Australia

Volume 42 Number 3 July 2014

People power

acfonline.org.au Volume 42 Number 3

habitat Australia is published by the Australian Conservation Foundation, News Regulars authorised by Kelly O’Shanassy CEO Inc. ABN 22 007 498 482 8 | An Ode to Ian’s Lowisms 3 | | In this issue Melbourne (Head office) Floor 1, 60 Leicester St Carlton VIC 3053 18 | A Little Sun goes a long way 4 | | Proofsheet Ph: 03 9345 1111 Freecall 1800 332 510 Fax: 03 9345 1166 19 | Wild things 5 | | Letter from the CEO Sydney Ph: 02 8270 9900 | Lighting the Spark | | Campaign updates Canberra 25 16 PO Box 2699, Canberra City, ACT 2601 Ph: 02 6247 2472 24 | | Ask the economist Cairns Suite 1/Level 1, 96 – 98 Lake St Features 28 | | EcoTravel Cairns QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4031 5760 Fax: 07 4031 3610 | | GreenHome Broome 30 PO Box 1868 (Lotteries House) 6 Broome WA 6725 31 | | EarthKids Ph: 08 9192 1936 Fax: 08 9192 1936 acfonline.org.au/habitat iPad app available at acfonline.org.au/habitatapp Power stations Face palm: Boycotts, bears ACF membership [email protected] We have a government that speaks in and biscuits 14 Chief Executive Officer self-obsessed sound bites and loves Old Palm plantations are taking over, fuelled Kelly O’Shanassy King Coal. But we have power. It’s not coal by our insatiable appetite for palm Editor fired or reactor based. It’s community oil. But Elizabeth McKinnon argues the Tabatha Fulker power, writes Dave Sweeney. federal government’s proposed changes [email protected] to boycott laws will leave us in the dark. Guest editor: Tessa Fluence Deputy editor: Jessie Borrelle Atmospheric shift Production editor: Livia Cullen 20 It’s going to be all hands on deck to Advertising 9 The Galilee take action on climate change, but Angie Leben Ph: 0407 087 040 People may say there’s Victoria McKenzie-McHarg knows with [email protected] Buckley’s chance of your help, we’re up to the task. Design keeping dirty coal in Hypergraphia | hypergraphia.com.au [email protected] the ground, but as history shows Jessie Copyright 26 Reproduction in whole or in part may Borrelle, that may only occur with the written permission be all that’s needed. of the editor. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily views of the Australian Conservation Foundation. ISSN 0310 – 2939 12 The long road to paradise Cover illustration: Hypergraphia habitat is printed on FSC® certified paper. Book Club Graham Tupper stands at a dusty fork An extract from Katherine in a long road. We cannot afford to take Boo’s tale of life, the wrong turn —​ ​ the future of northern death and hope in Australia hangs in the balance. the hidden world of Mumbai’s undercity.

2 In this issue Letters and tweets Tessa Fluence Most medical clinics have an assortment of relationship with the earth and Sometimes it seems like it’s hailing trashy magazines in the waiting room. I take move away from parasitic, the bet- sound bites. Open for business! Cut the my back issues of habitat along and donate ter we will be. tape! Stop the boats! Axe the tax! Our gov- them in the hope that people will read them Sue King, microbiologist ernments chant such mantras in the hope and absorb the messages. Maybe even join? they’ll tunnel like earworms into the minds I think you’re right, Sue — we must Peter Wilkinson of swing voters. move towards a more symbiotic re- Times are tough for our environment. lationship with our planet. In my Hope for a sustainable future is under at- article, I took the fable of the par- tack from all sides. But as you’ll read in this We need to connect to our own Indigenous asitic astronaut from the philoso- issue of habitat, we don’t have the luxury of dances. That’s why I became a Morris danc- pher Michel Serres as a metaphor despair. We’ve got work to do. er ​—​ a traditional (folkdance) from my old for the damage we’re doing to our In these pages you’ll find stories about homeland ​—​ we connect to the earth through environment. Like abusive parasit- power ​—​ people power. A kind of power solstice and May Day dances and dances ic astronauts, people are general- that is not coal fired or reactor based, but connected to local place. There should be ly not concerned about the health community powered. more of it! When you have your own dance of our planet. We hover up high We look at the power of people coming you are able to relate even more strongly to in sanitised cities, sucking out the together, our voices becoming a collective the Indigenous dances of others. Perhaps nutrients from nature and excret- roar demanding action on climate change. one day we can learn from the Indigenous el- ing only waste. I agree, the solution You’ll also find stories about keeping coal ders of this place and make a dance that con- is to change our relationship from in the ground; boycotting products con- nects our cultural heritage with the land we one of parasitic abuse to symbiotic taining palm oil; and navigating the long are now in. co-existence. Thanks for your letter! and bumpy road towards a sustainable fu- Imogen Wall Tessa Fluence ture for Australia’s north. We need people power to turn this ear- worm-infested ship around. We need to @AusConservation build a constituency for nature of active, I have read the Returning to Earth issue Friday night by the fire with choc passionate and committed citizens. We with interest but there is a mistake. chip bikies and the newest issue need to draw on the power of communi- There is a continuum between parasit- of habitat! Yay! Thank you ty. We need you. ic and symbiotic where a symbiont is able Writer and activist Arundhati Roy dares to use the host without hurting it at all and us to block out the earworms and listen for gives back. An example of this would be a different, people-powered sound. “An- nitrogen fixing bacteria and legumes. A Please email letters to other world is not only possible, she is parasitic infection of fungus on trees typi- [email protected] and include your on her way”, she writes. “And on a quiet cally attach to trees already dying and finish name and address. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. day, if I listen very carefully, I can hear her them off. The strangler fig is a parasite, par- breathing.” asitic worms kill. Join the habitat twitter ­conversation The reason I bring it to attention is that @AusConservation or like us on Facebook the more we move towards a symbiotic /AustralianConservationFoundation

Creating sustainable, edible gardens

Small Space Organics is a down-to- To win, email [email protected] earth book by Josh Byrne on creating with ‘Small Space Organics’ in the subject an innovative organic oasis in an line, and your name, address and phone urban residential landscape. number in the email body. Two lucky We have two copies to give away, thanks winners will be announced on August 1. to Hardie Grant (RRP $29.95, available And check out a fruity extract from in stores nationally from 1 August). the book on page 30 of habitat.

3 Proofsheet

Like a snake that sheds its skin, the Paperbark bark of the Saltwater Paperbark (Melaleuca cuticularis) peels off

Photo: Bette Devine, in thick white-grey sheets. Often waterlogged, it grows in estuarine Paperbarks at Stokes National Park, Western Australia. marshes, swamps and coastal floodplains in south-western Australia. Its bark, leaves, flowers and twigs fall into the water and decompose so → Visit acfonline.org.au/habitat­ the tree can recycle its nutrients back into the ecosystem. The Saltwater to download proofsheet images as your screen saver. Paperbark secretes salt crystals onto the surface of its bark, enabling it to thrive in saltwater. It is the only known plant to do so.

4 Letter from the CEO

Kelly O’Shanassy

It’s frightening. Our life support system paying attention to us, the very people who ul- is under more pressure than ever before and timately give them power. Let’sour future wellbeingroar is at risk. With your help, we need to massively grow But it doesn’t have to be that way. our ACF supporter base to hundreds of thou- We can live and thrive in harmony with na- sands of Australians. We will reach new people ​ ture. We can create jobs and businesses that —​ doctors, teachers, plumbers, electricians, peo- actually rebuild our natural capital rather than ple who vote Liberal, Labour, Green and oth- deplete it. We can repair the damage done and ers. People from all walks of life who will show pass on a safe climate and thriving environ- that protecting nature is not a partisan issue but ment to our children. the responsibility of all governments, all busi- There is nothing more Thanks to you, ACF is able to work towards ness leaders and all people. powerful than people the change we desperately need. We advocate And we’re getting organised. coming together to for a better future, for better ways of living and We will help you talk to your friends and tell our governments new ways of doing business that restore rather neighbours about why nature is important and enough is enough. than deplete nature. what needs to be done to protect and restore If they want to be in But to achieve this future, we have to change it. We will build teams of volunteers across the the way we advocate. country. There is nothing more powerful than government in this In the past we could bring smart, evidence­ people coming together to tell to our govern- country, they need based ideas to governments and they would ments that enough is enough. If they want to be to put nature back listen. But today, there seems to be a growing in government in this country, they need to put on the agenda ideological opposition to restoring nature. nature back on the agenda. Good ideas are no longer enough. This is a bold idea and it will take time. But In a world threatened by climate change, it is crazy to hamper it is an approach that has worked in the USA to the growth of clean energy and instead support the fossil fuel in- stop or close over 150 coal projects. And it will ACF’s new CEO, dustry. It is reckless to say we have too many national parks and to work here. Kelly O’Shanassy allow logging and development in them. And it’s just plain wrong Bono, the lead singer of U2, has a saying. to pollute the Great Barrier Reef, a precious natural wonder and a “The power of the people is greater than the global tourist attraction. people in power.” I believe this. And I believe But that is exactly what our governments are doing. They are that with your help, we can build and focus that not living up to their responsibilities as stewards of nature and power to protect nature and our future. guardians of our life support system. But we need to do this together. We need to Right now, we need you ​—​ and your voice ​—​ more than ever. reach new people together. We need to bring together the voices of the people until we roar I hope you will join me in this bold plan for and our governments listen. Our political leaders need to start our future.

Our heartfelt condolence to the family and gain national recognition as a foremost of Goolarabooloo senior lawman, Mr Roe. example of how to reconnect to Country. Mr Roe was an inspiration to us, stand- For a long time Mr Roe carried a very ing strong in the Kimberley at a time of great large responsibility. It was not an easy bur- threat to both its culture and the environment. den and he suffered many setbacks but to- As a leader he bridged the gap between tradi- day Country and culture are stronger for tional culture and the environment making it his efforts and we can only thank him. Mr Roe’s family easier for groups and individuals to join with Great leaders stand up when most need- have given permis- him and the Roe family in their struggle. ed and Mr Roe never let us down. We will sion to print his name and photo. During his time, we have seen the Lurujar- continue in his example. ri heritage trail grow in strength and popularity,

5 Feature

Power stations Activism is our planetary rent. The rent has increased.

Let me cut to the chase. We’ve got society and we’re uniting with civil society partners to form a Dave a government with language mangled and vi- shield wall that resists the wave that is swelling before us. We’ve Sweeney sion poor. These are difficult days for advanc- got a lot of experience in this game; we’ve lost plenty of skin. But ing our agenda and our value set. We’ve got a there is more than skin to lose in this game. PM who speaks in sound bites and a monopo- There’s the hard work of our campaigners and hundreds of lised media that lets him. Stop the boats. Axe thousands of Australians to save Tassie’s magnificent old growth the tax. Cut the tape. forests. That protection is under attack. We risk losing those mag- The 2013 federal election nificent bark cathedrals. was an uninspired campaign There’s the work we have done in holding the line against in- We have where the environment didn’t appropriate development in the north. Holding the line against get up. What’s more, vision dams, a mining monoculture, fossil fuel subsidies and environ- power. It’s not didn’t get up. It was a race to mental exceptions. coal fired or the bottom, and that wasn’t There’s still too much support for Old King Coal, increased through a lack of effort from talk about nuclear power, and continued refusal to accept that reactor based. ENGOs or others. We had in- Australian uranium fuelled Fukushima. Our government is turn- sipid and self obsessed man- ing its back on renewables ​—​ demonising the impacts of wind Community tras of build the cars and stop power, denigrating the potential of other clean energy sources the boats ​—​ and they weren’t and decommissioning the very structures that will protect Aus- power is base talking about coal or uranium tralians from the devastating effects of climate change. load power, it is export boats. The love affair with coal and uranium continues in the Aus- Almost a year on, we know tralian resources sector. Like a Crazy John’s ad the mantra of always there there are even harder times “Cut tape, cut tape, cut tape, all tape must go.” Red, green, black. ahead —​ hard times defend- Even the old Stevie Wonder tape in the glove box. ing our hard-won gains. There’s a mad rush to That’s the context: It’s ugly, it’s tough days and it’s important fast track developments, unravel world-class ad- for us to get tough. Not mean, there’ll be plenty of people getting vances and throw long-held environmental pro- mean. It’s important for us to get tough in the defense of what we tections overboard. Progressive policies ​—​ the value and what we love. blueprints for a better world ​—​ are becoming There are new entrants in the senate and returning members of subservient to the narrow interests of corpo- the federal parliament ​—​ some empathetic to our worldview. Now, rate agendas. there are not enough of them, but there’s a solid platform to build There is a lot at stake: a decent, inclusive, and a base on. Many people do not subscribe to the two party idea of equitable country; a livable, sustainable, habita- continual growth economics. We need to reach those people and ble future. We play a key part in Australian civil assist their journey from disaffection to constructive engagement.

6 Power stations

Our supporters don’t turn up to avoid a fine and tick a box. Whether we work inside In the absence You stand with us. You donate your time and hard-earned money the tent or outside the tent, it so that we can stand up. We have skilled people and people skills. doesn’t matter so much. What of national Competent, committed campaigners. Steady and skilled commu- matters is our intent, our fo- leadership, nity organisers, good ideas and fresh avenues. We’ll work the cus, our efforts and our hope. traps, avoid the traps ​—​ and set some traps. Hope, humour and hard work people across It’s important to remember that we have been here before. are going to be vital for the Together we have been doing this work for nearly five decades. coming months. The stakes are Australia will have We’ve authored great victories and we have collectively tran- high and we are in the game. to lead instead ​ scended some profound losses. Activism is our planetary rent. We can draw on our experience working with conservative The rent has increased. — Ian​ Lowe governments. In Western Australia, ACF played a key role in the I’ll finish with an anecdote. profoundly important efforts to oppose the James Price Point gas Many years ago, I received a phone call from a project and delay uranium mining, both against the odds. senior executive in a now defunct mining com- In Queensland we pushed for land handovers, significant to pany asking me to save the day for a September long-term institutional changes in reserve management. Our ap- 1999 date. I asked why. He said that he wanted to proach works ​—​ because it’s evidence based, because it’s measured. see my face at the opening of the Jabiluka ura- Our credibility and recognition with a range of shareholders and nium mine in Kakadu. That was over 14 years players, including conservatives, is vital. ago. The Jabiluka site has been rehabilitated and Still, we are going to need to be oppositional, we are going to there is no mine. And we stopped it ​—​ people need to be constructive, we are going to need to be creative in stopped it ​—​ the Mirarr Traditional Owners and shaping what is a new and changing landscape. We have to work many thousands of supporters around Austral- harder and we have to work smarter if we’re going to evolve. ia, and the world. Hopefully a wider political discourse will evolve alongside. It’s been said the most common way that Ian Lowe, our wizened outgoing president, shared these words people give up their power is by thinking that recently, “For at least the next few years, the prospects for environ- they don’t have any. But we do have power. We mental leadership from the current federal government look bleak. have agency. We have responsibility. We do not Nearly a generation ago, I signed off the firstState of the Environ- have the luxury of despair. ment by stressing that while we had found Australia faced serious It’s not coal fired or reactor based but we do environmental challenges, most of those problems did have solu- have power. Community power is base load tions. Today, that’s still true. power, it is always there. We live here and we “But environmental organisations are increasingly seeing it as are not vacating the field. futile to attempt to persuade closed minds in Canberra. Instead, Arundhati Roy says, “Another world is not they are putting more effort into engaging with community only possible, she is on her way and on a quiet groups and concerned citizens to change the political framework day I can hear her breathing”. in which governments operate. “Ordinary people are voting with their wallets to install solar pan- → Our future is action.org.au els and save more energy at home. Movements like Lock the Gate → watch Dave Sweeney at acfonline.org.au/ are the mood of the future, uniting rural producers, scientists and community-power and environmentalists to protect productive land. In the absence of na- → Download habitat the iPad magazine for the tional leadership, people across Australia will have to lead instead.” full article at acfonline.org.au/habitatapp

7 News

An ode to Ian’s Lowe-isms

Ian Lowe, In his decade as ACF president, Ian Lowe has been a ACF president remarkable leader. He is a master storyteller, able to capture 2004–2014 an audience and convey complex ideas with wit and care. 3. Advocating nuclear power as the response As we say farewell, here are six of our favourite Lowe-isms: to climate change is like promoting smoking as a cure for obesity. 1. As sailing lore says, we cannot choose which wind will blow, but we can set the sail. Skilful sailors can 4. Anything that makes the Gross use whatever wind is blowing to sail in the direction Domestic Product more gross appears they chose. We should be aware of large-scale good by that mindless calculus. forces, but we should also be thinking about where we want to go, and setting our sails accordingly. 5. What gives me hope is that human systems can transform radically almost overnight. 2. There is no prospect of being rescued from this planet by friendly aliens or of fleeing to 6. We should always remember, the another planet if this one becomes uninhabitable ​ future is not somewhere we are going, —​ this Earth is the only home we have. it is something we are creating.

Your living legacy An exceptional gift You can leave a gift of a healthy planet An Australia full of wild places, With your enduring and a healthy future in your will. clear flowing rivers and abundant commitment and support wildlife. Where people live in ACF can achieve this vision. Your legacy will be a world where harmony with the environment majestic ancient forests stand tall. Your living legacy — an and face a better future, together. Where a healthy climate supports exceptional gift indeed. all living things. To leave a living legacy through your will please contact Nola Wilmot today at ACF 1800 332 510 or [email protected]

8 130614-@ACF-bequest1/2pagead-06-FINAL.indd 1 14/06/13 12:22 PM Feature The Galilee People may say there’s Buckley’s chance of keeping dirty coal in the ground, but history shows us that may be all that’s needed. Jessie Borrelle

This is where I live. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. No One afternoon in late April Bruce relayed his matter what happens I won’t end up in the city. Bruce Currie’s hands story to a weary but attentive set of souls ​—​ 40 twitch softly in his trouser pockets, as well fed sparrows would of us united by a convoy of cars, vans, a 30-seat- settle into a warm nest. His words crackle with the coarse weight er bus, and a compulsion to witness firsthand of a man who had come to know himself in places he never knew the dirty shadow coal mining has cast over the he’d visit, and on his return had worn his convictions through to communities that draw their livelihoods from the soles. No easy feat in a pair of Blundstones. the Galilee Basin. Bruce musters 2000 head of cattle on his property, Speculation, The Currie family property is 12 kilometres with his wife and jillaroo Annette, a handful of dogs and a muscu- from the Alpha project site where Hancock-GVK lar, dreaded Maremma (dreaded in fur not in temperament) ​—​ the hopes to exhume 32 mega tonnes of thermal mythologised canine guardian of vulnerable livestock. On occa- coal per annum, which will, after being burnt, sion Bruce tosses out his seven-syllabled mantra, personal develop- contribute an estimated 64.7 million tonnes per ment ​—​ which he has come to use as a way to chalk up, and digest, annum of CO2 into the atmosphere. Like most unwelcome experiences ​—​ including an unplanned career change packets of land across the Galilee, ­Speculation’s from agriculturalist to amateur appellant and expensive exer- 25,000 drought prone hectares hosts water cises self-representing in the Queensland Land Court (close to bores that draw from the Great Artisan Basin ​ $100,000 at last count). How does a grazier end up in a state land —​ the world’s largest and deepest artisan basin ​ court? By daring to resist Hancock-GVK’s unsupported claims —​ to supply the land, livestock and Currie fam- that their proposed mining operation would have no impact on ily with vital hydration. the farms groundwater supply. Despite the critical role the Basin’s aquifers play in supplying a reliable source of clean wa- ter, and frequent cries of “we will rehabilitate” from the coal and gas extraction sector, the envi- Bruce Currie ronmental impacts on groundwater by intensive Photo: J. Borrelle mining operations have come under sustained criticism. The onus to both monitor and regu- late the health of the catchment, to measure and forecast water use and risks ​—​ such as contam- ination from mine bores and coal dust ​—​ falls on the shoulders of the operating compa- ny. Cold comfort for pastoralists, graziers and landholders who are forced to rely on vested parties ​—​ renowned for overselling the opportunities and downplaying the risks while studiously understating uncertainty ​ —​ to behave transparently and frankly about the impacts on their most precious resource. Annette Currie, who shoulders the lion’s share of the farm labour while Bruce pours over legal texts, scouring legislation that might armor him and his water supply against a re- lentless mining giant, says it simply, though

9 Feature

without dry eyes, “The long and short of it is we deviations of Buckley’s chance Bruce meant to conjure, a grain want to protect our groundwater. If we lose our from each past parable can be sown into the present. groundwater, we lose our business”. A business Whether it was drawn from the example of one Mr Buckley, resi- the Queensland state government has little in- dent of the Bombala region of New South Wales, who sued his gov- terest in protecting ​—​ highlighting further an all ernment in an attempt to retain land title, with little faith that he too common preference for propping up short- would succeed. Whether it was yet another Buckley, a Mars Buck- term foreign investment, while neglecting the ley, who in 1893 made certain the Bank of Australasia wouldn’t rights of Australia’s primary food producers. have a chance to funnel his capital to other investors to trade off Curiously food security, one of the red flags the bank’s losses. Or whether Buckley’s chance belonged to the es- of an ever-unstable climate, is still not regis- caped Victorian convict of Irish-origin who was welcomed into a tering on either the federal or state agenda. As local Indigenous tribe sometime in early 1800s, through happen- Bruce said to Brisbane’s Rural Weekly, “At the stance or mistaken identity. (Legend has it Buckley unearthed a end of the day, we feel that a lot of these issues ceremonial stick from an Aboriginal grave, and when sighted with should be resolved by the government”. it, was assumed to be the ashen ghost of the deceased). Misguided priorities and uneducated deci­ It doesn’t really matter. Any three of these mythical Buckley’s sions continue to erode the little faith much that Bruce invoked have one thing in common. They are testa- of the farming communities have left in local ment to the Australian spirit ​—​ to the quiet tenacity of an unlikely government’s commitment to taking the long- hero, an underdog, or the fierce determination of a parent to pro- term impacts on Australia’s natural resources tect their children’s future. seriously. This was one of the considerations But indulge me a moment while I propose another alterative that propelled Bruce to run for the seat of Greg- of Buckley’s chance. This version could be the namesake of Tim ory as an independent in the 2012 state election. Buckley, the director of energy finance studies at the Institute of He lost to the Labor candidate Jack O’Brien, Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, and author of Strand- who had never set foot in the region to witness ed, a report that independently analysed the financial status of firsthand the volatile landscape that suffers the the Adani group and their coal, rail and port proposal, evaluat- brunt of the volatile legislation that divines the ed its commerciality while illuminating the key risks associated livelihood of much of his electorate. with the project. Or, as Buckley succinctly said to me in a clarify- ing phone call, “to air their dirty linen that they had so carefully green washed”. According to a study Tim Buckley was occupying one of on the 36 seats of 350.org and Lock the Gate’s journey into inland Queensland. Thirty six conducted by Oxford of us from all manner of backgrounds with all manner of moti- vations for warming a cushion in the convoy, had converged at University, the fossil fuel Friends of the Earth in Brisbane. Tim’s motivation? “I wanted to divestment movement is the witness the death of coal first-hand.” Seeing the landscape Buckley had so fastidiously studied drove fastest growing divestment the key findings of his analysis home, “The scale of the landscape does highlight the impossibility of the lack of [coal mining] in- movement in history frastructure”. And yet, despite Stranded’s analysis that the con- tinued fall of international coal prices, coupled with the surge in “The Great Artesian Basin is the only reliable China-led renewable market, Adani, the Queensland and federal source of freshwater across a massive swathe government and even the International Energy Agency can still of inland Australia”, says Jonathan La Nauze, be heard howling into the wind, emphatic claiming that India ACF’s healthy ecosystem’s campaign manager. and China are hungry for thermal coal. Not coking coal, the “The consequences of accidentally poisoning it Mercedes-Benz of coal, but rather the lovingly bathed (in scarce with fracking chemicals, coal dust or draining it artisanal water) thermal variety, the Datsun 180Y of coal. of freshwater would be catastrophic for wildlife, Stranded has landed on the desks of all major investors of the for farming and for a whole way of life. I’d be various Galilee proposals. “If it provokes the banks to research worried too.” firsthand the issues that we’ve raised then it has achieved its pur- Bruce’s Akubra slants against the sun as he pose,” says Tim. The report’s publication coincides with national shuffles toward the trestle bearing cups of tea, divestment campaigns run by Market Forces and 350.org target- coffee and milk, “If we couldn’t protect our ing the four main banks (ANZ, Commonwealth, NAB and West- own business, we had Buckley’s chance of pro- pac) who have collectively poured an estimated $19 billion into tecting the community, and the environment”. fossil fuel developments over the last six years, and who dream No matter which of the three popular historic of funding these stranded-assets-in-waiting.

10 The Galilee

Asking Australians to hold these banks, the custodians of the likely to be unprofitable for the life of its pro- majority of the nation’s money, accountable for their investment duction. We want to transition our economy to in environmentally destructive coal and gas projects has proven a low carbon future and the faster we get on to be a tactic that resonates. with that the faster we get there.” According to a study conducted by Oxford University, the fos- As we swallow the last of our tea and are mus- sil fuel divestment movement is the fastest growing divestment tered back onto the idling bus, Bruce Bruce, eyes movement in history. Recent research in Australia by the Cen- glistening under the rusted roof of his grazed hat, tre for Social Responsibility in Mining shows that public dissent, pitches it this way, “What’s this country worth lengthy and costly legal battles by activists and landholders in when the mining is finished? The best way to Queensland, and large bouts of customer divestment is costing keep coal in the ground is if we have an alterna- mining companies in lost revenue from delayed production. “By tive source of energy”. It’s hard not to hope that, moving their money to banks which do not fund fossil fuel pro- with the likes of the Currie’s on the sunnier side jects, individuals are making a statement that it is not socially of history, we do have a (Tim) Buckley’s chance at acceptable to profit from the destruction of our planet”, explains turning this ship around. Market Force’s lead campaigner Julien Vincent. When pressed on whether the fight was worth it, personal de- velopment and six figure sums aside, there was no hesitation in No matter which of the three Bruce Currie’s response, “We could have chosen the easier path, popular historic deviations of but it’s pretty shameful to pass this problem to the next generation and say ‘sorry we didn’t fix it’”. Buckley’s chance Bruce meant The hunger for clean energy, is much more ferocious than the to conjure, a grain from each hunger for coal. So why, against best practice economic analysis that forecasts deeper trends away from dirty energy and the rise past parable can be sown into of a global renewable market, does our government insist that demand for fossil fuels is growing? the present “They have consistently underestimated the real clean energy sources of renewables and they’ve undersold the merits and oversold the costs, says Tim Buckley. They understate the magnitude of the roll out of renewables and the magnitude of cost reductions that are evident in the technology. It’s just an attempt to ignore the inevitable transition of a low-carbon economy. With that fundamental error in their analysis they give too much credibility to incumbent industries. It’s a bit like the development of the internet and mobile phone markets over the past decade, the incumbents were the last to realise they were the dinosaurs”. In a political environment where our lead- ers are legislating against the futurelegislating against the future and best practice, what does the Australian government’s schizophrenic ap- proach to renewable policy settings mean for our clean energy market and our future? “It will materially negatively impact our ability to transition. It also means that the incumbent fossil fuel industry continues to invest in last century’s technologies and therefore the risk of stranded assets goes up with every year”, says Tim. “The last thing you want to do is have a stop- start policy. You need to build up capacity, expertise and financial Photo: J. Borrelle market understanding and you have the scientific, engineering, → Find out more about climate change: financial and operational skills in place to leverage that up.” acfonline.org.au/climate-change “The Galilee is one of the biggest potential fossil fuel stranded → For an extended version of this article and assets in the world so hence why our focus is on the Galilee, a to see a photo gallery, download habitat group of mines that will cost tens of billions of dollars and is the iPad magazine at acfonline.org.au/ habitatapp

11 Feature

Behind the Beautiful

Katherine Boo

ForeversJuly 17, 2008—Mumbai. Midnight was closing in, the one-legged wom- all the years he could remember, he’d been buying and selling to an was grievously burned, and the Mumbai po- recyclers the things that richer people threw away. Photo: Lecercle, lice were coming for Abdul and his father. In a Now Abdul grasped the need to disappear, but beyond that Flickr cc slum hut by the international airport, Abdul’s his imagination flagged. He took off running, then came back parents came to a decision with an uncharacter- home. The only place he could think to hide was in his garbage. istic economy of words. The father, a sick man, He cracked the door of the family hut and looked out. His would wait inside the trash-strewn, tin-roofed home sat midway down a row of hand-built, spatchcock dwell- shack where the family of eleven resided. He’d ings; the lop-sided shed where he stowed his trash was just next go quietly when arrested. Abdul, the household door. To reach this shed unseen would deprive his neighbors of earner, was the one who had to flee. the pleasure of turning him in to the police. Abdul’s opinion of this plan had not been so- He didn’t like the moon, though: full and stupid bright, illu- licited, typically. Already he was mule-brained minating a dusty open lot in front of his home. Across the lot with panic. He was sixteen years old, or may- were the shacks of two dozen other families, and Abdul feared be nineteen ​—​ his parents were hopeless with he wasn’t the only person peering out from behind the cover of dates. Allah, in His impenetrable wisdom, had a plywood door. Some people in this slum wished his family ill cut him small and jumpy. A coward: Abdul said because of the old Hindu-Muslim resentments. Others resented it of himself. He knew nothing about eluding his family for the modern reason, economic envy. Doing waste policemen. What he knew about, mainly, was work that many Indians found contemptible, Abdul had lifted trash. For nearly all the waking hours of nearly his large family above subsistence.

12 Book Club

The open lot was quiet, at least ​—​ freakishly so. A kind of beach- with contentions, new and ancient, over which front for a vast pool of sewage that marked the slum’s eastern bor- he was determined not to trip. For Annawadi der, the place was bedlam most nights: people fighting, cooking, was also magnificently positioned for a traffick- flirting, bathing, tending goats, playing cricket, waiting for water er in rich people’s garbage. at a public tap, lining up outside a little brothel, or sleeping off the effects of the grave-digging liquor dispensed from a hut two doors down from Abdul’s own. The pressures that built up in crowded He knew nothing about eluding huts on narrow slumlanes had only this place, the maidan, to es- cape. But after the fight, and the burning of the woman called the policemen. What he knew One Leg, people had retreated to their huts. Now, among the feral pigs, water buffalo, and the usual bel- about, mainly, was trash. For ly-down splay of alcoholics, there seemed to be just one watchful nearly all the waking hours of presence: a small, unspookable boy from Nepal. He was sitting, arms around knees, in a spangly blue haze by the sewage lake ​ nearly all the years he could —​ the reflected neon signage of a luxury hotel across the water. Abdul didn’t mind if the Nepali boy saw him go into hiding. This remember, he’d been buying and kid, Adarsh, was no spy for the police. He just liked to stay out selling to recyclers the things late, to avoid his mother and her nightly rages. It was as safe a moment as Abdul was going to get. He bolted for the trash shed that richer people threw away and closed the door behind him. Inside was carbon-black, frantic with rats, and yet relieving. Abdul and his neighbours were squatting on His storeroom ​—​ 120 square feet, piled high to a leaky roof with land that belonged to the Airports Authority of the things in this world Abdul knew how to handle. Empty wa- India. Only a coconut-tree-lined thoroughfare ter and whiskey bottles, mildewed newspapers, used tampon separated the slum from the entrance to the applicators, wadded aluminum foil, umbrellas stripped to the international terminal. Serving the airport cli- ribs by monsoons, broken shoelaces, yellowed Q-tips, snarled entele, and encircling Annawadi, were five ex- cassette tape, torn plastic casings that once held travagant hotels: four ornate, marbly megaliths imitation Barbies. Somewhere in the darkness, and one sleek blue-glass Hyatt, from the top- there was a Berbee or Barblie itself, maimed in floor windows of which Annawadi and several one of the experiments to which children who adjacent squatter settlements looked like villag- had many toys seemed to subject those toys no es that had been airdropped into gaps between longer favored. Abdul had become expert, over elegant modernities. the years, at minimizing distraction. He placed “Everything around us is roses” is how Ab- all such dolls in his trash pile tits-down. dul’s younger brother, Mirchi, put it. “And we’re Avoid trouble. This was the operating prin- the shit in between.” ciple of Abdul Hakim Husain, an idea so fierce- ly held that it seemed imprinted on his physical form. He had deep-set eyes and sunken cheeks, a body work- hunched and wiry ​—​ the type that claimed less than its fair share of space when This is an edited extract of Behind the ­Beautiful threading through people-choked slumlanes. Al- Forevers, a tale of life, death and hope in the most everything about him was recessed save hidden world of Mumbai’s undercity. the pop-out ears and the hair that curled upward, Published by Scribe. girlish, whenever he wiped his forehead of sweat. A modest, missable presence was a useful thing in Annawadi, the sumpy plug of slum in which he lived. Here, in the thriving western suburbs of the Indian financial capital, three thousand How will Abdul’s tender hopes intersect with the great global people had packed into, or on top of, 335 huts. It was a continu- truths of inequality and tumultuous change? To find out, join al coming-and- going of migrants from all over India ​—​ Hindus Book Club! Brought to you by ACF and Scribe, it’s a magical mainly, from all manner of castes and subcastes. His neighbors place beyond petitions and protests where environmentally- represented beliefs and cultures so various that Abdul, one of minded book lovers meet up to yarn about all things eco. the slum’s three dozen Muslims, could not begin to understand them. He simply recognized Annawadi as a place booby-trapped → where storytelling meets you! action.org.au/bookclub

13 Feature Face palm: Boycotts, bears and biscuits Elizabeth McKinnon

Start in your fridge. Pick up an item, You might be familiar with the anti-palm oil movement that any item. You might find margarine, a tube of has gained momentum over the past decade. Yet how do you ice-cream, a pack of feta or ready-to-eat lasagna. find out whether you are inadvertently supporting environmen- Photo: Rainforest Squint to read the fine print. Among the long tal destruction? You can’t read it on the product labels, but fortu- Action Network, list of recognisable and unrecognisable ingredi- nately you can look up a guide on the internet or find a handbook Flickr cc ents, chances are you’ll also find vegetable fat from an environmental or consumer group. Organisations such or vegetable oil. But it’s unlikely the labels will as Palm Oil Action and WWF have released shopping guides to include palm oil ​—​ even though it’s probable all help consumers identify unlabelled palm oil. these products contain it. However, the Abbott government wants to change this, with Now open your pantry: biscuits, peanut but- new laws that would leave organisations who encourage boy- ter, doughnuts, potato chips, breakfast cereal, cat cotts for environmental and consumer protection reasons open food, chewing gum, chocolate, noodles … And to prosecution. your bathroom cupboard? Shampoo, lipstick, But first, why all the hoopla about palm oil? Let me take you to soap, deodorant, moisturiser, wax, toothpaste … Sabah in Malaysia Borneo, where I visited in March. All of these products, too, probably contain palm One drizzly afternoon, I found myself in the Bornean Sun Bear oil, though it’s unlikely their labels will include it. Conservation Centre in Sepilok, Sabah. The centre is home to 33 Palm oil is the world’s most widely pro- Malaysian sun bears. They live much like wild bears, climbing, duced vegetable oil, found in an astonishing ar- foraging and playing in the forest. They feast on ants, fruit, bee ray of everyday household products and food, larvae and honey. But this is not a zoo. As a visitor you can pay and even biofuel. Yet it’s almost impossible a small fee to wander onto a viewing platform and try your luck. to know this ​—​ and Australian labelling laws At the sun bear centre, I met my new conservation hero. Dr mean product labels needn’t Siew Te Wong or ‘Wong’ as he is known, is a vet and animal hus- Palm oil is found in an even mention it. bandry specialist turned wildlife biologist and researcher who astonishing array of Eighty five per cent of the has devoted his life to the conservation of endangered species in everyday household world’s palm oil comes from the Bornean rainforest. Borneo is famous for its orang-utans, but Indonesia and Malaysia, and there are many other less well-known victims of the extensive products. Yet it’s almost much of it is unsustainably har- palm oil and forestry industry in Sabah ​—​ like Bornean sun bears. impossible to keep track vested. Plantations devastate Wong rehouses homeless cubs that have grown too big or of —​ and​ Australian the environment through de- become too aggressive in the cages in which locals keep them labelling laws mean forestation, habitat destruction, as pets, or that have become homeless due to deforestation. But animal cruelty, climate change the sad reality is that even if Wong had the funding to prepare a product labels needn’t and the displacement of criti- sun bear for release back into the wild, where would he release even mention it cally endangered species. it? Palm plantations have encroached steadily on the forest, and

14 Face palm: Boycotts, bears and biscuits because of the world’s insatiable appetite for palm oil, there is motivated by environmental groups cam- very little habitat left. The tiny pockets of remaining forest are paigning against old-growth logging, unstain- already at capacity ​—​ and the endearingly small ‘forgotten bears’ able fishing, live-animal exports and palm oil. simply cannot survive outside of the forest. Indeed the government’s response could be Avoiding products that contain unsustainable palm oil is seen as a reflection of the success of campaigns a no-brainer for many of us. But how can you find out which that sought to uncover the environmental im- products to avoid? There is a strong lobbying effort to change pacts of particular industries. Australia’s product labelling regulations so consumers can see for themselves, but until then, we need information from those It is impossible to understand the environmental in the know. impact of a product without information. Environmental and conservation groups ​—​ like ACF ​—​ have But if the federal government has its way, long played a vital role in educating consumers on the environ- mental impacts of the products they buy. Our Sustainable Sea- organisations providing information on food Assessment Program, for example, gives restaurants and for the environmental impacts of products consumers information from leading marine scientists, so they might soon be open to prosecution can make sustainable seafood choices. Groups such as Palm Oil Action do the same thing with shopping guides for palm oil. We think the aim of the Competition and Con- This is an important and legitimate role, acknowledged in sumer Act is ‘to enhance the welfare of Austral- Australia’s consumer laws. The federal Competition and Consumer ians through the promotion of competition and Act 2010 (once known as the Trade Practices Act 1974) contains fair trading and provision for consumer pro- ‘secondary boycott’ provisions, which in essence prohibit a party tections.’ It is not to prevent scrutiny of the en- from boycotting a product that results in causing substantial loss vironmental impacts of company practices. of damage to a business. If the reforms go ahead, there will be big re- On the face of it, this would include an environmental organi- percussions for environmental campaigns which sation which encourages members of the public to cease purchas- seek to highlight unsustainable practices. And ing certain products for environmental reasons. there will be implications for you and me, as However, in 1996 the Howard government acknowledged we stand in the shops trying to use our dollars there should be exemptions to this law for public interest reasons. wisely. Without the support and information At the moment, this means a person or organisation is not break- from boycott campaigns, how else can we know ing the law if: which packet of biscuits will help Wong save the “(a) the dominant purpose for which the conduct is engaged in is sun bear’s habitat in Borneo? substantially related to environmental protection or consumer pro- Submissions to the government’s review of the tection and (b) engaging in the conduct is not industrial action”. CCA closed on 10 June 2014 and ACF contin- ues to advocate strongly for the retention of In other words, boycotts are okay as long as they are for envi- the public interest exemption to the secondary ronmental or consumer protection. The point of this exemption boycott provisions. is to allow for legitimate debate and freedom of expression, and thereby enable organisations to educate consumers about the environmental impacts of products, like that of palm oil consumption on the critically endangered Bornean → Shopping guide for palm oil Sun Bear. free products palmoilaction. It is impossible to understand the environ- org.au/resources/ mental impact of a product without informa- palm-oil-action-shopping-guide tion. In the case of palm oil, the inadequate → Bornean Sun Bear Conservation labelling laws mean that environmental Centre sunbears.wildlifedirect.org groups take on an important educative role. → Read the government’s Worryingly, through a root and branch Issues Paper on palm oil review of competition and consumer reg- competitionpolicyreview.gov.au/ ulations, the federal government will con- consultation/issues-paper sider reforms to these secondary boycott exemptions. Sun bear in Borneo, photo Senator Richard Colbeck, the Parliamenta- by Geoff McKinnon ry Secretary for Agriculture, argues the move would ‘prevent green groups from holding com- panies to ransom in their markets.’ He is said to be

15 Campaign updates

Victoria McKenzie-McHarg Climate change program manager Jonathan La Nauze Healthy ecosystems program manager → For updates visit acfonline.org.au/climate-change → For updates visit acfonline.org.au/protect-national-parks I’m thrilled to step in as ACF’s new climate campaign manager for the next 12 months. I’ve been The day after budget day, Environ- campaigning on climate change and coal at Envi- ment Minister Greg Hunt slipped legislation into par- ronment Victoria for the past six years, and I know liament that sent shivers down many a spine in the how hard this campaign has become. But I also towns and farmland affected by Australia’s coal and know from experience that with a passionate sup- gas industry. For just eleven months, the common- porter base and a committed approach to building wealth had the power to stop coal and gas projects the community voice for change, we can and will win. from unduly impacting on rivers and underground aq- On July 1, our new senators took their seats and uifers. The ‘water trigger’ was added to Australia’s na- action on climate change in Australia has never tional environment protection law last year because looked so perilous. of growing community anger at state governments’ In their first sitting week, our senate will be asked continued failure to prevent mining, drilling and to vote on whether or not to keep some of the most fracking from polluting and draining scarce water re- important environmental legislation ever enacted sources, particularly in rural NSW and Queensland. If in this country —​ ​ the carbon price laws, which are Hunt’s legislation passes, however, he will pass the already delivering cuts to pollution across Austral- buck back to the very state governments who caused ia; the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which is the problem —​ states​ such as Queensland, who only currently returning a profit to government for every a week before had given their tick of approval to Aus- dollar invested in new clean energy; and the inde- tralia’s biggest coal mine. This was against the explicit pendent Climate Change Authority, tasked with giv- advice of Mr Hunt’s expert scientific committee be- ing impartial and trusted advice to government on cause of its likely impacts on the Great Artesian Basin climate change. and surrounding river systems. Regardless of which way the senate votes on At the same time, Hunt is trying to convince the these issues, one thing is clear. The climate policies international community that 74,000 hectares of put forward by this government are simply not up to forest in Tasmania are really not so special after all the task of cutting pollution by the amount scientists and should be removed from the World Heritage List tell us is necessary. that protects sites of ‘outstanding universal value’. The latest climate science report from the UN In- Why? The government would rather log them. Not tergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows the that anyone in industry seems to want the wood, in threat of climate change is growing, and Australia fact timber industry leaders stand with us in oppos- will be hard hit. ing the move. By the time you’re reading this, we’ll But the federal government appears to be listen- know whether the World Heritage Committee agrees. ing to the interests of big polluters instead of the in- On a sad note, Australia lost a great environmen- terests of the Australian community. With the threat talist this April. ACF was privileged to work with Hen- of climate change so urgent, we have to change this ry Jones, a fourth generation Coorong fisherman, in power balance, and we have to do it now. a shared quest to restore the health of the River Mur- We can turn this around. We must build a com- ray. We all benefitted enormously from his extraordi- munity of passionate supporters to stand up for the nary insight, wisdom and passionate commitment to action we need. It’s going to be a big challenge, but the Murray-Darling Basin and the communities that ACF supporters have held the line in the face of ad- live there. Henry, ACF salutes you. versity before. We’ll do it again.

16 Healthy ecosystems · Climate change · Northern Australia · Economic change

Graham Tupper Northern Australia program MANAGER Dugald Murray → For updates visit Senior economist acfonline.org.au/northern-australia → For updates visit First, some great news from Cape acfonline.org.au/new-economics York. In May, the Queensland government decid- ed to take a different route in generating a regional Some days, things just don’t go your way. plan for Cape York Peninsula. While the draft plan Cashed up mining industry lobbyist the Minerals had threatened to open up more than half the Cape Council had one of those days recently when it tried to development, including mining and land clear- to convince everyone that pesky conservationists ing for agriculture, the new regional plan process and people who like to breathe fresh air are wrong will ensure greater input and control by Traditional and that coal really is ‘indispensible to modern life’. Owners and local communities. This should result ACF and people across Australia were happy to take in greater protection of the Cape’s outstanding nat- over the campaign, sharing stories on Twitter about ural and cultural values. why we’re all #AustraliansForCoal. Acknowledging he had heard the message, the Together we brought derision to the coal industry Queensland Deputy Premier, Mr Seeney, noted that campaign but this is not just a laughing matter. By “we received more than 6000 submissions to the using renewable energy, being more energy efficient draft Cape York Plan representing a wide range of and divesting from coal assets, we’re changing the views and we will continue to engage with Cape res- market. And the coal miners and generators are not idents to ensure our plan reflects their wishes.” 5441 happy. Add to that our efforts to axe the billions of of those submissions came from ACF supporters, dollars in fossil fuel subsidies wealthy miners receive mostly Queenslanders. Thank you. Your efforts have every year from the federal government and it’s easy made a real difference in protecting the Cape from to see why the mining industry is going to extraor- destructive development. We will watch the regional dinary lengths to protect its mega-profits. We still plan’s progress like hawks to ensure the new com- have a lot of work to do to because now the Renew- mitments are delivered. able Energy Target is under attack by profit seekers Over in the Kimberley, ACF is seeking to per- in the coal and gas industry, upset that more and manently halt exploratory drilling and fracking for more people want renewable energy. The RET man- shale gas until an independent agency undertakes dates that by 2020 at least 20 per cent of our elec- a thorough environmental assessment. Some of the tricity should be from renewable sources like solar proposed wells are within the flood plains of the Na- and hydro. A federal government review of the RET tional Heritage listed Fitzroy River and the Ramsar is already showing worrying signals that the target listed Roebuck Bay. The drilling program has been may be slashed. delayed but we fear the fight has only just begun. In other news, we’ve been knocking on doors in Up in Kakadu National Park, ACF has raised seri- Canberra and providing evidence to senate inquiries ous concerns about the Ranger uranium mine follow- on the importance of investing in the right kind infra- ing a massive radioactive sludge spill last December structure (it’s green infrastructure and public trans- and amid recent revelations that plans to rehabilitate port), the impact on our environment from getting it the mine lack sufficient funds. And over in Townsville wrong on international trade agreements, and why and Mount Isa, we have been helping raise public renewable energy saves us money and cuts pollu- awareness of the impacts of proposed new uranium tion. The economics team also put in a mammoth ef- mines in north Queensland. We believe the energy fort to advocate for sensible measures in the 2014–15 future for northern Australia, with its abundant sun- Federal Budget. Our analysis shows the Abbott gov- shine, should be driven by clean renewable energies, ernment’s first budget does little to protect clean en- not the dirty and dangerous fuels of the last century ergy, innovation and nature protection, in favour of which leave a lasting and toxic legacy. subsidies for polluting industries.

17 News

A Little Sun goes a long way

Remember Little Sun? We shone a light on the Little Sun Project back in the January 2013 issue of habitat, but let us brighten your memory. Little Sun is providing clean, af- fordable light to the 1.6 billion people worldwide without access to an elec- tricity grid. Designed by artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen, Little Sun also helps improve off-grid liveli- hoods by reducing household expendi- tures on expensive lighting fuels and by supporting off-grid entrepreneurs who can sell the lamps in their commu- nities, generating local profits. We are delighted to report that Little Sun has just been given a real chance to shine their light a whole lot bright- er. Bloomberg Philanthropies has an- nounced a $5 million impact invest- ment in the Little Sun Project. Little Sun engages in projects with partners such as art institutions, inter- national agencies, NGOs, and the pri- vate sector to raise global awareness of Get habitat for iPad free! energy access and solar power.

search for ‘habitat magazine’ → For more information visit: acfonline.org.au/habitatapp littlesun.com

Apple, the Apple logo and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

18 News

In Burbank, twitchers flocked outside with binoculars and sharp In East Fremantle, folk bedecked eyes to spot winged wonders. in Star Wars costumes met outside and played together. May the forth be with you. In Karratha, weeders waded as they pulled Indian water ferns from a pond in the Millstream Chichester National Park.

At Maslin Beach, At Wonga Wetlands in Albury, a picnickers drew giant gaggle of 13 year-olds converged designs in the sand and to engineer, scheme, concoct, draped an enormous invent, design and build cubbies. net crocheted from old videotape across the coastal dunes. In the You Yangs National Park, belted martial artists jumped, kicked and meditated on the summit.

WildTessa Fluence things On average, people recognise fewer than 10 plant → Download habitat the iPad magazine to see ACF’s A to Z of ideas to play outside, at: species, but more than 1,000 corporate logos. acflonline.org.au/habitatapp

Many of us don’t get out into nature much. We’re These events were not one off opportunities too busy, plugged in to screens and rushing through our busy to escape concrete and screens. In pockets of lives. But nature is crucial to our health and wellbeing ​—​ and to nature across Australia, you planted the seeds the health of our planet. of change. Place by place, gathering by gath- There is a growing movement to reclaim nature and cultivate ering, you are creating the nature connection ​ our connection with each other and the places we love. Green —​ and the community connections ​—​ that will hour, wild time, family nature clubs ​—​ and ACF’s Play Outside sustain our nature-rich future. Let’s play out- Day ​—​ are sowing change across the globe. side everyday! The first official Play Outside Day was wild. More than 80 ACF Play Outside Day showed many people care supporters organised events in nature for their friends, families deeply about nature. We don’t think there are and communities, all across Australia. You were yogis on the beach, too many national parks, or that pockets of dancers in the park, stargazers, happy wanderers and gumbooted wilderness should be unlocked or ‘opened for picnickers. You played outside for birthday parties and street par- business’ by our governments. And most of all, ties. You watched birds, rode bikes and meditated. All outside, in we believe that reconnecting with nature and nature ​—​ rain, hail or shine. each other makes for a happy future.

19 Feature Atmospheric shift

Victoria McKenzie-McHarg

If the government won’t take action against big polluters, we will.

What a difference a year makes. In July 2013 we marked the first anniversary of Australia’s price on pollution. We celebrated that Australia had cut pollution from electricity by six Photo: Doc Searls, per cent since we started making polluters pay and that finally, Flickr cc we were playing our part in global action to deliver a safe climate. A change in government. Bushfires in September. Record heat- waves. A botched WA senate election, followed by a re-election. The Climate Commission de-commissioned, then reborn as the Climate Council. Clive Palmer. So much can change in Australia in 12 months, and when we talk about climate change, it only gets bigger and faster. What hasn’t changed is the passion of Australians for action on climate change. A recent Morgan poll shows 87 per cent of voters agree Australia needs to cut carbon pollution lev- If we want to els. And ACF’s wonderful supporters are among turn the tide the most passionate, as we saw when you turned out in droves to the national day of climate action on Australia’s rallies late last year. backsliding on What this all means is that we need to work to- gether. ACF is nothing more than the power of climate action, its members and supporters ​—​ you. If we want it’s going to take to turn the tide on Australia’s backsliding on cli- mate action, it’s going to take a big shift, and it’s a big shift, and going to take us all working together. it’s going to take The threat to action on climate change in Aus- tralia is very real. The new senate was sworn in us all working on July 1, and legislation to scrap the carbon price together is scheduled to appear before them on July 7. The Abbott government is determined to abol- ish both the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Climate Change Authority. The CEFC is a statutory authority established alongside the carbon price to mobilise capital investment in re- newable energy and low-emissions technology. So far, this agen- cy is delivering a profit to government for every dollar they’ve invested in clean energy, but that hasn’t saved them from being lined up for the chopping block. The Climate Change Author- ity provides independent advice to the government on climate change science and policy, effectively taking the politics out of cli- mate advice.

20 Atmospheric shift

This is where the new Palmer United Party comes in. The cross- bench senators will play a crucial role in deciding whether or not these important climate policies live to see another day, or die a premature death. ACF has been working hard, talking to the new senators, as well as some more established independents, to make sure that they are hearing from the best, most informed ex- perts on the issue of how to tackle climate change, while also en- suring community voices are heard. The political outlook for renewable energy looks shaky. The Re- newable Energy Target currently aims to deliver 20 per cent of clean renewable energy by 2020. In conjunction with energy ef- ficiency, the RET has seen Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation falling since 2008. The RET is currently under review, with a report due in the mid- dle of this year. Given the composition of the review committee, the terms of reference, along with views expressed by Treasurer Joe Hockey that wind turbines along Lake George look “utterly offen- sive”, its healthy survival looks weak. Former Reserve Bank board member and businessman Dick Warburton was named head of the review committee by Environ- The science and impacts of climate ment Minister Greg Hunt and Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane. Once announced, Mr Warburton told The Australian newspaper change are clear. The solutions are the environment movement had it wrong and he was not a cli- understood. But getting there needs mate change sceptic as claimed. “I am not a denier of climate change,” he said. “I am a sceptic not just a practical plan, but also the that man-made carbon dioxide is creating global warming.” political will to put it into action The RET threatens the business model of coal fired power sta- tions, and big coal doesn’t like it. Never mind that the RET is de- incomplete and ineffective greenhouse gas pol- Our friends at livering millions of dollars in new investment across Australia and lution reduction policy that will lock in long- Environment Victoria sent this cutting our pollution at the same time. term uncertainty about climate policy. globe on an Earth According to our friends at the Clean Energy Council: “More The DAP will not drive long-term structur- Relay to climate action groups than 24,000 Australians were employed in the renewable energy al decarbonisation of the Australian economy, around Victoria. sector in 2012, proving that the jobs of the future are here today. The and the DAP’s existing pollution reduction tar- Photo Takver RET is set to generate 18,400 jobs by 2020 if retained in its current gets are far too low. Climate change will not end Flickr cc form. That’s 9700 jobs in large-scale renewables like wind and bio- in 2020 and business decisions being taken now energy and 8700 jobs in household renewable energy such as solar and up to 2020 will have costly impacts for dec- power and solar hot water”. ades for come. In its current form, the DAP poli- With so many policies at risk, we’re working with MPs and cy suite of low ambition and poor scalability will senators with influential votes and voices to protect the CEFC, only serve to lock in policy uncertainty, lead- the RET, the Climate Change Authority and of course our price ing to poor outcomes both for business and the on pollution, so that Australia can make the most of our clean environment. energy potential. The ERF is, in essence, a handouts program, The federal government has committed Australia to a five per funded with taxpayer money, which allows com- cent cut in pollution by 2020, with plans to replace the current panies to volunteer to cut their pollution lev- climate laws with their own Direct Action Plan ​—​ at the heart of el. The company that volunteers to cut pollution which is the Emissions Reduction Fund. for the lowest amount receives the government The ERF has been independently scrutinised by policy experts, money. In essence, rather than making the pol- with the overriding consensus that in its current form it is an luter pay, it relies on the taxpayer funding the

21 Feature

polluter so they will do us the favour of cutting their greenhouse pollution. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has re- leased its latest report on climate science, and the projected im- pacts of climate change if we fail to act tells a stark story. The report confirms Australia will face more extreme heatwaves, increased droughts, less snow, and in some parts of the country, increased ex- treme rainfall and floods. Australia has been experiencing the very real impacts of cli- mate change for years, and the last 12 months have been no excep- tion. In October 2013 bushfires swept through the Blue Mountains along the edge of western Sydney in a terrifying display of what a warmer world will look like. In January this year, an extreme heatwave baked south-eastern Australia, resulting in an increase in heat-induced deaths across several states, and on January 16, Adelaide was confirmed as the hottest city on Earth. That same day, Ambulance Victoria received a 700 per cent rise in the num- ber of call-outs for cardiac arrest, at one point receiving a call- out every six minutes. Reality check The science and impacts of climate change are clear. The solutions are understood. The problem is that getting there re- If one thing has remained unchanged since the quires not just a practical plan, but also the political will to put Climate Reality Project Australia first formed in it into action. 2006, it’s that people are still concerned about what We have to turn this around. the future holds with a rapidly changing climate. ACF supporters have been at the front of the fight for our safe climate laws, but, we need to step it up. We know we Yet our government has its head in the sand. don’t have as much money as the big coal and gas compa- Fortunately, 400 people from Australia and nies, but we’ve got one thing they don’t have ​—​ you! And the Asia-Pacific have just joined a worldwide hundreds of thousands of Australians just like you. Con- community of more than 6000 people in over cerned about our future, and willing to fight for it. 100 countries, to immerse themselves in the Right now, we’re developing a new initiative to engage our profoundly complex problems of climate change. supporters and grow our influence in strategic locations across Australia. We’ll build long-term, durable and connected commu- At the Climate Reality Project training in June, nity power from Brisbane to Ballarat to make sure that we never they stepped into an incubator for three days again face a government that is scrapping climate action rather to learn from Al Gore and a host of scientists, than creating it. communicators, economists and others, in the hope It’s going to be all hands on deck to rebuild the community pres- they can build understanding and rally support. sure for action on climate change across Australia, but we’re up to These passionate grassroots leaders are the task, and we need you with us. We’re also developing a new campaign focused on cutting in- breaking through the silence on climate vestment in coal and other fossil fuel projects across the country, disruption, educating and inspiring millions. wtargeting the big investors and taxpayer subsidies that get these projects across the line. If the government won’t take action against big polluters, we will. And we’ll work strategically to make sure we’re influencing long-term structural change across the economy. It’s a big task ahead. And it’s a frightening prospect to know that our government is being reckless with our future. But I look forward to working with you all as we rebuild a passionate, com- → Interested in taking a deeper look at the mitted and powerful community of active citizens calling for cli- science, impacts and solutions to the mate action. If the government won’t listen to science, they’ll climate crisis with a group of friends, have to listen to that. neighbours, or co-workers? Invite a Climate It’s up to us. And we’re up to the task. Leader to give you the latest multimedia presentation about climate change: → Take the first step and sign our petition to protect our climatereality.org.au climate laws: action.org.au/climate

22 Take a stand on climate action It’s going to take us all working together. Are you in? Donate now. www.acfonline.org.au/climate

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“I’m really not clear on The Fuel Tax Credit is a subsidy the federal govern- what fossil fuel subsidies ment gives to mining corporations, farming companies and some are. Can you please ex- others for the fuel they use. While motorists pay an excise tax on plain where some of the fuel, miners like Rio Tinto and BHP get most of their excise back almost $6 billion worth as a ‘rebate’. Over the next four years the fuel subsidy will reach of subsides go, which a staggering $28 billion ​—​ more than the government spends on companies benefit most public schools. The OECD and the IMF ​—​ the world’s leading economic organ- from them and what the isations ​—​ say this subsidy should be abolished. The government effects might be if vari- doesn’t agree and has decided to increase the subsidy every year. ous components (or all Most of this handout goes to miners. The average annual farm parts) of those subsidies subsidy is about $2000 whereas the average mining handout is are cut —​ both​ pros and more than $300,000. To put this in perspective, businesses receiv- cons? I live in a mining ing more than $100,000 in subsidies each year could be using town so am particularly around 300,000 litres of fuel ​—​ enough to fill up an average fam- interested.”—​ Robyn ily car 4000 times. If the subsidy to miners is abolished, as ACF has recommend- Email your questions to the Economist ed, it would leave at least $13 billion over four years for land care and conservation or other measures. And the incredibly profitable [email protected] miners would have an incentive to find alternative energy sources ​ have your say at Facebook —​ like remote renewables ​—​ instead of trucking or flying in diesel. /AustralianConservationFoundation Dugald Murray → For the full answer download the habitat iPad magazine at the App store: acfonline.org.au/habitatapp

ACF member notice Following a comprehensive review of policy, the Board and Council recently approved two new policy statements. In accordance with Guideline 10 of ACF’s constitution, these are: 76. Sustainable Transport 77. Sustainable Cities To read the full policy statements, visit acfonline.org.au/new-policies

24 News Lighting the Spark Mim Lowe

In the camp The gale force winds coming off Bass YKids Party and Play ​—​ have started their year- dining room, huge Straight often give the heads of Port Phillip Bay a long journey towards energy efficiency. The first battering. A warm cup of tea is a welcome com- step is to measure their on-site energy use. Next, urns keep water fort for the campers who bunker down at YMCA with the help of the Spark team, newly trained for tea and coffee Camp Wyuna, nestled in the dunes of Victoria’s YMCA staff will actively work on reducing their Bellarine Peninsula. energy consumption by identifying areas where boiling hot 24/7 In the camp dining room, huge urns keep wa- immediate changes can be made. throughout the ter for tea and coffee boiling hot 24/7 through- The benefits of the energy efficiency literary out the year. But not many campers come for a training at all Spark sites in Victorian and Tasma- year. But not cuppa in the wee hours. nia will be directly passed on to YMCA patrons many campers Yet those urns, with their promise of hot wa- using these kindergarten, play centres, recreation, ter on tap, cost the camp $5400 per year. That’s al- aquatic centres and camp facilities. come for a cuppa most a third of their electricity bill. On cups of tea. Camp Wyuna’s manager Andrew Kidd shared in the wee hours The staff at Camp Wyuna have wised up. Af- his wisdom with the newly conscripted Sparkies ter taking part in ACF’s Spark pilot program, at the Tasmanian training. Like him, YMCA staff they made so many changes to their site’s environmental creden- from the Victorian pilot sites will act as mentors Street art ‘Voice tials, they were awarded the coveted Green Y Award, acknowl- by supporting and passing on what they learned of the Blue Earth’ edging the most significant environmental improvement of any during the pilot phase. by Phoenix. Photo Moira YMCA across the Asia Pacific region. At Camp Wyuna, Andrew embeds energy ef- Clunie, Flickr cc Spark is a partnership between ACF and the YMCA that takes ficiency into everything they do. “We run energy camp, kindergarten and leisure centre staff and visitors on an en- efficiency conversations with everyone who uses ergy efficiency journey. It teaches energy literacy ​—​ so electricity our camp,” he explained. “At our staff meeting bills and jargon make sense. By understanding how much energy we always talk about our energy use. And I know their sites consume, Spark participants learn how to make prac- that staff have gone back to their homes and ex- tical changes that save energy and money. The results are often a ercised what they have learned about energy ef- welcome revelation; by placing their urns on timers and turning ficiency through the Spark program.” No longer them off more often, Camp Wyuna’s cups of tea no longer de- do urns run all night long. vour the energy of 20 family-sized fridges. Spark started out working with YMCA staff at seven pilot sites in Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong in 2013. It has now branched out Spark receives funding from to Tasmania, where more than 25 YMCA staff and ACF support- the Federal Government ers in Hobart and Launceston will receive specialist training on Energy Efficiency Information how to make their workplaces and homes more energy efficient. Grant program. Three public Tasmanian YMCA facilities ​—​ the YMCA Launces- → For more information, visit ton Recreation Centre and Hobart’s Glenorchy Fitness Centre and sparkonline.org.au

25 Feature

The long road to paradise Graham Tupper The future of northern Australia’s fragile natural landscapes is in the balance. But will the north become a world leader in natural resource management —​ or will it fall victim to more mines, dams and development dreams?

James Price Point, The roads in northern Imagine the surprise Kimberley regions, is now at a major fork in the photo by James are long and ma- road. Yet some are willing us to head down some Norman Australia of a wayward tourist jor turnoffs are few and far turning off the northern dead end routes. between. And sometimes, as Half way between Derby and Fitzroy Cross- I have found to my great cost, highway at the sign to ing in the Kimberley, smack bang in the cultural- the signposts are inaccurate or Duchess Paradise Mine ly significant Fitzroy River valley, a massive new misleading. You can imagine instead arriving at a coalmine is up for approval. It’s called the Duch- the frustration of driving an ess Paradise mine. You can imagine the surprise hour or more down a dusty huge mining pit full of of a wayward tourist turning off the northern corrugated road to learn this coal trucks highway at the sign to see ‘paradise,’ arriving in- road is going nowhere fast. stead at a huge mining pit full of coal trucks. But these minor misadventures are nothing Stretching over 2500 kilometres from the Kimberley in the compared to the challenges faced by the envi- west, through Kakadu in the Northern Territory and the Gulf of ronment up north. The future of northern Aus- Carpentaria, to Cape York Peninsula in the east, much of north- tralia, particularly of the stunning Cape York and ern Australia really is paradise. Its landscapes form a sweep of

26 The long road to paradise ACF’s vision for forests, savannah woodlands and spinifex-clad ranges. A mosaic of wetlands and pristine riv- northern Australia ers meander through, winding their way to vast Where we want to be by 2030: marine parks and the Great Barrier Reef. While our northern roads may be long, Bruce Northern Australia will be a world leader in Martin, a Wik man from Cape York doesn’t see sustainable resource management, with a re- distance. “To me this country is not remote, ei- silient economy. Indigenous disadvantage will ther physically or emotionally. It is my true home, be dramatically reduced. Crucially, decision the place of my ancestors, the place we love and makers will integrate ecologically healthy are committed to caring for as a people.” landscapes and river systems into all of their Our north is home to some of the most eco- economic thinking. logically intact natural landscapes and seascapes Its nationally recognised landscape and left on the planet. Australian and World Heritage ecology will be healthier and better connected, proclamations recognise its value. It supports managed by a science-based land-use compati- thousands of jobs and livelihoods in tourism, arts bility framework. and land and sea management. Despite climate change, the ecological integ- Despite this, the north is under ever-increas- rity of protected areas like national parks will ing threat. Already the invasion of pests like reverse a wave of extinctions. cane toads and feral cats, and the early impacts A strengthened world class National Water Ini- of climate change such as saltwater intrusion tiative will manage tropical freshwater systems. into coastal wetlands, are killing off our native “To me this country Joint venture business development initiat- animals and damaging the health of our country. is not remote, ed by Indigenous people will be thriving. These impacts are set to worsen under the Our world class beauty and natural environment federal government’s deregulation and develop- either physically will create a high-value tourism industry, provid- ment agenda. It has grand plans to mine, dam or emotionally. It ing reliable income for remote communities. and clear great swathes of the north. Yet we must is my true home, Successive Australian governments address- ask ​—​ are these plans environmentally sustain- ing critical knowledge gaps will make commu- able, economically resilient, fair and equitable? the place of my nities, particularly Indigenous people, central Some of the signs along our dusty northern ancestors, the to land and water planning, management and roads are clearly wrong ​—​ the Dutchess Paradise decision-making. Mine for one. Yet even if the roads are rough place we love and As a leading example of renewable energy, and require careful navigation, there are signs are committed (especially solar and tidal energy in rural and pointing us towards an environmentally sus- to caring for as a remote areas), communities will be energy tainable economy. We cannot afford to take the self-sufficient, with an innovative and strong wrong turn ​—​ the future of northern Austral- people” —​ Bruce​ renewable energy-based export economy. ia hangs in the balance. Will a more inspiring Martin vision based on good science and traditional → Find out more: ecological knowledge prevail? acfonline.org.au/northern-australia

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27 Ecotravel The enchanted isles No matter how much pre-reading and wildlife documentary viewing you do, nothing quite prepares you for the Galapagos Islands.

Jane Crouch

Day one, with my snorkel on, I quietly took in Another day, I took a snorkelling tour to a large rock which the colourful tropical fish beneath me. I had read was split in two, the Leon Dormido or ‘Kicker Rock’. Our guide, that local species generally do not fear human in- Oswaldo, did not forewarn us. When we returned to our boat af- teraction. There were no predators throughout ter a short snorkel between the rocks, there was a collective gob- most of their evolution. smacked silence. We had just swum over the top of manta rays, Suddenly a set of huge eyes flanked by whisk- vast schools of fish, hammerheads and Galapagos reef sharks. ers peered into my mask. A moment of terror. Back on dry land, we took a scenic bike ride across half the As my pounding heart slowed, I realised those island and on our return, we stopped at La Loberia Beach. It was eyes belonged to a curious sea lion pup who just teeming with beach frolickers and sunbathers ​—​ the ‘labradors of wanted to play. And play we did ​—​ the sea lion the ocean’ ​—​ sea lions. darting around me in an aquatic hide-and-seek. Sea lions everywhere. Do not expect to take in the view from Around one thousand kilometres west of any of the benches on Isla San Cristobal’s main jetty. They seats mainland Ecuador, the remarkable Galapagos ar- are all occupied by sea lions, as is half the equipment at the fore- chipelago is home to bountiful wildlife, unusual shore children’s playground. On the rocks, red ghost crabs skate volcanic geology an intriguing history. about and marine iguanas bask in the sun. More surprises await on Isla Floreana. In a protected cove, I barely had my snorkel on when 15 large green turtles swam around me. I was mesmerised. The turtles’ front flippers can ro- Two huge eyes flanked by whiskers tate 360 degrees, so their movements are precise and graceful. peered into my mask. A moment of terror. One turtle stayed almost motionless for several minutes, feeding on algae on the coral seafloor while a school of tiny white fish As my pounding heart slowed, I realised cleaned its carapace. those eyes belonged to a curious sea lion Most travellers tend to enjoy boat-based journeys around some of the 18 islands and the many islets of the Galapagos. I pup who just wanted to play chose a land-based Intrepid Travel tour, which enabled me to stay on three of the main islands in small hotels and take Photo: Sealions, daytime boat journeys between the islands. I enjoyed Intrepid travel the additional shore time to explore, visit the lo- cal interpretation centres, meet local people and contribute towards their economy. The interpretation centre on San Cris- tobal has excellent educational displays about Galapagos history, wildlife and reflections on issues that relate to the conflict between humans and the nat- ural world. These displays include some hard questions about the im- pact of tourism, how it should be managed and the extent to which the

28 The enchanted isles

local people and custodians of Galapagos’ natural assets should benefit. Another issue involves land use and how much produce should be locally grown, rather than transport- ed from the mainland. We put on gumboots On arrival at one of the Galapagos’s two main airports and points of entry, I paid the mandatory and meandered US$110 National Park entrance fee, and received across a clearing instructions on the islands’ conservation rules, such as keeping at least two metres from the until we found wildlife (tell that to the sea lions) and always a team of being accompanied by a certified nature guide when venturing into protected areas. With so prehistoric lawn much to learn, it was great having the knowledge- mowers —​ dozens​ able Oswaldo at hand. Europeans first identified the Galapagos Islands of Galapagos giant nearly 500 years ago. The most famous visitor, Charles tortoises, slowly Darwin and his crew on the Beagle, sailed around the Gal- apagos for five weeks in 1835, collecting data that later became munching their way important evidence for his theory of evolution. Throughout the through the grass nineteenth century, seafarers took an estimated 100,000 tortoises for food and decimated the fur seal population, killing them for their valuable pelts. There were a few settlers in the 1800s and One final Galapagos treat involves a visit to Photos: early 1900s who brought goats, pigs, rats and domestic animals, the El Chato Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz. In Tortoise & Salty Lightfoot crab leading to both the extinction of plants and animals unique to the gumboots, we meandered across a grassy clear- Marcelo Paz, Galapagos, and the loss of habitat for many other species. ing until we found a team of prehistoric lawn FLickr cc The Galapagos National Park protected areas were created in mowers ​—​ dozens of Galapagos giant tortoises, 1959 and cover 97 per cent of the Galapagos, with the remaining munching their way through the grass. They three per cent consisting of farms and urban areas. That same ignored us. year, the Charles Darwin Foundation was launched and their op- Today more people visit or call Galapagos erative arm, the Charles Darwin Research Station, followed in home than ever before, sharing space and re- 1964. I visited the foundation’s Breeding Centre on Isla Isabela sources with unique plants and animals. From where they have had great success with captive breeding of land my observation, tourism is strictly controlled. iguanas and several species of tortoise. Their implementation of As numbers have grown, the Ecuadorian Gov- the archipelago’s quarantine and inspection controls is vital with ernment has revised regulations, particularly more than 30,000 residents and the constant movement of tour- around boat movements, to distribute the vol- ists. They have also made headway on ecosystem restoration. A ume of visitors more evenly throughout the visit to their Research Station on Santa Cruz is a must! islands. Concerns remain around the islands’ On the largest of the islands, Isabela, we took a small boat capacity both for visitors and permanent resi- around to the islet of Tintoreras. On the way we passed Galapagos dents. Without a doubt, however, the Galapa- penguins (seemingly incongruous in an equatorial region) and sev- gos is a captivating must-visit destination for eral of the famed blue-footed boobies were perched on the rocks. A anyone with a passion for wildlife and the envi- short walk around the islet and there were hundreds of lava lizards ronment. You have to see it to believe it. and marine iguanas, while a peak over the edge revealed white- tipped reef sharks cruising around the shallows. A full day hike Jane Crouch is the Responsible­ took us up to the Sierra Negra volcano. The dense vegetation lower Business Communications down has plentiful bird life, and higher up the trail took us across ­Specialist at Intrepid Travel rocky lava fields, past giant cacti and to the craters’ edge for fabu- lous views across the Southern end of the island to the sea. → Visit intrepidtravel.com/Ecuador

29 Greenhome

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ACF’s Privacy Statement and Privacy Policy Applicability and where to find ACF’s Statement and Policy following purposes: notifying you about our activities and We have confidentiality agreements in place with everyone All information provided by you to ACF is collected and used campaigns; fundraising; seeking and servicing members and who handles personal information that we provide to them by ACF in accordance with ACF’s Privacy Statement and donor; supporter research; measuring our effectiveness; and take reasonable steps to ensure that your information Privacy Policy available at www.acfonline.org.au/privacy- highlighting environmental and sustainability concerns; is handled securely and in accordance with our Privacy statement. By providing your personal information, you forging alliances and supporting likeminded organisations; Policy. It is possible, though unlikely, that we might be consent to your personal information (including your sensitive educating the community; improving our website; operating forced to disclose personal information for legal reasons. the Climate Reality Project program; recruiting staff, Board information) being collected, used and disclosed as set out in Security of and access to your information the Privacy Statement and in our Privacy Policy. The below is and Council members and volunteers; responding to your You can request access to and correct of the a summary of information provided in our Privacy Statement. questions and feedback; and any other purposes identified at the time of collecting your information. We (and our information we hold about you, and will we comply What information is collected? service providers) sometimes use cloud storage facilities, with such a request unless there is a legal reason The personal information which we collect and hold generally some of which are hosted overseas, but this does not not to. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure includes your name, address, date of birth and contact change our commitment to safeguard your privacy. that your information is secure at all times. details (such as your phone number, fax number and email How to contact us and complaints address), payment card details, and other information Can we disclose your information? Send an e-mail to our Privacy Officer: [email protected]. about you such as your interests and your opinions on Any personal information you provide to us may be disclosed au; or call the Supporter Services Centre on 1800 223 669; environmental issues. You do not have to provide us with to companies who provide services on our behalf (for or write to Australian Conservation Foundation, Level 1 60 your personal information, however if you do not it will example mail, database, telephone, digital services, payment Leicester Street Carlton VICTORIA 3053 If you wish to make be difficult for us to contact you. We may also collect and processing and research services). We may also disclose a complaint regarding privacy please contact us. If you are hold sensitive information such as your philosophical or your personal information to our volunteers or contractors not satisfied with our determination, you can complain political views. Why is the information collected and how is who assist with many of our tasks. We may also disclose to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner it used? We will use your information as you would expect, your information to like-minded organisations that also (OAIC) via www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints and only when that information is necessary for any of the wish to achieve environmental and sustainability outcomes.

30 EarthKids Hi EarthKids!

I love being a nature detective. Do you Trees are beautiful! Beautiful to love being a nature detective too? look at and beautiful because they do something absolutely amazing. One of the coolest things about being a nature Believe it or not trees help us breathe detective is going on a nature walkabout to ... without them we couldn’t live. discover new facts about our amazing world. It’s true ... trees take the carbon dioxide in the air and use it to live ... they breathe it in. Now is a great time to find out about trees. But you will never guess what Trees are so amazing. they breathe out ... oxygen, They are home to so many animals and creatures. the very thing that we all need to live. Their roots help the soil to stay together. Amazing! Their branches and leaves provide shade from the I think that deserves a big hug. hot sun and shelter from the wind and rain. Some trees give us food ... fruit and Right now I am collecting seeds come from trees. pictures of tree hugs. Some trees have leaves that change They can be big trees or little colour and fall to the ground. trees. Rough barked trees or Some trees get covered in amazing flowers. super smooth trees. Trees at home or trees in a park. Maybe you could take a tree walkabout and hug as many as you can. Ask your big person to go with you and take the Calling all pictures. You can EarthKids I share your tree- challenge you hugging picture with me and add it to my collection at to find a tree facebook.com/dirtgirlworldtv and let me know just how many and hug it. trees you hugged too.

-> To help you get started on -> And to find out more amazing things your nature walkabout, head about trees, ask mum or dad to over to acfonline.org.au/ download habitat the iPad magazine at earthkids and download some acfonline.org.au/habitatapp activity sheets.

There’s a big world outside, just waiting for you. So go outside and get grubby! Love from dirtgirl

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