December 1 - 31, 2024: Issue 637

Northern Beaches police charge Balgowlah man with allegedly running over and mutilating kangaroos - including joeys

Warning: Contains sensitive content

A Northern Beaches’ man was due to appear in court on Wednesday November 27, charged with allegedly running over and mutilating several kangaroos earlier this year.

In September 2024, officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command commenced an investigation into animal cruelty after police located CCTV of an unknown vehicle deliberately running over kangaroos in Running Stream, 60km north of Lithgow.

Following extensive investigations, police charged a 20-year-old Balgowlah Heights man on Friday 18 October 2024 with torture, beat and seriously injure animal, recklessly beat and seriously injure animal, and driver not disclose identity of driver/passenger as required.

The man was issued a future court attendance notice to appear before Manly Local Court on Wednesday 27 November 2024.

Police will allege in court the man deliberately ran down several adult and baby kangaroos before mutilating the body of one of the animals.

Update: apparently the alleged perpetrator did not attend court.

Ruskin Rowe Trees Update: November 28

Residents report a fence has been installed around one of the trees the council has indicated they will destroy on November 28 2024. 

Comments on social media platforms about damaging the trees have been reported to the council. his has been given as the reason for the installation of the fencing. 

A request to council has been made by Canopy Keepers for a copy of council's final review for their verdict.

This has not been met as yet.

Those who have written to the objecting to the trees being destoyed have reciv=eved the same response this week:

''Thank you for your submission in relation to Ruskin Rowe.

We appreciate your feedback and thank you for taking the time to make a submission.

The Council will carefully consider your input as it deliberates on the outcome moving forward.''

Photo; Supplied

Bayview Pollution runoff persists: Resident states raw sewerage is being washed into the estuary

A resident has written to the news service this week, along with sending in photographs a pollution problem that is persisting at Bayview and surrounds. 

In 2023 PON reported on Clay stormwater still polluting Bayview Golf Course, Pittwater estuary, as it had been since 2021.

Investigations focused on the Mona Vale road works, which had spilled sediment into a few local creeks during the duration of the build.

However, those works have been completed now and this week a resident who lives in Park Street, Mona Vale sent in images of what they have had to look at, they have stated, for the past 8 years. 

''In the past 12 months [....] released raw sewerage down these very stormwater drainage around Bayview Golf Course and into  Cahill Creek, into Pittwater itself.'' the resident has stated

They used dispersant into the Cahill creek itself. The Council deals with the stormwater drainage apparently, but it's on Bayview Golf Course property. The sewerage laden sediments, sand and debris clogged areas around beautiful Bayview Golf Course stormwater drainage system is completely useless. 

We are looking forward to the East Coast Low weather system on the upcoming high tides (and the) endangerment of the local community in the area.''

The resident has contacted the Environmental Protection Authority, Sydney Water, and the Council in regards to the Flood Plain Management. 

Nothing has been done or changed despite these reports. They have not been advised what the definite source of the raw sewerage is or what will be done to address the problem permanently.

On Thursday, 24 May 2018 the Northern Beaches Council announced it 'will push ahead with further water testing at Bayview Baths on Pittwater as a prelude to possible refurbishment.'

The statement went on to say:

'On Tuesday night, Council adopted a recommendation to participate in another round of water testing with Sydney Water and the Office of Environment and Heritage at the site in 2018/19. Should this testing prove successful, Council has resolved to work collaboratively with the community and funding agencies to secure grant funding for future refurbishment.' 

However, Bayview baths have always had problematic water quality readings since urbanisation, and continued over-the-top mass development in the vicinity leads to even more runoff into the bay - developments approved by the council.  

Bayview Baths again rated Poor in the most recent State of the Beaches report (2023-2024). This indicates its microbial water quality is susceptible to faecal pollution, particularly after rainfall and occasionally during dry weather conditions, with ''several potential sources of faecal contamination including stormwater and sewage overflows''.

A clean water reading should not be a precondition of whether or not a council should maintain the infrastructure of public baths or the public wharf alongside them though. 

Doing something to ensure the source of the 'faecal contamination' is identified at its source and stopping it from happening would be the step usually expected or required by any private citizen or government body. 

It would seem this Park street resident has identified one source of a polluting 'sewerage overflow' finding its way into the southern end of Pittwater, and around the corner into the baths area with each outgoing and incoming tide.

As water quality is an ongoing concern, the Sydney Water promised review and commitment to work with the Northern Beaches Council on any required remediation needs to be called out.

This could form the basis of feedback to the current IPART water prices review - if Pittwater residents are to pay millions more to fund new infrastructure and maintain Sydney Water assets - some of these long-promised upgrades for Bayview's surrounds should be counted among the figuring.

The 2024 (for 2025-2030) pricing proposal states in its opening pages Sydney Water's objectives are to:

  • protect public health
  • protect the environment
  • be a successful business.

Safe drinking water for Scotland Island residents, a safe sewerage system to prevent disease on the island too, and cleaner estuary waters for visitors and residents alike as a result, AND saving an estuarine based community are the markers of a successful business and epitomise Sydney Water's objectives.

Submissions close December 9.  The 2024 Pricing proposal - Sydney Water  Provide 'feedback' HERE

Background information in:

Bayview Public Wharf Gone; Public Baths not safe - Salt Pan Public Wharf Going - running this Issue

Scotland Island Dieback Accelerating: IPART Review of increases In Sydney Water's Pricing Proposals An Opportunity to ask: 'what happened to the 'Priority Sewerage Scheme' for our Island? - ran in the last Issue

The pictures are in two batches. The resident states the first shows the blockages and then the raw sewerage (photos dated November 17 and 27 2024).

November 17, 2024:

November 27, 2024:

The second batch show Bayview Golf Course stormwater drainage and a dispersant that has been applied into the system that then flows out into the estuary - these are from July 2nd, 2024:

Terrified Koala

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out to raise awareness and urge authorities to implement fences, safe passages, and signage to protect our wildlife.

I live in Wollongong and frequently travel on Picton Rd for work. Sadly, I’ve witnessed too many wildlife fatalities on this road, including koalas. At around 6:15 am on Tuesday morning I came across a terrified koala stranded on top of the dividing concrete barriers, about 1 km west from the Mt Keira Rd turnoff. The poor animal was perched helplessly in the middle of a 100 km/hr road, clearly overwhelmed by the situation.

I made the decision to pull over safely, slow the traffic to a stop, and carefully carry the koala to the southern side of the bush. I’m grateful to have been able to help this animal, but the experience left me a little dejected and wanting to help.

I’m hoping someone with dash cam footage of this moment might be able to share it. Seeing a koala stuck in the middle of such a dangerous road could be a powerful way to illustrate the urgent need for wildlife crossings and fencing along Picton Rd and others like this, including Mt Kiera Rd. There are Koalas in the Illawarra!

Please share this post and tag anyone who might be able to better help or amplify this cause.

Michael Culley, on Wollondilly Life community forum

November 28, 2024

Photo: Michael's

 

Scotland Island Dieback Accelerating: IPART Review of increases In Sydney water's pricing proposals An Opportunity to ask: 'what happened to the 'Priority sewerage Scheme' for our Island?

Residents will have noticed the change in the tree canopy of Scotland Island over the past decade and witnessed an accelerated increase in dieback of the tree canopy in just the past few years.

Scotland Island on April 7 2013:

Scotland Island March 7 2015:

Scotland Island in July 29, 2023:

In July 29, 2023 (from Church Point):

Scotland Island from Salt Pan Cove and Florence Park (Newport/Clareville) on November 22, 2024:

In circa 1880-1886:

 'Scotland Island, Newport, Pittwater, N.S.W.', photo by Henry King, Sydney, Australia, c. 1880-1886. From Tyrell Collection, courtesy Powerhouse Museum - taken from  above Rocky Point Peninsula and Lovett's Bay looking east.

The above was during the Benns-Jenkins decades of occupation of the island. Joseph Benns, (real name Ambrol Josef Diercknecht 1816-March 29, 1900) and Charles Jenkins, leased Scotland Island in 1855 for seven years. When they discovered those who had claimed ownership of the island did not have title they ceased paying rent and continued living there, building a home and cultivating the land, which may account for the patches of bare ground that can be seen on the island in the above photo. Mr. Benns was a master mariner and owned at least two ships, so he may have been harvesting timber as well - the image shows those trees closest to the water (easiest to fell and load onto a ship) are gone. 'Timber-getters' worked acros Pittwater even into the 1920's, cutting down the oldest, tallest trees. Benns was the husband of Martha Catherine Benns, the lady known locally as the 'Queen of Scotland Island'.

Department of Lands,
Sydney. 18th November, 1884.
APPLICATION TO MAINTAIN A JETTY.
NOTICE is hereby given that application has been made by the parties hereunder mentioned to maintain a jetty in front of their property, particularized in the annexed description; and all persons interested are invited to state, within one month from this date, their objections, if any, why they should not be permitted to maintain the jetty in question.
JAMES S. FARNELL.

Name of Applicants.
Joseph Benns and Charles Jenkins.
Description.
County of Cumberland, parish of Narrabeen, at Pitt Water, Scotland Island: Commencing on the high-water mark of Pitt Water, on the western side of Scotland Island; and bounded thence on the north by a line bearing westerly 168 feet; thence on the west by a line at right angles bearing southerly 5 feet; thence on the south by a line parallel to the first-mentioned boundary bearing easterly to to the aforesaid high-water mark ; and thence on the east by that high-water mark northerly, to the point of commencement. APPLICATION TO MAINTAIN A JETTY. (1884, November 25). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 7906. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221632993  

The jetty was about 3 perches, and on the 'western' side of the island; they paid £5 annual rent for this - LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES.—OBJECTIONS CALLED FOR. (1885, January 6). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 242. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221622589 

In 1883 they attempted to bring the island under the provisions of the Real Property Act, but were unsuccessful at that time. A David Dickson, to whom they had stopped paying rent, wrote from Adelaide on 18 April 1889, stating that Scotland Island was the property of himself and his brother James, who was living in England and suffering from mental disability. However, he was unable to prove their ownership satisfactorily, and Certificates of Title were issued to Joseph Benns and Charles Jenkins on 8 February 1892, mainly on the grounds of continual possession. [- Shelagh and George Champion OAM's, Profiles of the Pittwater Pioneers, 2013.]

Soon after they gained ownership Charles Jenkins passed away, naming the only child of Martha and 'Joseph' as executor - the  gentleman named was a solicitor, not her father:

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
PROBATE JURISDICTION.
In the will of Charles John Jenkins, late of Scotland Island, Pittwater, in the Colony of New South Wales, farmer, deceased.
APPLICATION will be made, after fourteen days from the publication hereof, that probate of the last will of the above named deceased may be granted to Emily Mary Ann Elizabeth Godbold and Stephen Mountain Stephens, the executrix and executor named in the said will,—Dated this 14th day of June, A.D. 1892.
W. H. PIGOTT, Proctor, 28, Castlereagh-street, Sydney. In the Supreme Court of New South Wales. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1892, June 17). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 4947. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222969717 

Emily Mary Ann Elizabeth (names of her Mother's sisters) married George Sigby Godbold in 1887. 3485/1887: GODBOLD, GEORGE and STEVENS EMILY - MANLY - NSW State Records - Births, Deaths Marriages

The first born Godbold children spent their formative years on Scotland Island. Family records state Herbert, their eldest, and his six siblings, five sisters and a brother, were all born on the island. The family moved to Bayview in 1903 or 1904. 

A few years before this, photos taken by the state government show the island is again covered in trees.

Pittwater wharf at Bayview facing Scotland Island (at Right), 1900, and looking towards Church Point  - from NSW State Records and Archives, Item: FL11281545:

Pittwater from above Lovetts, Scotland Island to the left;  1900. Item: FL11281628, courtesy State Records of NSW:

Apparently dieback may be caused by psyllid lerps insect infestations. However, our trees in the PON yard (also Pittwater Spotted gums) had an abundance of these in 2014 and none were lost or even looked like they would die.

 White ash substance on eucalypts - remnants of the casing of the nymph-stage of the psyllid lerps insect.

Above: Cicada rain on a sunny day - December and January 2014. We had so many cicadas, and continue to, that we are being 'peed' on during some summers. And it's loud, really LOUD, there are so many some years. But no trees have died from too many cicadas during the 40+ years they have been deafening us from our spotted gum trees.

In March 2023 Roy Baker, Editor of the Pittwater Offshore Newsletter (the original PON) and a Scotland Islander, penned a report, 'Scotland Island's Tree Canopy - Is it really dying?' where he stated:

'Northern Beaches Council have confirmed that their staff have observed die-back among both young and mature spotted gums on the island’s north-facing slopes. They describe the die-back issue as complex, without a clear cause.

‘It’s clearly not drought-induced’, a spokesperson told me. ‘It’s possible that there is an insect or fungal outbreak across the region following the three moist years we've had.’ -'

However, the images above show the dieback is happening on the south and east sides of the island, as well as the north. Added to this, the hills beyond Scotland Island on Rocky Point, Church Point and further west and north, as well as across the bay on the eastern side of Pittwater, remain as green as ever - there is no dieback elsewhere in Pittwater.

A respondent to Roy's article, Scotland Island's Trees - A Spotted Gum plantation by Alan Erdman (June 2023), an arborist with decades of experience, who also has been connected with the island since 1975, explained what he thinks is happening:

'There is probably a complex interplay of different factors, ranging from septic systems to climate change. But, in essence, nature does not like a monoculture. When they arise nature will turn on itself, with pests and disease becoming more prevalent. This can lead to devastating results. To take an extreme example, when a farmer plants a field of wheat, the incidence of pests and disease significantly increases and considerable crop losses can result.

In a natural ecosystem a full tree canopy will rarely provide space for a young tree to reach maturity. In short, an older tree first needs to fall down. When that rare event happens it creates a race amongst the understorey, which only the strongest trees will win.

Compare that to a situation in which there is extensive canopy clearing. There is then opportunity for many more trees to mature. There is less natural selection, therefore greater propensity for genetically weaker trees to become dominant.

This is what, I believe, is the main underlying driver for the current state of tree dieback. And that’s why there often doesn’t seem to be rhyme or reason to why some trees are dying while others flourish. If you look at a group of trees next to each other you will typically see around three-quarters in decline but the rest with healthy canopies. The flourishing trees are those more able to withstand environmental pressures, while the others are genetically weaker and probably should not have been there in the first place.

Basically, what we’ve ended up with is akin to a Spotted Gum plantation. And a quick Google search will reveal that Spotted Gum plantation managers are facing similar situations to what is happening on the island. For a couple of examples, click here (2020) and here (2017).'

Others are attributing the increase and acceleration of tree dieback to increased numbers of residents on the island putting pressure on the septic systems. Scotland Islanders, almost 100 years after sustained growth in homes from subdivisions occurred, are still not  connected to mains water or the sewerage system

The Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA) has been trying for decades to bring the island on to the same system the rest of Sydney enjoys. 

There are 377 dwellings on Scotland Island, according to the council. The Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2021 Census recorded that 711 people were 'usually resident' on Scotland Island on Tuesday, 10 August 2021. The island's population is partly seasonal: around 23% of the 358 private dwellings on the island were classed as 'unoccupied' on that Census night. In Summer he population is closer to 1000 people. 

In January 2011, incoming Premier of NSW Barry O’Farrell wrote: 

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals will fast-track the connection of sewerage … clearing most of the Keneally Labor Government's Priority Sewerage Program backlog,… We will also ensure remaining areas such as Austral, West Hoxton, Menangle, Menangle Park, Nattai and Scotland Island are connected to the sewer as a matter of priority...”

In 2012, the NSW Government’s Northern Beaches Regional Action Plan committed to:

 Better manage waste water and improve ocean water quality including upgrades to waste water and sewerage treatment facilities for Scotland Island”, (page 13). And “The provision of wastewater services to Scotland Island is a matter of priority …” (page14).

Scotland Island was subsequently listed under the 'Priority Sewerage Program'. Sydney Water's Operating Licence had committed them to delivering schemes under the Priority Sewerage Program.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) review of Sydney Water's Operating Licence in 2015 noted Sydney Water's estimate that the capital cost of providing wastewater services to Scotland Island would be $235,000 per lot ($2014/15). Sydney Water claimed delivering the remaining schemes under the Priority Sewerage Program would result in an unacceptable increase to Sydney Water service charges for Sydney Water's 1.7 million wastewater customers.

That was accepted by IPART and therefore Sydney Water's next Operating Licence 2015-2020 did not contain any commitment to delivering schemes under the Priority Sewerage Program, but did state that Sydney Water must comply with any government review of the Program.

Sydney Water's Operating Licence, reviewed every five years, includes a review of commitments to programs such as the Priority Sewerage Program.

IPART's 2019 Review of the Sydney Water Operating Licence, to which SIRA made a submission, stated in its final report:

Recommended Priority Sewerage Scheme clauses

3.3 Priority Sewerage Program

3.3.1 Sydney Water must participate cooperatively in any NSW Government review of the Priority Sewerage Program.

3.3.2 If required by the Minister, Sydney Water must implement and comply with any outcomes (including timeframes) of any NSW Government review of the Priority Sewerage Program.

[Note: The areas to which the Priority Sewerage Program applies are Austral, Menangle, Menangle Park, Nattai, Scotland Island and Yanderra as listed in Schedule B of this Licence.]

So; a big fat 'nothing'.

At the same time of the 2019 Review the by then in charge of the area Northern Beaches Council received State Government funding through the Stronger Communities Fund to conduct an independent investigation into the commercial feasibility of water and wastewater services to Scotland Island.

The Council commissioned a study and assessment which found:

''Wastewater systems consist of on-site management systems that are generally unsuitable for the topography and geology of the Island. Scotland Island is steep-sided bedrock with shallow soils of sandy loam (highly permeable) with sandy clay loam subsoils (highly impermeable). Evidence of overflow of septic systems was observed during the site inspection and audit conducted as part of this investigation. Septic odours and high numbers of mosquitos were also observed, supporting anecdotal reports of these issues. 

During the site inspection undertaken for this assessment, evidence of significant noxious weed infestation and Eucalyptus dieback was observed. It is likely that altered soil moisture and nutrient characteristics caused by poorly performing on-site wastewater management systems are contributing factors. It this regard, it should be noted that the vegetation on the Island is listed as an endangered ecological community (Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest).''

And:

Physiochemical degradation of soil due to effluent disposal is expected to be widespread and both surface and ground water resources are expected to be polluted. An implication of this is that native vegetation may be placed at risk and evidence of Eucalyptus dieback has been documented in the past (Scotland Island Wastewater Impact Study 1997). The vegetation of the Island is listed as an endangered ecological community (Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest, see Figure 2). The presence of this endangered ecological community further increases the implications of this degradation.

A site visit was conducted during the preparation of this report (see Appendix C for photographs). Extensive and widespread weed growth was observed during the site visit. A failing wastewater system represents a concentrated source of not only faecal matter and bacteria but also nutrients. High nutrient loads are a likely contributing factor to the widespread weed issue and degradation of native vegetation through nutrient overload and weed propagation.''

And:

''It should also be noted that Scotland Island is in closer proximity to heavily populated areas of Sydney than Dangar Island. When considered in these terms, it is a reasonable community expectation that Scotland Island be provided with the same level of water and wastewater services as Dangar Island.

The emergency water supply pipeline set up for firefighting and then later as an emergency drinking water supply, is now used by the majority of residents. This supply is officially non-potable. On-site wastewater systems are of insufficient capacity to cope with the substantial use of the non-potable supply. This has contributed to water quality impacts on the Pittwater Estuary, particularly following rain events.

The annual State of the Beaches reports, over the decade and a half the news service has run them, has consistently stated in regards to Scotland Island: 

'' indicates microbial water quality is considered suitable for swimming most of the time but may be susceptible to pollution after rain, with several potential sources of faecal contamination including onsite systems.''

Council's Water and Waste Water Feasibility Study [Endorsed by Council Nov 2020] found:

'The study estimated the cost to construct the preferred options and provide water and wastewater services to the 377 properties on Scotland Island would be just under $69 million (in today's prices).

The study recommended that the state government fund the scheme.'

Currently, IPART is seeking feedback on the next five years of how much Sydney Water can charge - see: IPART seeks feedback on water pricing proposals: Submissions close December 9

Sydney Water has proposed bills increase by 18% next year, and then further increases of 7% a year plus inflation, or around 31.5% overall between 2025-2030.

The documents state Sydney Water has proposed $16.5 billion in investment over the next 5 years. 

'Almost 60% of its proposed capital investment ($9.5 billion) over the next 5 years is to deliver new services to growth areas across Greater Sydney, including for new water assets and wastewater treatment facilities. It would spend around $6.3 billion to renew existing infrastructure.

The words 'Scotland Island' do not appear once in the 2024 Pricing proposal - Sydney Water document submitted to IPART by Sydney Water. Nor does any reference to a 'Priority Sewerage Scheme' appear. The document, after talking about the 570,000 new dwellings in Western Sydney that will need a tap and a loo, does use a map to show where it supplies water to - with Scotland Island included.

If your water supply is non-potable, it means the water has come from a non-potable, or non-drinking, water source. Water provided as non-potable water to be used as a supplementary water supply. It is not intended to be your primary water supply.

Sydney Water wants to increase all local water bills by an average of $620 per annum for the next five years, or an extra $3100 per household on average all up, while we sit still and watch Scotland Island's trees die.

The vision of Sydney Water, as part of the Greater Sydney Water Strategy, as stated in their 2022 Annual Report is “creating a better life with world class water services”. 

Two of their key research and innovation priorities are “reliable and resilient water supply” and “healthy waterways and environment”. Through their Urban PlungeTM strategy, Sydney Water aims to “to fast-track the delivery of more swimming and water recreation opportunities across Greater Sydney”, “a clean safe place to swim…. to swim and play and provide access to recreational waterways for people across Greater Sydney”.

The 2024 (for 2025-2030) pricing proposal states in its opening pages Sydney Water's objectives are to:

  • protect public health
  • protect the environment
  • be a successful business.

Safe drinking water for Scotland Island residents, a safe sewerage system to prevent disease, and cleaner estuary waters for visitors and residents alike as a result, AND saving an endangered ecological community are the markers of a successful business and epitomise Sydney Water's objectives.

Submissions close December 9. 

The 2024 Pricing proposal - Sydney Water 

Provide 'feedback' HERE

 

Government strengthens penalties for blocking railways: 'Rising Tide' Protests Against Coal Exports Go Ahead in Newcastle + Canberra Anyway 

The Minns Labor Government announced on Friday November 22 it has put stronger sanctions in place for irresponsible and disruptive activities that block the passage of trains, endangering the safety of rail workers and disrupting passengers.

Legislation passed by the NSW Parliament on the night of November 21 put in place a maximum fine of $22,000 for the offence of “obstructing a railway”. Previously, the offence provision under the Crimes Act 1900 did not specify a fine.

''The penalties for blocking the passage of trains now align with changes to laws, passed by the NSW Parliament in 2022, making it an offence to block or obstruct major roads, bridges and tunnels and major facilities like ports and railway stations.'' the government stated in a release

''Many of the protesters in the Hunter Valley earlier this year were charged with obstructing a railway. This provision also covers people found to have assisted those who directly commit the offence.''

''Strengthening the penalty aims to deter extremely dangerous conduct that puts train driver, rail worker and passenger safety at risk.''

Blocking railway tracks disrupts commuters and commerce and diverts the precious resources of NSW Police.'' the government said

''Hardworking train drivers should not have to work in fear, worrying about whether they will need to apply an emergency brake to avoid striking a trespasser. Everyone across our state should be able to use our rail network safely.

It is critical that we deter people from engaging in this behaviour, which could also see them killed on the tracks.''

Recent rail line protest activity has centred on the Hunter region, this change will apply to every railway line in the state. The provision also covers blocking the passage of light rail vehicles.'' the government stated

''While the Government respects the right of people to lawfully protest, illegal protests on railway tracks or on major facilities, which could cost lives, will not be tolerated.''

Those found guilty of obstructing a railway, or damaging or disrupting major facilities, will now all face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $22,000 (200 penalty units), or both.

By aligning the penalties for these offences, the NSW Government stated it is sending a message about how seriously it views this kind of illegal conduct.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“This is about preventing dangerous and disruptive conduct. This conduct is already illegal, and we are sending a clear message with these stronger penalties.”

However, the upped ante and increased penalties did not pass the 'pub test' and certainly did not stop a Rising Tide blockade of the port of Newcastle on Sunday November 24, which saw over 7000 people gather and 170 people arrested - 17 of them over 65 and 14 aged under 18.

 Newcastle Rising Tide protest - Sunday November 24 2024. Photos: Rising Tide

One of those arrested was 13-year-old Han, who was one of 31,000 who lost their home in the 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

Hundreds more demonstrators from climate action group Rising Tide swarmed Canberra and Parliament House on Tuesday November 26, amid a week-long series of protests. Dozens more protesters made their way into Parliament House’s foyer, chanting “no new coal” and “climate action now”.

Han is among them.

Around 10 thousand 'ordinary Australians' are scheduled to attend the 10 day long Canberra protest, most of the them of voting age.

ACT Police confirmed 22 people were arrested “during protest activity at Parliament House today for various offences”.

“Sections of Federation Mall around Parliament House were temporarily closed to traffic for the safety of protesters and police,” a spokesperson said.

“Police will continue to monitor the protest and respond as required.”

Rising Tide said in a statement 24 people had been arrested - all ages from the young to seniors are being taken away, with their spaces quickly filled by others.

Rising Tide states this is just ordinary Australians will to undertake these actions, and arrests of members, as:

''Fossil fuels, like coal and gas, are the greatest drivers of this crisis. Yet, since coming to power, the Albanese Government has approved more than 13 fossil fuel projects and 117 are in the pipeline.

The science is clear: we cannot have new fossil fuel projects and ensure a safe future on this planet. We need land rights for First Nations, a plan for workers, and to break the fossil fuel CEO’s hold over our democracy. ''

Canberra arrests of Rising Tide protestors. Photos: Rising Tide

The Canberra actions coincided with news Prime Minister Albanese has acceded to the WA Premier's and WA Resources sector to scupper a potential deal with the Greens to pass the government's “Nature Positive” legislation.

Premier Cook stated he spoke to Mr Albanese on Tuesday during an intense day of last-minute crossbench negotiations between Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Greens counterpart Sarah-Hanson Young on a deal that is said to have "come close" to success.

"I reiterated the West Australian government's point of view about the Nature Positive laws in their current form should not be progressed," Mr Cook said.

He added that he is "very pleased to receive assurances" that the reforms have been shelved.

It is understood the WA Premier communicated Labor would face an electoral wipeout in WA in the 2025 Election should it push the changes through.

The changes were at the centre of Labor's 2022 election environmental platform and included the setting up of an Independent EPA at a Federal level.

The Greens demands that the legislation include rules to enforce regulators to assess the climate impact of resource projects left the changes on delay for most of the past year and fuelled a campaign from resource groups.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA stated on Wednesday November 27 it ''holds grave concerns about reports Federal Labor is close to securing a deal with the Greens and crossbench Senators to legislate stage two Nature Positive reforms, headlined by the creation of a decision-making Federal Environment Protection Agency''.

CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson said the proposed legislation failed to deliver meaningful improvements to environmental protections and would add to the considerable regulatory barriers already facing new resources projects.

“Poorly designed environmental policy risks derailing Australia’s entire net zero energy transition,” Ms Tomkinson said. “CME supports Nature Positive reforms that are better for the environment and better for business.

“This legislation does not reach that threshold. It is bad for WA, bad for industry and will further harm a resources sector that is already confronting rapidly rising costs and falling commodity prices.

“A fully autonomous Federal EPA duplicates the rigorous project assessment process already in place in WA and opens the door for decisions on nationally significant projects to be made independent of our elected officials.

“It will lead to delays and push up the cost of doing business in WA, posing a serious threat to efforts to attract investment in critical minerals and low-emission energy.” Ms Tomkinson stated

Rising Tide states: ''We're everyday people standing up against powerful interests who profit from delaying climate action. 

The coal and gas industry might have deep pockets for lobbying and media spin, but they can't hide the truth - their projects are driving us towards climate catastrophe.''

Another young protesteor, also in Canberra, stated:

''On Sunday I was arrested for blockading the world’s largest coal port, and now I am here in Canberra, to voice the anger of my generation. 

I wrote to the Prime Minister weeks ago inviting him to stand here today, on these lawns, and explain himself to the young people of Australia. 

I asked him to explain why he has approved 28 new coal and gas projects on stolen land since coming into power. 

I’ve heard nothing. 

His silence says it all.''

Notice Of Public Meeting: Strategic Planning Panel of the Sydney North Planning Panel- Patyegarang /Lizard Rock

The Strategic Planning Panel of the Sydney North Planning Panel is holding an online public meeting via Microsoft Teams on Monday, 9 December 2024 beginning at 9:30am to hear from those who made a submission on the Patyegarang planning proposal at Morgan Road, Belrose (PP-2022-3802).

The purpose of the meeting is to give interested people the opportunity to speak directly to the Planning Panel before a decision is made. If you wish to speak to the Panel or to listen to the meeting, you must register by completing the following form before 12pm on Thursday, 5 December 2024: https://forms.office.com/r/5ZXRvmdXUz

The Planning Panels Team will confirm registrations and provide videoconference details following the closure of registrations.

Any person is welcome to the public meeting. The Panel is required to make an audio record of the meeting which will also be made publicly available on the Planning Portal website. You should be aware that this recording may include your personal information if you are presenting to the Panel.

Please note that unauthorised recordings of the public meetings are not permissible.

The Panel will aim to publish its decision on the Planning Panels website within 7 days of the meeting.

The amended planning proposal seeks to amend the Warringah Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2011 to:

  • transfer the site from Warringah Local Environmental Plan 2000 to Warringah Local Environmental Plan 2011 and implement standard instrument zones
  • secure dual occupancies as an additional permitted use within the R2 low density residential zone
  • secure additional permitted uses within the RE2 Private Recreation zone to enable environmental management works, stormwater services, asset protection zones (APZs) and bushfire works, utilities and servicing works where required
  • introduce maximum building heights of 8.5 metres
  • introduce a range of small, medium to large residential lot sizes and
  • manage an appropriate number of dwellings based on the site capacity.

The post exhibition report and attachment documents will be available on the Planning Portal website by 5pm Monday 2 December 2024 on this link: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/postexhibition/patyegarang-morgan-road-belrose

Guidelines for speakers

  • Individuals will have 2 minutes each to speak
  • Community groups will have 5 minutes each to speak
  • Council and agencies will have 10 minutes each to speak
  • The proponent, including consultant(s), will have a total of 15 minutes to address issues raised in public submissions
  • Any requests for extending time limits are to be granted at the discretion of the Chair
  • Please focus your oral submission on how the post exhibition report has addressed your concerns, as the Panel will have read your written submission before the meeting.
  • Speakers are encouraged to be succinct and avoid repeating issues or concerns that have already been raised by prior speakers. Speakers who repeat matters previously raised may be asked to conclude their remarks given time constraints
  • Speakers must be respectful and not interject while another person is speaking. There is to be no personal criticism directed at any individual or party
  • Speakers or observers are not permitted to ask questions during this meeting

If you have any questions, please contact us via email at strategicpanels@dpie.nsw.gov.au or via phone on 02 8217 2060 and quote the reference number PP-2022-3802.

Planning Panels Team

Threatened Species Scientific Committee Final Determinations for 29 November 2024

The NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee assesses which species are eligible for listing as threatened species.

1. Acacia baueri subsp. aspera

Acacia baueri subsp. aspera (Maiden & Betche) has been listed as an Endangered species.

This species is currently known to occur in the Sydney region including the central Blue Mountains, Royal National Park, Woronora Special Area, Dharawal National Park and Nature Reserve, and near Wollongong.

More information on the species can be found in the Scientific Committee's Final Determination for Acacia baueri subsp. aspera.

2. Common greenshank Tringa nebularia

The common greenshank Tringa nebularia (Gunnerus, 1767) has been listed as an Endangered species.

This species is a migratory shorebird that breeds across northern Europe and Siberia. Outside of its breeding range, the species is widespread. It is found in Europe, Africa, Asia, Melanesia and Australasia.

In Australia, the common greenshank is widespread in coastal regions. In New South Wales, the species has also been observed west of the Great Dividing Range, especially between the Lachlan and Murray Rivers and the Darling River drainage basins.

More information on the species can be found in the Scientific Committee's Final Determination for the common greenshank.

3. Far eastern curlew Numenius madagascariensis

The far eastern curlew Numenius madagascariensis (Linnaeus, 1766) has been listed as a Critically Endangered species.

This species is a migratory shorebird. After breeding in the northern hemisphere (Siberia, far eastern Russia, and north-eastern China), the species moves south to Australia for the summer.

Within Australia, far eastern curlews have a mostly coastal distribution; they are rarely recorded inland.

More information on the species can be found in the Scientific Committee's Final Determination for the far eastern curlew.

Far Eastern Curlews are the largest of all the world’s shorebirds. Their call, a ‘Cuuuurrlew’, ringing out across coastal wetlands. Their impressive bill, which is characteristic of the species, is used to probe the mud and dig up crabs, their main food source in Australia. The Far Eastern Curlew occurs only in our flyway, and about 75 percent of the world population winters in Australia, so we have a particular responsibility to protect coastal wetlands for them and the smaller shorebirds that live in their shadow.


Eastern Curlew at Careel Bay foreshore - Photo: A J Guesdon

4. Alaskan bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica baueri

The Alaskan bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica baueri has been listed as an Endangered species.

This species is a migratory shorebird. They breed in Alaska and migrate across the central Pacific Ocean towards China, Australia, New Zealand and some Pacific islands for the southern summer.

In Australia, the Alaskan bar-tailed godwit mainly occurs along the north and east coasts along major coastal river estuaries and sheltered bays.

More information on the species can be found in the Scientific Committee's Final Determination for the Alaskan bar-tailed godwit.

5. Sannantha whitei

Sannantha whitei Peter G.Wilson has been listed as a Critically Endangered species.

This species is currently known to occur southeast of Inverell in northern New South Wales.

More information on the species can be found in the Scientific Committee's Final Determination for Sannantha whitei.

NSW Government's Biodiversity Offsets Scheme: Update

November 23, 2024

The Minns Labor Government states it has delivered on its election promise to fix the state’s Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, by substantially improving biodiversity outcomes and delivering for regional communities.

The Biodiversity Offsets Scheme requires proponents to compensate for habitat destruction caused by their projects. Several independent reviews found the Scheme lacked integrity and was in need of reform.

NSW Parliament has now passed the Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Offsets Scheme) Act 2024 which amends the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. 

The government has stated the Act, which passed on Friday November 22, implements reforms to improve the operation of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, by:

  • raising the ambition of the scheme by ensuring it delivers net positive outcomes across the entire Scheme
  • requiring areas of high biodiversity value to be identified and avoided early, providing certainty and reducing costs of development
  • reducing the reliance on the Biodiversity Conservation Fund – which means the option of paying into the fund will be limited
  • increasing transparency and reporting on offset delivery and
  • providing flexibility for low-risk regional development.

This reform is detailed in the NSW Plan for Nature. For information on the NSW Plan for Nature visit: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/cabinet-office/resources/nsw-plan-for-nature

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

'The goal of the Minns Labor Government is to leave nature better off than we found it. We owe this to the next generation. These amendments to the Biodiversity Offset Scheme are the first step to turning around the loss by protecting and restoring habitat.

'We cannot simply be the manager of steady environmental decline. We have a responsibility to turn around the loss by protecting and restoring habitat. We must set nature on a path to recovery.

'This is the first tranche of reform. There is more work to be done as the NSW Government delivers on our plan for nature.”

The Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales (NCC), the state’s leading environmental advocacy organisation stated it welcomed passage of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Offsets Scheme) Bill 2024 as an important first step in reforming NSW nature laws. 

“We have been calling for reform of the broken scheme for many years, and today we finally have an important first step to deliver better protections for nature.” said NCC Policy and Advocacy Director, Dr Brad Smith.

“This Bill will finally create legal standards to make it clear that offsets should only be used as a genuine last resort, through the avoid and mitigate hierarchy - this is long overdue.”  

“It will also transition the scheme to achieving ‘net positive’ outcomes for biodiversity, something we urge the government to deliver as soon as possible.” 

“It is very encouraging to see the Government also recognise the need to consider ‘Part 5’ government development under the scheme, as the Minister said: “If the government expects the private sector to abide by biodiversity rules, we should do the same.” 

“We also welcome recognition of the need to reform the ‘serious and irreversible impacts’ provisions as part of the next tranche of work. This must be strengthened to prevent the destruction of irreplaceable, high conservation value land. This is a crucial piece of puzzle to achieve nature positive outcomes in NSW.” 

“Despite today's progress, the biodiversity offsets scheme is still deeply flawed. We welcome the Minister’s comments that “There is a lot more work to be done do to get the scheme right. This is just the beginning”.  

“We look forward to working with the government and all sides of politics to rein in habitat clearing and strengthen protections for biodiversity.” 

Grants awarded to ground-breaking electrification projects

November 22, 2024

The NSW Government is awarding more than $1 million in grants to support groundbreaking projects focused on reducing carbon emissions through electrification.

The Electrification & Energy Systems Network Seed Grant Scheme provides funding as part of the NSW Government’s Decarbonisation Innovation Hub. The Hub supports researchers, industry and government stakeholders in critical sectors to increase the uptake of new technologies in decarbonising NSW.

Funding is being awarded to exciting early-stage projects that are working to resolve the technical, economic, social and environmental challenges of electrification technology.

Grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 will enable collaborative projects between universities and industry.

The evaluation process, conducted independently by an Industry Advisory Board, has rigorously assessed and identified a selection of high-quality, impactful projects deserving of grants.

The awardees are:

  • University of Wollongong - Identifying and Removing Barriers for Electricity System Planning.
  • University of New South Wales - Develop device electrification functionality for the APVI's SunSPOT solar and battery calculator.
  • University of Technology Sydney - Cost effective wireless energy harvesting from high voltage transmission lines.
  • Macquarie University - Powering E-Shuttles with Optimized Routes and Magnetised Cement Charging.
  • University of Sydney - Recycling of Lithium from Discarded Battery Materials.
  • Macquarie University - AI-driven energy management platform.
  • University of New South Wales – Open Platform for Real-time Renewable Energy Bidding and Trading.

This initiative is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and Network Partners: University of Newcastle, University of New South Wales, University of Wollongong, University of Technology Sydney.

For updates on these projects and other initiatives visit: www.decarbhub.au/networks/electrification-and-energy-systems-network

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe stated:

“These projects are translating research-based technologies into real-life solutions to our current and future energy challenges.

“Electrification of our energy system is essential to reaching our Net Zero targets and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our environment and health. It will also ensure our community benefits from cleaner and more affordable energy.”

Prof. John Fletcher, Director Electrification & Energy Systems, NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub said:

“I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone in this early stage of the Electrification & Energy Systems Network.

“Our independent Industry Advisory Board worked hard to assess the 21 proposals and select the awardees. We now look forward to the awarded projects delivering their impact.”

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Closed areas: Barrenjoey Access trail (weekdays) - Towlers Bay fire trail - Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails

Barrenjoey access trail closed on weekdays

Applies to Mon 16 Dec 2024, 10.00am. 

Barrenjoey access road is closed on weekdays until Friday 13 December 2024 due to construction works. Pedestrian access to Barrenjoey Lighthouse will be via Smugglers track.

The Smugglers track is a grade 3 walking track – mostly stairs. It is a steeper and more challenging walk to the top of the headland. Please consider your ability prior to ascent.

For further information please call the local area office.

Closed areas: Towlers Bay fire trail closed for major works

Applies until Fri 20 Dec 2024, 6.00pm. 

Towlers Bay Trail is closed until Friday 20 December 2024 while major works are undertaken.

Access to Halls Wharf, Morning Bay remains open.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Closed areas: Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails closed for upgrade works

Applies until Mon 02 Dec 2024, 5.00pm. 

There will be vegetation and surface works on the Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from Friday 18 October 2024 until Monday 2 December 2024, weather permitting.

Please follow all signage and instruction from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information, contact the Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’

Applies until Sat 01 Feb 2025, 2.04am. 

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 August 2024 and 31 January 2025 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information, contact the local park office on: Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours), NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours).

Garigal National Park: ‘1080 pest management’

Applies until Sat 01 Feb 2025, 2.12am. 
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. 

The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 August 2024 and 31 January 2025 in Garigal National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information, contact the local park office on: Forestville 9451 3479 (business hours)
NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

Rockfall closes section of track in Blue Mountains National Park

November 28, 2024

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has closed a 2 km section of the historic Federal Pass track in Blue Mountains National Park following a significant rockfall.

Safety closures are in place on the track between Cooks Crossing (south-east of Furber Steps) and to the west of the bottom of the Giant Stairway, below the Three Sisters.

Damage from the recent rockfall includes fallen trees and boulders across the track.

Geotech experts will assess the site and provide advice to NPWS on hazard remediation.

The safety closures will remain in place until further notice.

Prince Henry Cliff Track, Grand Cliff Top Walk, Three Sisters Walk, Furber Steps and Giant Stairs are unaffected by closures.

Visitors are reminded to check NPWS Alerts before travelling to any NSW national park for the latest information and to help plan trips in advance.

Rockfall in Blue Mountains National Park. Image Credit: DCCEEW

Record sentence issued by NSW Land and Environment Court for illegal clearing of native vegetation exceeding the size of Sydney Airport

November 29, 2024

Auen Grain Pty Ltd and a landowner have been fined more than $2 million plus $278,000 in prosecution costs, by the NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC) for unlawfully clearing 1,262 hectares of native vegetation. The landowner's fine of more than $1 million is the largest ever imposed in NSW on an individual, and the highest under NSW legislation.

The sentence was imposed after Auen Grain Pty Ltd and the landowner were found guilty by the LEC on 23 December 2022 of eight separate land clearing events between December 2016 and January 2019 involving the removal of native vegetation on a property known as 'Boolcarrol', northwest of Narrabri.

The Court heard that six of the clearing events were contrary to Section 12 of the Native Vegetation Act 2003, and two of the clearing events were contrary to Section 60N of the Local Land Services Act 2013.

The clearing resulted in the loss of a significant area of remnant vegetation, including Coolibah-Black Box Woodland, an endangered ecological community listed under both the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The cleared area on 'Boolcarrol' included critical habitat for 30 threatened species, including the Glossy Black Cockatoo, Pale-headed Snake, Spotted Harrier, and Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat.

Landholders are strongly encouraged to contact Local Land Services (LLS) for advice before they start any land management activities. LLS is there to help the community understand their land management options and obligations. Further information can be found on the Local Land Services website.

Ingrid Emery, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Executive Director Regional Delivery, Biodiversity Science and Conservation stated:

''It was disappointing to learn that an area larger than the size of Sydney Airport had been cleared to make way for a private airstrip, crops and cattle yards, at a time when NSW is losing critical biodiversity.

We are pleased with the outcome of this case, particularly given the landholder's prior convictions for similar offenses. Native vegetation plays a critical role in supporting biodiversity, protecting threatened species, and maintaining ecosystem health.

The significant penalty imposed by the NSW Land and Environment Court reflects the gravity of the environmental harm caused and sends a strong message about the importance of safeguarding our natural heritage.

While most landholders do the right thing, today's sentencing is a strong reminder that there are consequences for those who don't.''

Crackdown on wildlife trafficker who smuggled reptiles through post

November 29, 2024

The Australian Government has stated it is doing more than ever to combat the global scourge of wildlife trafficking.

Cutting-edge technology, international collaborations and more compliance resources have seen more than 200 export seizures at Australia’s borders and 18 arrests in the past 18 months.  

It comes as a 39-year-old man from Hong Kong was today sentenced to 3 years 6 months in jail, with a 2-year non-parole period, for attempting to post nearly 100 Australian reptiles to Hong Kong. He will be deported at the conclusion of his sentence.

Man Lung Ma plead guilty in June 2024 to 19 counts of attempting to export Australian reptiles, including skinks, geckos and a monitor, between August and September 2023. He was convicted in October 2024.

Mr Ma tried to mail the reptiles in 29 separate parcels from post offices across Queensland, NSW, the ACT and Victoria. The reptiles were found hidden in packages with socks, newspapers, bags of lollies, and plastic children’s toys.

Mr Ma was arrested at a Sydney hotel in September 2023 as part of Operation Blade, led by the specialist Environmental Crime Team in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

At the hotel, investigators found another 12 live native reptiles in small containers in cupboards and unused parcel boxes.

Operation Blade has also led to two foreign nationals associated with the criminal syndicate being banned from entering Australia.

As wildlife crime grows around the world, the Australian Government has boosted efforts to combat it.

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek last year expanded DCCEEW’s Environmental Crime Team, which leads Australia’s efforts to stamp out the global illegal trade.

The team works collaboratively with other Australian government and state government agencies, Australia Post, various wildlife conservation facilities, and international partner agencies to identify and disrupt wildlife crimes.

This work includes exchanging intelligence, undertaking joint investigations, and implementing new processes and technologies to help detect smuggled wildlife, including Rapiscan Systems scanners.  

Exporting Australian wildlife is a serious offence under Australia’s national environment law, with a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $313,000, or both.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek stated:

“We know Australia’s wildlife are highly lucrative to criminals and organised crime syndicates, especially those animals that are already vulnerable or threatened with extinction.

“Wildlife trafficking is worth about $30 billion a year in the East Asia and Pacific region alone. The price of Australian reptiles on the international black market can be more than 28 times the domestic price.

“The Albanese Government is determined to stamp out this cruel trade. Because of our increased investment, we’re seizing more animals at the Australian border.

“I’ve expanded the environmental crime team in my department, we’re using world-leading technology to detect smuggled wildlife, and we’re working with law enforcement here and around the world.

“Today’s sentencing sends a powerful warning to wildlife traffickers – we will find you; we will stop you, and you will feel the full force of the law.”

NSW Water Consultations open for Public Submissions:  NSW Recycled Water Roadmap; Murrumbidgee water sharing plan; Gwydir water sharing plan; Macquarie/Wambuul water sharing plan; Namoi-Peel water sharing plan; Macquarie-Wambuul Water Security Project


NSW Recycled Water Roadmap - open until Friday 6 December 2024.
The NSW Government is developing a Recycled Water Roadmap to make it easier for water utilities to assess, cost and engage with their customers on recycled water, and invest in it for both drinking and non-drinking purposes.

The Draft Recycled Water Roadmap aims to help utilities plan their water supplies by considering recycled water alongside other supply and demand options. It will streamline regulation, licensing, and approvals while also prioritising public health. Led by the NSW Government, in collaboration with regulators and utilities, the Draft Roadmap focuses on policy, economics, regulation, and coordination to boost recycled water delivery across the state. Actions are planned for the next 2 years, with ongoing monitoring to identify new opportunities over the next 5 years.

Greater Sydney Water Strategy 
  • Implementation Plan Action 2.5b - Construct and commence operation of a purified recycled water demonstration plant.
  • Implementation Plan Action 25c - Engage with the community to understand preferences for additional water supplies— including purified recycled water—and demand management measures to secure water supplies and to help make Sydney a more liveable city.
Lower Hunter Water Security Plan
  • Priority 2 - Increase recycled water use for non-drinking purposes.
  • Priority 2 - Engage with the community on purified recycled water and build a purified recycled water demonstration plant in the region.
Macquarie Castlereagh Regional Water Strategy
  • Implementation Plan Action 1.5 - Invest in innovative water management options including water treatment and reuse initiatives.
Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy
  • Implementation Plan Action 4.8 - Develop a recycled water plan for the Far North Coast.
Namoi Regional Water Strategy
  • Implementation Plan Action 1.4 - Progress water treatment facilities for industries reliant on town water supplies.
North Coast Regional Water Strategy
  • Implementation Plan Action 3.5 - Increase use of recycled water and investigate increased use of tertiary-treated and onfarm recycled water for intensive horticulture
Public information sessions
Webinar 1
When: Wednesday 13 November 2024
Time: 12pm – 1pm

Have your say: Make a submission
If you would like to make an online submission, please click the button below here: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/plans-and-strategies/recycled-water-roadmap

Murrumbidgee water sharing plan - open until Friday 13 December 2024.
The draft Murrumbidgee Unregulated River water sharing plan is now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting the community to have its say.

The draft plan sets out clear rules for the fair and sustainable sharing of surface water among water users and the environment across the region for the next decade.

This includes setting limits on how much water can be taken, protecting resources for the environment, ensuring basic landholder rights and social and cultural needs are met and providing secure and tradeable water access rights.

It also sets out how much, where and when water can be taken by licence holders.

We're inviting the Murrumbidgee community to read the draft plan and make a submission before the public exhibition period ends on Friday 13 December.

We'll be holding a webinar on Tuesday 12 November at 12.30pm, where the community can learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.

Face-to-face meetings will also be held on:
  • Thursday 21 November in Cooma from 3pm to 5pm and
  • in Griffith on 19 November from 10am to 12pm.
Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week of 11 November.

The draft uses the latest data and includes proposed changes to simplify the plan, make it clearer and easier for water users to understand and comply with requirements.

In some areas, we have proposed changes to water access and trading rules. Other changes include additional protection for specific wetlands in the region.

The water sharing plan establishes rules for water management including the limit of the total volume of water that can be extracted from the Murrumbidgee Unregulated River Water Sources.

Water sharing plans are subject to review every 10 years under the Water Management Act 2000. The current water sharing plan for the Murrumbidgee Unregulated River Water Sources 2012 will expire on 1 July 2025.

The public exhibition period provides opportunities for water users, stakeholders and other interested parties to learn more about proposed changes in the draft plan, and to make submissions and comment on the draft. Feedback and issues raised during the public exhibition phase will be considered when finalising the plan.

The finalised replacement plan is proposed to commence on or before 1 July 2025.



Gwydir water sharing plan  - open until Friday 13 December 2024.
The draft Gwydir Unregulated River water sharing plan is now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting the community to have its say.

The draft plan sets out clear rules for fair and sustainable water sharing among water users and the environment across the region for the next decade.

That includes setting limits on how much water can be taken, protecting resources for the environment, basic landholder rights and cultural needs and providing secure, legal, and tradeable water access rights.

It also sets out how much, where and when water can be taken by licence holders.

We're now inviting the Gwydir community to read the draft plan and make a submission before the public exhibition period ends on 13 December.

We'll be holding a webinar on Tuesday, 19 November from 12pm to 1pm where the community can learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.

A face-to-face drop-in session will also be held on Wednesday 27 November in Bingara from 10am to 12pm.

Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week commencing 11 November.

The draft uses the latest data and includes proposed changes to simplify the plan, make it clearer and easier for water users to understand and comply with requirements.

In some areas, we have proposed changes to water access and trading rules. Other changes include additional protections for specific wetlands in the region.
The water sharing plan establishes rules for water management including the limit of the total volume of water that can be extracted from the Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources.

Water sharing plans are subject to review every 10 years under the Water Management Act 2000. The current water sharing plan for the Gwydir Unregulated River Water Sources 2012 will expire on 1 July 2025.

The public exhibition period provides opportunities for water users, community members and other interested parties to learn more about proposed changes in the draft plan, and to make submissions and comment on the draft. Feedback and issues raised during the public exhibition phase will be considered when finalising the plan.

The finalised plan is proposed to commence on or before 1 July 2025. Plans are in place for 10 years.

View the documents, register for the webinar, meetings or one to one sessions, and provide feedback at;  https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/plans-and-strategies/water-sharing-plans/public-exhibition/gwydir-unregulated-river-water-sources


Macquarie/Wambuul water sharing plan -  open until Friday 13 December 2024.
The draft Macquarie/Wambuul Bogan Unregulated Rivers Water Sharing Plan is now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting the community to have its say.

The plan sets out clear rules for fair and sustainable water sharing among water users and the environment across the region for the next decade.

That includes setting limits on how much water can be taken, protecting resources for the environment, basic landholder rights and cultural needs along with providing secure, legal, and tradeable water access rights.

It also sets out how much, where and when water can be taken by licence holders.

We're encouraging residents in the Macquarie/Wambuul Bogan catchment to read the draft plan and make a submission before the public exhibition period ends on 13 December.

A public webinar will be held on 15 November and a targeted webinar focusing on the Lower Macquarie on 18 November to give people an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.

In addition, face-to-face drop-in sessions will be held on 21 November in Orange and Bathurst. Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week commencing 11 November.

The draft includes proposed changes to make it clearer and easier for water users to understand and comply with requirements.

In some areas, we have proposed changes to water access and trading rules. Others include provisions to better protect town water supply, as well as additional protections for specific wetlands in the region.

The plan also includes provisions to improve connectivity in the Northern Basin.

We want to hear the community's views on these changes and will carefully consider all feedback before finalising the plan ahead of it going into effect on 1 July 2025.

Plans are in place for 10 years and are audited after the first five years to ensure they are working effectively and appropriately.

To register for a session and make a submission, visit: Macquarie/Wambuul Bogan Unregulated Rivers water sharing plan.

Namoi-Peel water sharing plan -  open until Friday 13 December 2024.
The draft Namoi and Peel Unregulated Rivers water sharing plan is now on public display, and the NSW Government is inviting the community to have its say.

The plan sets out clear rules for fair and sustainable water sharing among water users and the environment across the region for the next decade.

That includes setting limits on how much water can be taken, protecting resources for the environment, basic landholder rights and cultural needs along with providing secure, legal, and tradeable water access rights.

It also sets out how much, where and when water can be taken by licence holders.

A webinar will be held on 18 November 10.30am to 11.30am to give the community an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback.

A face-to-face drop-in session will also be held on 26 November:
  • Manilla from 10am to 12 pm
  • Dungowan from 2pm to 4pm
Online one-on-one sessions with a water planner are also available in the week commencing 11 November.

The draft includes proposed changes to simplify the plan, make it clearer and easier for water users to understand and comply with requirements.

In some areas, we have proposed changes to water access and trading rules. Others include additional protections for specific wetlands in the region, including the Gulligal and Wee Waa Lagoons.

The plan also includes provisions to improve connectivity in the Northern Basin.

The NSW Government want to hear the community’s views and will carefully consider all feedback before finalising the plan ahead of it going into effect on 1 July 2025.

Plans are in place for 10 years and are audited after the first five years to ensure they are working effectively and appropriately.

To register for a session and to make a submission, visit: Namoi and Peel Unregulated Rivers water sharing plan
Also see; Submission form - Draft Water Sharing Plan for the Namoi and Peel Unregulated Rivers Water Sources 2025

Macquarie-Wambuul Water Security Project

The Water Group in the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water invites community members and stakeholders from across the Central West region to attend upcoming information sessions introducing the proposed Macquarie-Wambuul Water Security Project.

Three sessions are being held across three days. Each session will be broken into two parts. The first part will be a project presentation. The second part will involve small group discussions about the challenges and opportunities to be addressed by the project. Both sessions will enable stakeholders to engage directly with the project team.

Session details:
  • Wednesday 13 November, 4pm – 6pm at the Community Room, Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre
  • Thursday 14 November, 3:30pm – 5:30pm at the Carinda Memorial Hall
  • Friday 15 November, 11am – 1pm at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
We look forward to introducing the project and hearing your views. Registration is not required.
More consultation will occur next year to provide opportunities for residents to have their say on the shortlisted options before the business case is finalised.

Funding for the Final Business Case was announced earlier this year. A robust FBC is an important first step in helping the Australian and NSW Governments make any future investment decisions about the viability of the projects. The business case is expected to be complete by early 2026.


Science To Revive Our Oceans: SIM's has a PHD Opportunity - operation Crayweed

The Sydney Institute of Marine Science is a collaborative research and training institute bringing together researchers from four NSW universities plus state and federal marine and environmental agencies.

SIMS conducts multidisciplinary marine research on impacts of climate change and urbanisation, eco-engineering and habitat restoration, ocean resources and technologies, and outcomes of marine management approaches.

By bringing together NSW’s leading marine scientists in a collaborative hub, SIMS ensures the efficient use of resources for research on Australia’s critical coastal environments.

They currently have an opportunity for someone to join the Operation Crayweed team. Pittwater Online News has been running updates on this project since 2014. There are a LOT of local connections here, from Barrenjoey to Manly should you feel inspired to get involved.

Image: A SIMS scientist planting crayweed at Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly. Photo SIMS

More on Operation Crayweed on the SIMS website at: www.operationcrayweed.com


You can peruse those previous reports at:

Details:




Laura Enever, Tom Hobbs and Tom Carroll at the Bondi planting event. Photo by Frame.co

Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs

The Berry Collective at 1691 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale collects them for Oz Bread Tags for Wheelchairs, who recycle the plastic.

Berry Collective is the practice on the left side of the road as you head north, a few blocks before Mona Vale shops . They have parking. Enter the foyer and there's a small bin on a table where you drop your bread ties - very easy.

A full list of Aussie bread tags for wheelchairs is available at: HERE 


Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed

Details:

Stay Safe From Mosquitoes 

NSW Health is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes when they are out and about this summer.

NSW Health’s Acting Director of Environmental Health, Paul Byleveld, said with more people spending time outdoors, it was important to take steps to reduce mosquito bite risk.

“Mosquitoes thrive in wet, warm conditions like those that much of NSW is experiencing,” Byleveld said.

“Mosquitoes in NSW can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin, Ross River and Barmah Forest. The viruses may cause serious diseases with symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

“People should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease, particularly after the detection of JE in a sentinel chicken in Far Western NSW.

The NSW Health sentinel chicken program provides early warning about the presence of serious mosquito borne diseases, like JE. Routine testing in late December revealed a positive result for JE in a sample from Menindee. 

A free vaccine to protect against JE infection is available to those at highest risk in NSW and people can check their eligibility at NSW Health.

People are encouraged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus by:
  • Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.
  • Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent.
  • Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
  • Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
  • Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.
  • Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions. Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
  • While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.
Remember, Spray Up – Cover Up – Screen Up to protect from mosquito bite. For more information go to NSW Health.

Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey

This survey aims to document mountain bike related incidents on public land, available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K88PSNP

Sent in by Pittwater resident Academic for future report- study. The survey will run for 12 months and close in November 2024.

Report fox sightings

Fox sightings, signs of fox activity, den locations and attacks on native or domestic animals can be reported into FoxScan. FoxScan is a free resource for residents, community groups, local Councils, and other land managers to record and report fox sightings and control activities. 

Our Council's Invasive species Team receives an alert when an entry is made into FoxScan.  The information in FoxScan will assist with planning fox control activities and to notify the community when and where foxes are active.



marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast

A new wildlife group was launched on the Central Coast on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast (MWRCC) had its official launch at The Entrance Boat Shed at 10am.

The group comprises current and former members of ASTR, ORRCA, Sea Shepherd, Greenpeace, WIRES and Wildlife ARC, as well as vets, academics, and people from all walks of life.

Well known marine wildlife advocate and activist Cathy Gilmore is spearheading the organisation.

“We believe that it is time the Central Coast looked after its own marine wildlife, and not be under the control or directed by groups that aren’t based locally,” Gilmore said.

“We have the local knowledge and are set up to respond and help injured animals more quickly.

“This also means that donations and money fundraised will go directly into helping our local marine creatures, and not get tied up elsewhere in the state.”

The organisation plans to have rehabilitation facilities and rescue kits placed in strategic locations around the region.

MWRCC will also be in touch with Indigenous groups to learn the traditional importance of the local marine environment and its inhabitants.

“We want to work with these groups and share knowledge between us,” Gilmore said.

“This is an opportunity to help save and protect our local marine wildlife, so if you have passion and commitment, then you are more than welcome to join us.”

Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast has a Facebook page where you may contact members. Visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076317431064


Watch out - shorebirds about

Summer is here so watch your step because beach-nesting and estuary-nesting birds have started setting up home on our shores.
Did you know that Careel Bay and other spots throughout our area are part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)?

This flyway, and all of the stopping points along its way, are vital to ensure the survival of these Spring and Summer visitors. This is where they rest and feed on their journeys.  For example, did you know that the bar-tailed godwit flies for 239 hours for 8,108 miles from Alaska to Australia?

Not only that, Shorebirds such as endangered oystercatchers and little terns lay their eggs in shallow scraped-out nests in the sand, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Threatened Species officer Ms Katherine Howard has said.
Even our regular residents such as seagulls are currently nesting to bear young.

What can you do to help them?
Known nest sites may be indicated by fencing or signs. The whole community can help protect shorebirds by keeping out of nesting areas marked by signs or fences and only taking your dog to designated dog offleash area. 

Just remember WE are visitors to these areas. These birds LIVE there. This is their home.

Four simple steps to help keep beach-nesting birds safe:
1. Look out for bird nesting signs or fenced-off nesting areas on the beach, stay well clear of these areas and give the parent birds plenty of space.
2. Walk your dogs in designated dog-friendly areas only and always keep them on a leash over summer.
3. Stay out of nesting areas and follow all local rules.
4. Chicks are mobile and don't necessarily stay within fenced nesting areas. When you're near a nesting area, stick to the wet sand to avoid accidentally stepping on a chick.


Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing

Possums in your roof? Please do the right thing 
On the weekend, one of our volunteers noticed a driver pull up, get out of their vehicle, open the boot, remove a trap and attempt to dump a possum on a bush track. Fortunately, our member intervened and saved the beautiful female brushtail and the baby in her pouch from certain death. 

It is illegal to relocate a trapped possum more than 150 metres from the point of capture and substantial penalties apply.  Urbanised possums are highly territorial and do not fare well in unfamiliar bushland. In fact, they may starve to death or be taken by predators.

While Sydney Wildlife Rescue does not provide a service to remove possums from your roof, we do offer this advice:

✅ Call us on (02) 9413 4300 and we will refer you to a reliable and trusted licenced contractor in the Sydney metropolitan area. For a small fee they will remove the possum, seal the entry to your roof and provide a suitable home for the possum - a box for a brushtail or drey for a ringtail.
✅ Do-it-yourself by following this advice from the Department of Planning and Environment: 

❌ Do not under any circumstances relocate a possum more than 150 metres from the capture site.
Thank you for caring and doing the right thing.



Sydney Wildlife photos

Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed

Pittwater Online News has interviewed Lynette Millett OAM (WIRES Northern Beaches Branch) needs more bird cages of all sizes for keeping the current huge amount of baby wildlife in care safe or 'homed' while they are healed/allowed to grow bigger to the point where they may be released back into their own home. 

If you have an aviary or large bird cage you are getting rid of or don't need anymore, please email via the link provided above. There is also a pressing need for release sites for brushtail possums - a species that is very territorial and where release into a site already lived in by one possum can result in serious problems and injury. 

If you have a decent backyard and can help out, Lyn and husband Dave can supply you with a simple drey for a nest and food for their first weeks of adjustment.

Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when

For further information or to confirm the meeting details for below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367 or visit Council's bushcare webpage to find out how you can get involved.

BUSHCARE SCHEDULES 
Where we work                      Which day                              What time 

Avalon     
Angophora Reserve             3rd Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Dunes                        1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Golf Course              2nd Wednesday                 3 - 5:30pm 
Careel Creek                         4th Saturday                      8:30 - 11:30am 
Toongari Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon (8 - 11am in summer) 
Bangalley Headland            2nd Sunday                         9 to 12noon 
Catalpa Reserve              4th Sunday of the month        8.30 – 11.30
Palmgrove Park              1st Saturday of the month        9.00 – 12 

Bayview     
Winnererremy Bay                 4th Sunday                        9 to 12noon 

Bilgola     
North Bilgola Beach              3rd Monday                        9 - 12noon 
Algona Reserve                     1st Saturday                       9 - 12noon 
Plateau Park                          1st Friday                            8:30 - 11:30am 

Church Point     
Browns Bay Reserve             1st Tuesday                        9 - 12noon 
McCarrs Creek Reserve       Contact Bushcare Officer     To be confirmed 

Clareville     
Old Wharf Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      8 - 11am 

Elanora     
Kundibah Reserve                   4th Sunday                       8:30 - 11:30am 

Mona Vale     
Mona Vale Beach Basin          1st Saturday                    8 - 11am 
Mona Vale Dunes                     2nd Saturday +3rd Thursday     8:30 - 11:30am 

Newport     
Bungan Beach                          4th Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
Crescent Reserve                    3rd Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
North Newport Beach              4th Saturday                    8:30 - 11:30am 
Porter Reserve                          2nd Saturday                  8 - 11am 

North Narrabeen     
Irrawong Reserve                     2nd Saturday                   2 - 5pm 

Palm Beach     
North Palm Beach Dunes      3rd Saturday                    9 - 12noon 

Scotland Island     
Catherine Park                          2nd Sunday                     10 - 12:30pm 
Elizabeth Park                           1st Saturday                      9 - 12noon 
Pathilda Reserve                      3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon 

Warriewood     
Warriewood Wetlands             1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 

Whale Beach     
Norma Park                               1st Friday                            9 - 12noon 

Western Foreshores     
Coopers Point, Elvina Bay      2nd Sunday                        10 - 1pm 
Rocky Point, Elvina Bay           1st Monday                          9 - 12noon

Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities

Bush Regeneration - Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment  
This is a wonderful way to become connected to nature and contribute to the health of the environment.  Over the weeks and months you can see positive changes as you give native species a better chance to thrive.  Wildlife appreciate the improvement in their habitat.

Belrose area - Thursday mornings 
Belrose area - Weekend mornings by arrangement
Contact: Phone or text Conny Harris on 0432 643 295

Wheeler Creek - Wednesday mornings 9-11am
Contact: Phone or text Judith Bennett on 0402 974 105
Or email: Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment : email@narrabeenlagoon.org.au

Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater


Ringtail Posses 2023

‘Divorce’ in songbirds: extreme weather pushes couples past breaking point

Coulanges/Shutterstock
Frigg Janne Daan Speelman, Macquarie University

Like humans, many animals form lasting monogamous relationships. Most birds pair up to produce and raise offspring together over many years. However, as with humans, they also commonly “divorce” – terminating the pair bond well before the death of either partner.

Our new research examines the link between extreme weather events and divorce in a small monogamous tropical songbird.

We found extreme events – at both ends of the spectrum, both wet and dry – increase divorce rates in these birds.

With climate patterns becoming increasingly erratic, it’s vital to understand how such extreme events affect the species we share our planet with. If it’s disturbing their love lives, this may have dire consequences for the ability of species to reproduce and survive.

Back from the brink of extinction

The Seychelles warbler is endemic to the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean.

Once on the brink of extinction, with just 26 birds left in the world, this species now has a stable population on Cousin Island. It’s a great conservation success story – to save the species, the entire island and surrounding sea was turned into a nature reserve in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Seychelles warbler pairs can stay together for up to 15 years. But somewhere between 1% and 16% of partnerships break up every year.

Why? It’s thought divorcing may allow these birds to correct for a poor choice of partner. A poor match typically results in a failure to produce chicks and fledglings, which makes the birds reconsider their choice of partner and look elsewhere. But sometimes they divorce for no apparent reason.

Many factors could misinform these birds, causing them to separate when it is not in their best interests. Maybe even bad weather.

Using a unique dataset spanning decades, we determined the relationship status of all birds on the island over 16 years. We then related that to rainfall data from the local meteorological station.

Photo showing two Seychelles warblers sitting close together on a branch, against a light backdrop of blue sky and leafy branches
Seychelles warblers form tight-knit partnerships and constantly spend time together. Charli Davies

Fair-weather friends

We found the probability of divorce was closely associated with the amount of rainfall experienced in the seven months leading up to and during the breeding season. Divorce rates spiked both when rainfall was extreme: either very wet or very dry.

A super El Niño event in 1997 caused exceptionally heavy rainfall that year: 1,430mm compared with the average 884mm. Many Seychelles warblers divorced that year (15.3%).

More couples also broke up in drought years.

It seems these birds tend to stick together when the weather is good, but separate when it turns bad.

How weather affects partnership stability

Divorce in many species is often directly linked to poor breeding success, when a couple fails to rear young in the prior breeding season. But in our study we found no evidence to suggest that’s an issue in Seychelles warblers.

While the period of rainfall that predicted divorce also influenced the ability of these birds to produce offspring, failing to become parents did not make Seychelles warbler pairs more likely to divorce. Some birds that divorced did produce offspring successfully, and some that didn’t produce offspring stayed together. This suggests other, more complex factors may be at play.

Extreme weather affects the physical environment, changing food availability, habitat and nesting conditions. Prolonged lack of rain before breeding begins can also affect the health of birds.

Maintaining the right body temperature during periods of extreme rainfall is challenging for many bird species. This may increase the level of stress birds experience and increase instability in their partnerships. But it may not necessarily result in a failure to breed altogether.

Three Seychelles warblers resting on fine branches while facing one another, two adults tending to their young offspring
Two adult Seychelles warblers tending to their young offspring. Charli Davies

What we can learn from this

Our new research sheds light on another heartbreaking consequence of climate change: extreme events are destabilising partnerships in wild animals.

Birds such as the Seychelles warbler are particularly vulnerable to these changes because, like many other species, their reproductive strategies are closely linked to environmental conditions.

As we continue to face the challenges posed by climate change, studies such as this are essential. They offer vital information for conservationists working to protect species that are highly sensitive to their environment. This is especially important particularly for isolated populations that can’t move to adjust.

As extreme weather is becoming more common, we will likely see more dramatic shifts in the social structures of many species, affecting not only their survival but the entire ecosystems they inhabit.The Conversation

Frigg Janne Daan Speelman, PhD Candidate in behavioural ecology, Macquarie University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

This summer will likely be wetter and warmer for most Australians, bureau forecast says

Andrew King, The University of Melbourne

After this spring’s heat, humidity, rain and storms across Australia, you may be wondering what summer has in store.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range summer forecast, released today, gives some indication of how the coming months are likely to unfold. Notwithstanding the challenges of making these forecasts, seasonal prediction can be very valuable for climate-sensitive industries such as agriculture, as well as being of great public interest.

The latest outlook from the bureau suggests we’re in for more of the unsettled weather we’ve been experiencing during spring. On average, hotter night-time temperatures and higher rainfall are expected over summer.

Meanwhile, this summer’s seasonal bushfire outlook shows an increased risk of fire across large parts of Australia, such as southeastern South Australia and western Victoria, central Australia around Alice Springs, and southern stretches of Western Australia.

Summer 2024 Climate and Water long-range forecast (Bureau of Meteorology)

Unseasonal November weather in the southeast

This spring has been a mixed bag, with wetter than normal conditions through much of northwestern Australia, as well as swings between hot and dry weather and cooler, wetter conditions elsewhere.

There were several severe weather events, starting with record-breaking heat across the north and floods in Tasmania.

In recent days, eastern Australia experienced severe storms with unusually high humidity in states such as Victoria.

So what can we expect over the next three months? That’s a simple question with a not-so-easy answer.

How reliable are long-range forecasts?

Long-range seasonal forecasting is challenging, as the science is still developing rapidly. In contrast, short-term weather forecasting has been around much longer.

For daily weather forecasts, the skill lies in knowing the recent weather conditions very well. Having more observations of properties such as temperature, wind and rainfall helps to improve these forecasts. This information is then fed into weather models, which in most places are accurate for seven to ten days.

How can meteorologists predict chaotic weather systems further in advance? They rely on the fact that while the climate is variable, it is possible to predict this variability by looking at larger-scale drivers.

In Australia, our climate is strongly influenced by drivers of variability such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which have some predictability. This lends some accuracy to seasonal outlooks.

These climate drivers have their own seasonal cycles. This means there are times in the year when seasonal outlooks are more accurate than others. El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole both have strong relationships with Australia’s climate in spring. As a result, spring outlooks tend to be more accurate than predictions for other seasons.

Over summer, more of our rainfall comes from thunderstorms. That means rainfall is more variable between places even just a few kilometres apart and also less predictable. Overall, this makes seasonal predictions for summer much harder.

How’s summer shaping up?

While it is harder to forecast summer, we can watch the climate drivers to gauge what’s likely to happen.

When the El Niño–Southern Oscillation is in an El Niño phase, the climate tends to be hotter and drier. In a La Niña, the climate tends to be cooler and wetter. But it can also be in betweeen, or “neutral”, as it has been since April. It looks likely to stay neutral over summer, though there’s a chance it might develop into a weak La Niña event.

In summer, the Indian Ocean Dipole, which can bring rain to southeastern Australia in its negative phase, tends to weaken and have less influence on Australia’s climate.

Locally, the seas around Australia remain warmer than normal, which increases evaporation and makes more moisture available for rainfall.

Map showing the chance of higher than average rainfall across Australia from December 2024 to February 2025
Another wet summer is likely for eastern Australia despite the lack of a strong La Niña signal. Bureau of Meteorology

Taken together, this is why the outlook is pointing towards wetter-than-normal conditions for much of Australia over summer. But we can’t be sure because when the ENSO climate driver is in the neutral phase, the effect on our weather is weaker.

In many places, there’s a roughly 2-in-3 chance of a wetter than average summer. But that means there is still a 1-in-3 chance of a drier than normal summer.

Accompanying the wetter summer outlook is a prediction for warmer nights and, to a lesser extent, warmer days. Night-time temperatures tend to be higher when there is cloud and rain.

Most seasonal outlooks point to warmer than average conditions these days. That’s partly because we’re comparing the coming season to the average of all the summers from 1981–2018. It was cooler then.

Remember, Australia’s climate has already warmed by 1.5°C since 1900.

A summer of fire for some?

The National Council for Fire and Emergency Services draws on the bureau’s long-range summer forecast to develop its own seasonal outlook of bushfire risk, which was also released today.

Such seasonal bushfire outlooks are also challenging to make. Complex combinations of weather and fuel (dry vegetation) characteristics shape whether a fire is likely to occur and spread if there is an ignition source (such as lightning). But these outlooks are important when planning for managing one of Australia’s major hazards. They are also useful in raising public awareness of fire risks as the southern Australia fire season gets under way.

Areas most at risk include Western Australia’s southeastern coastline, South Australia’s lower Eyre Peninsula around Port Lincoln, and the lower southeast including Mount Gambier, stretching over the border into southwestern Victoria around Horsham.

Parts of northeast Victoria and the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne are also at higher risk, as well as northern and central southern New South Wales.

In northern Australia, the areas most at risk include long-unburnt areas in the southern half of the Northern Territory through to north of the Barkly Highway and across to the Queensland border.

Some of these areas are also regions where rainfall has been below normal in recent weeks and months. The continuing stormy conditions and potential for heavy rain over parts of Australia will hopefully reduce the risk of fires in these areas.

Map of Australia showing areas of highest bushfire risk in summer 2024
Areas shown in red have an increased risk of fire, meaning there’s a higher chance of more significant bushfires occuring in these areas this summer compared to average. AFAC

Be prepared

In any summer, parts of Australia will experience periods of extreme heat, risk of fires, and stormy weather that can bring hail and flooding rains. Being prepared for severe weather, keeping an eye on the forecast and following any weather warnings that are issued is important to minimise your risk.The Conversation

Andrew King, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

‘A dose of nature’: each time you visit a national park, you save the health budget almost $100

Jakub Maculewicz, Shutterstock
Patrick O'Connor, University of Adelaide; Adam James Loch, University of Adelaide, and John Maclean, University of Adelaide

Visiting a national park is good for our health and wellbeing. But the benefits are not shared equally across the community. Often the people who need it most are least able to access a high-quality dose of nature.

We wanted to quantify the benefit to the health system, in dollar terms. After all, health budgets are steadily growing while urban green spaces with high biodiversity are often degraded and squeezed by development.

Our new research puts a dollar value on the health benefits of visits to national parks within reach of the city of Adelaide in South Australia. We estimate every visit saves the health budget almost A$100 ($96).

Scaled up across the country, this means the 22 million day trips to national parks in 2019 could shave more than $2.1 billion off the nation’s health bill every year. This estimate assumes visits and benefits are similar across the country. It can pay to look after nature.

How did we estimate this?

Past research shows spending time in nature may reduce stress, depression, anxiety, obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease and lung disease. The health benefits of access to green space are often cited to support the conservation of biodiversity, particularly in cities.

But it’s hard to calculate the economic value of these benefits. There’s a lack of data on the number of people who benefit and it’s difficult to estimate how big the benefit is. For instance, how do you calculate the “dosage” of urban green space as a health treatment and measure the amount of health gained from a given dose?

To find out more, we examined the health benefits of access to nature in 20 national parks within 60 kilometres of central Adelaide over the 2018–19 financial year.

Locator map of 20 national parks within reach of the city centre
Study sites (royal blue) relative to the Adelaide general post office in the city centre (starred). Author provided

To work out how many people visited each park, and how far they travelled to get there, we used de-identified mobile phone “ping” data.

A ping is what happens when one of the apps on your phone sends a message to the nearest phone tower to check for updates. We obtained app ping data for each of the 20 national parks, which gave us the result of 1.45 million visitors over the 2018–19 year.

We combined the ping data with information from a survey of more than 1,000 park visitors about attitudes towards and use of South Australian parks. It was also combined with general Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data on South Australia’s population health.

We then estimated a health benefit from access to parks for citizens across various socioeconomic groups.

To work this out, we compared self-reported health rating data from people who did or did not visit these parks. This showed people who visit parks are much more likely to report their health as “very good” or “excellent” compared to those who don’t. We also looked at the shifts in health status for different socioeconomic groups.

We were able to control for the differences in underlying health of the people who answered the survey. This gave us a result: the difference in positive self-reported health between park visitors and those who don’t visit was between 2% and 5%.

We then used 2018-19 data on the cost of treating ten categories of major long-term chronic disease – such as diabetes, arthritis and cancer – to estimate savings to the health budget.

How much good does a visit do?

We analysed the health benefits of more than 1.45 million visits to national parks during the course of our study.

We found access to these green spaces could be worth $140 million a year in reduced healthcare costs. This is equivalent to around 4% of the total South Australian healthcare budget.

Dividing $140 million by 1,453,271 visits works out to $96 per visit.

Access to nature is not equal

We found people living in lower socioeconomic areas have to travel about three times as far to visit a national park than people in higher socioeconomic areas.

As a result, people from lower socioeconomic areas tend to make fewer visits to national parks. We found the number of visits for people from these areas was about 20% of the number of visits from people in higher socioeconomic areas.

This means the share of health benefits flowing to people in relatively disadvantaged areas is much lower. Health problems can have a greater financial impact for relatively socioeconomically disadvantaged people. So this group stands to benefit most from increasing access to nature, with greater potential savings for the health budget.

Supporting equal access to nature (Green Adelaide)

Spending on health and the environment

In total, Australia spent around $241.3 billion on health goods and services in 2021–22. That’s about $9,365 per person, on average. Health costs such as hospital spending continue to grow.

Commonwealth public hospital spending alone is expected to grow by $2 billion a year.

At the same time, spending on protecting nature makes up less than 0.1% of the Commonwealth budget and falls short of what Australians want. Almost all Australians (97%) want more action to prevent extinctions and more public investment to protect the environment and natural places (72%).

Our research suggests making nature more accessible by restoring urban biodiversity and increasing access to our protected areas can be a win for people, governments and the budget.

Health benefits for all

To fully realise and share these benefits, we need better integrated budgets which recognise how the natural world benefits our health and the broader economy. This requires being able to measure nature and our use of it in ways we have not been able to before.

Our research has attracted interest from policymakers in the recreation and wellbeing sectors. These sectors are becoming more prominent at the national level, as well as in South Australia, when it comes to valuing national parks and wildlife services.

As we come to better understand the relationships between contact with nature and health outcomes we stand a greater chance of investing well, and equitably, so everyone can benefit from improved physical and mental health.The Conversation

Patrick O'Connor, Associate Professor in Natural Resource Economics, University of Adelaide; Adam James Loch, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Adelaide, and John Maclean, Lecturer in Data Science, University of Adelaide

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Record renewables go into the grid in 2024, generating 45% of electricity in 2025

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

This year will set a record for the addition of renewables to the grid, according to figures to be released on Thursday by the Clean Energy Regulator.

It projects the average annual renewable share of the electricity market will be 45% in 2025. The Albanese government’s target is 82% by 2030.

Total added capacity of renewables is expected to be 7.2 to 7.5 gigawatts in 2024, says the CER, which is responsible for accelerating carbon abatement.

Large scale power station approvals this year are expected to exceed a capacity of 4.2 GW, after the approval of Australia’s largest wind farm, MacIntyre wind farm in Queensland at 923 MW.

The new generation capacity is mainly wind (70%) and “will result in a material step up in the share of renewables as these new power stations reach full generation in the second half of 2025”.

An extra 1.2 GW of capacity has been applied for and is expected to be approved early next year.

The CER also expects a 3.15 GW increase in small-scale rooftop solar capacity.

The Australian Energy Market Commission, which makes the rules for the electricity and gas markets, will release residential energy price trends projecting that over the next decade residential electricity costs will decline, while delays to renewables would increase costs.

The AEMC suggests a household that is fully electrified could reduce its annual energy spending by 70% (or $3500 a year).

Energy Minister Chris Bowen will use his Thursday climate statement to parliament to warn against shifting course away from renewables, arguing they will bring down prices.

In a speech released in part ahead of delivery, Bowen says the AEMC data confirms that more renewables in the system “will continue pushing energy bills down over the next ten years”.

He says the Clean Energy Regulator “is explicit in its finding that delays to renewables would in fact increase costs”.

Bowen says just under half of the 7.5 GW new renewable capacity “will come front rooftop solar, a sign that households and businesses are getting real value from the economic benefits that come when you harness free sunshine”.

He says the “world-beating uptake” means there is now more rooftop solar capacity in the system “than the entire fleet of coal-fired power stations across the country.

"That means households and businesses are winning on two fronts – looking after our future generations by bringing down emissions, and bringing down power bills today, and for years to come.”

“Suggestions that Australia should turn its back on advancements such as these and revert to a system dominated by fossil fuels will be the nail in the coffin to Australia reaching net zero by 2050.”

With a burst of hot weather this week, the NSW government on Wednesday urged businesses and households to conserve power between 3pm and 8pm. It suggested delaying the use of non-essential appliances such as dishwashers and pool pumps and if possible setting air conditioners to a higher temperature.

This followed the Australian Energy Market Operator forecasting there could be insufficient generation available to meet demand.

Questioned in parliament, Bowen played down the situation saying it was “not an unusual circumstance”.The Conversation

Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

A new model accurately predicts the migration of humpback whales – and may help them survive climate change

A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). SasinTipchai/Shutterstock
Jasper de Bie, Griffith University

This year’s humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) season in Australia has almost come to an end. The beloved mammals are on their way to Antarctica for a summer of feeding. Next year from April onwards, millions of people will again witness their movements and acrobatic displays – either from the coast or by joining one of the hundreds of whale-watch boat operators.

But as much as we like to watch humpback whales, we still know very little about them. They are notoriously difficult to study in the field. While they are known for their surface activities, they spend most of their time underwater and outside the range of direct observations.

One of the biggest mysteries of all is how these animals make decisions to determine what they do and where they go.

This is where our new research, published in Marine Mammal Science today, comes in. We developed a model which effectively captures key humpback whale behaviours and their resulting southward migratory movements in east Australia. It can help anticipate challenges whales may face in the future. In turn, it may aid efforts to better conserve these majestic animals.

A comeback

Following the end of commercial whaling, the worldwide recovery of humpback whale populations has been very successful. In Australia, the species was removed from the threatened species list in 2022.

However, scientists fear the effects of climate change may now be the biggest threat to their survival.

Our previous research examined which environmental factors matter in humpback whale ecology. For instance, while water temperature may have little impact in the cold Antarctic waters, breeding grounds further north that are too warm could drive humpback whales to seek better conditions elsewhere.

Currently we rely on satellite tags to inform us of their large-scale whereabouts. But unfortunately, this provides little information on humpback whale activities on a smaller scale, such as how they socialise, hunt, or react to specific conditions.

Map of Australia and Antarctica with arrows indicating migration patterns of different whale species.
Humpback whales migrate throughout the year between Antarctica and northern Australia. NPWS/DPIE

Movements through space and time

To address this, we turned to computer models, as these can deal with scarce or inconsistently collected data. In particular, “agent-based” models are designed to capture the behavioural response of an agent (in this case, a pod consisting of a humpback whale mother and one calf) to the environmental conditions they encounter. Based on this information, the models then project movements through space and time.

We developed the first such model to simulate migratory movements of humpback whale mother and calf pods between the Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast bay. Along this route is Hervey Bay, an important resting area due to its calm and sheltered waters, where the pairs may stay for up to a few weeks before continuing migration.

As humpback whales are almost always sighted in waters between 15 and 200 metres deep and below 28°C, we took a simple yet reasonable approach where we assumed they avoided waters too shallow, deep, or warm as they swam southwards.

This “avoidance” response would be similar to us going indoors when it is too hot outside or raining heavily: a simple decision to move away from somewhere we are not comfortable.

A humpback whale mum and calf sitting next to each other in crystal clear water.
The model is designed to capture the movement of a humpback mother and calf pod. Michael Smith ITWP/Shutterstock

A combo of current and swimming speed

To estimate how fast whales were moving, we combined the speed of the current with an estimate of real-world swimming speeds by migrating mother and calf pairs along the Gold Coast.

Our simulations accurately predict the routes taken by migrating mother and calf pairs but point to a change in direction after Hervey Bay so whales remain close to the coastline.

Other research has shown that this “distance to shore” is an important variable to consider when studying humpback whales.

Results also highlight the importance of water depth when entering Hervey Bay and ensuring the whales avoid getting too close to shore or into the deep ocean.

A tool for conservation

What the model does less well is accurately predict travel time between the Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast bay.

There are a few reasons why this may be the case. For example, the aforementioned underwater movements and associated behaviours are difficult to capture and convert into meaningful components of our model. Research has started to reveal detailed dive profiles but is time consuming and expensive.

We also assume that swimming speed remains more or less constant over time regardless of whether it is day or night. However, research into daily activity patterns has, so far, focused primarily on feeding and mating behaviours rather than variations in swimming speed.

Nevertheless, the current version of our model provides a suitable framework for simulating humpback whale migration and can be expanded to investigate a response of this species to future changes in ocean conditions. In theory, it can be applied to other marine species too, as long as relevant behavioural response data is available.

The development of such predictive models is increasingly important to aid conservation efforts and guide effective strategies for protecting vulnerable species affected by climate change.The Conversation

Jasper de Bie, Research Fellow, Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Griffith University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

A tax on new plastic would slash waste – if built into the global treaty on plastics

Mohamed Abdulraheem/Shutterstock
Amelia Leavesley, The University of Melbourne

Earlier this week, the mining magnate Andrew Forrest made headlines calling for a global “polymer premium” – or plastic tax – to be placed on every tonne of newly manufactured plastics. A tax like this could form part of the Global Plastic Treaty being hammered out right now in Busan, South Korea. In fact, a treaty aimed at stopping plastic waste will have to have strong measures such as a plastic tax or a cap on plastic production to shift the status quo.

In economics, taxing things you don’t want should mean fewer get made. What Forrest is pitching is a way to curb the seemingly unstoppable rise in plastic production and tackle the plastic waste crisis at its source. While we may think recycling is all we need to solve the plastic waste problem, it’s nowhere near enough. Plastic is steadily choking seas and rivers, while toxic microplastics damage our health.

Forrest isn’t the first. Environmental groups and think tanks are also calling for a global tax on plastic producers and importers.

Many plastic products are designed to last for a long time. But manufacturers are increasingly churning out cheap plastics such as single-use items and food packaging which almost inevitably become waste.

Introducing a tax would add an additional cost to making virgin (new) plastic, to deter manufacturers from producing and selling as much non-recyclable and non-reuseable products as possible. If introduced, they would go some way to cut the overproduction of plastic.

What would a plastic treaty do?

Over this week and next, negotiators from more than 170 United Nations member states are working towards a Global Plastic Treaty at the fifth and final set of talks.

Work on this treaty has progressed rapidly. It was only in 2022 that 175 nations voted to adopt a historic resolution to negotiate a legally binding international treaty to end plastic pollution. In recognition of the danger posed by unchecked plastic production, nations set an accelerated timeline. If a treaty is agreed, it could come into effect as soon as 2025.

It would operate much like the legally-binding Paris Agreement on climate change, which requires nations to regularly report their greenhouse gas emissions and efforts to cut them. A Global Plastics Treaty would include binding measures requiring signatories to commit to action on plastic pollution. But exactly what will be covered and how is yet to be decided.

Nations have already agreed on measures to improve waste management and recycling as well as new design standards for plastic products.

While positive, the hardest part is yet to come.

These final negotiations wraps up on Sunday. Still to come is a decision on the most contentious issue: whether to introduce limits on how much plastic a company can produce. Plastic industry lobbyists are arguing strongly against any cap to plastic production.

single use food plastics
Production of single-use plastics is expanding. Matveev Aleksandr/Shutterstock

Recycling isn’t enough

Plastic pollution has been a problem for decades. But to date, our efforts to respond have hardly made a dint. Today, there are about 7 billion tonnes of plastic waste in the world. So far, just 9% has been recycled.

The rest ends up burned in incinerators, in landfills, or in rivers, seas and forests. Plastics can also damage our health in many different ways.

Plastic production doubled between 2000 and 2019, reaching 460 million tonnes a year. By 2060, production is projected to almost triple that figure, to 1.2 billion tonnes a year.

An increasing proportion of plastic production is single-use packaging, which is cheap to make and almost impossible to recycle.

Researchers have found recycling and waste management will only cut plastic pollution by 7% in the long term. These tools won’t be enough.

Plastic taxes are not new

In 2021, the European Union introduced a levy on non-recycled plastic packaging waste created by its member states. Set at €0.80 (A$1.30) per kilo, the cost is borne by national governments, who in turn can pass the cost on to producers. The levy is expected to generate A$11.3 billion per year when fully implemented.

Nations in Europe have already begun to pass on the cost. Last year, Spain imposed a tax on producers and importers of single use plastic packaging, while Hungary expanded an existing scheme to include plastic products. Earlier this year, Bulgaria, Portugal and the United Kingdom introduced their own fees for single-use plastics.

Because these taxes are new, it’s difficult to fully assess their impact. But over time, these incentives should reduce plastic pollution and boost government revenue, which can be used to drive better recycling and resource recovery.

Australia’s government is consulting on new standards for packaging in a bid to phase out dangerous chemicals and boost use of recycled plastics, while some state and territory governments have introduced bans on single-use plastics. But plastic waste researchers and environmental advocates argue that stronger measures are needed to curb plastic waste.

Taxing single-use plastic packaging in Australia could raise $1.5 billion, according to one study. These funds could be used to accelerate progress on plastic pollution.

A global treaty needs teeth

Over the last 70 years, plastics have become ubiquitous. But the convenience of cheap plastics comes at a cost to our health and the health of the natural world.

Tackling plastic pollution will take concerted effort and financing to reduce plastic production.

As Andrew Forrest and others point out, taxing virgin plastic could discourage overproduction of plastics and encourage more investment in recyclable and reusable plastic products.

But for plastic taxes to work, they need to be widely adopted. That could be as part of the Global Plastic Treaty, or done on a national level. Plastic taxes could work as an alternative to capping plastic production, if negotiators can’t reach agreement in Busan.

Plastic taxes are not a silver bullet. We would still need a suite of measures addressing plastics throughout their lifecycle, from design and production to recycling and disposal. But putting a price on plastic would help.The Conversation

Amelia Leavesley, Research Fellow in Urban Sustainability, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

‘Unprecedented’ climate extremes are everywhere. Our baselines for what’s normal will need to change

Thomas Rosenzweig/Shutterstock
Milton Speer, University of Technology Sydney and Lance M Leslie, University of Technology Sydney

Extreme temperature and rainfall events are increasing around the world, including Australia. What makes them extreme is their rarity and severity compared to the typical climate.

A region’s “climate” is defined by a 30-year average of mainly rainfall and temperature. Increasingly, these climate definitions have become less appropriate – we need to look at events over shorter time periods to gain a more accurate picture.

We can see this in the recent worldwide proliferation of extreme flooding and prolonged heatwaves.

Using southern Australia as a prime example, our newly published research in Academia Environmental Sciences and Sustainability shows that machine learning techniques can help identify key climate drivers, supporting a redefinition of climate in a warming world.

Increasing ‘flash’ events

In Australia, eastern coastal regions of Queensland and New South Wales continue to receive record downpours and flash floods, interspersed by dry periods of a few months to a few years.

In stark contrast, southern coastal regions are drying and facing more extreme heatwaves. With already parched vegetation and catastrophic fire dangers, this region is experiencing drought conditions due to decreased cool season rainfall and increased temperatures.



Notably, flash droughts and flash floods have adversely affected both agricultural crop yields and grazing pasture quality. Flash droughts greatly reduce moisture for germination. Flash floods ruin crops close to harvest time.

The problem with these “flash” events is just how difficult they are to forecast. To make more accurate seasonal and annual predictions for rainfall and temperatures, we need to update our climate models. But how do we know which climate drivers need to be included?

Seeking a new normal

To keep track of typical climate conditions and provide context for weather and climate forecasts, the World Meteorological Organization uses a set of data products known as climatological standard normals.

They define climate as averages of monthly, seasonal and annual weather-related variables such as temperature and rainfall, over consecutive 30-year periods.

Climate normals can be used to assess how typical of the current climate a particular event was in a given location. It’s how we arrive at temperature anomalies.

For example, to tell whether a year was relatively “hot” or “cool”, we look at the anomaly – the difference between the average temperature for the calendar year in question, compared to the climate normal.

But extreme variations are now occurring in periods of ten years or even shorter. Consequently, multiple increases and decreases can cancel each other out over a 30-year period. This would hide the large changes in statistics of weather variables within that period.

For example, large rainfall changes in average monthly, seasonal and annual amounts can be hidden within 30-year averages. Global warming often amplifies or diminishes the impacts of multiple climate driver phases within approximately ten-year periods. When averaged over 30 consecutive years, some information is lost.

What did we find?

Over the past decade or so, machine learning (where computers learn from past data to make inferences about the future) has become a powerful tool for detecting potential links between global warming and extreme weather events. This is referred to as attribution.

Machine learning techniques are simple to code and are well-suited to the highly repetitive task of searching through numerous combinations of observational data for possible triggers of severe weather events.

In our new study, machine learning helped us untangle the dominant climate drivers responsible for recent flash flood rainfall on the east coast of Australia, and a lack of rainfall on the southern coast.

Along the southern coast, the cool season from May to October is typically produced by mid-latitude westerly winds. In recent years these winds were farther away from the Australian continents, resulting in the recent drought of 2017–19 and flash drought of 2023–24.

In contrast, after the 2020–22 La Niña, the east coast continues to experience wetter conditions. These come from generally higher than average sea-surface temperatures off the east coast and Pacific Ocean, due to the presence of onshore winds.

Machine learning identified the dominant drivers of the scenario above: the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, the Southern Annular Mode, the Indian Ocean Dipole, and both local and global sea surface temperatures.

The Southern Annular Mode concerns the mid-latitude westerly winds.

A key finding was the prominence of global warming as an attribute, both individually and in combination with other climate drivers. Climate drivers and their combinations can change with increasing global warming over shorter periods that contain extremes of climate. Hence, the use of 30-year periods as climate normals becomes less useful.

Finding regional attributes for better forecasting

Climate models often disagree on the climate drivers likely to be relevant to extreme events.

A key feature of machine learning is the ability to deal with multi-source data by identifying regional attributes. We can combine possible climate-driver predictors with high-resolution climate model predictions, especially after the climate model data are downsized to cover specific regions of concern. This can help with extreme event forecasting at a local scale.

Scientists are continuously developing new methods for applying machine learning to weather and climate prediction.

The scientific consensus is that global warming has dramatically increased the frequency of extreme rainfall and temperature events. However, the impacts are not uniform across the world, or even across Australia. Some regions have been more affected than others.

Currently there is no single alternative definition to the traditional 30-year climate normal, given the variable impacts across the planet. Each region will need to determine its own relevant climate time period definition – and machine learning tools can help.The Conversation

Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney and Lance M Leslie, Professor, School of Mathematical And Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

After a disappointing COP29, here’s how to design global climate talks that might actually work

Howard Bamsey, Australian National University

Many people long involved in global climate negotiations see the annual United Nations COP climate talks as fundamentally flawed. That includes me.

On Sunday, the 29th round of talks finished in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was likely my 25th COP. I have attended these talks in many different roles, but largely as a climate negotiator for the Australian government. These days I attend in my academic capacity.

COP29 did not achieve a breakthrough. It led to a modest increase in climate finance for developing nations and agreement on carbon market rules. But many issues were kicked down the road.

COP talks are slow. And the once-a-year meetings are seen as “win or lose” moments, which complicates the dynamics. Oil states and lobbyists work to avoid mention of quitting fossil fuels. Host nations need a win, leading to “commitments” which may not lead to substantive change. Ahead of this year’s talks, major climate figures called once more for reform to the COP process.

But however flawed, COP meetings are the only way to get the world’s nations in the same room to hash out what to do about climate change.

In recent years, global leaders have been distracted by COVID, the Ukraine-Russia war and now the Middle East. But climate change is only worsening. It won’t be long before real world events pull our attention back to the single largest threat we face.

Why do these talks matter?

Since 1995, the COP talks have acted as the main driver of global action on climate change. These talks will continue to matter until the transition to clean energy is complete and the burning of fossil fuels is no longer routine.

Climate change has a one-word solution: investment. Every day, companies and governments invest money. They either invest it in status quo technologies which make carbon pollution worse, or they invest in cleaner alternatives.

What the COP talks do is help change the direction of investment. You can see this working very clearly in how much is now being invested in green energy, electricity grid upgrades and energy efficiency – double that for new fossil fuels. (Unfortunately, if you include fossil fuel subsidies, the picture is very different.)

Last year, nations finally included text about the need to transition away from fossil fuels. It was hard-won. But this year, diplomats from Saudi Arabia and petrostate allies were able to block any mention of this.

The text on fossil fuels was not binding. But it was influential in boardrooms where decisions on investment are made.

Process over progress?

The way the COP talks are set up are not ideal.

A new country is chosen every year to take on the presidency role and host the summit. The talks run for a fortnight and the agenda is vast. This year, the hosts, Azerbaijan, struggled to keep control of the agenda. As a result, issues such as the Global Stocktake – which included the calls to quit fossil fuels – were kicked down the road to COP30 in Brazil in a year’s time.

Because these talks are just once a year, everything crowds into them. It is very messy.

Every June, climate negotiators meet for an inter-sessional meeting before the next COP talks in Bonn, Germany, where the UN Secretariat on Climate Change has its headquarters.

At these meetings, we often see efforts to walk back announcements made at the formal COP talks. Sometimes these are successful.

Every delegate sent to COP talks has two reasons for going. The first is because their government is to some extent committed to solving the great problem of climate change. Five or six nations might not be, but that leaves over 190 who are. The second reason is to protect their national interests. You can, of course, do both.

But this brings up a hidden issue. Many people who attend become, in my view, focused on the process, not the outcome. Twice a year, they travel to the COP itself and the Bonn intersessional, where they will meet friends and colleagues. It has become routine. The process has become, for some, the point.

baku, cityscape
Every year, a new nation hosts the COP talks. This year, thousands of delegates headed to Baku, Azerbaijan. Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock

Five ideas for change

COP talks are flawed but necessary. Could we improve them?

Here are five ideas:

1. Break up the negotiating process

Meetings of COP subsidiary bodies in cities where most nations have established diplomatic missions. These bodies could meet more regularly, creating pressure and momentum for more speed and outcomes.

2. Change COP presidency arrangements

At times, the nation hosting the talks tries to control outcomes as much possible. But this is an all but impossible task. A better option might be to rely on the negotiators from each nation who do most of the work – and make them accountable for achieving outcomes.

3. Make regional meetings more important

COP is big. Hundreds of countries, thousands of delegates, and many from civil society and business. It’s very difficult when everyone tries to talk to everyone. Much better progress would come if the thrust of COP talks was devolved to smaller, more regular regional meetings.

4. Gather more ambitious countries

There have been several gatherings of nations wanting to do more, faster on climate change, such as the High Ambition Coalition. These gatherings can help stimulate action among like-minded leaders. But they need sustained leadership to be effective.

5. Direct action by the largest emitters

In 2015, the Paris Agreement set a joint goal of keeping climate change below 2°C. It was the high water mark for COP talks. Before this agreement was signed, top emitters China and the United States found common ground on climate in direct talks, despite intensifying geopolitical jostling. This helped Paris succeed. In 2025 under President Donald Trump, the US will walk off the climate action stage again. But China is now feeling more confident in shouldering a climate leadership role.

What about preventing oil states from hosting these talks, as prominent climate movers and shakers have called for? You can’t easily shut out countries who have signed treaties and agreements. The solution here is to organise better. Oil-state pressure doesn’t have to win. While oil rich Azerbaijan’s presidency of COP29 drew scepticism, there was no sign that its leaders wanted the process to fail.

Needed: renewed political will

Ten years ago, it felt like the world was largely united on climate. But while the Paris Agreement has helped avert the worst emissions scenarios, it has not yet led to a single year of declining emissions.

Climate change has, by any measurement, slipped down the global list of urgent issues. That will change as more calamitous impacts arrive.The Conversation

Howard Bamsey, Honorary Professor, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

After nearly 10 years of debate, COP29’s carbon trading deal is seriously flawed

Kate Dooley, The University of Melbourne

Negotiators at the COP29 climate conference in Baku have struck a landmark agreement on rules governing the global trade of carbon credits, bringing to a close almost a decade of debate over the controversial scheme.

The deal paves the way for a system in which countries or companies buy credits for removing or reducing greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere in the world, then count the reductions as part of their own climate efforts.

Some have argued the agreement provides crucial certainty to countries and companies trying to reach net-zero through carbon trading, and will harness billions of dollars for environmental projects.

However, the rules contain several serious flaws that years of debate have failed to fix. It means the system may essentially give countries and companies permissions to keep polluting.

What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon trading is a system where countries, companies or other entities buy or sell “credits”, or permits, that allow the buyer to offset the greenhouse gas emissions they produce.

For example, an energy company in Australia that produces carbon emissions by burning coal may, in theory, offset their impact by buying credits from a company in Indonesia that removes carbon by planting trees.

Other carbon removal activities include renewable energy projects, and projects that retain vegetation rather than cutting it down.

Carbon trading was a controversial part of the global Paris climate deal clinched in 2015.

The relevant part of the deal is known as “Article 6”. It sets the rules for a global carbon market, supervised by the United Nations, which would be open to companies as well as countries. Article 6 also includes trade of carbon credits directly between countries, which has begun operating even while rules were still being finalised.

Rules for carbon trading are notoriously complex and difficult to negotiate. But they are important to ensure a scheme reduces greenhouse gas emissions in reality, not just on paper.

A long history of debate

Over the past few years, annual COP meetings made some progress on advancing the carbon trading rules.

For example, COP26 in Glasgow, held in 2021, established an independent supervisory body. It was also tasked with other responsibilities such as recommending standards for carbon removal and methods to guide the issuing, reporting and monitoring of carbon credits.

But the recommendations were rejected at COP meetings in 2022 and 2023 because many countries viewed them as weak and lacking a scientific basis.

At a meeting in October this year, the supervisory body published its recommendations as “internal standards” and so bypassed the COP approval process.

At this year’s COP in Baku, the Azerbaijani hosts rushed through adoption of the standards on day one, prompting claims proper process had not been followed

For the remaining two weeks of the conference, negotiators worked to further develop the rules. A final decision was adopted over the weekend, but has attracted criticism.

For example, the Climate Land Ambition and Rights Alliance says the rules risk “double counting” – which means two carbon credits are issued for only one unit of emissions reduction. It also claims the rules fail to prevent harm to communities – which can occur when, say, Indigenous Peoples are prevented from accessing land where tree-planting or other carbon-storage projects are occurring.

Getting to grips with carbon removal

The new agreement, known formally as the Paris Agreement Trading Mechanism, is fraught with other problems. Most obvious is the detail around carbon removals.

Take, for example, the earlier scenario of a coal-burning company in Australia offsetting emissions by buying credits from a tree-planting company in Indonesia. For the climate to benefit, the carbon stored in the trees should remain there as long as the emissions produced from the company’s burning of coal remains in the atmosphere.

But, carbon storage in soils and forests is considered temporary. To be considered permanent, carbon must be stored geologically (injected into underground rock formations).

The final rules agreed to at Baku, however, fail to stipulate the time periods or minimum standards for “durable” carbon storage.

Temporary carbon removal into land and forests should not be used to offset fossil fuel emissions, which stay in the atmosphere for millennia. Yet governments are already over-relying on such methods to achieve their Paris commitments. The weak new rules only exacerbate this problem.

To make matters worse, in 2023, almost no carbon was absorbed by Earth’s forests or soils, because the warming climate increased the intensity of drought and wildfires.

This trend raises questions about schemes that depend on these natural systems to capture and store carbon.

trees in forest
Temporary carbon removal into land and forests should not be used to offset fossil fuel emissions. Shutterstock

What next?

Countries already can, and do, trade carbon credits under the Paris Agreement. Centralised trading will occur under the new scheme once the United Nations sets up a registry, expected next year.

Under the new scheme, Australia should rule out buying credits for land-based offsets (such as in forests and soil) to compensate for long-lasting emissions from the energy and industry sectors.

Australia should also revise its national carbon trading scheme along the same lines.

We could also set a precedent by establishing a framework that treats carbon removals as a complement — not a substitute — for emissions reduction.The Conversation

Kate Dooley, Senior Research Fellow, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

From a US$300 billion climate finance deal to global carbon trading, here’s what was – and wasn’t – achieved at the COP29 climate talks

Jacqueline Peel, The University of Melbourne

The petroleum-laden dust has settled on this year’s United Nations climate summit, COP29, held over the past fortnight in Baku, Azerbaijan. Climate scientists, leaders, lobbyists and delegates are heading for home.

The meeting achieved incremental progress. Negotiators agreed on a new climate finance target of at least US$300 billion a year by 2035 (A$460 billion), up from US$100 billion now. These funds would help developing nations shift away from fossil fuels, adapt to the warming climate and respond to loss and damage from climate disasters.

Nations also agreed on the essential rules for a global carbon trading market, the last agreement needed to make the 2015 Paris Agreement fully operational.

As UN climate chief Simon Stiell said in the final session, the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) meeting showed the Paris Agreement was delivering on climate action, but national governments “still need to pick up the pace”.

I attended COP29 as an expert in international climate law and litigation. I observed the finance negotiations firsthand and represented a new alliance of Australian and Pacific universities supporting international climate cooperation.

At the outset, expectations for the conference were low. The United States had just voted for the return of climate denier Donald Trump. And Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev declared oil and gas a “gift of God” at an opening event.

But even with these considerable headwinds, progress was made.

Progress on climate finance

The world’s rich countries currently contribute US$100 billion a year to climate finance for developing nations. It pays for measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change by making systems more resilient.

Two years ago, countries agreed to create a new “loss and damage” fund for nations dealing with climate disasters, launched at the summit in Dubai last year.

At these COP29 talks, Australia announced it would contribute A$50 million (US$32 million) to this fund. Climate change is already costing developing countries huge sums, estimated at US$100-$500 billion a year.

These flows of funding from rich countries are essential for developing nations to increase their emissions reduction, as well as respond to climate damage.

The COP29 deal sets a target of at least US$300 billion per year by 2035, with richer countries leading delivery.

While this goal represents a tripling of the previous target, it falls far short of the $400-$900 billion many developing countries had called for in finance from rich governments.

Disappointed developing country representatives labelled it “a paltry sum” and a “joke”. It also falls short of what experts say is needed by 2035 to meet global climate finance needs.

Recognising this gap, the text calls on “all actors to work together” to scale up finance from all public and private sources to at least US$1.3 trillion per year by 2035. Ways this might be achieved will be presented at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, a year from now.

Making the international carbon market a reality

COP29 also reached an agreement that settles longstanding disputes about making the international carbon market a reality. This hard-won deal delivered global standards for carbon trading, opening up new ways for developing countries to boost their renewable energy capacity.

These rules will pave the way for country-to-country trading of carbon credits. Each credit represents a tonne of carbon dioxide either removed from the atmosphere or not emitted. The deal will give countries more flexibility in how they meet their emissions targets.

It’s not perfect. Concerns linger on whether the rules will ensure trades reflect real projects and how transparent and accountable the market will be.

But the agreement will boost the importance of carbon credits and could increase incentives to protect carbon “sinks” – such as rainforests, seagrass meadows and mangroves – with flow-on nature benefits.

New national climate goals

By February 2025, all 195 Paris signatories have to announce more ambitious emission targets. Some countries announced their new plans at COP29.

The most ambitious was the United Kingdom, which upped its 2030 goal of a 68% cut to reducing 81% below 1990 emissions by 2035.

Next year’s host, Brazil, released new targets for a 59%–67% drop below 2005 levels by 2035.

But Brazil didn’t amend its 2030 ambitions and plans to boost oil and gas production 36% by 2035.

The United Arab Emirates announced target cuts of 47% before 2035, ahead of net zero by 2050. But this pledge was criticised by climate campaigners because the UAE is projected to boost oil and gas production 34% by by 2035.

The host, Azerbaijan, did not release its goals. Many other countries, including Australia, also held off from announcing new targets in Baku.

Indecision on fossil fuels

Fossil fuels were the elephant in the room. At last year’s COP in Dubai, nations finally agreed to include wording on:

transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science

But at this year’s COP, there was no decision on how, exactly, to begin this transition – and fossil fuels are not explicitly mentioned in the outcome documents.

Delegates from oil giant Saudi Arabia repeatedly tried to block mention of fossil fuels across all of the negotiating streams.

A man and son at beach with oil refineries behind
Azerbaijan is one of the birthplaces of the oil industry, with oil refineries running since 1859. Rasul Guliyev/Shutterstock

Trump’s return wasn’t a deal-breaker

The consequences of Trump’s re-election for climate action were much discussed. But I observed a surprising amount of acceptance and even optimism for climate cooperation.

The US is the world’s second-largest emitter, after China. Trump has promised to ramp up the country’s oil and gas production, and pull the US from the Paris Agreement as he did during his first term.

But climate action continued regardless – especially in renewables giant China, which hit its 2030 renewable target this year. The US is no longer the main player in climate negotiations, and many countries are much further down the road of cutting emissions. Few show signs of backtracking.

As the US bows out, it creates a vacuum. At COP29, middle powers such as Canada, the UK and Australia stepped up.

Negotiators from a progressive High Ambition Coalition – including small island states, the European Union and Latin American countries such as Colombia – played an important role in pushing to urgently increase finance for climate action.

China, for its part, is clearly eyeing off the position of climate leader about to be vacated by the US. And leaders of progressive US states attended COP29 to show parts of the US are still on board with climate action.

Australia’s hosting bid for 2026 talks in limbo

Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026 alongside Pacific nations was tipped to win, given it had the support from nearly all of the 29 “Western European and Other States” group of nations which will decide the host this time. Many observers expected an announcement at the end of COP29.

But no decision was made, as the rival bidder, Türkiye, did not withdraw its bid.

An announcement is now likely in mid-2025 – after Australia’s next federal election.

What now?

Many people are disappointed by COP29. It did not bring transformative change. The huge jump in climate finance called for by developing countries, and many in civil society, didn’t eventuate.

It came as 2024 is on track to be the hottest on record, and the costs of extreme weather have risen to more than US$2 trillion over the last decade.

But this year’s talks were still a step forward, affirming international climate cooperation at a time of significant geopolitical tensions globally. As the UN’s Simon Stiell said:

the UN Paris Agreement is humanity’s life-raft; there is nothing else […] We are taking that journey forward together.The Conversation

Jacqueline Peel, Director, Melbourne Climate Futures, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Humans are killing off the old and wise animals that hold nature together. Here’s what must change

Laxmikant Ameenagad, Shutterstock
Keller Kopf, Charles Darwin University

In humans and other animals, ageing is generally associated with a decline in biological function. But scientists are now discovering older animals perform vital roles in populations and ecosystems.

Unfortunately, however, old animals can suffer the most from human activity such as over-fishing and trophy hunting. And the value of old, wise animals is not usually considered when we manage animal populations and seek to protect biodiversity.

Our new review, published today in Science, draws on evidence from around the world to argue for a new approach called “longevity conservation”.

The loss of old and wise animals has devastating global consequences. Clearly, more must be done to prioritise their survival.

Benefits of a long life

Cold-blooded (ectothermic) animals such as fish and reptiles tend to keep growing throughout their life. This means older individuals are generally larger than younger individuals.

Being bigger has benefits, especially when it comes to feeding and reproduction. It’s widely known the number of offspring increases with age in fish and many other ectotherms. But it’s only recently been discovered that older mothers of some fish and sea turtles produce exponentially more offspring as time goes on. Their young may also have better chances of survival.

Survival rates are can be higher in offspring from older mothers in other species too. For example, in birds older parents and their helpers often provide more food and better habitat for their chicks, improving fledgling survival rates.

Females from a range of species tend to select older males as mates. These males commonly assume crucial social roles, such as leading long distance movements like migration, and regulating social structures, such as reducing aggressive behaviour. These behaviours influence decision-making with direct consequences for group and offspring survival.

An old photograph showing an enormous freshwater crocodile on land, with two people in the background
Large estuarine crocodiles like this one from Roper River, Northern Territory were hunted almost to extinction within Australia, but now they are a recovering conservation success. Church Missionary Society Australia

With age comes wisdom

Some animals draw on experience accumulated over the course of their lifetime in order to make better decisions. In elephants, mothers and grandmothers are repositories of knowledge.

This “grandmother effect”, first studied in humans, also occurs in whales. Wise grandmother killer whales, which no longer reproduce, help their families find food when it is scarce and this benefits survival.

In a wide range of species, new research is showing how older individuals transmit their knowledge to others via a process called cultural transmission. The benefits of old age extend to animals such as migratory birds, pack-hunting carnivores, and even fish. For example, taking all the big fish from some populations has diminished their collective group memory often needed for migration and knowledge of spawning areas.

A group of large old African elephants and one youngster in a green field, against a blue sky
This family group of African elephants has been the subject of research into older animals. Phyllis Lee

Examining the loss of older animals

Our research set out to build understanding of the ecology and conservation of old animals.

We assembled an interdisciplinary team of experts who work on different animals and diverse ecosystems. Our team included behavioural and wildlife ecologists as well as freshwater, marine and fisheries scientists.

We searched the literature and wrote a review. In addition, we used a machine learning topic model to delve into more than 9,000 peer-reviewed papers.

Most research has focused on the negative aspects of ageing, particularly in humans, and short-lived animal models such as fruit flies. Yet emerging evidence is showing how old wild animals contribute to populations and ecosystems.

Many of these functions benefit people too, but are being lost as old individuals are removed from the wild.

Fishing has caused a systematic decline in the abundance of old fish, with these aged individuals reduced in 79-97% of the ocean populations examined.

Old African elephants and other trophy animals are commonly poached or hunted, both legally and illegally.

But the loss of old individuals is not limited to large enigmatic species. Deep-sea coral and Antarctic sponges – which can live for thousands of years – are being harvested, damaged by fishing gear, and affected by climate change. These species cannot be replaced within our lifetime.

Species that live to advanced ages are often large, slow-growing, and slow to mature. These traits can make these species more vulnerable to extinction if older adults are killed by humans.

But when humans spare old individuals, these long-lived species are more resistant to environmental change and provide more stable ecosystem services, such as fisheries which supply protein to feed the world.

Retaining old animals tends to protect populations from poor environmental conditions such as drought and other extreme climate events, allowing species to persist against the odds. This buffering capacity is increasingly important in the face of global climate change.

Person holding up a big fish (bigmouth buffalo)
Very old animals, like this 100+ year-old bigmouth buffalo, are declining because of over-harvesting and river regulation. This species is native to rivers of North America. Alec Lackmann

Introducing ‘longevity conservation’

Old animals play vital roles in the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Yet harvest management and conservation practices tend not to focus on preserving age structures within populations. And the loss of old individuals is not yet recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a means of listing threatened species, or as a type of over-fishing.

To protect old individuals and maintain or restore the age structure of wild populations, we propose “longevity conservation” measures.

Decisive new policy and actions are needed to protect and restore the crucial ecological roles and services old, wise, and large animals provide. For example, formally recognising and avoiding “longevity overfishing” should be incorporated into fisheries management to help ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries.

Biodiversity conservation and threatened species policies should protect age structure. This is particularly important in long-lived species that produce more offspring with age, or where migration, social networks and cultural transmission of knowledge are required for survival.The Conversation

Keller Kopf, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, Charles Darwin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

New maps show high-risk zones for whale-ship collisions − vessel speed limits and rerouting can reduce the toll

A blue whale swims close to a large vessel near the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Asha de Vos, CC BY-ND
Anna Nisi, University of Washington

Imagine you are a blue whale swimming up the California coast, as you do every spring. You are searching for krill in the Santa Barbara Channel, a zone that teems with fish, kelp forests, seagrass beds and other undersea life, but also vibrates with noise from ship traffic. Suddenly, the noise gets louder.

You start to make a slow, shallow dive, but without much urgency – after all, your species evolved over millions of years without this mysterious noise, so why would you know what to do when you hear it? A minute later, you are fatally struck by a container ship.

Your body slowly sinks to the bottom of the ocean, where it will nourish deep-sea creatures for decades but will never be seen by humans again. Indeed, your death goes unnoticed; the vessel barely registers the impact of hitting a member of the largest animal species on Earth.

Collisions with ships are a critical threat to many large whale species. While these events are difficult to study, scientists estimate that thousands of whales are killed by ships yearly. In some regions, whales die from vessel strikes at rates that exceed what is considered sustainable after decades of whaling. Collisions with vessels threaten some critically endangered species.

Research and experience show that simple measures can reduce these collisions – for example, rerouting shipping lanes to avoid important areas for whales, or reducing vessel speeds. But to implement these interventions, scientists and policymakers need to know where whales are most at risk.

Colliding with cruise and container ships is one of the most serious threats to endangered whale species.

Mapping risk to whales

In a newly published study in Science, colleagues and I mapped global ship-strike risk for four species of Earth’s largest whales: blue, fin, humpback and sperm. Within each species’ range, we found that vessels traveled the equivalent of thousands of times the distance to the moon and back every year.

Our maps reveal widespread risk of vessel collisions in areas including the U.S. West Coast, the Mediterranean Sea and the northern Indian Ocean. These zones already have documented high levels of ship strikes.

We also found many other regions with similar levels of risk that are less studied and recognized. They include several stretches along the coastlines of South America and southern Africa, and the area around the Azores off the coast of Portugal.

Maps showing areas along coastlines where risks of ship collisions are high for four whale species.
Predicted patterns of whale-ship collisions for blue, fin, humpback and sperm whales. Areas in purple are places of higher ship-strike risk, with high levels of shipping traffic and high habitat suitability for each species. Ship-strike risk was predicted for each species across their range map – as defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature – which for fin whales excludes the tropics. Anna Nisi, CC BY-ND

Most high-risk areas are unprotected

Whales are largely unprotected from vessel collisions around the world. We identified collision-risk hot spots – areas in the top 1% of predicted risk globally that represent the riskiest places for each species.

We found that fewer than 7% of collision-risk hot spots had put measures in place to reduce collisions, such as limiting vessel speeds or requiring ships to avoid certain areas. Exceptions include the west and east coasts of North America, as well as the Mediterranean, which have higher levels of ship-strike management.

Where such measures exist, they often are voluntary. Mandatory restrictions on speed cover just 0.54% of collision-risk hot spots for blue whales, 0.27% for humpback whales and none of the hot spots for fin or sperm whales.

For each species, we found that ship-strike risk was higher within exclusive economic zones – areas up to 200 nautical miles from coastlines, in which each country has exclusive jurisdiction over marine resources – than on the high seas. This can make it easier to implement conservation and management measures in these areas.

Within exclusive economic zones, individual countries can either adopt voluntary vessel measures or propose mandatory changes through the International Maritime Organization, which regulates international shipping. There is a lot of opportunity for countries to protect whales in their national waters.

However, since political boundaries mean nothing to whales, the most effective approach would be for neighboring countries to coordinate efforts to reduce ship-strike risk across whale migratory routes.

This video shows whales’ use of space in the ocean, shaded from blue (lower use areas) to white (high use areas), with global ship traffic overlaid on it, colored by vessel speed.

We also found high levels of ship-strike risk within existing marine protected areas – zones where countries have adopted various measures to conserve and manage sea life. Most of these marine protected areas were created to protect sea life from fishing, but very few place any restrictions or regulations on shipping. When marine protected areas contain high levels of ship-strike risk, governments could add such measures to the protected areas’ missions.

Benefits of protecting whales

Protecting whales from ships would benefit other species too. Vessels can strike many marine species, including seals, sea turtles, sharks, fish, penguins and dolphins.

Marine shipping is the top source of underwater noise, which is a major threat to marine life. Underwater noise can disrupt feeding, interfere with communication and cause stress for many species. Vessels run more quietly at slower speeds, so speed-reduction measures can reduce noise pollution as well as collision risk.

Underwater noise from a large cargo ship, recorded off Perth, Western Australia.

Humans can also benefit from slowing down and rerouting ships. When vessels travel more slowly, their fuel efficiency increases, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The marine shipping industry currently produces carbon emissions comparable to those from aviation.

Slowing vessels down also reduces emissions of harmful air pollutants that threaten human health in coastal areas and are estimated to contribute to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths annually. In 2023, for example, vessels cooperating with a voluntary slowdown in California cut 45,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and 1,250 metric tons of nitrogen oxides, and they reduced the risk to whales by more than half.

Changing vessel routes can make waters safer for local fishermen. In Sri Lanka, for example, heavy ship traffic hugs the coast, overlapping with local fishermen as well as with foraging blue whales. Collisions with cargo ships have killed several fishermen there in recent years. In response, some shipping companies are voluntarily shifting their lanes farther offshore to reduce the risk of colliding with humans and whales.

In our interconnected world, 90% of consumer goods travel by ship before they get to market. Most items that consumers in wealthy nations purchase in their daily lives have traveled across the ocean at some point.

Our study shows that ship-strike risk is widespread – but in our view, protecting whales from these collisions is a solvable issue. And by protecting whales, humans can also protect themselves.

This article has been updated to add a video showing areas of the ocean that are used by whales, mapped in combination with global ship traffic.The Conversation

Anna Nisi, Postdoctoral Researcher in Biology, University of Washington

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks

A History Of The Campaign For Preservation Of The Warriewood Escarpment by David Palmer OAM and Angus Gordon OAM
A Saturday Morning Stroll around Bongin Bongin - Mona Vale's Basin, Mona Vale Beach October 2024 by Kevin Murray
A Stroll Along The Centre Track At Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park: June 2024 - by Kevin Murray
A Stroll Around Manly Dam: Spring 2023 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
A Stroll Through Warriewood Wetlands by Joe Mills February 2023
A Walk Around The Cromer Side Of Narrabeen Lake by Joe Mills
A Walk on the Duffy's Wharf Track October 2024 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
America Bay Track Walk - photos by Joe Mills
An Aquatic June: North Narrabeen - Turimetta - Collaroy photos by Joe Mills 
Angophora Reserve  Angophora Reserve Flowers Grand Old Tree Of Angophora Reserve Falls Back To The Earth - History page
Annie Wyatt Reserve - A  Pictorial
Aquatic Reflections seen this week (May 2023): Narrabeen + Turimetta by Joe Mills 
Avalon Beach Reserve- Bequeathed By John Therry  
Avalon Beach This Week: A Place Of A Bursting Main, Flooding Drains + Falling Boulders Council Announces Intention To Progress One LEP For Whole LGA + Transport Oriented Development Begins
Avalon's Village Green: Avalon Park Becomes Dunbar Park - Some History + Toongari Reserve and Catalpa Reserve
Bairne Walking Track Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP by Kevin Murray
Bangalley Headland  Bangalley Mid Winter
Bangalley Headland Walk: Spring 2023 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
Banksias of Pittwater
Barrenjoey Boathouse In Governor Phillip Park  Part Of Our Community For 75 Years: Photos From The Collection Of Russell Walton, Son Of Victor Walton
Barrenjoey Headland: Spring flowers 
Barrenjoey Headland after fire
Bayview Baths
Bayview Pollution runoff persists: Resident states raw sewerage is being washed into the estuary
Bayview Public Wharf and Baths: Some History
Bayview Public Wharf Gone; Bayview Public Baths still not netted - Salt Pan Public Wharf Going
Bayview's new walkway, current state of the Bayview public Wharf & Baths + Maybanke Cove
Bayview Sea Scouts Hall: Some History
Bayview Wetlands
Beeby Park
Bilgola Beach
Bilgola Plateau Parks For The People: Gifted By A. J. Small, N. A. K. Wallis + The Green Pathways To Keep People Connected To The Trees, Birds, Bees - For Children To Play 
Botham Beach by Barbara Davies
Bungan Beach Bush Care
Careel Bay Saltmarsh plants 
Careel Bay Birds  
Careel Bay Clean Up day
Careel Bay Marina Environs November 2024 - Spring Celebrations
Careel Bay Playing Fields History and Current
Careel Bay Steamer Wharf + Boatshed: some history 
Careel Creek 
Careel Creek - If you rebuild it they will come
Centre trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Chiltern Track- Ingleside by Marita Macrae
Clareville Beach
Clareville/Long Beach Reserve + some History
Clareville Public Wharf: 1885 to 1935 - Some History 
Coastal Stability Series: Cabbage Tree Bay To Barrenjoey To Observation Point by John Illingsworth, Pittwater Pathways, and Dr. Peter Mitchell OAM
Cowan Track by Kevin Murray
Curl Curl To Freshwater Walk: October 2021 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
Currawong and Palm Beach Views - Winter 2018
Currawong-Mackerel-The Basin A Stroll In Early November 2021 - photos by Selena Griffith
Currawong State Park Currawong Beach +  Currawong Creek
Deep Creek To Warriewood Walk photos by Joe Mills
Drone Gives A New View On Coastal Stability; Bungan: Bungan Headland To Newport Beach + Bilgola: North Newport Beach To Avalon + Bangalley: Avalon Headland To Palm Beach
Duck Holes: McCarrs Creek by Joe Mills
Dunbar Park - Some History + Toongari Reserve and Catalpa Reserve
Dundundra Falls Reserve: August 2020 photos by Selena Griffith - Listed in 1935
Elsie Track, Scotland Island
Elvina Track in Late Winter 2019 by Penny Gleen
Elvina Bay Walking Track: Spring 2020 photos by Joe Mills 
Elvina Bay-Lovett Bay Loop Spring 2020 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
Fern Creek - Ingleside Escarpment To Warriewood Walk + Some History photos by Joe Mills
Hordern Park, Palm Beach: Some History + 2024 Photos of park from top to beach
Iluka Park, Woorak Park, Pittwater Park, Sand Point Reserve, Snapperman Beach Reserve - Palm Beach: Some History
Ingleside
Ingleside Wildflowers August 2013
Irrawong - Ingleside Escarpment Trail Walk Spring 2020 photos by Joe Mills
Irrawong - Mullet Creek Restoration
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary - Ingleside
Lucinda Park, Palm Beach: Some History + 2022 Pictures
McCarrs Creek
McCarr's Creek to Church Point to Bayview Waterfront Path
McKay Reserve
Milton Family Property History - Palm Beach By William (Bill) James Goddard II with photos courtesy of the Milton Family   - Snapperman to Sandy Point, Pittwater
Mona Vale Beach - A Stroll Along, Spring 2021 by Kevin Murray
Mona Vale Headland, Basin and Beach Restoration
Mona Vale Woolworths Front Entrance Gets Garden Upgrade: A Few Notes On The Site's History 
Mother Brushtail Killed On Barrenjoey Road: Baby Cried All Night - Powerful Owl Struck At Same Time At Careel Bay During Owlet Fledgling Season: calls for mitigation measures - The List of what you can do for those who ask 'What You I Do' as requested
Mount Murray Anderson Walking Track by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
Mullet Creek
Muogamarra Nature Reserve in Cowan celebrates 90 years: a few insights into The Vision of John Duncan Tipper, Founder 
Muogamarra by Dr Peter Mitchell OAM and John Illingsworth
Narrabeen Creek
Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment: Past Notes Present Photos by Margaret Woods
Narrabeen Lagoon Entrance Clearing Works: September To October 2023  pictures by Joe Mills
Narrabeen Lagoon State Park
Narrabeen Lagoon State Park Expansion
Narrabeen Rockshelf Aquatic Reserve
Nerang Track, Terrey Hills by Bea Pierce
Newport Bushlink - the Crown of the Hill Linked Reserves
Newport Community Garden - Woolcott Reserve
Newport to Bilgola Bushlink 'From The Crown To The Sea' Paths:  Founded In 1956 - A Tip and Quarry Becomes Green Space For People and Wildlife 
Out and About July 2020 - Storm swell
Out & About: July 2024 - Barrenjoey To Paradise Beach To Bayview To Narrabeen + Middle Creek - by John Illingsworth, Adriaan van der Wallen, Joe Mills, Suzanne Daly, Jacqui Marlowe and AJG
Palm Beach Headland Becomes Australia’s First Urban Night Sky Place: Barrenjoey High School Alumni Marnie Ogg's Hard Work
Palm Beach Public Wharf: Some History 
Paradise Beach Baths renewal Complete - Taylor's Point Public Wharf Rebuild Underway
Realises Long-Held Dream For Everyone
Paradise Beach Wharf + Taylor's Wharf renewal projects: October 2024 pictorial update - update pics of Paradise Wharf and Pool renewal, pre-renewal Taylors Point wharf + a few others of Pittwater on a Spring Saturday afternoon
Pictures From The Past: Views Of Early Narrabeen Bridges - 1860 To 1966
Pittwater Beach Reserves Have Been Dedicated For Public Use Since 1887 - No 1.: Avalon Beach Reserve- Bequeathed By John Therry 
Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways; Bungan Beach and Bungan Head Reserves:  A Headland Garden 
Pittwater Reserves, The Green Ways: Clareville Wharf and Taylor's Point Jetty
Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways; Hordern, Wilshire Parks, McKay Reserve: From Beach to Estuary 
Pittwater Reserves - The Green Ways: Mona Vale's Village Greens a Map of the Historic Crown Lands Ethos Realised in The Village, Kitchener and Beeby Parks 
Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways Bilgola Beach - The Cabbage Tree Gardens and Camping Grounds - Includes Bilgola - The Story Of A Politician, A Pilot and An Epicure by Tony Dawson and Anne Spencer  
Pittwater spring: waterbirds return to Wetlands
Pittwater's Lone Rangers - 120 Years of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase and the Men of Flowers Inspired by Eccleston Du Faur 
Pittwater's Great Outdoors: Spotted To The North, South, East + West- June 2023:  Palm Beach Boat House rebuild going well - First day of Winter Rainbow over Turimetta - what's Blooming in the bush? + more by Joe Mills, Selena Griffith and Pittwater Online
Pittwater's Parallel Estuary - The Cowan 'Creek
Pittwater Pathways To Public Lands & Reserves
Resolute Track at West Head by Kevin Murray
Resolute Track Stroll by Joe Mills
Riddle Reserve, Bayview
Salt Pan Cove Public Wharf on Regatta Reserve + Florence Park + Salt Pan Reserve + Refuge Cove Reserve: Some History
Salt Pan Public Wharf, Regatta Reserve, Florence Park, Salt Pan Cove Reserve, Refuge Cove Reserve Pictorial and Information
Salvation Loop Trail, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park- Spring 2020 - by Selena Griffith
Scotland Island Dieback Accelerating: November 2024
Seagull Pair At Turimetta Beach: Spring Is In The Air!
Some late November Insects (2023)
Stapleton Reserve
Stapleton Park Reserve In Spring 2020: An Urban Ark Of Plants Found Nowhere Else
Stokes Point To Taylor's Point: An Ideal Picnic, Camping & Bathing Place 
Stony Range Regional Botanical Garden: Some History On How A Reserve Became An Australian Plant Park
Taylor's Point Public Wharf 2013-2020 History
The Chiltern Track
The Chiltern Trail On The Verge Of Spring 2023 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
The 'Newport Loop': Some History 
The Resolute Beach Loop Track At West Head In Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park by Kevin Murray
Topham Track Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP,  August 2022 by Joe Mills and Kevin Murray
Towlers Bay Walking Track by Joe Mills
Trafalgar Square, Newport: A 'Commons' Park Dedicated By Private Landholders - The Green Heart Of This Community
Tranquil Turimetta Beach, April 2022 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Beach Reserve by Joe Mills, Bea Pierce and Lesley
Turimetta Beach Reserve: Old & New Images (by Kevin Murray) + Some History
Turimetta Headland
Turimetta Moods by Joe Mills: June 2023
Turimetta Moods (Week Ending June 23 2023) by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: June To July 2023 Pictures by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: July Becomes August 2023 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: August Becomes September 2023 ; North Narrabeen - Turimetta - Warriewood - Mona Vale photographs by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: Mid-September To Mid-October 2023 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: Late Spring Becomes Summer 2023-2024 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: Warriewood Wetlands Perimeter Walk October 2024 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: November 2024 by Joe Mills
Warriewood Wetlands - Creeks Deteriorating: How To Report Construction Site Breaches, Weed Infestations + The Long Campaign To Save The Warriewood Wetlands & Ingleside Escarpment March 2023
Warriewood Wetlands and Irrawong Reserve
Whale Beach Ocean Reserve: 'The Strand' - Some History On Another Great Protected Pittwater Reserve
Whale Migration Season: Grab A Seaside Pew For The Annual Whalesong But Keep Them Safe If Going Out On The Water
Wilshire Park Palm Beach: Some History + Photos From May 2022
Winji Jimmi - Water Maze

Pittwater's Birds

Attracting Insectivore Birds to Your Garden: DIY Natural Tick Control small bird insectivores, species like the Silvereye, Spotted Pardalote, Gerygone, Fairywren and Thornbill, feed on ticks. Attracting these birds back into your garden will provide not only a residence for tick eaters but also the delightful moments watching these tiny birds provides.
Aussie Backyard Bird Count 2017: Take part from 23 - 29 October - how many birds live here?
Aussie Backyard Bird Count 2018 - Our Annual 'What Bird Is That?' Week Is Here! This week the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count runs from 22-28 October 2018. Pittwater is one of those places fortunate to have birds that thrive because of an Aquatic environment, a tall treed Bush environment and areas set aside for those that dwell closer to the ground, in a sand, scrub or earth environment. To take part all you need is 20 minutes and your favourite outdoor space. Head to the website and register as a Counter today! And if you're a teacher, check out BirdLife Australia's Bird Count curriculum-based lesson plans to get your students (or the whole school!) involved

Australian Predators of the Sky by Penny Olsen - published by National Library of Australia

Australian Raven  Australian Wood Duck Family at Newport

A Week In Pittwater Issue 128   A Week In Pittwater - June 2014 Issue 168

Baby Birds Spring 2015 - Rainbow Lorikeets in our Yard - for Children Baby Birds by Lynleigh Greig, Southern Cross Wildlife Care - what do if being chased by a nesting magpie or if you find a baby bird on the ground

Baby Kookaburras in our Backyard: Aussie Bird Count 2016 - October

Balloons Are The Number 1 Marine Debris Risk Of Mortality For Our Seabirds - Feb 2019 Study

Bangalley Mid-Winter   Barrenjoey Birds Bird Antics This Week: December 2016

Bird of the Month February 2019 by Michael Mannington

Birdland Above the Estuary - October 2012  Birds At Our Window   Birds at our Window - Winter 2014  Birdland June 2016

Birdsong Is a Lovesong at This time of The Year - Brown Falcon, Little Wattle Bird, Australian Pied cormorant, Mangrove or Striated Heron, Great Egret, Grey Butcherbird, White-faced Heron 

Bird Songs – poems about our birds by youngsters from yesterdays - for children Bird Week 2015: 19-25 October

Bird Songs For Spring 2016 For Children by Joanne Seve

Birds at Careel Creek this Week - November 2017: includes Bird Count 2017 for Local Birds - BirdLife Australia by postcode

Black Cockatoo photographed in the Narrabeen Catchment Reserves this week by Margaret G Woods - July 2019

Black-Necked Stork, Mycteria Australis, Now Endangered In NSW, Once Visited Pittwater: Breeding Pair shot in 1855

Black Swans on Narrabeen Lagoon - April 2013   Black Swans Pictorial

Brush Turkeys In Suburbia: There's An App For That - Citizen Scientists Called On To Spot Brush Turkeys In Their Backyards
Buff-banded Rail spotted at Careel Creek 22.12.2012: a breeding pair and a fluffy black chick

Cayley & Son - The life and Art of Neville Henry Cayley & Neville William Cayley by Penny Olsen - great new book on the art works on birds of these Australian gentlemen and a few insights from the author herself
Crimson Rosella - + Historical Articles on

Death By 775 Cuts: How Conservation Law Is Failing The Black-Throated Finch - new study 'How to Send a Finch Extinct' now published

Eastern Rosella - and a little more about our progression to protecting our birds instead of exporting them or decimating them.

Endangered Little Tern Fishing at Mona Vale Beach

‘Feather Map of Australia’: Citizen scientists can support the future of Australia's wetland birds: for Birdwatchers, school students and everyone who loves our estuarine and lagoon and wetland birds

First Week of Spring 2014

Fledgling Common Koel Adopted by Red Wattlebird -Summer Bird fest 2013  Flegdlings of Summer - January 2012

Flocks of Colour by Penny Olsen - beautiful new Bird Book Celebrates the 'Land of the Parrots'

Friendly Goose at Palm Beach Wharf - Pittwater's Own Mother Goose

Front Page Issue 177  Front Page Issue 185 Front Page Issue 193 - Discarded Fishing Tackle killing shorebirds Front Page Issue 203 - Juvenile Brush Turkey  Front Page Issue 208 - Lyrebird by Marita Macrae Front Page Issue 219  Superb Fairy Wren Female  Front Page Issue 234National Bird Week October 19-25  and the 2015 the Aussie Back Yard Bird Count: Australia's First Bird Counts - a 115 Year Legacy - with a small insight into our first zoos Front Page Issue 236: Bird Week 2015 Front Page Issue 244: watebirds Front Page Issue 260: White-face Heron at Careel Creek Front Page Issue 283: Pittwater + more birds for Bird Week/Aussie Bird Count  Front Page Issue 284: Pittwater + more birds for Bird Week/Aussie Bird Count Front Page Issue 285: Bird Week 2016  Front Page Issue 331: Spring Visitor Birds Return

G . E. Archer Russell (1881-1960) and His Passion For Avifauna From Narrabeen To Newport 

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Returns To Pittwater by Paul Wheeler Glossy Cockatoos - 6 spotted at Careel Bay February 2018

Grey Butcher Birds of Pittwater

Harry Wolstenholme (June 21, 1868 - October 14, 1930) Ornithologist Of Palm Beach, Bird Man Of Wahroonga 

INGLESIDE LAND RELEASE ON AGAIN BUT MANY CHALLENGES  AHEAD by David Palmer

Issue 60 May 2012 Birdland - Smiles- Beamings -Early -Winter - Blooms

Jayden Walsh’s Northern Beaches Big Year - courtesy Pittwater Natural Heritage Association

John Gould's Extinct and Endangered Mammals of Australia  by Dr. Fred Ford - Between 1850 and 1950 as many mammals disappeared from the Australian continent as had disappeared from the rest of the world between 1600 and 2000! Zoologist Fred Ford provides fascinating, and often poignant, stories of European attitudes and behaviour towards Australia's native fauna and connects these to the animal's fate today in this beautiful new book - our interview with the author

July 2012 Pittwater Environment Snippets; Birds, Sea and Flowerings

Juvenile Sea Eagle at Church Point - for children

King Parrots in Our Front Yard  

Kookaburra Turf Kookaburra Fledglings Summer 2013  Kookaburra Nesting Season by Ray Chappelow  Kookaburra Nest – Babies at 1.5 and 2.5 weeks old by Ray Chappelow  Kookaburra Nest – Babies at 3 and 4 weeks old by Ray Chappelow  Kookaburra Nest – Babies at 5 weeks old by Ray Chappelow Kookaburra and Pittwater Fledglings February 2020 to April 2020

Lion Island's Little Penguins (Fairy Penguins) Get Fireproof Homes - thanks to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Fix it Sisters Shed

Lorikeet - Summer 2015 Nectar

Lyre Bird Sings in Local National Park - Flock of Black Cockatoos spotted - June 2019

Magpie's Melodic Melodies - For Children (includes 'The Magpie's Song' by F S Williamson)

Masked Lapwing (Plover) - Reflected

May 2012 Birdland Smiles Beamings Early Winter Blooms 

Mistletoebird At Bayview

Musk Lorikeets In Pittwater: Pittwater Spotted Gum Flower Feast - May 2020

Nankeen Kestrel Feasting at Newport: May 2016

National Bird Week 2014 - Get Involved in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count: National Bird Week 2014 will take place between Monday 20 October and Sunday 26 October, 2014. BirdLife Australia and the Birds in Backyards team have come together to launch this year’s national Bird Week event the Aussie Backyard Bird Count! This is one the whole family can do together and become citizen scientists...

National Bird Week October 19-25  and the 2015 the Aussie Back Yard Bird Count: Australia's First Bird Counts - a 115 Year Legacy - with a small insight into our first zoos

Native Duck Hunting Season Opens in Tasmania and Victoria March 2018: hundreds of thousands of endangered birds being killed - 'legally'!

Nature 2015 Review Earth Air Water Stone

New Family of Barking Owls Seen in Bayview - Church Point by Pittwater Council

Noisy Visitors by Marita Macrae of PNHA 

Odes to Australia's Fairy-wrens by Douglas Brooke Wheelton Sladen and Constance Le Plastrier 1884 and 1926

Oystercatcher and Dollarbird Families - Summer visitors

Pacific Black Duck Bath

Painted Button-Quail Rescued By Locals - Elanora-Ingleside escarpment-Warriewood wetlands birds

Palm Beach Protection Group Launch, Supporters InvitedSaturday Feb.16th - Residents Are Saying 'NO' To Off-Leash Dogs In Station Beach Eco-System - reports over 50 dogs a day on Station Beach throughout December-January (a No Dogs Beach) small children being jumped on, Native birds chased, dog faeces being left, families with toddlers leaving beach to get away from uncontrolled dogs and 'Failure of Process' in council 'consultation' open to February 28th 

Pardalote, Scrub Wren and a Thornbill of Pittwater

Pecking Order by Robyn McWilliam

Pelican Lamps at Narrabeen  Pelican Dreamsong - A Legend of the Great Flood - dreamtime legend for children

Pittwater Becalmed  Pittwater Birds in Careel Creek Spring 2018   Pittwater Waterbirds Spring 2011  Pittwater Waterbirds - A Celebration for World Oceans Day 2015

Pittwater's Little Penguin Colony: The Saving of the Fairies of Lion Island Commenced 65 Years Ago this Year - 2019

Pittwater's Mother Nature for Mother's Day 2019

Pittwater's Waterhens: Some Notes - Narrabeen Creek Bird Gathering: Curious Juvenile Swamp Hen On Warriewood Boardwalk + Dusky Moorhens + Buff Banded Rails In Careel Creek

Plastic in 99 percent of seabirds by 2050 by CSIRO

Plover Appreciation Day September 16th 2015

Powerful and Precious by Lynleigh Grieg

Red Wattlebird Song - November 2012

Restoring The Diamond: every single drop. A Reason to Keep Dogs and Cats in at Night. 

Return Of Australasian Figbird Pair: A Reason To Keep The Trees - Aussie Bird Count 2023 (16–22 October) You can get involved here: aussiebirdcount.org.au

Salt Air Creatures Feb.2013

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet

Sea Birds off the Pittwater Coast: Albatross, Gannet, Skau + Australian Poets 1849, 1898 and 1930, 1932

Sea Eagle Juvenile at Church Point

Seagulls at Narrabeen Lagoon

Seen but Not Heard: Lilian Medland's Birds - Christobel Mattingley - one of Australia's premier Ornithological illustrators was a Queenscliff lady - 53 of her previously unpublished works have now been made available through the auspices of the National Library of Australia in a beautiful new book

7 Little Ducklings: Just Keep Paddling - Australian Wood Duck family take over local pool by Peta Wise 

Shag on a North Avalon Rock -  Seabirds for World Oceans Day 2012

Short-tailed Shearwaters Spring Migration 2013 

South-West North-East Issue 176 Pictorial

Spring 2012 - Birds are Splashing - Bees are Buzzing

Spring Becomes Summer 2014- Royal Spoonbill Pair at Careel Creek

Spring Notes 2018 - Royal Spoonbill in Careel Creek

Station Beach Off Leash Dog Area Proposal Ignores Current Uses Of Area, Environment, Long-Term Fauna Residents, Lack Of Safe Parking and Clearly Stated Intentions Of Proponents have your say until February 28, 2019

Summer 2013 BirdFest - Brown Thornbill  Summer 2013 BirdFest- Canoodlers and getting Wet to Cool off  Summer 2013 Bird Fest - Little Black Cormorant   Summer 2013 BirdFest - Magpie Lark

The Mopoke or Tawny Frogmouth – For Children - A little bit about these birds, an Australian Mopoke Fairy Story from 91 years ago, some poems and more - photo by Adrian Boddy
Winter Bird Party by Joanne Seve

New Shorebirds WingThing  For Youngsters Available To Download

A Shorebirds WingThing educational brochure for kids (A5) helps children learn about shorebirds, their life and journey. The 2021 revised brochure version was published in February 2021 and is available now. You can download a file copy here.

If you would like a free print copy of this brochure, please send a self-addressed envelope with A$1.10 postage (or larger if you would like it unfolded) affixed to: BirdLife Australia, Shorebird WingThing Request, 2-05Shorebird WingThing/60 Leicester St, Carlton VIC 3053.


Shorebird Identification Booklet

The Migratory Shorebird Program has just released the third edition of its hugely popular Shorebird Identification Booklet. The team has thoroughly revised and updated this pocket-sized companion for all shorebird counters and interested birders, with lots of useful information on our most common shorebirds, key identification features, sighting distribution maps and short articles on some of BirdLife’s shorebird activities. 

The booklet can be downloaded here in PDF file format: http://www.birdlife.org.au/documents/Shorebird_ID_Booklet_V3.pdf

Paper copies can be ordered as well, see http://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/shorebirds-2020/counter-resources for details.

Download BirdLife Australia's children’s education kit to help them learn more about our wading birdlife

Shorebirds are a group of wading birds that can be found feeding on swamps, tidal mudflats, estuaries, beaches and open country. For many people, shorebirds are just those brown birds feeding a long way out on the mud but they are actually a remarkably diverse collection of birds including stilts, sandpipers, snipe, curlews, godwits, plovers and oystercatchers. Each species is superbly adapted to suit its preferred habitat.  The Red-necked Stint is as small as a sparrow, with relatively short legs and bill that it pecks food from the surface of the mud with, whereas the Eastern Curlew is over two feet long with a exceptionally long legs and a massively curved beak that it thrusts deep down into the mud to pull out crabs, worms and other creatures hidden below the surface.

Some shorebirds are fairly drab in plumage, especially when they are visiting Australia in their non-breeding season, but when they migrate to their Arctic nesting grounds, they develop a vibrant flush of bright colours to attract a mate. We have 37 types of shorebirds that annually migrate to Australia on some of the most lengthy and arduous journeys in the animal kingdom, but there are also 18 shorebirds that call Australia home all year round.

What all our shorebirds have in common—be they large or small, seasoned traveller or homebody, brightly coloured or in muted tones—is that each species needs adequate safe areas where they can successfully feed and breed.

The National Shorebird Monitoring Program is managed and supported by BirdLife Australia. 

This project is supported by Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and Hunter Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Funding from Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and Port Phillip Bay Fund is acknowledged. 

The National Shorebird Monitoring Program is made possible with the help of over 1,600 volunteers working in coastal and inland habitats all over Australia. 

The National Shorebird Monitoring program (started as the Shorebirds 2020 project initiated to re-invigorate monitoring around Australia) is raising awareness of how incredible shorebirds are, and actively engaging the community to participate in gathering information needed to conserve shorebirds. 

In the short term, the destruction of tidal ecosystems will need to be stopped, and our program is designed to strengthen the case for protecting these important habitats. 

In the long term, there will be a need to mitigate against the likely effects of climate change on a species that travels across the entire range of latitudes where impacts are likely. 

The identification and protection of critical areas for shorebirds will need to continue in order to guard against the potential threats associated with habitats in close proximity to nearly half the human population. 

Here in Australia, the place where these birds grow up and spend most of their lives, continued monitoring is necessary to inform the best management practice to maintain shorebird populations. 

BirdLife Australia believe that we can help secure a brighter future for these remarkable birds by educating stakeholders, gathering information on how and why shorebird populations are changing, and working to grow the community of people who care about shorebirds.

To find out more visit: http://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/shorebirds-2020/shorebirds-2020-program

Surfers for Climate

A sea-roots movement dedicated to mobilising and empowering surfers for continuous and positive climate action.

Surfers for Climate are coming together in lineups around the world to be the change we want to see.

With roughly 35 million surfers across the globe, our united tribe has a powerful voice. 

Add yours to the conversation by signing up here.

Surfers for Climate will keep you informed, involved and active on both the local and global issues and solutions around the climate crisis via our allies hub. 

Help us prevent our favourite spots from becoming fading stories of waves we used to surf.

Together we can protect our oceans and keep them thriving for future generations to create lifelong memories of their own.

Visit:  http://www.surfersforclimate.org.au/

Create a Habitat Stepping Stone!

Over 50 Pittwater households have already pledged to make a difference for our local wildlife, and you can too! Create a habitat stepping stone to help our wildlife out. It’s easy - just add a few beautiful habitat elements to your backyard or balcony to create a valuable wildlife-friendly stopover.

How it works

1) Discover: Visit the website below to find dozens of beautiful plants, nest boxes and water elements you can add to your backyard or balcony to help our local wildlife.

2) Pledge: Select three or more elements to add to your place. You can even show you care by choosing to have a bird appear on our online map.

3) Share: Join the Habitat Stepping Stones Facebook community to find out what’s happening in the natural world, and share your pics, tips and stories.

What you get                                  

• Enjoy the wonders of nature, right outside your window. • Free and discounted plants for your garden. • A Habitat Stepping Stone plaque for your front fence. • Local wildlife news and tips. • Become part of the Pittwater Habitat Stepping Stones community.

Get the kids involved and excited about helping out! www.HabitatSteppingStones.org.au

No computer? No problem -Just write to the address below and we’ll mail you everything you need. Habitat Stepping Stones, Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University NSW 2109. This project is assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust

Newport Community Gardens

Anyone interested in joining our community garden group please feel free to come and visit us on Sunday at 10am at the Woolcott Reserve in Newport!


Keep in Touch with what's happening on Newport Garden's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newportcg/

Avalon Preservation Association


The Avalon Preservation Association, also known as Avalon Preservation Trust. We are a not for profit volunteer community group incorporated under the NSW Associations Act, established 50 years ago. We are committed to protecting your interests – to keeping guard over our natural and built environment throughout the Avalon area.

Membership of the association is open to all those residents and/or ratepayers of Avalon Beach and adjacent areas who support the aims and objectives of our Association.

Report illegal dumping

NSW Government

The RIDonline website lets you report the types of waste being dumped and its GPS location. Photos of the waste can also be added to the report.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA), councils and Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) squads will use this information to investigate and, if appropriate, issue a fine or clean-up notice. Penalties for illegal dumping can be up to $15,000 and potential jail time for anybody caught illegally dumping within five years of a prior illegal dumping conviction.

The Green Team

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This Youth-run, volunteer-based environment initiative has been attracting high praise from the founders of Living Ocean as much as other local environment groups recently. 
Creating Beach Cleans events, starting their own, sustainability days - ‘action speaks louder than words’ ethos is at the core of this group. 

Australian Native Foods website: http://www.anfil.org.au/

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. 

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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. 

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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/

Avalon Community Garden

Community Gardens bring people together and enrich communities. They build a sense of place and shared connection.

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Avalon Community Garden is a community led initiative to create accessible food gardens in public places throughout the Pittwater area. Our aim is to share skills and knowledge in creating fabulous local, organic food. But it's not just about great food. We also aim to foster community connection, stimulate creative ideas for community resilience and celebrate our abundance. Open to all ages and skills, our first garden is on the grounds of Barrenjoey High School (off Tasman Road)Become part of this exciting initiative to change the world locally. 

Avalon Community Garden
2 Tasman Road
North Avalon

Newport Community Garden: Working Bee Second Sunday of the month

Newport Community Gardens Inc. is a not for profit incorporated association. The garden is in Woolcott Reserve.

Objectives
Local Northern Beaches residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces
Strengthening the local community, improving health and reconnecting with nature
To establish ecologically sustainable gardens for the production of vegetables, herbs, fruit and companion plants within Pittwater area 
To enjoy and forge friendships through shared gardening.
Membership is open to all Community members willing to participate in establishing gardens and growing sustainable food.
Subscription based paid membership.
We meet at the garden between 9am – 12 noon
New members welcome

For enquiries contact newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.com

Living Ocean


Living Ocean was born in Whale Beach, on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, surrounded by water and set in an area of incredible beauty.
Living Ocean is a charity that promotes the awareness of human impact on the ocean, through research, education, creative activity in the community, and support of others who sustain ocean health and integrity.

And always celebrating and honouring the natural environment and the lifestyle that the ocean offers us.

Our whale research program builds on research that has been conducted off our coastline by our experts over many years and our Centre for Marine Studies enables students and others to become directly involved.

Through partnerships with individuals and organizations, we conceive, create and coordinate campaigns that educate all layers of our community – from our ‘No Plastic Please’ campaign, which is delivered in partnership with local schools, to film nights and lectures, aimed at the wider community.

Additionally, we raise funds for ocean-oriented conservation groups such as Sea Shepherd.

Donations are tax-deductable 
Permaculture Northern Beaches

Want to know where your food is coming from? 

Do you like to enrich the earth as much as benefit from it?

Find out more here:

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What Does PNHA do?

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About Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)
With urbanisation, there are continuing pressures that threaten the beautiful natural environment of the Pittwater area. Some impacts are immediate and apparent, others are more gradual and less obvious. The Pittwater Natural Heritage Association has been formed to act to protect and preserve the Pittwater areas major and most valuable asset - its natural heritage. PNHA is an incorporated association seeking broad based community membership and support to enable it to have an effective and authoritative voice speaking out for the preservation of Pittwater's natural heritage. Please contact us for further information.

Our Aims
  • To raise public awareness of the conservation value of the natural heritage of the Pittwater area: its landforms, watercourses, soils and local native vegetation and fauna.
  • To raise public awareness of the threats to the long-term sustainability of Pittwater's natural heritage.
  • To foster individual and community responsibility for caring for this natural heritage.
  • To encourage Council and the NSW Government to adopt and implement policies and works which will conserve, sustain and enhance the natural heritage of Pittwater.
Act to Preserve and Protect!
If you would like to join us, please fill out the Membership Application Form ($20.00 annually - $10 concession)

Email: pnhainfo@gmail.com Or click on Logo to visit website.

Think before you print ; A kilo of recycled paper creates around 1.8 kilograms of carbon emissions, without taking into account the emissions produced from transporting the paper. So, before you send a document to print, think about how many kilograms of carbon emissions you could save by reading it on screen.

Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities

Bush Regeneration - Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment  
This is a wonderful way to become connected to nature and contribute to the health of the environment.  Over the weeks and months you can see positive changes as you give native species a better chance to thrive.  Wildlife appreciate the improvement in their habitat.

Belrose area - Thursday mornings 
Belrose area - Weekend mornings by arrangement
Contact: Phone or text Conny Harris on 0432 643 295

Wheeler Creek - Wednesday mornings 9-11am
Contact: Phone or text Judith Bennett on 0402 974 105
Or email: Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment : email@narrabeenlagoon.org.au

Pittwater's Environmental Foundation

Pittwater Environmental Foundation was established in 2006 to conserve and enhance the natural environment of the Pittwater local government area through the application of tax deductible donations, gifts and bequests. The Directors were appointed by Pittwater Council. 

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About 33% (about 1600 ha excluding National Parks) of the original pre-European bushland in Pittwater remains in a reasonably natural or undisturbed condition. Of this, only about 400ha remains in public ownership. All remaining natural bushland is subject to encroachment, illegal clearing, weed invasion, feral animals, altered drainage, bushfire hazard reduction requirements and other edge effects. Within Pittwater 38 species of plants or animals are listed as endangered or threatened under the Threatened Species Act. There are two endangered populations (Koala and Squirrel Glider) and eight endangered ecological communities or types of bushland. To visit their site please click on logo above.

Avalon Boomerang Bags


Avalon Boomerang Bags was introduced to us by Surfrider Foundation and Living Ocean, they both helped organise with the support of Pittwater Council the Recreational room at Avalon Community Centre which we worked from each Tuesday. This is the Hub of what is a Community initiative to help free Avalon of single use plastic bags and to generally spread the word of the overuse of plastic. 

Find out more and get involved.

"I bind myself today to the power of Heaven, the light of the sun, the brightness of the moon, the splendour of fire, the flashing of lightning, the swiftness of wind, the depth of the sea, the stability of the earth, the compactness of rocks." -  from the Prayer of Saint Patrick