Rosemary Hadaway

We celebrate Biodiversity Month every September and promote the importance of connecting with nature and caring for nature in all its diversity – its biodiversity! Celebrate. Observe. Connect.

CELEBRATE

Bylong v. Kepco: You know the result by now – an outstanding effort from the locals and EDO. There are 3 significant learnings from this campaign:

  1. Slow the project down (not obstructionist), but make sure process is always followed – the proponent must be kept to account, and do it properly;
  2. Network widely, and work together;
  3. Local groups are needed to address local issues. Great insights.

THANK YOU

  • NSW Upper House Inquiry into Floodplain Harvesting: There were 286 submissions received (including MDEG) and they can be read here.
  • Amendment to EIS for Bowden’s Lead (Silver) Mine at Lue: There were 129 submissions received (including MDEG) and they can be viewed here.
  • Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment (PRIA) Hawkins-Rumker: potential release for coal exploration. PRIA has committed to Rylstone Region Coal Free Community (RRCFC) that submissions received will be published. In the meantime, you can read the extensive submissions made by RRCFC here. MDEG submission and a letter of appreciation from RRCFC to MDEG are attached.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

  • Our area is within the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ): Info here. Map here.
  • Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone Landholder seminar:  Save the Date – The Energy Corporation of NSW is hosting two online workshops to explain how the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone will operate and what this means for landholders and farmers in the Central West-Orana region. These workshops are scheduled to take place on 30 September 2021 (10am – 11:30am) and 1 October 2021 (10am – 11:30am). More details and registration in attachment ‘REZ Landholder Seminar’.
  • Tallawang Solar Farm and Barneys Reef Wind Farm: Proposed by Renewable Energy Systems (RES) with consultation facilitated by Umwelt. Progress, project descriptions and maps here. They hope to submit EIS for both projects by end 2021. In recent information sessions via Zoom, Darren Chesterfield (Community Engagement Manager) said that feedback was needed to develop the Community Fund and a separate Community Benefit Program – how should these programs look? what community projects are wanted? Let me know your ideas, and if you would like to be part of this conversation.
  • Some great resources: The Clean Energy Council is the peak body for the clean energy industry in Australia. Check some exciting ideas under their ‘Advocacy: Community Engagement’ heading here.

FIND OUT ABOUT…

  • Professor Will Steffen and First Nations Campaign Director at GetUp, Larissa Baldwin, unpack the new  IPCC Climate Report. Watch the highlights (18m)
  • Scientists write for The Conversation. ‘What you need to know’. Read what they say here.
  • Sustainable House Day. In-depth info and insight into building or renovating sustainable homes. On-line and FREE. Info here.
  • Our Islands Our Home: Virtual Town Hall 22nd September, 6.45pm. Something powerful is happening… Demanding that the Australian Government take action to protect Torres Strait island homes. Register to attend.
  • Language is important, but it can be tricky. If you’re curious, interested, baffled, or thinking of super-casually dropping some words into a conversation or piece of writing yourself, this handy usage guide is for you. Blak, Black, Blackfulla.
  • Fishways and the Macquarie. Murray Cod move upstream up to 120 kms to spawn, and then return to their home snag. Listen from 1:08:20 – 1:15:30