Logan and Albert Conservation Association
ABC online news provides coverage of the issues surrounding use of agricultural chemicals across Australia. Our local area is not alone with these concerns. The Tasmanian forestry industry has described proposed changes to chemical spray regulations as a knee-jerk reaction to please a vocal minority. Buffer areas and prior notification, no go zones near schools homes and workplaces may become mandatory. Time to comment has been extended to end July 2008. Read more here. Image from ABC TV file photo.
Housing sustainability is the issue that "literally goes to the heart of how we live", the state's planning minister Paul Lucas said, putting forward a proposal to toughen sustainability measures in housing design. Mr Lucas said the kernel of the proposal, Improving Sustainable Housing in Queensland, was a requirement that new houses built from 2009 achieve a five-star energy efficiency rating by improving water conservation, using insulation and natural lighting.
He said inefficient housing design and outdated building codes resulted in higher energy costs and harmful impacts on the environment. Submissions close September 12.
In response to expressed community concerns Mr Kevin Lingard, member for Beaudesert raised a QUESTION ON NOTICE Wednesday 30 April 2008 as follows.
Contact Your Prime Minister
An online form is provided for us to make comments to the Prime Minister. However, we are advised to use the postal address for greater security and privacy. Correspondence requiring supporting attachments such as photos or documents, should be sent them via Australia Post mail to:
Most people are aware that Lantana camara commonly known as Lantana is an environmental weed. It smothers small trees and shrubs and can climb and damage larger trees. Some people also, are rightly concerned that removal of Lantana will expose small birds and animals to danger. However, if we leave the Lantana it will spread, damaging more bushland, both eucalypt and rainforest. Lantana is not the worst bushland weed but it is widely spread and well known. Before clearing lantana it is best to focus on any remnant native vegetation freeing it of weeds so that native plants can flourish and provide you with seeds. Your remnant native plants are your most valuable as they are adapted to the area and are compatible with the local native wildlife.
If you have large areas of investation clear in a mosaic pattern. Local native plants that will provide protection and food for wildlife can also be planted. When they have grown sufficiently to provide some habitat the rest of the mosaic can be removed.
For the first time in history city dwellers outnumber their rural counterparts. What do the effects of urbanisation mean for nomads, indigenous communities, immigrants and Sydney's Aspirationals and Westies? Contributors from Griffith REVIEW 20: Cities on the Edge discuss what is gained, lost and overlooked in the rapid expansion and development of Sydney and the world's megacities.
A collection of botanical watercolours in Grandfather grew Mangel-Wurzels : Heritage Plants, Pioneers and Places by botanical artist, historian and local Scenic Rim author - JANET HAUSER. The pioneering history, gardening and family histories of the Beaudesert area are beautifully presented in this work. Many old family photos are also included. The book was launched at The Centre where the original artworks are on display and available for purchase.
Copies of the book may be purchased from The Centre in Beaudesert.
Congratulations to Janet for her fantastic contribution to the local community!
Our successful Enviro Grant application to Logan City Council will allow us to continue our work to record significant local natural history. Look for us in the Jimboomba Times.
This link to contact state cabinet ministers is provided to assist your letter writing or submissions to participate in whatever actions or inactions of our government you choose. If you feel strongly about an issue please consider voicing your concerns to the relevant minister. You may also consider sharing those concerns with readers of this website.
This links to the cabinet post 2009 state election.
With nearly one-third of amphibian species threatened with extinction worldwide, fueled in part by the widespread emergence of the deadly chytrid fungus, effective conservation efforts could not be more urgent.
In a new article, Franco Andreone and his colleagues argue that one of the best places to focus these efforts is Madagascar, a global hotspot of amphibian diversity that shows no signs of amphibian declines--or traces of the chytrid fungus. His website is here.
Read a summary of the article in the online Science Daily. The whole article is available here or here.
The second link also provides opportunities to comment . Locally Australian frogs are endangered - critically endangered - a global issue hence 2008 is the International Year of the Frog. Are the like the canaries in the underground coul mines of the nineteenth century?
(A) Dyscophus antongilii (Near Threatened), (B) Scaphiophryne gottlebei (Critically Endangered), (C) Boophis williamsi (Critically Endangered), (D) Mantella cowani (Critically Endangered). (From Madagascar)
Research is ongoing - but we can all do something in our own backyards - and inside our homes. Gardening without pesticides and providing habitat, clean water and shelter, are two things that require little effort to achieve.