Logan and Albert Conservation Association
Biosecurity Queensland classes camphor laurel as a Class 3 weed - meaning it cannot be sold and should be removed because it is capable of replacing native trees and disrupting power facilities.
Yet changing the proposed route of the proposed line to protect such a tree this is the only request that ENERGEX staff are accepting. This story appears in the ALBERT AND LOGAN TIMES Wednesday, 11 March 2009 which you can read here 
030911_energex_save_weed.pdf 181.23 Kb 11/03/2009, 12:45
VETO had a public rally 2pm Saturday 14 March at Logan Village Green.
Visit their website www.veto.org.au to find out how you can help this campaign to protect the iconic Logan River.
Contact spokesperson Marie Slingsby for further information.
Logan and Albert Conservation supports this campaign
Dear Candidate,
Climate change is one of the most significant global threats facing humanity and is of major public concern in Australia. Yet we find that substantive action on climate change within the state of Queensland is sadly lacking.
The Queensland election is a significant opportunity to commit to developing and implementing legislative action that will begin to reduce our state's inexcusably large greenhouse gas footprint, contribute to protecting our natural and productive areas of significance such as the Great Barrier Reef, and commit to prioritising the food and energy security of current and future generations of Queenslanders. Read the whole letter here.
Coal 4 Breakfast? It's a question and a statement all in one, and a catchcry many Queensland farmers hope the State's city consumers will consider in the run-up to the March 21 State election. In 2008 a mining development licence was granted by the State government to Tarong Energy Corporation to develop a coal mine on prime agricultural land. There is a State Planning Policy SSP which claims it protects good quality agricultural land GQAL.
FutureFood Queensland, an apolitical body formed by a group of concerned farmers and rural businesspeople, this week launched a media blitz on Brisbane and its surrounds to make urban consumers aware of the issue and place it firmly on the election agenda.
This election is a huge opportunity for us to work together to secure new and exciting commitments from the political parties. We need to ensure the next State Government takes strong action on climate change and protects our koalas, our endangered species, our biodiversity, rivers and unique animals and plants
There are four key ways you can help :
1. Contact the leaders of the parties - all of them as well as the candidates in your local area.
A simple email to the political leaders in this crucial time can make a big difference in promoting your ideas. Telling them why protecting the environment is important and asking them what their party will do if elected is a simple and effective action.
Anna Bligh - Labor Party: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lawrence Springborg - Liberal-National Party: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ronan Lee - Greens: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Join a team whose campaigns you support and help
3. Make your vote count
4. Make a valid submission on the draft SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND REGIONAL PLAN - closes 3 April 2009.
Nature Deficit Disorder and its emotional and behavioural affects on children is becoming a hot topic world wide as more of the earth's citizens live in cities and towns. Planet Ark reports recently of the research and writings of American author and nature leader Richard Louv. We know that sitting around, as well as putting on weight, impairs kids in the long run. But now studies say that kids in touch with their natural world are healthier, perform better in school and have better self-images. They learn initiative and judgement. They use creative kinds of play.
The latest edition of Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods has updated research confirming that direct exposure to nature is essential for the physical and emotional health of children and adults.
Richard Louv's website includes links to other books, and numerous articles discussing this essential connection to nature. I recommend A Walk in the Woods Right or privilege? by Richard Louv published online in the March/April2009 issue of Orion magazine.
Queensland's economy has been based on many polluting industries taking us on a crash course towards climate catastrophe. Clean and green industries exist such as those based on renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable water management, sustainable food production and eco-tourism to name a few. These can deliver new green jobs for Queenslanders. Queensland needs a stronger biodiversity protection framework, a commitment to sustainable water policies and a legislated ban on uranium mining.
Queensland's State of the Region Report had little positive to report. Link comming soon.
Australian Conservation Foundation ACF is keeping a close eye the policy announcements of the major parties - but we can all help to put the pressure on over the next weeks until 21 March 2009. Consider taking action now by doing some of the following -
1. Visit ACF website to find out more about the CONSERVATION policies ACF is calling for
2. Write a letter to your local newspaper
3. Call talk back radio
4. Call or visit the office of your local candidates to ask about their commitments to the environment
5. Tell all your friends about the issues
ACF will be publishing a scorecard of the major parties policy commitments to the environment in the week leading up to the election - stay tuned!
On the 10th December, 2008 the Australian Koala Foundation nominated South East Queensland's koala population as critically endangered. The Federal Government bureaucrats say the form 'was not filled in correctly.'
IF YOU CARE about the future of the koala in South East Queensland - and especially South West Logan, then please phone write and email the key politicians.
With the Queensland state election coming, you can use the links here at the Koala Foundation to generate a letter to the key political decision makers involved to support the nomination.
Getup current campaign alerts all citizens to this rather anomalous situation. Millions of ordinary people are taking personal actions to reduce their energy use and greenhouse gases.
Under the proposed scheme to reduce emissions 5-15%, the other aspect is that the big polluters will be able to increase emissions.
GetUp National Director Simon Sheikh through questions asked of the Department of Climate Change and the Commonwealth Treasury presents this information.
Target Range:
The Government?s household support package, its industry support package and the carbon price it is using are all based on a 5% target. So while they are attempting to package this up as a 5-15% target range, they are in actuality locking in a meaningless 5%. The Government did not, as expected, leave the door open to a 25% target. The target can ONLY be changed AFTER 2020.
Thank you to the reporters of Jimbooma Times for attending and covering community meetings. Many residents are interested in their community but are unable to attend meetings.
Letters to the editors allow us to air our views - not all of which are published.
This following letter to the editor is important for a few reasons. One of these is that it is essential that accuracy of reporting is important. What may have been discussed around the topic either before or after the meeting should not be presented as decisions within the meeting.
LETTER reads:
AS a resident and a community worker I have an aversion to incorrect information being disseminated in the community.
The article 'New centre is needed' published in the Jimboomba Times, 18 February 2009, states that 'Greenbank residents have voiced their support for a New Community Centre'.
I was one of the handful of community members in attendance, this does not represent 'the Greenbank residents' .
At the meeting several notions were discussed and notes taken at the meeting do not reflect support for a 'New Community Centre' .
As this group was accepted as a 'working group' by the few in attendance there is no need for a hierarchy.
This group was also accepted as an nominated by the community. This allows for community participation and input into formalising the working group.
The article omits information that four community members were nominated from the floor and that two of the nominees accepted the invitation to be a part of the working group.
Looking for funds at this point is not a viable option, there is much to be done before submissions can be made for land or a building. It can only be a vision and goal to work towards if the community agrees that this is what they want. The decision needs to be based on a majority of residents and not just eight or nine members. I urge the community to voice their opinions and have real input into this project.
Felicity Senhenn Greenbank
People living in Logan are being encouraged via Council Comment of Jimboomba Times 25 February 2009 speak out and have a say.
Regional plan
OUR best asset is without a doubt our people and your opinions are being sought on the future of Logan and the south-east region.
The Draft South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 is now open for public comment.
Aimed at managing growth in a sustainable way, the draft plan will ensure the quality of life we enjoy in the south-east is protected and enhanced.
It tells us where and how the region will grow, guiding us to create well-planned developments. while also maintaining the existence of green space and environmental corridors. The draft plan is open for submissions until 3 April 2009, so I encourage you all to have your say and help shape our future.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Cr Ban on 3412 5912, 0411 869 027 or email at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
14 March 2009 Chambers Flat Community Hall is the venue for a community workshop to raise awareness, discuss issues, allow you opportunity to ask questions and have a say about the Draft South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 .
Cr Graham Able will be opening the community workshop with speakers from Logan and Albert Conservation Association, Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland and Environmental Defenders Organisation. [LACA, WPSQ and EDO].