Posted 15/7/10 

EDO Victoria eBulletin
No. 12 of 2010, 9 July 2010

In This Bulletin:

News & Commentary

•  Precautionary Principle seminar booked out
• VEAC Remnant Native Vegetation Investigation
• Law reform update
• Hazardous waste report

EPBC Act – Notices of interest

Events

•   VCAT Planning & Environment Appeals Workshop

To make a donation in support of our work as the environment’s legal team, please visit www.givenow.com.au/edovic

NEWS & COMMENTARY

Precautionary Principle seminar booked out

The Precautionary Principle seminar is now booked out and there is a waiting list for places. Therefore we would really appreciate it if you could let us know if you can no longer attend. Otherwise we look forward to seeing everyone next Tuesday, 13 July from 5.45pm. Further details are on our website.

VEAC Remnant Native Vegetation Investigation

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) has released its Discussion Paper for its Remnant Native Vegetation Investigation. VEAC is seeking submissions by 30 August 2010. The Discussion Paper and details on how to make a submission can be found on the VEAC website.

VEAC is also holding workshops at various locations around Victoria to discuss information and issues raised in the Discussion Paper. The times and locations of these workshops can also be found on the VEAC website.

Law reform update

The law reform section of the EDO website has been updated to make it easier to find all those critical law reform documents you need. EDO submissions, briefing papers and reports are now arranged by topic. Check it out here.

The latest law reform calendar is also now available so you can keep up to date with all the reviews and calls for submissions on federal and state environmental law reform. You can jump straight to the calendar from our law reform page. Check back each month for updates.

Hazardous waste report

The Victorian Auditor-General has released a report reviewing the Environment Protection Authority's regulation of hazardous waste in Victoria. The Auditor-General found that the EPA inadequately regulated hazardous waste, confirming long-standing concerns of EDO clients.

For more information and to read the report, visit the VAGO website.

To read Brendan Sydes' letter to The Age on this subject, visit The Age website.

EPBC ACT – NOTICES OF INTEREST

Public comments are invited on the following Victorian referrals made under the EPBC Act:

• Construction of a water pipeline
  Gippsland Water proposes construction of a 10km water pipeline between the Boolarra Township and Moondarra Reservoir at Yinnar. Construction will require a 10m wide corridor. The pipeline will cross underneath the Bellbrook Creek and Morwell River. Strezelecki Gum trees are present in the proposed construction corridor.
  Comments due: 15 July 2010
• Marine oil, gas and mineral exploration
  Origin Energy proposes a 45 sq km offshore seismic survey at Otway, 10km NW of Peterborough. The onshore project will require vehicles and cables. The offshore project will use vessels, an air gun array and ocean bottom cables, which may affect species listed under the EPBC Act, including whales and dolphins in the survey area.
  Comments due: 19 July 2010.

EVENTS

VCAT Planning & Environment Appeals Workshop

The next VCAT Planning & Environment Appeals workshop will be held at The 60L Green Building on Wednesday 21 July 2010 from 5.30pm–7.30pm.

Individuals and community-based conservation groups can learn how to most effectively participate and represent themselves in planning and environment matters before VCAT. This 2 hour workshop presented by an EDO lawyer, gives members of the community practical and legally-focused information about VCAT proceedings and hearings with plenty of opportunity and encouragement for questions and participation.

RSVP: EDO Victoria (03) 8341 3100 or edovic@edo.org.au. For more details and future dates, see our website.

Please note: These workshops are not intended as professional development training.

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The Environment Defenders Office is an independent, not for profit, community legal service, specialising in public interest environmental law. With your support we can provide access to justice for people fighting for an environmental cause on behalf of their community. To join the EDO, please go to edo.org.au/edovic/membership.html or to donate, please visit www.givenow.com.au/edovic