Natural Asset Management Update - June 2016
By: Regional Natural Asset Management Coordinator, Travis Sydes...
Wet Tropics Healthy Waterways Partnership
The Wet Tropics Healthy Waterways Partnership was launched on June 21 by Minister Steven Miles. The Partnership follows similar successful healthy waterways partnership models in Queensland such as in South East Queensland, the Mackay-Whitsundays region, Gladstone Harbour and the Fitzroy Basin.
Among other things, the Wet Tropics Healthy Waterways Partnership will:
- integrate long-term monitoring of, and reporting on, Wet Tropics waterways to produce an annual report card on waterway health
- engage and work with local and wider communities to improve the health of Wet Tropics waterways
- share knowledge, initiatives, actions, monitoring and research data and information that focuses on the Wet Tropics catchment and river health and the health of the Great Barrier Reef
- pool resources and knowledge to maximise environmental outcomes in the Wet Tropics region.
Dr Miles urged all interested Wet Tropics organisations to contact the partnership via email on to register their interest in playing an important role in monitoring and improving the health of the region’s waterways.
FNQROC are currently working with the partnerships technical working group to develop an invasive weeds indicator for inclusion in the report card. The indicator will be a first for the GBR report cards and draw directly from our local government area biosecurity plans and regional framework. We still have several levels of approval to pass through till adoption but if taken on board it may provide a template for other regions to do the same.
Invasive pests - a threat to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area
The Wet Topics Management Authority has produced a brochure which highlights the importance of biosecurity and management of invasive pests in the Wet Tropics. The brochure also stresses the need for education, research and community participation to help control a range of weeds, feral animals and diseases in the Wet Tropics. This includes collaboration between government agencies, local governments, landholders and industry groups. You can download a copy of the brochure here. If councils would like print copies for customer service areas or visitor centres then contact Campbell Clark
Advancing climate action in Queensland: making the transition to a low carbon future
The above discussion paper, released by DEHP, is currently seeking feedback on what direction and opportunities the State should pursue to build a cleaner, more sustainable and prosperous Queensland. Submissions and responses are sought in relation to the ‘prompt questions’ throughout the report across the themes of electricity and energy efficiency, built environment, transport, waste and land sector. It also asks the broader question of what we believe Queensland should be doing as a State (below). Submissions due August 5.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
- What should Queensland look like in 5, 10 or 30 years in a low carbon global economy?
- What do you think are the benefits and costs of taking action to address climate change in Queensland?
- What part should Queensland play in meeting global and national climate change commitments?
- How should Queensland work with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
- What kind of goals or targets should Queensland set in order to achieve this?
- What could the Queensland Government do to further stimulate innovation and commercialisation of low emissions and clean technologies?
- Should Queensland sign the ‘Under 2 MOU?’
Download the discussion paper here
Queensland Pest Animal Symposium, Townsville, 7-10 November
The organising committee have just completed the challenging task of selecting abstracts for presentations and posters as well firming up three informative and entertaining field trips, so it’s looking to be a great event with a real diversity of content. Registration will be opening very soon.
More information QPAS website
If any council employee’s or councillors are planning on attending the event then it is worth your while to become a member of the Weed Society Queensland which will entitle you to a discount on registration (which is greater than the cost of membership). The Weed Society includes a Pest Animal Branch who will be delivering the event. They also have travel and study awards available to assist members attend conferences and symposia WSQ website