Opportunities for community members to comment on draft government documents, and to read submissions made by LACA and other concerned gorups.
Koalas and SEQ Climate Change Management Plan
Actions to support SEQKA - South
Opportunity for a public comment is being provided by state government. When finalised this South East Queensland Climate Change Management Plan will be used to implement the climate change policies of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009 - 2031 that was released on Tuesday 28 July 2009. For more information go to the government weblinks here and here where you can download a copy of the draft plan.
You can also request a copy of the plan email your name and postal address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 1800 070 609 (free call).
Climate change is a global phenomenon and there is a wide range of international, national and statewide climate-change mitigation and adaptation initiatives already underway. The Draft South East Queensland Climate Change Management Plan proposes actions suited to the region's geographical, ecological, social and economic characteristics - at regional and local-government planning scales.
Members of the community have until 22 July 2009 to comment on Draft Recreation Master Plan for the Wyaralong Dam Project . More details are available in Beaudesert Times for 8 July 2009.
According to Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd, QWI, they have been working with such key stakeholders as
Local groups and governing bodies for independent recreation (e.g bushwalking and orienteering), cycling, water sports and the equine community
Schools and outdoor education providers
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Tourism Queensland
Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation
Sport and Recreation Queensland
Department of Infrastructure and Planning
The draft Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan has recently been released for public comment. This is your opportunity to get involved in guiding the direction of recovery actions for the rainforests and related communities, and their component species, found in the Border Ranges Biodiversity Hotpot area over the next 10 years. The public comment period closes on Friday, 28 August 2009.
The draft recovery plan, its appendices and maps can be downloaded from the Department of Environment, Heritage and the Arts' website, visit http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/border-ranges.html. For a hard copy, contact the Department's Community Information Unit, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Freecall: 1800 803 772.
The extract below is from the Department's website:
"The Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan constitutes the formal national regional recovery plan for threatened species and communities of the Border Ranges North and South (Queensland and New South Wales) Biodiversity Hotspot. The Plan considers the conservation requirements of rainforest and closely related species and communities in the Border Ranges region of NSW and Queensland, which is centred on the McPherson Ranges. It also addresses other species of conservation significance so as to manage the area's biodiversity in a holistic and cost-effective manner.
The Plan identifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of the threatened and significant species of the rainforest and related vegetation of the Border Ranges Hotspot, including those that:
Comments on the draft recovery plan should be sent to:
Mail:
Director
Recovery, Planning and Implementation Section
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fax: 02 6274 1921
Cardno Eppell Olsen are the consultants for the Mt Lindesay/Beaudesert Strategic Transport Network Investigation which aims to determine the long term (50 years) transport needs in the Mt Lindesay - Beaudesert area. The study investigates potential future land use scenarios and assesses transport system options for the future. The study recommendations will be used to guide future planning for the area.
This study by the Department of Transport and Main Roads is looking at the longer term transport needs of the Mt Lindesay/Beaudesert region over the next 50 years and will identify the strategic level transport options required to support the expected growth in the area. The findings will help state and local governments plan now for the delivery of future transport networks.
The draft report can also be viewed at the following locations until 12 June:
• Beaudesert QGAP;
• Logan City Council Customer Service Centre;
• Scenic Rim Council Office (Beaudesert)
• Greenbank, Jimboomba, Logan Village and Logan West Libraries.
Public comment and submissions on the draft report are invited until 12 June 2009 and will be considered in the final report.
If you would like a hard copy of Australia's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2020, please use the order form available here or you can download a copy here.
A Working Group has proposed a national approach to deliver a range of cost-effective national actions to reduce the impact of system-wide threats that are underlying causes of decline in biodiversity.
The approach focuses on three system-wide threats to biodiversity, where existing responses should be enhanced and where national scale attention is needed for new actions:
Drivers of loss of habitat values and decline in ecosystem function [ major issue for koala survival]
Spread of invasive pests, weeds and diseases
Climate change impacts on biodiversity.[major issue for koala survival]
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS 29 MAY 2009
If you are concerned about how crowded South East Queensland will become according to these EPA projections of traffic growth through to 2030, MAKE A SUBMISSON TO DRAFT SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND REGIONAL PLAN.
Redland City Mayor Melva Hobson said there were a number of important issues raised by the draft SEQ regional plan that the Redlands and other SEQ Council's wanted addressed, before the plan becomes final. There are serious gaps in infrastructure, including provision for vital transport links to meet past growth, let alone the substantial growth the new plan projects for the SEQ Region.
Logan and Scenic Rim residents know only to well the shortages and absences in many areas of acceptable public transport. Education and health provisions are also inadequate to meet the needs of the current population.
Community consultation processes can be withdrawn by the Minister. This also negates all the planning processes of the local council if the draft regulatory provisions are accepted and we allow the Minister to simply change the urban footprint by administrative fiat. Read article in the online bayjournal.com.au
Redlands Council has made its submission and encourages residents to make submissions to the Queensland Government on outstanding issues in the draft SEQ Regional Plan. See here
SHOULD LOGAN CITY AND SCENIC RIM REGIONAL COUNCILS SHARE THEIR VIEWS AS OPENLY WITH RESIDENTS? Tell me if I missed the information on councils' websites. The same issues exist in Logan Scenic Rim Region and all SEQ council areas. What submission will council make to state government on our behalf? Do they know what our vision is?
A special general meeting of Redland City Council held on 10 March 2009 identified the following as key issues that remain to be addressed in the draft plan.Community Engagement policy and strategy - our comments are sought on Logan City Council's draft Community Engagement policy and strategy. Completion of online form by
Friday 17 April.
The Community Engagement Strategy provides a framework for developing a consistent approach to community consultation and surveys across Logan City Council. It also includes an action plan for the Community Engagement Program for 2009.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
EXTRA TIME FOR SEQ REGIONAL PLAN SUBMISSIONS
South East Queenslanders have an extra month to provide feedback on the draft SEQ Regional Plan 2009 – 2031.
New date Friday May 1, 2009
Read the press release here. This has come about because a significant number of people and groups have asked for this to occur. We expressed concern for unavailability of essential documents and also lack of 'consultation' opportunity during the election period. While it is less than requested, we thank the new Minister for Infrastructure and Planning The Honourable
Those groups asking for genuine protection of natural resouces - flora and fauna, water and air, sustainable development and population targets believe that rhetoric does not match reality ie the government documents acknowledge these principles but are not walking the talk yet.
The draft South East Queensland Regional Plan can be viewed at: www.dip.qld.gov.au or at Council chambers.
Given a choice would you stop the State Government from massively increasing South East Queensland's population?
Use this link to Queensland Conservation Council's online submission form and have your say.
The State Government's Draft South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-31 responds to development industry pressure by forcing 735,000 new dwellings to be built for another 1.3 million people, bringing South East Queensland's 'target' population to 4.4 million (the size of Sydney!) by 2031 or sooner. These dwellings are to be built on remaining open land /greenfield sites and squeezed into existing urban areas. South East Queensland is already under huge stress; another 1.3 million people will worsen the problems already threatening our quality of life:
Remember, personalised submissions get more attention. To edit your submission and add your own points just place your cursor either before or after the main text and type in normally. Your points will be a part of your submisson. Go to QCC Queensland Conservation Council website here to make your online submission http://qccqld.org.au/SEQ_submission.html
Send your submission by 3rd of April for your voice to be heard
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe Tuesday, March 31, 2009 announced the public consultation period has been extended to 1 May instead of closing of this Friday.
Population: The elephant in the room viewpoint expressed by John Feeney in BBC article which looks at the global population situation raises similar concerns of carrying capacity at the global level.
"Our inability to live as we do, at our current numbers, without causing pervasive environmental degradation is the very definition of carrying capacity overshoot."
An alliance of environmental and community groups wants South-East Queensland residents to demand the State Government stop destroying the region's environment and quality of life with huge population increases.
This SEQ regional plan submission coupon has appeared in SEQ newspapers. You can clip and send the coupon too. news-seqrp2-clipandsend1.pdf 90.87 Kb 29/03/2009, 17:43
Under the State Government's Draft SEQ Regional Plan 2009-31, the population of the region would swell by another 1.3 million people within 20 years - to the same size as Sydney.
'This massive planned increase in population will condemn SEQ to an ever-worsening quality of life and eliminate any chance we might have of living sustainably,' said Simon Baltais, spokesperson for the alliance of groups that includes the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, Sustainable Population Australia, the Nerang Community Association, Queensland Conservation Council, ( LACA is a member of QCC). Sunshine Coast Environment Council, Gold Coast & Hinterland Environment Council (Gecko) and the Community Alliance for Responsible Planning (CARP) Redlands.
'The numbers proposed under the draft plan will bring SEQ's total population to 4.4 million,' Mr Baltais said. 'This draft plan will push another 750,000 dwellings into existing urban areas and wildlife-friendly greenfield sites.
Queenslanders have until Friday 3 April to respond to the Draft SEQ Regional Plan 2009-2031.
Some groups eg GECKO have written to the new Ministers: Minister for Infrastructure and Planning The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe and Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability The Honourable Kate Jones to request an extension and delay of the implementation of the Plan until some issues have been resolved -
Read Gecko's letter here. gecko_request_seqrp_rewrite.doc 43.00 Kb 31/03/2009, 19:16
You could base your own letter on this example.
An example of a Properly Made Submission to Draft SEQ Regional Plan 2009-31 for Redlands is available here properly_made_submission_regional_plan_2009_redlands.doc 68.00 Kb 28/03/2009, 15:44 for your perusal and adaption to suit your area and concerns. Many of our concerns are common to many areas.
All information collected from valid submissions will help inform the finalised South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 - according to submission template provided by Queensland governement website.
How to make your submission count
For the purposes of feedback, a properly made submission must:
? include the name and address of the submitter
? be made in writing, and signed by each person who has made the submission
? respond under the headings of the draft SEQ Regional Plan or draft state planning
regulatory provisions and other matters for consideration.
Information considered confidential should be clearly identified. Please note submissions may be accessed under the Freedom of Information Act 1992.
For your convenience we have converted this document to a Word document so that you can complete the essential information and ignore those bits you do not wish to comment on. seqrp_submission__cover__form.doc 64.00 Kb 19/03/2009, 14:50
If you have any questions please contact secretary Anne Page. See contact page.
Jimboomba Times dated 18 March 2009 covered the community workshop.
Regional plan discussed
Environmental Defenders member Jo Bragg talks the crowd through legal implications the draft plan
CONCERNED environmental groups gathered on Saturday to discuss the 2009-2031 draft South East Queensland Regional Plan.
Logan and Albert Conservation Association (LACA) vice president Kathy Faldt said about 40 people including representatives from the Environmental Defenders Office, Wildlife Logan, LACA and members of the public met to voice their concerns and discuss a way forward.
"The problem is the growth and development that is planned is not sustainable," Ms Faldt said.
The draft SEQ Regional Plan and the draft state planning regulatory provisions are open for submissions from December 2008 to
3 April 2009. After a review of the submissions, an updated SEQ Regional Plan will be finalised in July 2009. Documents are available on the government website.
All land in the region is divided into three regional land use categories Regional landscape and rural production area, Urban footprint and Rural living area. The plan is designed to deliver land for urban growth - with urban growth areas, future growth areas and identified growth areas.
You can find out which land use category applies to a property in the region by using the interactive mapping tool.
Explore the Department of Infrastrucure and Planning website for full details. More information will be extracted from government or council sites and posted here soon that relates to Logan and Scenic Rim areas. Please contact us if you would like help to make a submission.
If you are concerned for the longterm survival of Queensland's flora and fauna, their habitat and ours, please read these government documents and have a say. NOW EXTENDED UNTIL 1 MAY 2009
Here is the first draft of the SEQ Regional Plan Survey. It only allows for 10 questions - more questions requires a subscription. $20.00 per month or $200 per year and i assume that is $US.
Click Here to take survey
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) announced the release of the draft program for monitoring the welfare of poultry. DPI&F General Manager of Animal Welfare, Dr Rick Symons said the document is open for public comment and he is keen to hear from interested parties. "The community, poultry industry and markets for poultry products have an expectation that poultry are treated humanely," said Dr Symons.
"To achieve this persons in charge of poultry have a duty of care to their animals and must comply with the Poultry Standards. "The Poultry Welfare Monitoring Program is aimed at preventing animal suffering, promoting standards of animal care and ensuring that people with poultry understand and comply with the Poultry Standards. "We are keen to hear from anyone interested in making a comment to ensure the final monitoring program is acceptable to the public and industry," said Dr Symons.
To ensure compliance, the final monitoring program will include audits of poultry producers by Authorised Officers appointed by DPI&F. Industry quality assurance programs may also be approved by DPI&F if they meet the principles of the monitoring program.
The final date for public comment was Sunday 25 January 2009.
Debbie Best Deputy Director-General Department of Natural Resources and Water encourages interested parties to make a submission if they have any issues they wish to raise in regard to the finalisation of this draft plan.
The draft plan is available for public comment and feedback. All submissions, properly made by 5pm, Friday 20 February 2009 will be considered by the Chief Executive of the Department of Natural Resources and Water (the department) prior to plan finalisation. A submission form is included with in the summary document. In accordance with the water resource plan, the Logan Basin Resource Operations Plan will initially deal with priority area 1, which is the area of the Logan River Water Supply Scheme. Subsequent amendments to the resource operations plan will occur to deal with other parts of the plan area including Moreton Bay Islands.
You can obtain a copy of the draft plan by contacting the department on 1800 308 252, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by visiting the department's website at: www.nrw.qld.gov.au/wrp/logan. Please see the link to the public notice.
Ignoring calls for strong action on climate change, the Federal Government has announced its plan to cut carbon pollution by just 5% (increasing this to 15% only if other major polluters commit to a global agreement).
Let the Government know that this decision is unacceptable.
This decision does not place Australia in a position to save the Murray-Darling Basin, the Great Barrier Reef or the Australian Alps. Instead, it will hold back progress towards an effective international climate change agreement.
The Government has disregarded the advice of top scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - that state that developed countries, as a group, must reduce their carbon pollution by 25-40% - and community support for greater action on climate change.
What's more, the plan will see billions of taxpayers' dollars handed directly to big polluters. However, this is not the final word. Let the Government know that this decision is unacceptable and must be revisited via the media and your local MP.
Visit the Australian Conservation Foundation website for tips on what to do.
BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW!
VISIT YOUR MP
WRITE TO A PAPER
CALL TALKBACK RADIO
Contact or email your friends and family, encourage them to make their voice heard too. Download the community action kit [26 p 2.69 MB pdf] from this page
To avoid dangerous climate change, and give our icons a fighting chance, we must commit to reducing our carbon pollution by at least a third by 2020.
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