxygen exclusively, and the site where the hydrogen is produced in a centralized, cost-effective and efficient manner. They accomplished this with a pair of auxiliary electrodes made of nickel hydroxide, an inexpensive material used in rechargeable batteries, and a metal wire connecting them.
"In the present article, we describe a new method for producing hydrogen through the physical separation of hydrogen production and oxygen production," says Ms. Landman. "According to our cost estimate, our method could successfully compete with existing water splitting methods and serve as a cheap and safe platform for the production of hydrogen."
But that's not all. As stated, the vision of the Technion researchers is geographic separation between the sites where the oxygen and hydrogen are produced: at one site, there will be a solar farm that will collect the sun's energy and produce oxygen, while hydrogen is produced in a centralized manner at another site, miles away. Thus, instead of transporting compressed hydrogen from the production site to the sales point, it will only be necessary to swap the auxiliary electrodes between the two sites. Economic calculations performed in collaboration with research fellows from Evonik Creavis GmbH and the Institute of Solar Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), indicate the potential for significant savings in the setup and operating costs of hydrogen production.
In October, Ms. Landman won first place in the energy category in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition held in Australia. At the competition, held on the initiative of the University of Queensland, participants are required to present groundbreaking research in just three minutes. To watch Ms. Landman's presentation, click here.
The method developed at the Technion for separating hydrogen production and oxygen production was the basis for the development of new two-stage electrolysis technology. This technology, which was developed by Dr. Hen Dotan, enables hydrogen production at high pressure and with unprecedented efficiency, thus significantly reducing hydrogen production costs. The new technology is now in its pre-industrial development stage.
Avigail Landman, Hen Dotan, Gennady E. Shter, Michael Wullenkord, Anis Houaijia, Artjom Maljusch, Gideon S. Grader, Avner Rothschild. Photoelectrochemical water splitting in separate oxygen and hydrogen cells. Nature Materials, 2017; DOI: 10.1038/nmat4876
Child Protection Crisis Worsening
16 March 2017: Media Release - Senator the Hon. Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report released today,Child protection Australia 2015-16, shows the number of children in the out-of-home care system in Australia has increased to 46,448 in 2015-16 up from 43,399 the year before.
“Now we have over 30,000 children that have been in out-of-home care for more than 2 years and almost 19,000 for more than 5 years,” said Senator Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs.
“In the last year we only saw 196 children adopted in Australia, which is not even 1% of the children who have been in care for more than 2 years.
“Obviously reunification with their family is the first priority for children, but when this is not a viable option most children are left in the out-of-home care system and are moved from family to family with no stability. This makes them far less likely to have good education outcomes and more likely to end up as part of the youth justice system.
“These are our most vulnerable children and we need to do more to get this right,” said Senator Seselja.
At the meeting with State and Territory Community Services Ministers in November, Ministers agreed “the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments would work collaboratively to develop a set of guiding principles to drive improvement in the achievement of permanency outcomes for children in out-of-home care”.
“While this is a good step in the right direction, we need to remember this is urgent and we need to do everything we can as soon as we can.
“The New South Wales Government have made huge improvements by having legislating timeframes for decision making and utilising a taskforce to break down the barriers to the adoption process. I would encourage all states and territories to follow their lead on this and do everything in their power to give these children stable homes,” Senator Seselja concluded.
Menin Gate Lions To Go On Display In Ieper, Belgium
Tuesday 14 Mar 2017 by Australian War Memorial
The iconic Menin Gate lions, past which thousands of Australian and other allied forces marched on their way to the Belgian battlefields of the Western Front, will return to their original home in the city of Ieper (Ypres), Belgium, as part of commemorations of the First World War.
From 1822 the stone sculptures bearing the Ypres coat-of-arms stood at the entrance to the Cloth Hall, the town’s civic and commercial centre, before being moved to either side of the street leading to the Menin Gate in the mid-nineteenth century. They remained there during the First World War even as Ypres was reduced to ruins by German artillery fire.
The lions, broken and scarred, were later recovered from the war rubble, and in 1936 the Burgomaster of Ypres presented them to the Australian government as a token of friendship and an acknowledgement of Australia’s sacrifice in the region during the war. Since 1991 they have been displayed inside the front entrance of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
This joint initiative between the Belgian, Flemish and Australian governments will see the lions temporarily returned to the Menin Gate, coinciding with the centenary anniversaries of one of the most notorious and costly campaigns of the First World War, the Third Battle of Ypres. This campaign included the battles of Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, and Passchendaele. The names of 6,191 Australians are among the 54,000 British and Dominion soldiers listed on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, commemorating those who died in the fighting in Flanders and have no known grave.
Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, said that the powerful bond between Australia and Belgium, forged in the service and sacrifice of those who walked through the Menin Gate on the way to the front, is honoured with this joint initiative.
"We will be forever linked with the City of Ieper and the people of Belgium. In recognition of these deep bonds forged in bloody sacrifice the Australian War Memorial will deliver the Menin Gate lions, with the assistance of the Royal Australian Air Force, back to their original home," Dr Nelson said.
"The lions will arrive in time for Anzac Day and stand sentry once again as Flanders and Australia remember the cataclysm that was the First World War. They will act as a reminder of the price paid by so many in battles in which many thousands of allied soldiers perished."
Dr Nelson also said the Memorial has commissioned a documentary feature on the loan of the Menin Gate lions to Ieper. The film will include the historical context of the lions and how they relate to the story of Australians at war in Belgium in 1917.
While the lions are on display at the Menin Gate in Ieper, there will be a small exhibition at the In Flanders Fields Museum to outline the history of the sculptures from their creation in 1822 to the present day. The lions will return to the Australian War Memorial after Remembrance Day 2017.
Star Discovered Whipping Around A Black Hole Twice An Hour
March 13, 2017
Astronomers have found evidence for a star that whips around a black hole about twice an hour. This may be the tightest orbital dance ever witnessed for a black hole and a companion star. Credit: Courtesy of NASA
Astronomers have found evidence for a star that whips around a black hole about twice an hour. This may be the tightest orbital dance ever witnessed for a black hole and a companion star.
Michigan State University scientists were part of the team that made this discovery, which used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory as well as NASA's NuSTAR and the Australia Telescope Compact Array.
The close-in stellar couple -- known as a binary -- is located in the globular cluster 47 Tucanae, a dense cluster of stars in our galaxy about 14,800 light years away from Earth. While astronomers have observed this binary for many years, it wasn't until 2015 that radio observations revealed the pair likely contains a black hole pulling material from a companion star called a white dwarf, a low-mass star that has exhausted most or all of its nuclear fuel.
New Chandra data of this system, known as X9, show that it changes in X-ray brightness in the same manner every 28 minutes, which is likely the length of time it takes the companion star to make one complete orbit around the black hole. Chandra data also shows evidence for large amounts of oxygen in the system a characteristic of white dwarfs. A strong case can, therefore, be made that that the companion star is a white dwarf, which would then be orbiting the black hole at only about 2.5 times the separation between Earth and the moon.
"This white dwarf is so close to the black hole that material is being pulled away from the star and dumped onto a disk of matter around the black hole before falling in," said Arash Bahramian, lead author with the University of Alberta (Canada) and MSU. "Luckily for this star, we don't think it will follow this path into oblivion, but instead will stay in orbit."
Although the white dwarf does not appear to be in danger of falling in or being torn apart by the black hole, its fate is uncertain.
"For a long time astronomers thought that black holes were rare or totally absent in globular star clusters," said Jay Strader, MSU astronomer and co-author of the paper. "This discovery is additional evidence that, rather than being one of the worst places to look for black holes, globular clusters might be one of the best."
How did the black hole get such a close companion? One possibility is that the black hole smashed into a red giant star, and then gas from the outer regions of the star was ejected from the binary. The remaining core of the red giant would form into a white dwarf, which becomes a binary companion to the black hole. The orbit of the binary would then have shrunk as gravitational waves were emitted, until the black hole started pulling material from the white dwarf.
The gravitational waves currently being produced by the binary have a frequency that is too low to be detected with Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, LIGO, that has recently detected gravitational waves from merging black holes. Sources like X9 could potentially be detected with future gravitational wave observatories in space.
An alternative explanation for the observations is that the white dwarf is partnered with a neutron star, rather than a black hole. In this scenario, the neutron star spins faster as it pulls material from a companion star via a disk, a process that can decrease the rotational period of the neutron star to a few thousandths of a second. A few such objects, called transitional millisecond pulsars, have been observed near the end of this spinning-up phase. The authors do not favor this possibility as transitional millisecond pulsars have properties not seen in X9, such as extreme variability at X-ray and radio wavelengths. However, they cannot disprove this explanation.
Arash Bahramian, Craig O. Heinke, Vlad Tudor, James C. A. Miller-Jones, Slavko Bogdanov, Thomas J. Maccarone, Christian Knigge, Gregory R. Sivakoff, Laura Chomiuk, Jay Strader, Javier A. Garcia, Timothy Kallman.The ultracompact nature of the black hole candidate X-ray binary 47 Tuc X9. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 2017; 467 (2): 2199 DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stx166