Logan and Albert Conservation Association
The latest report from the EPA and Courier Mail today on the 50% decline in Koala Coast koalas in the last 3 years is sobering news. The koala coast region includes the Redlands Council, east side of Logan Council and Brisbane City council. The koala population in the Koala Coast has been identified as genetically different to koalas in other parts of SE Qld which makes them even more important to protect for biodiversity values.
The Koala Coast area has had regions "protected" for the longest period of time as koala conservation areas and koala sustainability areas as part of the koala mapping that state government (EPA) has conducted in the past. The koalas of the "new Logan" Council area and Scenic Rim have not yet been mapped . Our koalas would certainly be in a worse position.
It is also important to note that the koala mapping conducted in Moreton Regional Council also confirmed that their Koala population had also declined. This news as reported on line in the Courier Mail is available here.
The Environment and Protection Agency EPA - Queensland government department - has published the findings and report from GHD on its www.epa.qld.gov.au page here.
The latest EPA report concerning the decline of the Koala Coast koalas has be provided for us.
You can access the document here.
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Rockford's Rock Opera is an original ecological musical story for children and adults which addresses the most serious environmental issues in a uniquely entertaining and yet thoughtful manner. And it's proving a huge hit around the world. Scripted by BBC comedian Steve Punt, and with music by Sweetapple, it tells the story of the Island of Infinity - home to all the world's extinct creatures.
Rockford's Rock Opera is an amazing adventure in sound for adults and children. Part One of the story (six chapters: 52 minutes) is free! It features narration, read along text, characters, sound effects and music and is available as a free mp3 download and an audio stream.
Great to listen to on your computer, your ipod or burnt onto CD, this is a free audiobook like no other. The website also contains useful background information about the story (including key information and free downloadable teaching resources about extinction and ecology), how the story was made and the facts behind the fiction.
Visit the website by clicking on link to the left to access free book and lots of other resources, perhaps even buy some products. WWF is supported by this group.
We all, the residents and citizens of Logan, have an opportunity to work together to learn to protect and enhance the natural environment. This does and will provide habitat and homes for the many native animals and also sustain the sub-tropical atmaosphere which we humans enjoy so much. Many creatures are being displaced and killed as a result of inappropriate clearing of vegetation.
A rapidly increasing human population is the driving force behind the eight proposed major development areas in Logan City. There has been no analysis of the carrying capacity of South East Queensland to place perhaps some constraints and conditions on developments.
The land has been, and is still, treated as a commodity from which we make money. The real cost has seldom been paid. With genuine ecologically sustainable development a balance can be achieved.
To take part in this forum you must belong to an incorporated group and be nominated as their representative. All members of such groups can raise concerns at group meetings and these may be included in the forum discussions.
Logan City Deputy Mayor, Councillor Russell Lutton, in supporting the new structure and leadership team, commended the decision to establish the new City Leadership Cabinet and said that the new Cabinet has been appointed to oversee the direction of the city and to ensure improved process and quality of decision-making in Standing Committees.
The new structure and leadership team were formally ratified at a Special Meeting of Council May 19, 2009.
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.
The hunt is on for a pest weed being grown as a vegetable commonly used in Asian dishes.
Water Mimosa is the worst kind of weed in Queensland - a Class 1 declared weed that is highly invasive and endangers waterways. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin is asking south-east Queensland communities to help find it. "Water mimosa is an aquatic weed that can release nitrogen into waterways, which affects water quality and can lead to increased algae," Mr Mulherin said.
"The nitrogen levels also create the perfect growing environment for other declared water weeds, which kill our native wetland plants and fish."
Class 1 declared weeds are subject to eradication from the state and Biosecurity Queensland and local government officers will be out to track down this dangerous weed. Biosecurity Queensland is undertaking an awareness campaign to educate the public about why water mimosa is a declared weed and what their responsibilities are in relation to eradicating the weed.
How did our grandparents survive without all the modern conveniences 'mod cons' that we have access to today? This website www.theshoppe.com.au has an invaluable wealth of information on common kitchen ingredients that can be used for cleaning - these are what I use. This information is taken from a free downloadable newsletter.
Environment Minister, Peter Garrett said Australian homeowners will be able to make their homes more energy and water efficient with 1000 home sustainability assessors ready to begin work and credit providers signed up to commence the rollout of the Green Loans Program from July 1.
"Through Green Loans we are making it easier for 360,000 Australian homeowners to learn what they can do to make their homes more energy efficient from an accredited assessor.
"The fact is that for many households the assessor will identify simple, low-cost actions like changing light globes, sealing draughts and repairing leaking taps.
"However, there will also be larger-scale recommendations, many of which can now be adopted at a reduced or zero cost thanks to the Government's unprecedented investment in energy efficiency - namely installing solar PV or solar hot water or ceiling insulation. Solar hot water and insulation are two of the most cost effective energy efficient changes household can make.
"And now, with the launch of Green Loans, we're also providing the opportunity for householders to access up to $10,000 for other alternate changes, enabling them to be well and truly equipped for a low pollution future."
Mr Garrett said in light of the Government's $4 billion investment in energy efficiency, lower interest rates and major shifts in the global financial markets, some changes had been made to the scheme to ensure that it is better focused:
Household assessments for 360,000 households will now come at zero cost and will no longer be tied to the loan.
Minister Garrett said home owners wishing to participate in the Green Loans Program follow three steps:
For more information on the Green Loans Program including a full list of eligibility guidelines visit www.environment.gov.au/greenloans
Due to the overwhelming success of last years 2008 'Are you poisoning yourself?' seminar, Griffith University EcoCentre repeated the event in May 2009. The following presentations provide information about the potentially dangerous toxins we expose ourselves to everyday. These toxins are easily avoidable when you know what to look for.
The EcoCentre has published the presentations on its website and they can be accessed from this page.
Lisa Malcolm is an environmental scientist at the EcoCentre. Lisa's presentation1 will assist you to create a healthier home by making informed choices on cleaning products and safer use of plastics.
Narelle Chenery, back by popular demand, is a world wide educator and activist. She revolutionsed the beauty industry by creating the world's first certified organic skin and personal care range. Narelle's presentation2 outlines the hidden dangers of the cosmetic industry.
Dr Greg Emerson is the founder and Medical Director of the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre and co-director of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine QLD. Dr Emerson's presentation3 demonstrates the body's intrinsic ability to heal itself if the underlying cause of the illness (which can include environmental toxins) is removed.
Although the Corroboree Frog is not a species found in our local biodiversity, all plans for its recovery and survival are applauded by us.
Efforts to save one of Australia's most recognisable frogs, the Corroboree Frog, from extinction were boosted with the launch of the Corroboree Frog Conservation Trust Fund.
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, officially launched the Trust at the Wonga Wetlands Education Centre on the Murray River near Albury.
Many Australians know Corroboree Frogs by their bright yellow and black markings. Sadly, the Corroboree Frog is seriously threatened with extinction and preservation efforts are at a critical stage.