Bulletin Board Bulletin Board | (Updated 8/8/10) |
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Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network
(15/7/10 - CC) Some interesting questions being asked
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(15/7/10 - E) Learn more about what's going on in our environment... and please support EDO if you can
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(15/7/10 - O) Everything from population to picket lines!
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(29/6/10 - CC) It's all about - what else - the hottest topic around: population!
The June/July issue of the SPA Newsletter (Issue 92) is now available to download from http://www.population.org.au/index.php/media/newsletters/113-newsletter-archive
The 'line-up' for the Newsletter leads off with:
Nationwide Population Reform Meetings - A roundup of the 'Breakfast' functions held on May 7th in six Australian capital cities at which a range of speakers discussed runaway population growth, and its implications for our environment, economy, liveability and way of life. These breakfasts were initiated by Kelvin Thomson MP, the Federal Member for Wills, and were made possible by generous support of Dick Smith and the hard work of a number of volunteers from SPA and the staff in Kelvin Thomson’s office. p1
A Plague of People - In which Roger Short (The Wexler Professorial Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Adjunct Professor, Zoology, Royal Women’s Hospital argues that the resources we spend trying to save endangered species would be better spent trying to limit human population growth. p3
Joint International Position Statement - Population policy and the environment. We reproduce in full, this International Position Statement of which SPA is a signatory and participant.
Ever-growing population horror - Gordon Hocking. In our letters section we publish Gordon's valuable contribution to the current population debate showing a graph of population projections for Australia at various growth rates. Gordon shows that even at 0.6% growth the population will exceed the now famous 36 million (Big Australia) by the end of the century and that Government-induced population growth (via its immigration program) will have to stop now if there is any hope of managing 'runaway' population growth.
Anglican Synod on Population - A brief report on the discussion paper prepared by the Anglican Synod for its meeting in October
Economic slump hits population - A summary of the current ABS figures on Australia's population growth and projections for the future.
UNFCCC - Bonn 2010 - A brief update on SPA's current contribution to the UNFCCC discussion in Bonn 2010.
Biodiversity funds cut: targets set. With International Biodiversity day on May 22nd the Newsletter takes a look at the cuts to 'Caring for our Country' and the impact on Biodiversity and;
Biodiversity Outlook gloomy but TEEB more promising - the UN Convention on Biological Diversity released its Third Biodiversity Outlook Report on May 10th gives cause for concern as biodiversity loss is not diminishing, however The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) paints a less gloomy picture with interesting attempts to capture the value of biodiversity and its benefits to business and the community.
Snippets
Greens `wimping out’
Chinese government advisor slams Rudd on ETS
A Comment on Ocean Warming
More Countries sign on to illegal fishing treaty
Flushing Our Forests Down the Toilet
Additional contact details for the Australian Democrats and the New Australia Party
Followed by various branch reports and the Back Page with a brief report on the National President's recent visit to the SEQ AGM and the updated population clock.
(28/06/10 - O) CDB takes on hypocrisy over kangaroo cull, new PM Julia Gillard wanting 'sustainable' population growth
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MRRA Says:
Best wishes to James of CanDoBetter for a speedy recovery from a serious cycling accident. On your bike, James...
(29/6/10 - E) Working with local government...
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(29/6/10 - CC) SunRRA never fails to catch your attention - this month, they call for a judicial probe into branch stacking
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(22/5/10 - E) Catch up on Landcare's 'brand makeover' and all the latest news
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(22/5/10 - O) New 'Population' Party, and new GAIC V55 laws from hell need massive opposition from Victorian public - Mary Drost
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(22/5/10 - CC) Go SunRRA - let 'er rip
(22/5/10 - CC) SPA addresses the big issues as the population debate revs up
You can access the newsletter at SPA's website http://www.population.org.au/images/stories/Newsletters/nl_91.pdf
What's in this issue?
ACF Population Initiative: Human Population Growth A Threatening Process. The lead report is about the Australian Conservation Foundation, this nation’s leading conservation body seeking to have human population growth listed as a “threatening process’ to Australia’s biodiversity under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act).
The Downward Spiral Of Hasty Population Growth By Jane O’Sullivan from ON LINE opinion Monday, 8 March 2010
The second article is from our own Dr Jane O'Sullivan which suggests that the cost of population growth far exceeds the cost of aging for Australia and also queries the claim that population growth is essential for a healthy economy.
Member Communications The letters and other communications received prior to publication have been summarised and discussed in a short article.
This was followed by a series of short thumbnails covering:
The Dispossessed? Too Poor To Live In Australia? An Alternative View. A report of the strategies being adopted by our aging members of society in their attempts to cope with limited funds and the high cost of living in Australia.
Poaching Drives Search For Overseas Workers. In which poaching of Government workers by the boom industries is forcing Councils to to recruit from overseas.
Hot Press - Minister for Population Appointed in which we discuss the recent appointment of Mr Tony Burke to the new position of Minister for Population.
Gillard Argues Australia Needs More Migrants with tens of thousands required to drive the Mining boom, particularly in WA.
Australia’s Population Now Exceeds 22 million. We bring you a summarised report of the latest Australian and Regional population estimates from the ABS.
Where Does Australia Sit In World Rankings? is a discussion demonstrating that Australia's population growth rate is almost double that of the world and where we sit in the rankings of a basket of countries.
and finally a brief discussion by the Global Wind Energy Council of Wind Energy Taking Off Worldwide.
This is followed by a discussion of Political Parties with a developing theme of population and contact details for the major and developing political parties. John Coulter (Vice President) provides us with a short discussion of the 2010 AGM and we then have a brief rundown on the changes to the Office and management of SPA. The President's Report and Branch reports follow with a quick overview of the changes in membership numbers over the last three years on the back page
(22/5/10 - C) Excellent, brilliantly-written and thought-provoking book about the Apollo Bay "Great Ocean Green" proposal that saw Colac-Otway councillors sacked for not supporting the mega-development on the Barham River floodplain, written from a community perspective. A must read for all activists.
You can buy a copy of the book by contacting John Spencer at PO Box 185, Apollo Bay, Victoria, 3233, or by email on jspencer@aussiebroadband.com.au Cost is $27.50 plus $5.60 parcel post (total: $31.50).
MRRA Says:
We have a declaration to make because our secretary is quoted in the book. MRRA did not however have any association with or role in its production.
That said, this is a sadly beautiful book, so wonderfully written it grabs you from the first paragraph. The sadness comes from the sheer idiocy of the Apollo Bay proposal, and the traction it somehow got which took it all the way up to the Minister for Planning before the gravy train was stopped. Whither thou goest, common sense?
The book also highlights the frustration, pain and cost to community when such unsound ideas move forward. Many of you will be overly-familiar with these circumstances. If you aren't, you can begin your initiation here.
The author describes the book as potentially being of use to individuals and groups who are fighting their own battles with developments.
We second that, and heartily recommend this attractively packaged soft cover book as a community asset, not to mention a bloody good read.
Congratulations John, for a superb effort, a deep compassion, and a valuable legacy.
(22/5/10 - O) From Internet to Kangaroos to Population...
Click here for update and links to CanDoBetter website.
(22/5/10 - E) First issue of EPA News for 2010
Click here for more information and link to EPA website
(11/12/09 - O) Looks At Our Impact On The Planet
The Dominant Animal
In humanity’s more than 100,000 year history, we have evolved from vulnerable creatures clawing sustenance from Earth to a sophisticated global society manipulating every inch of it. In short, we have become the dominant animal. Why, then, are we creating a world that threatens our own species? What can we do to change the current trajectory toward more climate change, increased famine, and epidemic disease?
Renowned Stanford scientists Paul R. Ehrlich and Anne H. Ehrlich believe that intelligently addressing those questions depends on a clear understanding of how we evolved and how and why we’re changing the planet in ways that darken our descendants’ future. The Dominant Animal arms readers with that knowledge, tracing the interplay between environmental change and genetic and cultural evolution since the dawn of humanity. In lucid and engaging prose, they describe how Homo sapiens adapted to their surroundings, eventually developing the vibrant cultures, vast scientific knowledge, and technological wizardry we know today.
But the Ehrlichs also explore the flip side of this triumphant story of innovation and conquest. As we clear forests to raise crops and build cities, lace the continents with highways, and create chemicals never before seen in nature, we may be undermining our own supremacy. The threats of environmental damage are clear from the daily headlines, but the outcome is far from destined. Humanity can again adapt—if we learn from our evolutionary past.
Those lessons are crystallised in The Dominant Animal. Tackling the fundamental challenge of the human predicament, Paul and Anne Ehrlich offer a vivid and unique exploration of our origins, our evolution, and our future.
Check it out at the CSIRO Publishing website http://www.publish.csiro.au/pid/5686.htm
(11/12/09 - E) Latest from the Victorian Environmental Friends Network
Click here to access the most recent issue of FriendsNET newsletter, events and information, along with a summary of the recent Grantville Conference.
(19/11/09 - O) Not simmering, beginning to boil
Click here to see more... or go to www.candobetter.org
MRRA Says:
What a blow for the environment, and all of those who work towards protecting, preserving and improving it.
Maybe if the Federal government hadn't put $5 million into the Kyneton pool, and had instead put it into Landcare coordination, hard-working and committed people like John Robinson, Landcare Co-ordinator for the Maribyrnong (and previously Werribee) catchment, who has done so much good in Macedon Ranges over the last 6 plus years, might still have a job.
MRRA sincerely thanks John for all of his hard work. It has been a pleasure to have him in this area. We also thank the State government for continuing to fund what seems to be the only government-funded Landcare coordination position left.
(13/7/09 - O) Cool kids take the world by storm
Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIt5lGhFyE0&feature=related
(2/4/09 - CC) What happened to the Melbourne we knew and loved?
Below is a letter written by an older Victorian after visiting Melbourne recently, expressing the writer's despair at what Melbourne is becoming.
We left
I recall in the 1950's on my way to work admiring the old buildings which once graced this part of
Devoid of grass, trees or exercise areas for our 3 healthy young grandchildren. Staying in a sterile brown, fawn and grey 300 unit building, from the child unfriendly balcony we glimpsed the Bay. Disappointed that there was no suitable place for sipping good coffee, late breakfast or children’s play, we trammed it to
I began to think about how lucky we were at home, where it is still possible to see real scenery, and take walks among indigenous stands of trees where birds of all kinds are free to fly or nest.