News

Members Invited to Comment on Draft Position Statements

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 15:00:08 +1000

EIANZ has developed position statements on a range of environmental themes. These statements articulate EIANZ's position on environmental issues on behalf of members.

Members are invited to comment on the following draft position statements:

Position Statement on Climate Change

Position Statement on Incorporating Environmental Considerations Into Development Projects

Please note, these documents are available to members only. You will need to log in to the website to download.

Please provide comments by 30 June 2015 to office@eianz.org

New Zealand Symposium 2015: Focusing on What Matters

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 09:49:57 +1000

The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) hosted a one day symposium in Wellington that focussed on how we can achieve good environmental outcomes in these times of significant change to environmental policy and organisational structures.

This symposium was designed to provoke thought on how we might operate within these changing structures and continue to focus on what really matters to make a difference. In addition to speakers, there were opportunities to network and learn from others.

See the Wellington Branch page for links to presentations.

New Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelines for use in New Zealand

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 09:20:26 +1000

The Institute has just launched a comprehensive guidance document for ecologists undertaking ecological impact assessment in New Zealand’s terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems – the first of its kind for professionals in New Zealand.

The Guidelines provide a reference source, founded in ecological science, that describe what Ecological Impact Assessment is, how it should be carried out, and what is specifically considered good practice. They aim to improve the scientific rigour, objectivity and consistency of Ecological Impact Assessments; and in doing so, raise the standard of practice and decision-making on environmental matters in New Zealand. They are useful for ecologists undertaking assessments in private practice and local or central government, as well as for decision-makers in the environmental management area, and for students.

The Guidelines also contain a section on Professional Practice which addresses some of the ethical and practice issues that may be faced by ecologists undertaking or reviewing Ecological Imact Assessment.

The Guidelines were written by ecologists in the New Zealand Chapter for ecologists, and will be updated regularly in response to testing by professionals and feedback.

The New Zealand Chapter is seeking comment and feedback from anyone using the guidelines. Please contact the Chapter by email: newzealand@eianz.org.

Tips for new consultants

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 18:05:10 +1100

Institute member Zara Marais recently received the 2014 Tor Hundloe Award for Young Environmental Practitioner of the Year at EIANZ's Annual Conference in Hobart. She has three great tips for new consultants. Read her article on AECOM's website.

Sustainability part of the Sydney Opera House’s history

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:04:00 +1100

Watch an insightful video about how Jorn Utzon was inspired by nature when designing the Sydney Opera House.

View the video on YouTube.

Research investigates the impact of industrial light pollution on turtles

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 15:04:40 +1100

(Photo: Catherine Bell)

A collaborative study between researchers from Pendoley Environmental, James Cook University and the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, investigating the impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN) on flatback turtle hatchlings in a region of substantial industrial development, was published this month in the international journal ‘Wildlife Research’

The potential for artificial light from coastal development to disrupt natural hatchling sea-finding behaviour is well known. Turtle hatchlings are disorientated by artificial light, typically either wandering inland towards the lights or crawling along circuitous routes and taking longer to find the sea, both of which increase the chance of mortality. However, this is the first study to demonstrate a negative effect of artificial light-glow, originating from over 15 km away, on hatchling behaviour.

In previous studies*, Dr Kamrowski identified the North West Shelf in Western Australia and south-east Queensland as the two regions across Australia where marine turtles faced the greatest risk of light pollution impacts; with light in these regions being chiefly attributed to industrial development. Since Australia’s coastline is undergoing rapid industrialisation, the current study was a timely assessment of hatchling sea-finding ability at significant Queensland flatback rookeries in areas of proposed or ongoing industrial development, between 2012 and 2014.

The key finding of the study was that the sky-glow produced by large scale industrial development negatively influences flatback hatchling sea-finding ability. With continued coastal development, light pollution impacts are likely to occur at more nesting beaches around Australia, thus the critical take home message for regulators, managers and practitioners, is a call-to-arms. While current practice within government and industry is to consider the potential impact of light pollution from each development on a case-by-case basis, this study emphasises the need for rigorous lighting management that considers multiple light producers and the cumulative light glow produced. The authors strongly recommend ongoing monitoring to understand and manage the impacts of ALAN at turtle nesting beaches as industrial development continues.

For more information regarding artificial light impacts on hatchling orientation, to discuss artificial light modelling and management, or to request a copy of the article, please contact:

Dr Ruth Kamrowski (lead and corresponding author):
ruth.kamrowski@penv.com.au
or
Dr Kellie Pendoley (author, Pendoley Environmental – Director):
kellie.pendoley@penv.com.au

*References:
Kamrowski RL, Limpus C, Moloney J, and Hamann M (2012) Coastal light pollution and marine turtles: assessing the magnitude of the problem. Endangered Species Research 19: 85-98.

Kamrowski RL, Limpus C, Jones R, Anderson S, and Hamann M (2014) Temporal changes in artificial light exposure of marine turtle nesting areas. Global Change Biology 20: 2437-2449.

Calling all ecologists

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 10:38:50 +1100

Dave Fleming, Principal Ecologist, at Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd (Brisbane office) has been appointed Chair of the Ecology Special Interests Section (SIS) of the EIANZ.

Dave says he is delighted to have the opportunity to reinvigorate the Ecology SIS and is looking forward to reconnecting with members of the Institute previously involved with the SIS, and new members with an interest in ecology and keen to be involved.

‘I am particularly passionate about engaging with the members to encourage active dialogue and participation in robust discussions around current and emerging trends, issues and challenges in the Ecology space. As the Chair of the Ecology SIS it is important for me to promote best practice and high ethical standards in ecological assessment, research and management, and to encourage relevant members to gain certification as an Ecology specialist in the Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) scheme’, Dave said.

Any members who would like to participate in the Ecology SIS and support the continuation of this important role within the Institute are encouraged to contact Dave Fleming at dfleming@ehpartners.com.au or phone 0407 512 176.

EIANZ delivers innovative climate change adaptation professional development

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 16:16:01 +1100

EIANZ recently delivered Learning to Adapt - climate change adaptation professional development - for the second time in Sydney. Over 50 participants have now completed this innovative short course format, giving feedback like: "Access to these speakers from such a broad range of backgrounds over the whole course has been invaluable and having space to draw on the collective knowledge in the room and sharing resources has been excellent.”

EIANZ are now accepting registrations for Learning to Adapt in Brisbane and Melbourne, featuring programs tailored to the state context.

Group projects form a central part of the course, enabling participants to apply their learning and to deliver value to their employers and clients. Case studies to date include:

The Easter Island Moi
Vulnerable communities
Events at the Sydney Opera House
A major road by-pass
A university’s strategic plan
Several local government adaptation plans.

Group work is conducted through an online learning environment which also allows participants to discuss relevant readings.

The program is intended for established environmental professionals looking to develop a specialisation in climate change adaptation. The course is run over three separate full days of intensive collaborative learning delivering practical, hands on skills and knowledge at the postgraduate level.

Learning to Adapt is designed by experienced sustainability educators to engage participants in case studies and exercises presented by recognised expert guest speakers in climate change adaptation. Each course features more than 15 expert speakers, including leaders from the research community, the consulting industry, local government, industry groups and NGOs.

Successful completion of the course is recognised through EIANZ’s CEnvP scheme, the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star CPD scheme, by Infrastructure Council of Australia as a Master Class and by a certificate from RMIT (in Melbourne) and from Griffith University (in Brisbane). The course is also supported by Green Cross’s Business Adaptation Network and has been developed in partnership with the Office of Environment and Heritage (in NSW) and the City of Melbourne (in Victoria).

For more more information about the program or to register, visit the events section of the website.

EIANZ submission - Draft Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 16:51:24 +1100

The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand submitted comments on the Draft Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan (Reef 2050). Please review the documents below for more information.

Bushfire PEP Talk Presentation

Thu, 19 Jun 2014 13:11:18 +1000

Monday June 2nd the NSW Division ran a successful PEP talk - Bushfire Persistence and Why Resilience Matters.

Click here for the Presentation constructed by Lew Short, Eco Logical.