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ALGA Weekly eNewsletter – 2017 Issue No. 30
IN THE NEWS

Union Bars Workers from Sydney Opera House After Asbestos Found

The Sydney Morning Herald reported last week that the Electrical Trades Union has issued a work ban on the renovation of the Sydney Opera House, after asbestos was found in the structure last week. Asbestos was reportedly discovered in service ducts where 25 electricians had been working on July 24. Read more.

Australia Used Chemical Despite US Warning

A recent report in The Guardian says that authorities in the US warned Australia 17 years ago that a toxic chemical it was using at defence bases, fire stations, and airports, risked “severe, long-term consequences” to human health and the environment. Despite the warning, the Australian defence department, firefighting services, and airports waited years to take action. Read more.
NZ Inquiry Into Waste Water Management

The New Zealand Government has announced an inquiry into 3 waters, to be led by the Department of Internal Affairs. Details on the review can be found on the DIA website. The Association will be developing an active plan to respond to and engage with the Inquiry. The review will seek to determine how to improve the management of drinking water, storm water and waste water (three waters) Three waters services are a core responsibility of local councils. Read more.
Qantas to Ban Toxic Foam After Brisbane Spill

Qantas will stop using potentially toxic firefighting foam nationally after a spill in the Brisbane River, according to a report by the ABC last week. In April, 22,000 litres of firefighting foam with chemicals PFAS leaked from a Qantas hangar at Brisbane Airport. Qantas says monitoring had found the toxic chemical was still present in the waterways around the airport, from a variety of sources unrelated to the spill earlier this year.
Read more.
REGULATORY UPDATES

New – 2017 Edition of Quarry Code of Practice

The Tas Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has published the 3rd Edition of the Quarry Code of Practice. This replaces the 2nd Edition published in 1999, which the EPA has reviewed to reflect changes since that time.

The purpose of the Quarry Code of Practice is to document acceptable environmental guidelines for quarrying. It comprises elements to guide proposals for use and development of land for extractive purposes as well as ongoing environmental management and final rehabilitation of operating quarries.

TasWater Criticises Infrastructure Tasmania report

TasWater has described the release of the Infrastructure Tasmania report on the state’s water and sewerage sector as ignoring the risks of increased costs and inefficiency of a proposed takeover. If the plans announced by Treasurer Peter Gutwein for a State Government takeover of TasWater proceeds Tasmanians will have to bear a heavy cost, claims TasWater.

In May 2017 ABC had reported that several towns in Tasmania have undrinkable water, and about 20 are on "boil water" alerts. Despite TasWater's 10-year plan to overhaul its infrastructure, in March Mr Gutwein announced the Government would take control in July 2018. Read more.

Dear ExampleContactFirstName

I thought this week I would address one of the common questions we are asked in the office. How can I get involved? Okay prepare for my lecture:

The success of ALGA is largely due to the commitment of time and effort by our volunteers. Who are they?

1. Board of Directors
2. Brains Trust
3. Interest Group Committees
4. Branch Committees
5. Conference Program Organising Committees
6. R & D Grant Committee
7. Annual Awards Committee; and
8. Representatives

How do you become one of them? First step, simply respond to the call for nominations – these traditionally are sent out between now and the end of a calendar year.

Look out for the various calls, read the information provided with the call; talk to office staff and/or current volunteers to gain insight into the role; consider carefully and then nominate yourself!

What if you nominate, but are not selected? Two choices: you can sulk (everyone is entitled to a good tanty now and then) or you could contact a committee member who was selected and let them know you are keen to support in any way you can.


As always any suggestions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me directly OR use the "soapbox" button on the website.

Enjoy!

Elisabethe Dank
Chief Executive Officer


ALGA is continually building on its library of resources on the website under the resources – papers tab. However, please note, this is a member benefit only – a password will have been provided in your membership confirmation email. Want to become a member click here for details

This website section includes copies of recordings, Powerpoint presentations and/or event summary reports for ALGA events held – click
here



Just added recently:



Managing CLM Project Risks With a One-team Vision. Click here


Managing Legacy Landfill Contamination. Click here


Effective Contaminated Land Consenting. Click here


Redeveloping Landfills.
Click here


AUGUST 2017
Events listed below shows events scheduled for the current month only. To view our complete events calendar click here All fees indicated are listed excluding GST.
Contamination and Health Issues from Methamphetamine Contaminated Properties

Cost: AU$25 (ALGA members) AU$60 everybody else

When: Wednesday, 9 August

Where: Newcastle


Click here for more information and to register
The Planning System and Site Contamination: Refining Processes

Cost: AU$25 (ALGA members) AU$60 everybody else

When: Tuesday, 15 August

Where: Adelaide


Click here for more information and to register

Emerging Knowledge & Risks Plus DEHP Update

Cost: AU$25 (ALGA members) AU$60 everybody else

When: Tuesday, 15 August

Where: Brisbane


Click here for more information and to register
Barangaroo: From Dormant to Developed

Cost: AU$25 (ALGA members) AU$60 everybody else

When: Wednesday, 16 August

Where: Sydney


Click here for more information and to register
Risky Business

Cost: AU$25 (ALGA members) AU$60 everybody else

When: Thursday, 17 August

Where: Wagga Wagga


Click here for more information and to register
Consenting Groundwater Discharges

Cost: $100 + GST (ALGA members) AU$150 everybody else

When: Thursday, 17 August

Where: Auckland


Click here for more information and to register
ALGA Student Tour of Contaminated Site
with University of Western Australia

When: Tuesday, 22 August

Where: Perth


Save the date!
Industry Insights – The Changing Face of the Environmental Sector

When: Tuesday, 29 August

Where: Perth

Click here for more information and to register


The Biggest Threats and the Greatest Advocates

When: Wednesday, 16 August

Where: Melbourne


Save the date!