10 May 2024

Welcome to our fortnightly Yellow Box newsletter.

Due to financial pressures, the Council is reducing staff hours, this includes the director role changing to four days per week. As a result we will also be reducing workload and breadth. We expect our community to be respectful of organisational capacity and realistic about the workload that can be undertaken with reduced hours.

This World Environment Day, make a difference by fundraising for the Conservation Council! Stand with us and raise some much needed funds, so we can continue our work to protect nature and create a safe climate future.

We made a submission to the "Future Gas Strategy" which was released by the federal government this week. We are dismayed by the blatant disregard for Indigenous culture, Country, wildlife, farmers and the climate. For a safe livable climate, clean air, healthy water and food security we must keep fossil fuels in the ground. Opening new fossil gas fields for decades to come destroys any change of staying below 1.5 degrees of warming. Here in the ACT we have proven that we can move to renewable electricity. To stand up to the fossil fuel lobby you can support the Pacific Climate Warriors at 12noon today on the lawns of Parliament House. You can also sign on to Lock the Gate's letter saying no to Santos Narrabri gas field.

We are appalled by the desecration of Larrakia cultural heritage and gouldian finch habitat currently being undertaken by DHA at Binybara (Lee Point) and we will continue to stand up to similar activity here in Canberra, at Lawson Grasslands. DHA cannot be trusted to appropriately manage Lawson Grasslands, habitat to the Golden Sun Moth and Gang-gang cockatoo. This is the result of the failure of our federal environmental and cultural heritage laws which are speeding nature and culture destruction instead of halting it. Learn more and take action here.

Until next time,

The Conservation Council Team

As a non-profit, non-government organisation, the Conservation Council ACT Region relies on the donations of our generous supporters.

STAND UP FOR NATURE PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION BY GIVING TODAY

Fundraise for us this World Environment Day!

Take action and make a difference this World Environment Day!

The Conservation Council ACT Region is calling on our local community to stand with us and raise some much needed funds, so we can continue our work to protect nature and create a safe climate future.

If you're up for hosting your own event, take inspiration from the examples below or come up with your own idea!

- Hold a banner painting or letter writing event.

- Host a dinner party to celebrate World Environment Day.

- Challenge yourself to walk/run/cycle a particular distance.

- Host a morning tea at your workplace.

Fundraise for us!

Bush Buds: Ngununggula / Bluetts Block Walk

Ngununggula: Pronounced Nun-nun-gull-ah, meaning “Belonging to here” in Ngunawal.

Join us for our Ngununggula/ Bluetts Block Bush Buds walk - the theme of this walk is Woodlands, and will have the opportunity to learn more about the habitat of a number of Bush Buds.

The diverse woodlands of Ngununggula/Bluetts Block urgently need protection as a Nature Reserve. Learn about this special place, the plants and animals that call it home and what you can do to help protect it as a nature reserve.

Where: Ngununggula/ Bluetts Block

When: 10am Sunday 2 June 2024

Who: Ecologist Rainer Rehwinkel will be leading the walk.

Join us on our Environmental Justice learning journey!

We encourage our community to join us on our environmental justice learning journey!

The Cons Council is in the process of building a culturally safe space for First Nations, People of Colour and marginalised groups within our advocacy and the wider environment movement in the ACT region. Read more about our journey here.

The Environmental Justice Working Group is a space to collectively recognise the ecological and climate crises as a social and political problem, as well as an environmental one and beginning to decolonise our organisation’s perceptions of the environment.

Join Environmental Justice Working Group

We can and should have both Nature and Housing.

The deteriorating health of our environment coupled with a growing population sparks competing debate over whether to prioritise housing or nature. This debate needs to recognise nuance - we can address the housing crisis and protect nature with clever planning. If we are to prevent environmentally destructive impacts of urban development, we must focus on building more affordable housing within our current city footprint, instead of continuing to spread out exponentially.

Read the full article

Conservation Council Board seeking Volunteer Treasurer

The Conservation Council Board is seeking a volunteer Treasurer. This is a crucial role to the success of our organisation. By volunteering your skills as Treasurer you would be making a tangible impact to protecting nature in our region.

The role would involve approximately 5 hours commitment per month including increased work at the end of the financial year in assisting the development of the budget, and audited financial statements.

The Council is committed to supporting diversity in Board membership, skills and experience. We encourage people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply for positions on the Board.

To find out more please contact Board president Rod: rod.blackdog@gmail.com

We are in the midst of an extinction crisis and our national nature law is in need of urgent, comprehensive reform.

We are disappointed by the recent announcement of the government’s failure to deliver the full reform of the national environment law. We are in the midst of an extinction crisis and our national nature law is in need of urgent, comprehensive reform. We call on on the government to deliver the full package in this term of parliament. To make sure this happens now is a crucial time for your MP to hear from you that Australians demand strong nature laws. BirdLife Australia has developed this guide. Read more about the Conservation Council's response to fragmented nature laws here.

Write to your MP

Ask your MP to support the Duty of Care Bill

Do you believe that our children and generations to come deserve a safe climate? Senator Pocock's 'Duty of Care' Bill would require the Australian Government to consider this in all policies and decisions, but it needs to pass a vote to become law.

The bill is unlikely to pass unless a large number of Australians begin to contact their local representatives and let them know that they want their representative to vote for this Bill.

Use this easy letition guide to write a customised letter to your federal representative, urging them to support the Bill.

Write to your MP

Sign on to a petition to protect nature and ensure a safe climate future

Save the Canberra Dragon

Write to the Federal Environment Minister to protect the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon, as she is currently considering revoking the decision for a road through their grassland habitat.

Support custodians who are challenging QLD Govt in Supreme Court to protect sacred Springs at Adani's Carmichael coal mine

The Wangan and Jagalingou Nagana Yarrbayn Cultural Custodians launched legal action at the Supreme Court to prevent the destruction of the sacred Doongmabulla Springs at the hands of Adani’s Carmichael coal mine.

Refuse Whitehaven’s proposed Winchester South coal mine

This project will leave three massive mine craters that will drain Queensland’s groundwater forever, destroy habitat of endangered koalas and greater gliders, and fuel devastating climate impacts. Call on Minister Plibersek to reject the mine, and call on banks to stop funding Whitehaven Coal here.

Support Friends of Callum Brae Nature Reserve

Friends of Callum Brae Nature Reserve are advocating to stop a private crematorium complex on the boundary of the Reserve. They are asking community to email the office of ACT Planning Minister with your opposition to the crematorium steel@act.gov.au

Take the Voice of Country Pledge

Support Invasive Species Council's Voice of Country Campaign, led by Richard Swain. For thousands of years Aboriginal people lived in harmony with this country and the species that evolved here. The past two centuries have seen nothing but a constant decline of our plants, wildlife, soil and water due to the introduction and lack of control of invasive species. Today they are a big threat to our native species.

Call on your MP for Australia to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Members of the cross-party Parliamentary Friends of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) have released a video renewing their support for Australia signing and ratifying the TPNW.

Shop our merchandise online!

Our fabulous merchandise is available to purchase online!

Our online store has all of our t-shirts, cups, publications and limited edition items.

Once you have placed your order online, we will be in touch to organise a pick up time that suits you.

Proceeds from our merchandise directly fund the Council's work, shaping a more sustainable Canberra region and helping us work to protect our unique and wonderful environment.

Shop Now!

Become a Member Group!

Are you interested in becoming a member group of the Conservation Council?

Membership is open to eligible organisations which meet the objectives of the Conservation Council Constitution (Part 1.2 Membership). We offer 5 types of membership from small to large organisations, and also associate and complimentary membership. For more information head to our website.

Check out our Member Group Toolbox which explains what your organisation can gain from become a Member Group!

Advocacy and Submissions

One of the ways the Conservation Council makes a difference is by contributing to public consultations on issues with environmental implications.

Recently, we made submissions to:

Draft National Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures
Progress all Federal Nature Law Reforms

You can read all our submissions here.

Upcoming Events!

Pacific Climate Warriors Rise Up Art Build

10 May

Join the Pacific Climate Warriors on Parliament lawns to build a beautiful visual representation of our demands for a just transition to 100% renewable energy, no more coal and gas, and finance for a fossil free Pacific.

RSVP

Bike Maintenance Workshop at Gungaderra Homestead

11 May

Canberra Environment Centre, SEE Change, and Switched on Cycles are running a course on bike maintenance! Come along to learn important skills to keep your bike running smoothly, and have a chat with an expert mechanic! Bring your own bike, or buy a second hand one from the Recyclery at the Homestead.

Democracy in Action! - Conversation

12 May

St James Hall Curtin

19th October is an ACT election. Democracy isn’t just voting; it is holding those we vote for to account for what they do for us. And, how they do it.

Canberra Alliance invites you to join in crafting a vision for how to tell a good representative and then how to pick the candidates who will both work for you and ask you for your opinions on the decisions that matter.

Green Drinks Canberra: May 2024 (high-efficiency composting)

14 May

Green Drinks Canberra is a monthly event for socialising and professional networking, created for those interested in environmental sustainability and eco-efficiency.

Green Drinks Canberra: May 2024 will focus on how high-efficiency composting can assist with carbon removal

RSVP

Autumn Mingle - Environmental Educators networking event and Forest Therapy experience

14 May

Connect with other educators at the ACT Branch of Australian Association Environmental Educators networking event and forest therapy experience.

Join Julie Armstrong, the President of ACT Environmental Educators and Forest Therapy guide to learn simple ways to RELAX, RESET and RESTORE your whole being through the healing of nature.

Meet other Environmental Educators and people passionate about nature in all aspects of education. Join us at the UC Bar for food and drink after the forest therapy experience.

RSVP

Reimagining Palestine Public Lecture Series | Environmental and Land Justice in Palestine

16 May

This talk delves into the interplay between environmental and land justice and settler colonialism in Palestine. Professor Qumsiyeh will elucidate how the colonisation of Palestine has led to the destruction of diverse human and natural communities while highlighting the inseparable connection between environmental justice and human rights. The talk argues for a reimagined advocacy that is crucial not only for peace and sustainability in Western Asia but also for global environmental justice movements.

Sweet like Honey: Masterclass in creating bee friendly environments

18 May

Join Australian Parliament House’s Head Beekeeper, Cormac Farrell for a masterclass exploring how a region’s diverse botanical sources create unique flavours in honey.

Discover how to integrate native and honeybees into landscape design through the selection of native and exotic plants, with reference to the Parliament Gardens as an example of a vibrant bee-friendly city.

Apartment Zero - Creating an 'all electric' apartment building

30 May

7:00 pm 9:00 pm
National Film and Sound Archive (map)
Over 50,000 Canberrans live in apartments. Modern homes will be all-electric.

Electrification delivers cost of living savings for tenants and owners and immediate benefits to the environment.

At this event, Electrify Canberra will bring together key stakeholders to problem solve electrifying complex buildings.

ACT Environmental Volunteers - Aboriginal cultural awareness workshop

31 May

This cultural awareness workshop will take a journey through history and reflect on the impact of that history in the present day. It will explore strategies for working on Country and with Aboriginal people and provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on their knowledge, understanding, values, bias, and privileges through humanistic approaches.

RSVP

Energy Efficiency and Draught Proofing Workshop

1 June

Jeff Knowles has a wealth of knowledge on home energy efficiency and is involved in the ACT Gov 'Renters Home Energy Program', giving advice to renters on energy efficiency and helping renters to reduce energy bills.

Join Jeff in this workshop to learn some simple and cost-effective techniques to keep your home warmer this winter by reducing draughts!

RSVP

Reconciliation week: Aboriginal Culture at Jerrabomberra Wetlands

2 June

Join National Parks Association ACT for a Sunday morning walk and gain an understanding of Aboriginal culture with Aaron Chatfield at Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Aaron is a Kamilaroi man, who operates Dreamtime Connections, connecting schools and communities to culture. On a leisurely stroll through the reserve Aaron will talk about native plants and bushfoods. Max 25. Register online by Thursday 30 May.

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We acknowledge the Ngunnawal (Ngunawal), Ngambri and Ngarigo Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, extending respect to all other First Nations people with connection to this region. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and we benefit from stolen Country. We recognise the deep and continuing connection that First Nations Peoples have with land, sea, culture and community. We are striving to stand in allyship with First Nations communities for self-determination and environmental justice.

Conservation Council ACT Region

info@conservationcouncil.org.au

(02) 6229 3200