Healthy people healthy planet The Sustainability Imperative

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

The Australian National Sustainability Initiative www.sustainability.org.au is the result of a three- year nation-wide collaborative and consultative process that identified a need for a cross-sectoral network of individuals, groups and organisations working for sustainability, and establishment of a national centre to support such a network. Around 300 groups and individuals have already registered to participate in the proposed Network. This is expected to expand as the initiative develops. The Centre will be located in the National Capital at one of a number of sites being discussed with the National Capital Authority and the ACT Government. Both bodies have made strong commitments of support to the Centre.

Vision Findings The Australian National Sustainability Initiative will offer a national Through the collaboration and consultation process we found a resource that continually introduces new perspectives, facilitates growing consensus in Australia that many of our current practices partnerships and promotes diverse approaches in working towards and systems of development are unsustainable. The capacity exists to sustainability. This initiative aims to develop a new kind of facility and remedy these problems, as we move toward a more humane and network that complements and supports existing community activities sustainable future that: and stimulates new ones. It will accelerate progress towards a just, ◗ addresses the causes as well as the symptoms of unsustainability healthy and ecologically sustainable Australia, and provide a model for establishment of future regional centres and networks. ◗ brings together the wealth of local and expert knowledge in this country to redesign our systems and practices ◗ works to maximise collaboration between governments, bureaucracies, academic disciplines and the wider community. A big part of the problem, I believe, has The national collaborative process canvassed views from around 3 000 organisations and individuals from across industry, science, been the failure to recognise that we cannot government and the general public. Comments were received from “ succeed by continuing to deal mainly with 700 respondents. They see the initiative as a means of working towards a healthy, just, and sustainable Australia. A sample of the symptoms. responses is provided in Attachment 1, and is summarised below.

Respondent G Mosley The process found strong support for the Sustainability Network and ” for a National Sustainability Centre to support this network and provide facilities for organisations and individuals to come together in working for a more sustainable society.

This Action Plan describes how momentum can be developed into a nation-wide movement to advance sustainability objectives in Australia, the region and the world. There are three main elements to this action plan: the Network, the centre and a green office building. The Network Green office building The seeds of the Network are in place, and will mature into a fully Due to strong expressions of interest, a landmark sustainable office interactive, integrated and well-resourced knowledge sharing and building is likely to be included for Canberra-based firms or government communication system. The nucleus will be an online community for agencies that wish to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. all groups and individuals involved in sustainability-related activities Such a building would be located either in an office precinct, such as in Australia. It will provide a central reference point and educational the CBD or at the same location as the Centre. resource on sustainability issues, stimulate collaboration, facilitate dissemination of sustainability innovations and practical Opportunities to participate applications, and provide research support for the community, There are numerous ways to benefit from membership of the business and government. Network; by mounting a display, running an educational program, supplying sustainable materials and technologies to build the Centre, The Centre financial sponsorship, membership of a support group and, of course, The Centre will be a model eco-development located in the National as a future visitor to the Centre. Capital, possibly on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin. Its buildings Separate sponsorship packages are available for organisations will demonstrate an advanced standard of ecologically sustainable seeking a permanent relationship with the Centre for education, architecture, and provide an opportunity to showcase emerging showcasing, professional development, commercial or other sustainable technologies. purposes. The application form to register your participation is below. The buildings will accommodate many activities, such as an When you have completed your application, please pass this Action education centre, conference space, work spaces for organisations, Plan on to others who may also wish to participate. Electronic copies exhibitions of innovative technologies and displays from various are available on our web site and may be freely circulated through regions. The grounds will accommodate such activities as interpretive your networks. We ask only that the document is transmitted in its walks through the wetlands, an outdoor theatre, playgardens and entirety www.sustainability.org.au. demonstrations of urban agriculture (see site plan on p. 23). The focus will be on integrating the arts, sciences and humanities in the We encourage you to take this opportunity to participate in bringing service of sustainability, with areas for family recreation, education together the diverse economic, business, social, environmental and and nature walks; with structures that generate their own power, political interests to chart directions for a more sustainable Australia. catch and treat their own water and sewerage, and contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem services. The Interim Board, Australia National Bicentre Inc

The biggest problem I see with “ the quest for sustainability is that people have no alternative vision of how society may operate. Respondent R Sanders”

Australian National Biocentre Inc. GPO Box 11, CANBERRA ACT 2601 Tel: 02 6287 1538 Fax: 02 6287 4489 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sustainability.org.au ACTION PLAN | ANSI

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

| Healthy people, healthy planet © Australian National Biocentre Inc. 2004

ISBN

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Australian National Biocentre Inc. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to:

Australian National Biocentre Inc. ABN 47693147217 GPO Box 11, CANBERRA ACT 2601

Telephone: 02 6287 1538 Fax: 02 6287 4489 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.sustainability.org.au

The average Australian home is responsible for producing around 15 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Housing should aim to go beyond simply reducing impacts on the biosphere, to improving basic environmental systems, such as biodiversity, and energy production. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We wish to thank the thousands of Australians who are working for a more sustainable Australia. In particular, we would like to mention the 700 groups and individuals who responded to our invitation for comments on the potential role and activities of a National Sustainability Initiative; the residents of the lower Murrumbidgee Valley for their cooperation as a case study of sustainability in action; the respondents who re-sent comments after much of the original feedback was lost in the Canberra bushfires of 18 January 2003; the management and staff of the Canberra Institute of Technology, Weston Horticulture Campus, who generously provided office space after the Canberra fires; and all the people who helped prepare this Action Plan.

The concept underlying this initiative was put forward initially by Dr Stephen Boyden who thought that a Biological Centre which looked at whole ecosystem functioning would complement the Australian National Botanical Gardens (which focus on plants in isolation) and zoos (which do the same for animals). Subsequently, a group of students and staff from the University of Canberra, headed by Dr Darren Phillips, worked on the idea of a technology centre of excellence for sustainable systems. Ideas from both these initiatives in incorporated into this Action Plan.

Australian National Biocentre Planning Group

Funding for this project was provided by Nature and Society Forum members and the Australian Government through the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, and the Department of Health and Ageing. A potential site for the National Centre for Sustainability has been selected, in consultation with the National Capital Authority. The Australian Capital Territory Government has agreed to set aside an adjoining area for the duration of the feasibility work.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 3 Human life should grow, not quantitatively “ through the conquest of nature, but qualitatively in cooperation with nature.

” Rene Dubos 1976

4 ACTION PLAN | ANSI SUMMARY

Healthy People, Healthy Planet – the Sustainability Imperative Australian National Sustainability Initiative www.sustainability.org.au is the result of a three-year nation-wide collaborative and consultative process that identified a need for a cross-sectoral network of individuals, groups and organisations working for sustainability, and establishment of a national centre to support such a network. Around 300 groups and individuals have already registered to participate in the proposed Network. This is expected to expand as the initiative develops. The Centre will be located in the National Capital at one of a number of sites being discussed with the National Capital Authority and the ACT Government. Both bodies have made strong commitments of support to the Centre.

Vision The national collaborative process canvassed views from around 3 000 organisations and individuals from across industry, science, government The Australian National Sustainability Initiative will offer a national and the general public. Comments were received from 700 respondents. resource that continually introduces new perspectives, facilitates They see the initiative as a means of working towards a healthy, just, and partnerships and promotes diverse approaches in working towards sustainable Australia. A sample of responses is provided in Attachment 1, sustainability. This initiative aims to develop a new kind of facility and and is summarised below. network that complements and supports existing community activities and stimulates new ones. It will accelerate progress towards a just, healthy The process found strong support for the Sustainability Network and for and ecologically sustainable Australia, and provide a model for a National Sustainability Centre to support this network and provide establishment of future regional centres and networks. facilities for organisations and individuals to come together in working for a more sustainable society.

Findings This Action Plan describes how momentum can be developed into a nation-wide movement to advance sustainability objectives in Australia, Through the collaboration and consultation process we found a growing the region and the world. There are three main elements to this action consensus in Australia that many of our current practices and systems of plan: the Network, the centre and a green office building. development are unsustainable. The capacity exists to remedy these problems, as we move toward a more humane and sustainable future that:

◗ addresses the causes as well as the symptoms of unsustainability A big part of the problem, I believe, has ◗ brings together the wealth of local and expert knowledge in this been the failure to recognise that we cannot country to redesign our systems and practices “ ◗ works to maximise collaboration between governments, succeed by continuing to deal mainly with bureaucracies, academic disciplines and the wider community. the symptoms. ” Respondent G Mosley

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 5 The Network Green office building The seeds of the Network are in place, and will mature into a fully Due to strong expressions of interest, a landmark sustainable office building interactive, integrated and well-resourced knowledge sharing and is likely to be included for Canberra-based firms or government agencies communication system. The nucleus will be an online community for all that wish to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Such a groups and individuals involved in sustainability-related activities in building would be located either in an office precinct, such as the CBD or at Australia. It will provide a central reference point and educational the same location as the Centre. resource on sustainability issues, stimulate collaboration, facilitate dissemination of sustainability innovations and practical applications, and Opportunities to participate provide research support for the community, business and government. There are numerous ways to benefit from membership of the Network; by mounting a display, running an educational program, supplying The Centre sustainable materials and technologies to build the Centre, financial The Centre will be a model eco-development located in the National sponsorship, membership of a support group and, of course, as a future Capital, possibly on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin. Its buildings will visitor to the Centre. demonstrate an advanced standard of ecologically sustainable Separate sponsorship packages are available for organisations seeking architecture, and provide an opportunity to showcase emerging a permanent relationship with the Centre for education, showcasing, sustainable technologies. professional development, commercial or other purposes. The application The buildings will accommodate many activities, such as an education form to register your participation is below. centre, conference space, work spaces for organisations, exhibitions of When you have completed your application, please pass this Action Plan innovative technologies and displays from various regions. The grounds on to others who may also wish to participate. Electronic copies are will accommodate such activities as interpretive walks through the available on our web site and may be freely circulated through your wetlands, an outdoor theatre, playgardens and demonstrations of urban networks. We ask only that the document is transmitted in its entirety agriculture (see site plan on p. 23). The focus will be on integrating the www.sustainability.org.au. arts, sciences and humanities in the service of sustainability, with areas for family recreation, education and nature walks; with structures that We encourage you to take this opportunity to participate in bringing generate their own power, catch and treat their own water and sewerage, together the diverse economic, business, social, environmental and and contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem services. political interests to chart directions for a more sustainable Australia.

The Interim Board, Australia National Biocentre Inc

Human-induced climate change appears to be the first truly global sustainability challenge for humankind. In addition to extinctions and ecosystem changes, the human costs are likely to include increases in certain diseases such as malaria, damage to infrastructure, and climatic refugees. Greenhouse scientists suggest that world greenhouse gas production needs to be reduced The biggest problem I see with the quest for by 60 per cent to avoid catastrophe. “ sustainability is that people have no alternative vision of how society may operate. ” Respondent R Sanders

6 ACTION PLAN | ANSI APPLICATION FORM

Name: ...... Contact person: ...... Address: ...... Phone: ...... Fax: ...... Mobile: ...... Email: ......

I/we would like to participate in this project in the areas marked below. I/we understand that this is a confidential expression of interest only. It places me/us under no obligation. : 02 6287 4489 Signed: ...... Date: / / Fax

To indicate the details of your application/expression of interest please tick ✔ the various identified opportunities or describe your intent on the basis of this action plan.

Tear out or photocopy & fax: Tear Project 1: The Network (page 17) Join the Network and become a participant. Maintain a bioregional web page and associated data. Contribute scientific information to online sustainability journals and case study archives. Contribute in an administrative way in keeping information, news, current affairs on certain subjects up to date. Promote your work and activities through the online Network. Deliver your core activities, such as online education, collaborative research, project management through a high-speed online facility as part of the Network infrastructure. Please describe other ways you wish to participate in the Network: ......

Project 2 The Australian National Centre for Sustainability (page 19) Visit as a member of the public, a tourist or to demonstrate sustainability in action in Australia to visitors. Showcase green building materials to be used in constructing the Centre and the landscaping works. Promote a product, service or technology for public display.

: Australian National Biocentre Inc. GPO Box 11, CANBERRA ACT 2601 Participate in artistic and/or research events that promote sustainability. APPLICATION FORM APPLICATION Post Participate in workshops or courses for the public, schools or professionals on sustainability practice.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 7 Please describe other ways you wish to participate in the Centre: ...... Project 3: The Green Office Building (page 25) Lease office space in an ecologically sustainable building. Establish a commercial business in the Green Office. Showcase green building materials to be used in constructing the building. Please describe other uses for your organisation in the Green Office Building: ......

SPECIFIC AREA OF INTEREST FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Briefly explain the area of sustainability that you, or your group, are particularly interested in. : 02 6287 4489

...... Fax ...... Tear out or photocopy & fax: Tear ......

GOVERNANCE OF THE ACTION PLAN Please indicate your preference with regard to the corporate structure of the Australian National Centre for Sustainability. (see page 27) Non-Profit association (current structure) Public non-profit company or trust Statutory body No opinion

The Board of the Australian National Biocentre Inc. is preparing a range of materials articulating the opportunities for sponsorship and partnership described in this Action Plan. Please identify which package you would like to receive. Network Manual for Participants Government Partnership/Sponsorship Proposal Package Corporate Partnership/Sponsorship Proposal Package

Friends of the Centre and Community Organisation Partnership/Sponsorship Proposal Package : Australian National Biocentre Inc. GPO Box 11, CANBERRA ACT 2601 APPLICATION FORM APPLICATION Post

8 ACTION PLAN | ANSI Contents

Summary ...... 5 Application form ...... 7 Background ...... 11 Warning signs ...... 11 Who we are ...... 12 Progress to date ...... 12 Findings ...... 13 Need for greater awareness ...... 13 Need for a network of networks ...... 13 Specific responses ...... 14 The Vision ...... 15 Framework ...... 15 Components ...... 15 The Network ...... 17 Benefits of networking ...... 17 Internet conference ...... 17 Network design ...... 18 The Centre ...... 19 Potential site ...... 19 Services and facilities ...... 19 Indicative exhibition categories ...... 20 Education ...... 21 An eco-development on Lake Burley Griffin ...... 21 Precincts in the site plan ...... 22 Site plan design concepts ...... 24 A green office building ...... 25 Legal Structure and Governance ...... 27 Opportunities to Participate ...... 28 Attachment 1 – How Others See Us ...... 29 Local government ...... 29 Education and research organisations ...... 29 Community environmental groups ...... 30 Environmental business ...... 30 Group consultations ...... 32 Case study: lower Murrumbidgee floodplain ...... 32 Attachment 2 – Who We Are ...... 35 Patrons ...... 35 Members of the Board of Australian National Biocentre ...... 36 Working groups ...... 38

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 9 Threatened species listed by relevant government authorities or included in national action plans: 245 mammals (out of a total of 378 species); 203 bird species (out of 827); 61 fresh water fish (out of 231); 182 reptiles (out of 633); and 73 amphibians (out of 214).

10 ACTION PLAN | ANSI Dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) listed as Endangered in WA and by the Commonwealth Government. BACKGROUND

Warning signs

Over the past three decades, Australia has received a number of environmental wake-up calls. These include: ◗ the expansion of saline land, and the decline in soil health, in south-west Western Australia and the Murray–Darling Basin ◗ the closing of the Murray River Mouth, for the first time in recorded history, in 1981 ◗ the massive dust storm that enveloped Melbourne in 1983 ◗ the increasing impact of dryland salinity on houses, roads, and urban areas, as well as farmland and the natural environment ◗ the Sydney water supply health scare in 1998 ◗ the bushfires of 2003 that damaged a huge part of south-east Australia, including the destruction of nearly 500 homes in the National Capital ◗ the increasing water shortages across Australia ◗ the revelation that about one-third of native Australian vertebrate species are now listed as threatened by relevant federal, state, or territory authorities or included in a local action plan (see opposite) ◗ the overwhelming evidence of human-induced global climate change. Together these events point to the urgent need for ecological sustainability – what we call ‘the sustainability imperative’.

1 Many of the assumptions behind natural resources management in Australia Some progress has occurred as a result of a host of government, appear to have been based on ‘wishful thinking’ for a European ideal of reliability, community and industry initiated projects such as the Decade of Landcare, rather than an acceptance that the key characteristic of the Australian climate and the Murray–Darling Basin Agreement, work towards sustainable cities, environment is variability. the passing of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation 2 The thousand kilometre Great Darling River algal bloom in the summer of Act, and the introduction of natural resources management processes. 1990–91 was a symptom of the problems caused by past assumptions about resource These approaches have addressed many symptoms of unsustainability, but management. It highlighted a need for integrated whole-systems environmental manage- not the fundamental systems changes that are needed if we are to ment and the critical importance of healthy wetlands in Australian landscapes. become sustainable as a nation. 3 Some of the results of the January 2003 bushfires on Canberra. Comprehensive Globally, the dominant patterns of production and consumption, and an research of world climatic history indicates that the past 20 years has been unprecedented rise in human population have overburdened ecological warmer than at any time in the past 2000 years. Extreme weather events – droughts, and social systems. bushfires, floods, cyclones, and record high temperatures – are becoming increasingly common as the total energy in the climate system increases with global warming.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 11 Who we are Almost 700 responses to the survey were received with the vast majority of respondents offering in-principle support. Over 300 people participated Responsibility for this initiative rests with members of the Nature and in the Internet conference over a nine-month period, and around 180 Society Forum and the Australian National Biocentre. We are experienced attended a follow-up symposium. Active collaboration has been offered researchers, teachers, business and community people who are by many organisations, including national networks (such as the National concerned about the future wellbeing of our country (see Attachment 2 Council of Women), local governments around Australia, environmental for details of key participants). businesses, community interest groups and education and research Progress to date institutions (examples of responses are included in Attachment 1). We have initiated a national collaborative process and consultation In addition, several Canberra-based national organisations expressed that involved development of a web site www.sustainability.org.au interest in renting office space in an ecologically responsible building in and an information pamphlet inviting comment on a proposal for an association with the Centre, to demonstrate their environmental values. Australian National Sustainability Initiative. Over 3000 surveys were distributed nationally.

Other processes used to assess the feasibility of the proposal included: Figure 1. Australian National Sustainability Initiative activities with their workgroups and delivery points ◗ an Internet conference ◗ a public forum ANSI Vision: a healthy, equitable and sustainable world. Mission: to promote activities in Australia that are beneficial and remove those ◗ establishment of six specialised working groups that are dangerous to the health and well-being of people and the environment. ◗ consultative workshops ◗ a regional case study.

Partnerships PLACE-BASED COMMUNITIES

Sustainability Science, Metabolic flows EVERYONE INDUSTRY Plans A TEACHER Research AND A Courses Products LEARNER Conferences Displays Education Design

ANSI

Action Policy Regionally integrated Advocacy REGIONAL action Network ORGANISATIONS ALLIANCES

Local Sustainability Mentors

CHANGE AGENTS

12 ACTION PLAN | ANSI FINDINGS

Need for greater awareness of sustainability benefits The main finding from respondents is that there is still a lack of awareness among leaders in industry and government of the economic, social and environmental benefits that would flow from a shift to sustainability. Further, there is little appreciation of the practical steps that could bring changes in this direction, and of the enormous opportunities for Australia to become more sustainable. For example: ◗ cost savings through resource efficiencies, and re-use of industrial and household wastes ◗ commercial opportunities for new green products, processes and services for both domestic and international markets ◗ value adding to existing infrastructure through ecological retrofitting and redesign, and through a cleaner and healthier urban environment ◗ social benefits through local cooperative action and regenerating a sense of place and community purpose, especially in rural areas ◗ reduced ecological footprint of greenhouse emissions, waste and pollution and improvements to the quality of land and marine environments ◗ better health, economic and social wellbeing for all Australians through increasing social justice and environmental quality ◗ increased employment through cleaner production and environmental rejuvenation industries ◗ reduced costs associated with climate change, resource scarcity and the looming resource shortages, especially of oil, water, soil and biodiversity ◗ a sense of pride and security about the future outlook for Australia and future generations ◗ healthier, and locally produced agricultural foods and fibres.

Need for a network of networks The overwhelming feedback was that technology, while important, needs to be aligned with natural systems, rather than allowed to destroy biodiversity and human health. The harsh realities of our unsustainable practices are now well established. Yet, from the grassroots to the The Southern Fishermen’s Association represents 38 family businesses operating in corporate boardrooms there is no adequate strategic and comprehensive Alexandrina and Albert Lakes, and the Coorong, near the Murray mouth in South Australia. In 1998, members formally implemented a management plan – ethical sustainable reform agenda. There is a pivotal need for a national public infrastructure harvest – to ensure the sustainability of their fishery. This was Australia’s first and broad-based communication Network that consolidates knowledge community-initiated bioregional sustainability plan for a fishery. and links all sectors in the pursuit of sustainability.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 13 Feedback indicated that existing government institutions, processes, 7. serve as an ‘honest broker’ by remaining independent of sectoral values, and power bases are not adequate to achieve sustainable resource interests to help integrate and interpret the fragmented – and sometimes use and sustainable communities. New forms of knowledge, institutional conflicting – information concerning equity, health and sustainability arrangements, technologies and communication processes are needed that 8. offer education programs on the connections between socio- focus community energy and creativity on the underlying causes. cultural causes and biophysical symptoms of unsustainability, and Democratic processes, good governance and open, informed debate are increase public recognition that ecological sustainability cannot be needed to improve and develop these new systems and structures. achieved by dealing with symptoms alone. Educational themes Consultations indicated that a primary function for an Australian National respondents raised included: Sustainability Initiative is collaboration and trust building to help Australians ◗ that human societies depend for their survival on the ecosystem develop and share visions and innovations for ecologically sustainable futures. services provided by the biosphere ◗ Specific responses what we commonly label ‘environmental’ problems are actually ‘people’ problems caused by our cultural, structural and The survey responses (see Attachment 1) and our independent research institutional norms and consultations suggest that an Australian National Sustainability ◗ the enormous significance of the emergence of human culture in Initiative can hasten this transformation. To do so it should: the history of life on earth 1. identify and promote sustainability solutions locally, regionally, ◗ the evolutionary causes of many of the physical, social and nationally, and globally, including green products, processes and mental health problems of modern societies services that go well beyond best practice 9. develop tools to enable communities as well as local, regional and 2. provide a communication hub for exchanging ideas and national governments to gain a greater understanding of, and better facilitating collaborative learning, and an audience and a ‘voice’ to measure, the sustainability of their own areas of responsibility and of individuals and groups with innovative projects throughout Australia their local region 3. present new perspectives and bring diverse viewpoints together 10. celebrate the diversity of pathways to achieving a sustainable to address sustainability issues and to develop strategies in Australia through sharing the rich stories of what artists, scientists, a cooperative, open and friendly setting and communities are achieving in different parts of Australia. White Cliffs in far western New South Wales became 4. facilitate networking by linking and adding value to, but not the first solar-powered town in Australia when an duplicating, the many active networks already working on experimental thermal power station, consisting of sustainability from varying perspectives 14 parabolic dishes providing heat to a steam turbine, was commissioned in 1983. In 1996, the site was 5. introduce innovative concepts for sustainable development, converted to a photovoltaic system. The original five and work to overcome current logistical and metre diameter concentration dishes were resurfaced institutional impediments to sustainability with new mirrors and the thermal collectors replaced by much more efficient photovoltaic cells which convert 6. make the transition in thinking and values sunlight directly into electricity. The new system feeds from the notion of an infinite world electricity directly into the grid. to that of a finite world

14 ACTION PLAN | ANSI THE VISION

Framework This Action Plan proposes an overarching framework for action, collaboration, dialogue and for the evolution of the Australian National Sustainability Initiative. It will offer: ◗ a focus on the natural and cultural assets of the bioregions of Australia and the issues of concern in relation to their sustainability ◗ a purpose – to work cooperatively towards a high quality of life and ecologically sustainable future and, in particular, to examine issues from varied perspectives and collaborate in problem solving ◗ an audience of people from all parts of Australia and the world, to give a ‘voice’ to the many different groups working for sustainability, to celebrate and share achievements, and to provide mutual support and assistance ◗ a place to debate questions and answers concerning unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, and to promote sustainable solutions, develop action plans and support their implementation.

The Australian National Sustainability Initiative will facilitate creation of Components alternative visions of how sustainable societies could operate by sharing This initiative entails two main areas of activity: experiences and celebrating success. Some overarching themes for debate and discussion that have been submitted include: 1. a web-based bioregional Sustainability Network ◗ the need for greater integration of existing knowledge, disciplines, which provides unprecedented ease of collaboration networks, and programs to help people explore pathways to a more among specialist and regional networks sustainable future 2. a national sustainability centre for tourism, public ◗ interactive communication on such subjects as: ‘our only home’, education, and showcasing of green business and ‘where we are now’, ‘where we could go’, ‘alternative futures’, ‘how innovation. The centre would set a new standard we can get there’ and ‘giving future generations a fair go’ for ecological design. There may also be ◗ how to address impediments, such as our highly fragmented western a commercial office building on or off this site. worldview, outdated paradigms and cultural norms ◗ the recognition that both individual and institutional change is needed ◗ moving from a mechanistic to an ecological worldview and the necessary expansion of our perceptions, ways of thinking, and values.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 15 Salinity, frequently referred to as Australia’s greatest ‘environmental problem’, is in fact a symptom of a largely a socio-cultural problem. The industries and preferred crops of our western urban–industrial society are generally thirsty, salt intolerant, and their water requirements do not match Australian soil and climatic conditions. The landscapes and native flora and fauna of Australia’s most salt affected areas were well adapted to naturally saline conditions and highly variable rainfall.

16 ACTION PLAN | ANSI THE NETWORK

Benefits of networking Feedback from around Australia revealed a strong interest in a web-based bioregional Sustainability Network. This Network could include streaming of video images from bioregions. The potential of such a Network was demonstrated through the Internet conference run between February and November 2003. This conference, ‘In Search of Sustainability’ (see box), demonstrated an efficient means of sharing the most recent developments in sustainability, with interested people throughout the nation and the world. It showed that many people of diverse backgrounds can have access to specialist and practical expertise and experience.

I am aware that some officers in the Internet conference Transmission losses from water An Internet conference, ‘In Search of Sustainability’, was run from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and delivery infrastructure, due to “ February to November 2003 by Nature and Society Forum Inc., evaporation and seepage, are Australia 21 Pty Ltd, and Sustainable Population Australia Inc. Forestry are benefiting from the Internet estimated to be 14 per cent of the The conference www.isosconference.org.au shared current gross water consumption in the conference and I commend this initiative sustainability thinking in relation to a number of key areas: Murray-Darling Basin. February Water of the Centre ... As you will be aware March Human Health and Wellbeing the Government strongly supports the April Land-use and Natural Ecosystems development of more sustainable May Energy systems and the Department is actively June Equity and Peace

July Economic Systems involved in many programs to achieve August Climate a sustainable future. September Labour Force and Work Respondent the Hon.Warren Truss October Transportation and Urban Design ” Each topic was introduced by a keynote paper written by a recognised leader in the field and supported by eight to ten other authors presenting different perspectives. The ‘audience’ had the opportunity to respond, ask questions, and participate in an online forum for a very small fee.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 17 The Internet conference, however, only reached a relatively small number Network design of people with a strong interest in sustainability. Considerable additional The plan is for an interactive, integrated, and well-resourced knowledge work is needed to effectively manage, promote, and moderate the sharing and communication system. The transformative potential of the information flow of a dynamic, large-scale Network that will meet the Network will come from effective construction, discussion, and objectives set out below. Responses indicated the following potential dissemination of sustainability-related research and knowledge. Its focus benefits from a web-based Sustainability Network: on whole-systems solutions is to be applied across multi-disciplinary, ◗ a counter to distance and remoteness, so that people within and trans-regulatory, and geographically-fragmented environments. At the outside Australia will be able to share information about their local level, it will help people with an interest in sustainability to meet, bioregions through regular web-based video newsletters interact and bring about change.

◗ an up-to-date research resource for students, teachers, local, regional The Network will be supported by a next generation online community, and national government authorities, interest groups, and individuals knowledge base and sustainability umbrella site, with a future view to e- on sustainability ideas, products, information and resources science and GRID technologies.

◗ a way of avoiding ‘reinventing the wheel’ and duplication of effort The web system will be designed to act as: ◗ a medium for access to sustainability news, research, and initiatives ◗ a central reference point to aid dissemination of sustainability in Australia and abroad practice to facilitate cross-disciplinary and theme-based collaboration ◗ a vehicle for public debate on sustainability issues and for exposing ◗ an education resource, providing access to centralised information for decision makers to wider expertise, experience and issues the public and students from primary to postgraduate level ◗ Saibai Islanders of Torres Strait live a tool for spreading information about opportunities for innovation ◗ an interactive learning and streaming of video and audio content within a few kilometres of Papua New and commercialisation of environmentally constructive products ◗ Guinea. The Torres Strait Treaty allows a central repository and unified access point for sustainability-related ◗ an access point for diverse sustainability activities in Australia to freedom of movement between Papua New data sets stimulate investment or commercial partnerships Guinea and neighbouring Australian islands ◗ an online community providing a rich collaborative environment for the continuation of traditional activities. The ◗ a way of bringing together diverse groups of Australians to feel part ◗ Australian National Sustainability Initiative will of a team working towards ecological sustainability a mechanism for participants to leverage or generate a profit from help us to gain a greater appreciation of practice or research by facilitating dissemination or licensing Australia and Australians, and to share ◗ a way of raising the profile of regional initiatives which are often ◗ sustainability problems and solutions. overshadowed by metropolitan projects and interests. cyber scaffolding – hardware, software, infrastructure and maintenance to allow members to migrate to the Network system while retaining control ◗ a means to reduce information technology costs while removing The City of Swan will receive numerous benefits from the establishment of the barriers and benefiting from the next generation integrated environment the Network will offer. Centre, by being able to access new and current information on sustainability from all When fully operational, it will be a network of networks. Participants will “ around Australia and the world. The ability to exchange information and participate include interested individuals, communities, scientists, researchers, local, in research will assist active collaboration between the City, community, industry and state and federal government agencies, businesses, non-government organisations, students, farmers and householders. the government.The City of Swan would anticipate primarily using the Centre to The Working Group for this project recognises both the potential and the obtain examples of the sustainable development from other Local Governments in limitations of current online collaboration tools, as well as the need for Australia and keep up-to-date with the latest projects and resources available that face-to-face and localised interactions. are delivering a sustainable outcome for Australia. Respondent” Mayor Charlie Zannino

18 ACTION PLAN | ANSI THE CENTRE

Potential site In 2000, the National Capital Authority suggested a site for a possible National Centre for Sustainability close to where Jerrabomberra Creek flows into Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra (see site plan on page 23). This site is centrally located on the edge of the Parliamentary Triangle, in a highly degraded landscape (including a former rubbish tip and sporting ground), adjoining an ecologically-sensitive wetlands area.

The Centre would form a transition zone between the built environment and the wetlands to demonstrate how good design can work to the advantage of both, and rehabilitate a badly degraded site. The wetlands would be effectively expanded and protected by the development.

While the site is small, adjoining land (which is the responsibility of the ACT Government) is vacant. The previous Liberal and current Labor Governments have both agreed to put this area aside for the period of this feasibility study, in the event that demand for the concept warrants expansion into the area solely under ACT Government control. Both the National Capital Authority and the ACT Government have been strongly supportive of the idea of a sustainability centre and if, for any reason, the preferred site is found to be not suitable or available, both authorities have offered support in finding another site.

If necessary, it would be possible to locate the Centre outside the National Capital either in a large metropolitan centre or elsewhere.

Services and facilities ◗ family entertainment through organic food outlets, picnic and recreation areas, playgardens, nature interpretation, and guided tours The services and facilities that respondents would like to see offered by of the wetlands the National Centre for Sustainability include: ◗ a place to learn to better understand Australia through displays and ◗ a national centre for stakeholders to collaborate on and resolve activities, audio-visual tools and fun experiences in the outdoors. sustainability projects through public meeting places for local interest ◗ exhibition or display space to showcase products, processes and groups, projects, workshop, conferences and mediated conflict resolution technologies that contribute to sustainability and help to stimulate ◗ places for community groups to convene events, meetings and workshops the market for environmental goods and services.

◗ an exciting tourist destination for visitors to Canberra and a learning experience for Canberra residents, of all ages, who are interested in healthier lifestyles

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 19 Indicative exhibition categories 1. Contextual exhibitions ◗ Introduction to the Centre ◗ Biohistory (history of the interaction between human culture and the biosphere) – a permanent theme with regularly changing displays. 2. Major thematic exhibitions space ◗ Exhibition space available for hire by clients such as community and industry groups, technology manufacturers, energy suppliers, government departments. 3. Bioregional exhibitions ◗ Bioregions – the Centre will include an interpretive centre to identify the assets and increase the appreciation of the local area, as well as feature other bioregions on a periodic basis, perhaps with regional pavilions ◗ Neighbours – the Centre will raise the level of public appreciation of our near neighbours and their achievements in the area of ecological sustainability. Two or three countries could be featured each year, and relevant stories from any of the neighbouring countries could be presented (for example, Fiji, Indonesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) as well as the wider region. 4. Grounds and buildings

A fishing party below Warwoi Falls in SW Papua New Guinea. Our nearest neighbour has a huge diversity of landscapes and cultures. The ◗ The grounds and buildings will be a key part of the Sustainability Centre and Network will help Australians to learn more about our neighbours and their approaches to the issue of sustainability. learning experience. The landscaping will be integrated with the design and operations of the buildings. Interpretive signage will be used to provide information on ways building design and materials can assist basic environmental services ◗ It is proposed that environmental sensors throughout We would see this venue as a possible national conference the buildings and grounds will provide ‘live’ data on energy performance, water use, waste recycling and “ location. Therefore it would need good conference outdoor conditions. facilities, catering for up to 200 people and adequate accommodation nearby. ” Respondent G Freeman

20 ACTION PLAN | ANSI Education An eco-development on Lake Burley Griffin Educational opportunities through the Centre would include: The buildings will demonstrate a new form of ecologically sensitive architecture as well as house displays of sustainable technology and ◗ specialist education facilities for training courses, materials design. The Centre and landscaping will be an ‘eco-development’ that development, and community program facilitation will show how buildings can: ◗ outdoor education opportunities based on displays of natural ecosystem ◗ meet social, economic, ecological and cultural needs in addition function, the Jerrabomberra wetlands and Lake Burley Griffin. The to being eco-efficient Centre would complement other specialist environmental education areas in the ACT such as the Birrigai Environment and Outdoor ◗ improve basic environmental systems, not just reduce impacts (for Education Centre, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens example, water and air quality, energy production, soil fertility) ◗ an interpretive centre for the proposed Bush Capital ◗ meet human psychological needs (for example, places for positive Biosphere Reserve social interaction, communion with nature) ◗ a showcase of sustainability in action, demonstrating problems and ◗ optimise the use of urban space to increase biodiversity, natural solutions, and new innovations and technologies currently being habitats and ecosystem services (that is, not rely on the surrounding developed around Australia or abroad region as a source or sink) ◗ community participation in demonstrating urban farming, community ◗ improve community health and welfare (for example, equity, sense gardens, soil and habitat restoration, wetland rehabilitation and of place, security, healthy materials) interpretation, environmental group displays ◗ avoid fibres, fuels, foods, and processes that are linked to the ◗ a healthy living centre that may include an organic food cooperative, fossil fuel supply chain. a farmers market and medical/health centres. ◗ increase the conditions for biophysical–ecological welfare and The Centre would work to integrate the arts, sciences and humanities in increase natural capital (that is, not just respect carrying capacity) the service of sustainability. Events and display methods will be designed to make the sustainability issues personally relevant. Because they inspire the imagination, story-telling, poetry and fine arts are increasingly If visitors can encounter a reflection of appreciated as important elements in social transformation. their geographic regions and issues, it will Face-to-face communication is also a priority. The design accommodates “ presentations and demonstrations by exhibitors and ‘floor talks’ on help them to relate to the Centre itself as various subjects. It will draw on the large pool of people in Canberra who are passionate about a wide range of sustainability issues. A variety of well as the educational messages that are useful takeaway and web-based information will complement the Centre’s exhibitions and activities. being promoted. Respondent John Ellwood ‘Special forever’ has helped to overcome the ” intergenerational equity problem by developing student capacities to make informed decisions, to ‘speak up’ on issues of importance to them, and to ‘bear witness’ against activities which may have an adverse impact on their lives. This environmental education–literacy–intergenerational equity program, delivered through English classes, includes development of critical thinking and communication skills, and an appreciation and sharing of the human, cultural and natural resources of the student’s own ‘places’.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 21 Precincts in the site plan J Display park: An outdoor display of appropriate technology (such as fuel cell vehicles, living machines). Many of these displays would be Entry park: The main entry to the park is accessed from Newcastle Street or protected by trellises and gazebo structures and include seating areas. the Causeway to the west of the site. The key areas in the entry park are: K Windmill: A major landscape feature aids circulation of water A Drop off and unwinding area: A bus and car drop off circle on through the stream that surrounds the ticketed area. This straddles Newcastle Street (Causeway) accesses the main public parking area, above, and powers, a horizontal water wheel below a large circular toilets, recreation area, access to wetlands, and public entry plaza. viewing deck. Bike, bus and other public transport access will be favoured. L Outdoor theatre: The education/networking building is integrated B Recreation area: A family place to unwind after a long trip, an with an semi-outdoor lecture theatre. This doubles for public exercise circuit, a frisbie course, play areas for kids, barbecue and gatherings and a stage for street theatre productions or other picnic areas. It is also the entry to the nature park building for the cultural events. wetlands to the north. M Nature walk: A network of pathway provide many places for quiet C Entrance plaza: An open public space designed to be welcoming. contemplation, nature interpretation, bird blinds, and small group From the plaza, people enter the entry/exhibition building via a discussions. These also take pressure off the protected wetland areas. gateway and bridge through a façade that signals a ‘way to the future’. N Retrofitted (existing) building: An existing building and gardens D Car park: While people will be encouraged not to drive, parking will be renovated to display ecological re-design for ‘better homes must be provided. This car ‘park’ is full of trees and further shaded and gardens’. It will demonstrate design and technology for by solar collectors. It contains displays of alternative transport. healthier lifestyles. Learning park: This area is ticketed and therefore falls within the area Buildings outside the ticketed area: A separate area enables people separated by the brook. It is for public education and collective work to reach the network, education and research offices, or the urban (outdoor displays, indoor exhibitions and offices, nature appreciation, agricultural areas, without passing through the ticketed gateway. It school tours, conference spaces). allows evening events or use of the theatre. E Entrance exhibition building: Displays the mutually interacting O Office building: A possible future building which can expand as evolution of nature, culture and science – and changing perceptions needed to accommodate needs of research groups, green business about these concepts. It is situated over Newcastle Street which incubators, government offices, etc, compatible with the Australian remains in use as a walkway. National Sustainability Centre’s objectives. F Outdoor education area: Hands-on and experiential education P Nature park building: An interpretation centre and viewing areas encourage the appreciation of nature and natural sciences. platform with cappuccino bar. It controls access to the protected Quiet areas describe native plants and animals that can be found in wetlands through a duckwalk over the flood plain and bridge next to the bioregion. the building. G Education/network building: A building for office and seminar Q Existing bird blinds: The existing bird blinds are covered with rooms, places for community-based organisations, educational a lattice and native creepers (to attract birds and to conceal the displays focused on themes like bioregions, biohistory and our place structures). The pathway linking the bird blinds continues around the in nature and the cosmos. lake to the east, for more fit people. H Learning community: A cluster of four small buildings with R Childcare/creche: Located outside the park so the ticketed area verandas create a learning and working retreat (to maximise can be avoided when dropping off children. It would demonstrate interconnection with nature). These buildings and outdoor meeting best-practice early education and a children’s playgarden and have spaces are interconnected. areas for visitors to view the wetlands. I Central hub: The community of learning surrounds a central ‘hub’ S Urban agriculture area: An expandable permaculture garden, (flat-floored octagonal building with mezzanine and veranda) that acts urban farm and agriculture display area is irrigated with water from as a ‘town square’. The design will challenge the conventional the lake. It will provide a large proportion of food sold at the site, indoor–outdoor divide. organic fertilising and composting facilities.

22 ACTION PLAN | ANSI ACTION PLAN | ANSI 23 Site plan design concepts ◗ Bridges: The bridges symbolise connections between humans and ◗ Wetlands: Creating a natural barrier around the Australian nature, specialists and community, science and arts, religions, races, National Sustainability Centre using a combination of a brook, etc. Present new ideas that reconcile what were once seen as ponds, shrubs and rock gardens that serve as both fence and ‘competing interests’ or ‘conflicting values’. landscaping. The buildings and walkways sit above the flood plain. ◗ Gateway to future: People enter across a bridge and look through the main exhibition building to the natural environment ◗ Waterwheel: Celebrating water as an essential life element. with many pathways to sustainability. The main entry represents A duckwalk leads from the entry/exhibition building to a round a gateway and transition zone towards a better future. deck over a horizontal waterwheel (keeping the brook slowly flowing). The waterscape extends the wetlands. ◗ Sense of journey: To create a sense of different pathways to sustainability, the plan does not have a linear or centralised ◗ Windmill: Providing visual interest and a landmark feature for focus, but creates an experiential, collaborative and ever- Canberra; visible from a distance. The waterwheel is powered by changing learning environment. a tall windmill that straddles the viewing deck (reminiscent of the Parliament house flag pole). ◗ Reciprocity with nature: The notion of ‘giving back’ what we take from nature is demonstrated by expanding the wetlands and by ◗ Integration with nature: Experiencing the built environment as showing how development can increase the biodiversity and a parkland where the landscape flows through buildings whose ecosystem services that provide our life support. structures support the native garden setting, rather than merely a landscape that decorates buildings.

24 ACTION PLAN | ANSI A GREEN OFFICE BUILDING

Several organisations are interested in renting ‘green’ office space to reflect their environmental roles and commitment. The building need not be located within the Centre and, if demand warranted, could be a fully commercial sustainable building in the central business district or in some other location. The design of a green building will evolve from the particular site, microclimate and local ecosystem. However, two local architects – Robert Thorne and David Ascroft – have generously contributed design concepts for buildings that could be adapted to meet different locations and site conditions.

David Ashcroft

The building is conceived as two main exhibition halls with administration, service and activity spaces contained within five three-storey blocks which ‘plug’ into these exhibition areas. Earth walls divide the blocks into service, circulation and activity areas.

The complex is sheltered by a solar canopy that is supported by a ‘forest’ of columns. The solar canopy generates power, harvests rainwater, and diffuses light into the exhibition halls.

External landscaping flows through the building, dematerialising the barrier between inside and outside.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 25 Robert Thorne

The concept would comprise two parallel walls, each with walls would run north-south) and include open courtyards and sufficient depth to accommodate the services (stairs, lifts, openable windows. The three-storey structure could be water storage, toilets etc.).These walls would provide thermal extended in length if required. mass and be constructed with reusable material. The roof space The complex could include some office accommodation, for these walls would be used to generate electricity. a theatre and external courtyards. The office work housed in the Between the walls are glazed pavilions that provide office building would be completely mobile.That is,office spaces would space. The pavilions would be north facing (that is, the solid provide areas for teams to work together and/or independently (with their own computers) indoors and in the courtyards.

26 ACTION PLAN | ANSI LEGAL STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE

At present, the legal entity responsible for developing and issuing this Action Plan is the Australian National Biocentre Inc., structured as a non-profit association incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory (Board members are listed in Attachment 2).

The present Board believes the independence of the Network and Centre is crucial in the long term for both its credibility and operational effectiveness. The Board has identified the following three options through which this could be achieved.

Option 1: The existing legal structure could be maintained but with an increase in membership and a category of friends and supporters who would attract concessional benefits.

Option 2: Ownership could be vested in a non-profit public company, trust or foundation of eminent people who would not be involved in the operational management, but hold the Board of Management and its Executive accountable for its operations under a Trust Deed. An existing group of institutions, say a group of universities, could act as Trustees.

Option 3: A new statutory legal entity could be created to own the Centre. This would require support of the government of the day and the Parliament. It has the advantage of being more permanent and open to public scrutiny but, depending on its enabling legislation, may not have the degree of independence some see as necessary.

The Application Form gives you a chance to indicate your view as to whether the current structure, a public company or trust, or statutory body is preferred.

The year-round temperature in the rooms of this ‘dugout’ motel at White Cliffs in far western New South Wales is around 23°C, while outside temperatures range from –3° in winter to 49° in summer. While underground housing is unsuited to broad adoption in Australia, setting residences partially into the earth reduces both heating and cooling costs.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 27 OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE

Opportunities to participate in this initiative fall broadly into five categories. By completing the application form and indicating the way you may wish to participate, we will send you a package of information relating to whichever area you may be interested in.

1. Members of the Network 2. Friends and supporters Membership will enable you to access the Network and exchange ideas and This category involves a small membership fee and entitles you to reduced information with other members. Members will be asked to comply with entrance fee and other concessions. Access would include participation in some simple rules to maintain the credibility and high standard of the Network. educational programs, workshops and courses as well as site visits. Members of the Network would benefit from all the advantages listed 3. Corporate sponsorship earlier in this document. Those wishing to contribute would be invited to: There are two categories of corporate sponsorship: (a) ‘in kind’ ◗ contribute to local, bioregional or specialist pages sponsorship in the form of building materials, landscaping, energy sources, water treatment and so on, that are built into the Centre; and (b) ◗ keep information, news and current affairs on their activities up to date purchased sponsorship that gives specific naming, badging and ◗ contribute refereed scientific information (applied, theoretical or advertising rights. other) to the Network – the Centre includes recognised experts in many areas who can assist. 4. Government services The Centre will deliver government services on a contract basis in areas of environmental education and sustainability practice. It will also provide Energy SA is interested in contributing to and participating in a a research service for government and corporate clients. National Centre and Network for Sustainability. Ways in which we 5. Philanthropic opportunities “ may contribute include: The Centre is essentially a public good that is able to accept philanthropic ◗ donations and bequests (tax deductible through Nature and Society exchange of information on renewable and sustainable energy Forum) as well as undertake specific trustee responsibility for benefactors via Internet networks who wish to contribute to the long-term sustainability of Australia. ◗ showcasing innovative renewable and sustainable energy practices ◗ sharing our experience in delivering renewable and sustainable energy-related programs ◗ conferences and workshops ◗ community education. ” Respondent B King

28 ACTION PLAN | ANSI ATTACHMENT 1 – HOW OTHERS SEE US

Local government

Council is required to make diverse decisions and take actions which “ have significant implications on the wellbeing of our local community now and in the future… Coffs Harbour City Council recognises that quality decisions require quality information and decision making tools. Training and updating of councillors and staff is imperative. ” Respondent Cr Jenny Bonfield

Local government sees this initiative as: Education and research organisations ◗ keeping local government up-to-date with products, information and Education and research organisations see the initiative as: resources that deliver sustainable outcomes ◗ an opportunity for collaboration (for example, Bacchus Marsh Science ◗ saving local government money through information sharing, and Technology Innovations Centre, Victoria; Institute for Sustainable economies of scale and cost effective services Futures, University of Technology, Sydney New South Wales) ◗ providing opportunities to demonstrate and promote their own ◗ a venue for national conferences, workshops, public forums and courses sustainability initiatives ◗ an educational experience for local and interstate visitors ◗ disseminating quality information, and cooperatively developing ◗ awareness raising through participation decision making tools ◗ complementing existing educational activities by providing new ◗ undertaking independent research and development indoor and outdoor educational experiences ◗ providing continuity and coordination for promoting and implementing ◗ an educational resource for all levels to share documents, case ecological sustainability in Australia studies, and ideas for discussing sustainability issues, from ◗ accessing services and expertise that could not be justified at a local throughout Australia level, such as video production or developing educational resources ◗ a database of bioregional assets and contacts (in Australia and to promote sustainability overseas) to keep in touch with developments in the sustainability ◗ training staff in sustainability practices. area and to better coordinate excursions and project activities.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 29 Community environmental groups Environmental business Community environmental groups see the initiative as having the potential for: Environmental business groups see the initiative as:

◗ raising their profiles by providing opportunities to showcase activities ◗ contributing significantly to marketing sustainable products, and provide a ‘voice’ to present their perspectives to a national audience processes and services ◗ conducting capacity building and participatory community education ◗ encouraging governments to set renewable energy targets activities with remote Indigenous communities ◗ presenting a work–life balance for sustainable lives and valuing ◗ providing an interpretive centre that supports collaboration with human capital people in the field ◗ contributing to a better understanding of sustainability ◗ sharing the huge range of community expertise, experience and ◗ providing comprehensive, independent and comparative information services nationally on sustainable products, processes and services ◗ acting as an umbrella organisation to bring together and promote the ◗ evaluating information on the economic, environmental and many groups working towards sustainability in their own areas of other characteristics and benefits of sustainable products, processes interest (links could be provided to community group web sites and services through the proposed Sustainability Network but groups strongly emphasised that the Network should not replace these sites as their ◗ highlighting opportunities for business and industry decision makers, great strength was local knowledge) and the broader community to trade our way into sustainability on a ‘no regrets’ basis ◗ developing sustainability measuring and monitoring processes for community use ◗ providing display space, and a service through the Sustainability Network ◗ establishing links to learn from international experiences. ◗ performing an incubation role in refining and focusing ideas that contribute to sustainability ◗ conducting trade displays and expos ◗ exposing opportunities for businesses to work with local and/or regional governments and communities to achieve sustainable development We ... consider that the survival of our local farming community, and ◗ showcasing and promoting industry innovation in sustainability and regional capacity building farming communities in general, depends, at least in part, on the “ ◗ promoting industry-endorsed and accredited education courses in de-corporatisation of agriculture – on legislation that allows small natural resource management farmers to grow and to sell what their customers want, and to deal ◗ encouraging national and state governments to improve the ‘stock of common good’ data, information and intelligence for public use in directly with their customers, the consumers. The National Centre could sustainable development advance such matters relevant to community sustainability. ◗ sharing the experiences of various environmental business groups. Respondent” L Turner

30 ACTION PLAN | ANSI I would like to see a focus on true work–life balance – creating “ sustainable lives for individuals within which they have identified their true priorities and values and are able to live by those. This would require a long-term focus for both the individual and their place of work, which would link back to the concept of triple bottom line and ethical investment. Human capital truly being valued, respected and nurtured – this obviously also has ramifications for improved health Wind power is the world’s fastest growing energy source and an effective and therefore lower health care costs ... it is about recognising the means of reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas. Some studies also indicate that the total energy going into manufacturing a wind needs of the whole person and allowing space in life and business for turbine can often be recovered in two to three months on an average windy site. In a typical 20-year lifetime, a turbine will produce 80 times the energy used to all those needs to be addressed. build, maintain, operate, dismantle, and scrap it. The 3000 kilometre southern ” Respondent J Wild coastline of Australia is potentially a world-class wind energy site.

The Australian Wind Energy Association (AusWEA) “ is interested in both future involvement with the Sustainability Centre and participating in the Network … AusWEA would be interested in providing wind energy information and display materials for the Sustainability Centre. Respondent Libby” Anthony

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 31 Most of the landholders down here are like me – they are second, Group consultations In addition to expressions of interest in the proposed initiative, third, fourth generation farmers. So the farming system’s developed consultative workshops were held with the following industry groups: “ Pratt Water, Orbtek, the Floodplain Organic Grain Group, the Lowbidgee and it works in conjunction with this flood system and with the League, and the Housing Industry Association. environmental aspects of the floodplain. The following case study provides an in-depth example of one community Respondent Michael Spinks that could exhibit at the Centre and be linked in with the Network. ” Case study: lower Murrumbidgee floodplain A bioregional community

In-depth consultation was carried out with residents of the lower Murrumbidgee to obtain face-to-face feedback from a working community. The community included 30 farming families; members of the Lowbidgee League (an industry group representing landholders in the Lowbidgee Flood Control and Irrigation District); members of the Floodplain Organic Grain Group (a development and marketing cooperative); members of the Redbank Landcare group; and Balranald residents including the development officer from the Balranald Shire Council, and a representative of the Aboriginal community. Consultations included an organic grain buyer, and a wetland scientist from New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service who had recently carried out an extensive assessment of the health of the Lowbidgee floodplain wetlands.

The Lower Murrumbidgee floodplain, between the towns of Hay and Balranald in south-western New South Wales, contains the largest area of wetland remaining in the Murrumbidgee Valley (217 000 hectares). It also includes the second largest red gum forest in Australia (35 000 hectares) and is the largest organic grain producing area in the nation. All are under threat of ‘dying from thirst’. The floodplain is extremely vulnerable because it has no water allocation. It is totally dependent on obtaining rapidly diminishing ‘surplus’ river flows for all environmental and agricultural requirements.

Water trading has resulted in a great reduction in ‘surplus’ flows available for the floodplain, as previously unused water is either taken up or sold. This is placing enormous stress on the redgum forests, the wetlands and the farming community. Around 60 000 hectares of some of the richest alluvial soils in Australia have already been lost to both ecological and agricultural production over the past 50 years because they are now rarely In 1902, the flooded country below Hay covered more than 300 000 hectares. flooded. The problem of ecosystems and communities at the bottom ends Upstream water extractions and downstream demands, without adequate of river systems ‘dying from thirst’ is a global issue – the shrinking of the provision to sustain the wetlands, have degraded this strategic ecosystems Aral Sea in the former Soviet Union is the world’s most dramatic example. services provider. The lower Murrumbidgee floodplain wetlands, and associated red gum forests, have considerable potential for rehabilitation, and The Lower Murrumbidgee floodplain wetlands have considerable potential an enormous under-utilised ecosystems service capacity to cleanse, restock, for rehabilitation, and an enormous under-utilised ecological service and rejuvenate the River Murray. capacity to cleanse, re-stock, and rejuvenate the Murray River.

32 ACTION PLAN | ANSI Use of the proposed Centre and Network The bioregional community saw an Australian National Sustainability Initiative as having the potential for: The residents of the lower Murrumbidgee saw the Centre and Network as having the potential to make a major contribution to the ◗ bringing issues such as theirs to the attention of the public and sustainability of ecologically significant areas which are ‘out of sight and thereby helping to gain public support to sustain significant out of mind’ by raising awareness and gaining public support for their ecological areas and communities in Australia maintenance or rehabilitation. They would be interested in mounting an ◗ unifying diverse groups of Australians to feel part of a ‘team’ working exhibition at the Centre to present the story of their approach to towards ecological sustainability by acknowledging their efforts sustainability on the floodplain. Some indicated that they would be ◗ willing to spend time at the exhibition to talk directly with the public. providing a venue for the public debate of the impacts of government policy, such as water trading They would also be interested in the ongoing use of a web-based ◗ informing decision makers – helping to close the apparently Sustainability Network to share with others the developments in their increasing gap between policy makers and the community bioregion. It was suggested that the Centre would need to employ a full time web-master to maintain this service and also to contract a video team, as ◗ legitimating local and community knowledge community members generally do not have the time or expertise in this area. ◗ facilitating and promoting community visions for the future It was seen that a well-supported independent institution would provide ◗ keeping the issue of sustainability at the top of the Australian an opportunity to share a diverse range of ways to work towards an consciousness through ongoing, dynamic and creative communication ecologically sustainable future which would not otherwise be exposed. ◗ balancing the trend towards increased corporatisation and Broadly, the group thought the ‘audience’ provided by the Centre and bureaucratisation in Australia by being accessible, transparent, and Network would be good for rural morale, the sharing of ideas would build placing issues into context – telling the ‘whole’ truth capacities and would ultimately benefit Australia ecologically, economically, socially, ethically and culturally. ◗ providing a video crew and similar services to help residents ‘personally’ present their stories in the best possible way (see DVD) The residents felt that what was missing from the sustainability debate ◗ and the ‘government–community partnership’ rhetoric was investment in providing a venue and an audience to give a much-needed ‘voice’ and the future of the land and its people. Despite 25 years of rhetoric, there morale boost to innovative groups to share the story of their continued to be an outdated preference for ‘engineering solutions’ to approaches to sustainability symptoms, and remote decision making. There was a perception that in ◗ providing expert curatorial and graphic design assistance to maximise recent years consultation had declined and access to information and the impact of bioregional exhibitions at the Centre processes had become more difficult. Residents’ local knowledge should ◗ establishing formal links with television programs such as ‘Landline’ be recognised and ‘tools’ developed to enable communities to deal or producing a program similar to ‘Totally Wild’ on sustainability creatively with the crisis of resources degradation in bioregions. This issues, and establishing relationships with magazines such as would enable community groups, such as their own, to become more Outback and Australian Geographic effective and more equal partners with government. ◗ establishing a network of bioregional ‘monitoring points’, and They saw a need for greater investment in people, and tools that people possibly centres, throughout Australia to develop, share and assess ‘on the ground’ can use to assess sustainability. vernacular models of sustainability which incorporate local knowledge ◗ conducting regional conferences, and mounting touring exhibitions, to Ultimately, the most potent way of conserving biological diversity increase the accessibility of local and scientific knowledge. “ may be to protect the diversity of cultures that have stewarded the plant and animal communities ... Nabhan GP 1997, Cultures of Habitat:” On nature, culture and story, Counterpoint, Washington DC.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 33 Wetlands are now generally recognised as the cheapest and most effective form of river protection available. They are the cleansing ‘kidneys’ and rejuvenating nurseries of Australian waterways. For 200 years, most white Australians retained a negative European cultural ‘memory’ of wetlands and applied these values to a radically different environment, often with disastrous consequences.

34 ACTION PLAN | ANSI ATTACHMENT 2 – WHO WE ARE

This initiative is the result of several years work by members of the Australian National Biocentre Inc. The Biocentre was founded by the Nature and Society Forum whose members include artists, scientists, communicators, educators, community members, professional people and students sharing the goal of a healthy people on a healthy planet.

Patrons Professor Fenner was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 1954, and gave its Flinders Lecture in 1967 and Burnet Lecture Professor Frank Fenner, AC: Microbiologist, Virologist and recipient of in 1985. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1958, many science awards. Professor Fenner graduated MB BS in the and gave its Leuwenhoek Lecture in 1961 and Florey Lecture in 1983, and University of Adelaide in 1938, and received an MD in 1942, on the was awarded the Copley Medal in 1995. He was elected a Foreign physical anthropology of Australian Aborigines. He served in the Royal Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences in 1977, and has Australian Army Medical Corps (1940–46) and in 1945 was awarded an honourary doctorates from the Australian National, Monash, Liège, Oxford MBE for his work in malaria control in New Guinea. After the war he and Brookes Universities. He was awarded the Albert Einstein World worked for brief periods with Sir Macfarlane Burnet and Dr René Dubos, Award for Science 2000, the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science in 2002, and in 1949 was appointed Professor of Microbiology in the John Curtin and ACT Australian of the Year 2003. School of Medical Research, Australian National University. He was Director of the John Curtin School (1967–73), and Director of the Centre Dr Stephen Boyden, AM PhD BSc (Vet Sci) FAA FRSA: Biohistorian, of Resource and Environmental Studies in the Australian National co-convener and founding member of the Nature and Society Forum. University (1973–79). After official retirement at the end of 1979 he was After graduated in Veterinary Science in London in 1947 Dr Boyden appointed a visiting fellow in the John Curtin School of Medical worked at the University of Cambridge and the Rockefeller Institute in Research, a position he still occupies. In 1976 he was made a Companion New York. He received his PhD in immunology from the University of of the Order of St Michael and St George for contributions to medical Cambridge in 1951. After a year at the Pasteur Institute in Paris he took research and in 1989 he was awarded the Companion of the Order of charge of the World Health Organization’s Tuberculosis Immunisation Australia for his contributions to preventive medicine. Research Centre in Copenhagen. From 1960 he worked at the John Curtin His principal research has been concerned with poxviruses (mousepox, School of Medical Research at the Australian National University in myxomatosis, vaccinia genetics and smallpox), and his writing with Canberra. From 1965 to his official retirement at the end of 1990 he poxviruses, animal virology, smallpox eradication, environmental problems engaged in research and writing in human ecology and human biohistory. and the history of science. He has published some 300 scientific papers, In the early 1970s he initiated and directed the Hong Kong Human been editor of four books, and sole author or coauthor of 14 books. From Ecology Program, which was the first comprehensive ecological study of 1969 onwards he was associated with the WHO Intensified Smallpox a city. He was a UNESCO consultant to the Man in the Biosphere Program Eradication Programme, being Chairman of the Global Commission for the (1973–89) and leader of the Fundamental Questions Program at the Certification of Smallpox Eradication (1977–79) and Chairman of the Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, ANU (1988–90). Committee on Orthopoxvirus Infections (1980–85. In 1988 he shared the Japan Prize (Preventive Medicine) with Dr DA Henderson (USA) and Dr I Arita (Japan) for work on smallpox eradication.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 35 Members of the Board of Members Australian National Biocentre Dr Janis Birkeland: PhD, JD, MA and BA, presently teaching Members of the Board of the Australian National Biocentre responsible sustainable systems courses at the Australian National University. for issuing this action plan at the time of printing are listed below. Dr Birkeland qualified and practiced as an artist (BA Bennington, 1966), President architect (MA University of California, Berkeley, 1972), lawyer (JD University of California, Hastings, 1979), and city and regional planner (PhD University Dr Moss Cass: First Federal Minister for the Environment (1972–75), of Tasmania, 1993). She worked consecutively as an advocacy planner, convener of the Scientists and Engineers Network for a Sustainable architect, urban designer, city planner and attorney in San Francisco Environment. (1969–80). In 1981 she moved Tasmania, joined the Green movement, Dr Cass was a medical practitioner (1950–69) and, in 1969, entered raised children and did her PhD in environmental planning, management Federal Parliament (1969–83), during which time he was Federal Minister and governance. She taught architecture in Tasmania and then at the for the Environment (1972–75) and Federal Minister for Media (1975). He University of Canberra (1992 –2000), where she later started a suite of was the Project officer for the Victorian Government’s Task Force on postgraduate courses in sustainable systems. She also served as senior Quality Assurance in Health Care (1987–90) and Executive Officer, Quality environmental education officer for Environment Australia. In 2002, she Assurance Network, Health Department of Victoria (1991–97). published Design for Sustainability: a Sourcebook of Integrated Eco-logical Solutions. She is a director of the Sustainability Science Team, a Canberra- In 1964 he authored the Fabian Society pamphlet, A National Health based consultancy, and is located at the Australian National University. Scheme for Labor. Emeritus Professor Valerie Brown: AO, BSc DipAdultEd PhD, Deputy President Coordinator, Local Sustainability Project, ANU. Associate Professor Brendan Mackey: Ecologist and environmental Emeritus Professor Brown’s interests include global change from local scientist, convener of the international Earth Charter Education Committee. action, whole-of-community engagement, learning communities online, Associate Professor Mackey is Reader in the School of Resources, knowledge based on synthesis. Her experience includes research Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra. He has publications on: holistic university education, 1981; drugs in Australia, a PhD in Ecology, and has worked as a research scientist with the CSIRO 1986; integrated management for the coastal zone, 1994; managing and the Canadian Forest Service. The main theme of his research and environmental conflict, 1995; managing for local sustainability, 1997; teaching is the science of ecological integrity in terrestrial ecosystems regional state-of-the-environment reporting, 2000; community-based and its role in policy formulation and education for sustainability. He was action on environment and health, 2001; and terms of engagement in the a member of the Earth Charter international drafting team, and currently Murray–Darling Basin, 2002. She established inaugural Health serves as Chair of the Earth Charter international education advisory Advancement Services for the ACT, degrees in community education at committee. He is a member of the Collaborative Research Centre for the University of Canberra and environmental management for health at Greenhouse Accounting. Brendan is an Associate Editor for Environmental the University of Western Sydney. She has served on advisory committees Conservation, an international journal of environmental science published for federal, state and local governments. by Cambridge University Press. He is a member of the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law and co-Chair of its Ethics Working Group, and is an inaugural member of the advisory committee to Catholic Earthcare Australia, the environmental body of the Bishops’ Committee for Justice, Development, Ecology and Peace.

36 ACTION PLAN | ANSI Mr David Eastburn: GradDipEdTech, MEnvEd, Coordinator of the Nature Dr John Harris: BSc(Hons) MSc PhD Ecologist and Environmental and Society Forum. Educator and former University of Canberra academic.

Mr Eastburn taught secondary level agriculture and social sciences in Dr Harris has interests in ecology and evolutionary theory, conservation of Papua New Guinea for a decade. He has 15 years experience in the biological diversity, the experience of nature and human wellbeing, and Murray–Darling Basin water industry, including the position of Director of education for sustainability. His research publications are on reproductive Communications, Murray–Darling Basin Commission (1989–98). He has biology of fish, acclimatisation by cave dwelling bats and the dynamics of produced 40 broadcast quality videos on natural resources management. cave communities, applied ecology and natural resource management, His main interest is in community capacity realisation. This has included environmental impacts of human settlement in Papua New Guinea and working with rural communities to address identity crises, and conceiving the teaching of environmental science. He helped design an of and implementing ‘Special Forever’, the Murray–Darling Basin primary undergraduate BAppSci degree course in ecology and environmental school’s environmental education–literacy–intergenerational equity management and a postgraduate curriculum for community-based program which is in its 12th year. His work has attracted communication, environmental education. John has expertise in field-based teaching, and education and environmental awards – including Banksia, LandCare and helped establish the professional field of natural resource management in Vision for Australia. He is currently researching the possible roles of rural Australia. His field-based teaching and learning experience will be used communities in managing significant ecosystems. to help promote nature-based walks and canoe trips into and around the Jerrabomberra wetlands adjacent to the proposed sustainability Centre. Mr Gerard Gillespie: President, Canberra and South East Region Environ- ment Centre and Manager, South East Office, Resource New South Wales. Mr Petar Johnson: Human ecologist and the President of the Australian Environmental Labelling Association Inc. Mr Gillespie published booklets on waste reduction for local councils in New South Wales in the 1980s and was closely involved in developing Mr Johnson has spent over 15 years in the environmental arena, working the ACT community’s ‘No Waste by 2010’ strategy. He was a founding within the broadest elements of the environmental challenge in Australia. manager of the Zero Waste New Zealand Trust (1997–98). (New Zealand He shares a vision of a progressive environmental future for Australia, now has more than 30 Zero Waste councils and is the first nation in the with other progressive Australian thinkers and is committed to identifying world to have adopted a Zero Waste target as a National Strategy.) Mr and delivering the right triggers for cultural change in this direction. Gillespie’s principal interest is in vermiculture. He has had many varied He has worked in the environmental arena with the Centre for Resource international speaking engagements. and Environment Studies Australian National University, the Blue Mountains World Heritage Committee, in the Australian Government with Mr Robert C Gourlay: BAppSc, MAppSc, Company Director and the Energy Star Labelling Team and the Greenhouse Challenge Group in Environmental Scientist. the Australian Greenhouse Office. Most recently Petar was manager of Mr Gourlay is the Managing Director of Orbtek Pty Ltd and a principal the Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council environmental scientist specialising in resource assessment and Working Group on Product Stewardship for Electrical and Electronic management. He has 23 years consultancy background in policy Equipment in the Sustainable Industries Branch, Environment Australia. development, corporate planning, business analysis and program He enjoys the benefits of long hours/days in the natural environmental evaluation, information system design and resource management in the and has an interest in traditional martial arts, hobby farming and botany. public sector. He headed an environmental consultancy company, Environmental Research and Information Consortium Pty Ltd, (1992–2002) which became a leader and award winner in natural resource R&D, innovation and application of new techniques in the use of remotely sensed data in resource mapping for environmental and economic and social assessment. Rob has received a number of awards and honours for research and development and innovation for environmental information technologies, particularly in the application of geophysical data for mapping salinity.

ACTION PLAN | ANSI 37 Ms Wendy Rainbird: BA, DipEd, an educator who has taught at mainly Working groups Primary Schools. Development of the proposal for an Australian National Sustainability Ms Rainbird has expertise in the National Curricula for all Key Learning Initiative and, in particular, developing this Action Plan, involved many Areas, many of which are relevant to the Australian National contributors. Members of the working groups included: Sustainability initiative, especially in the areas of studies of society and ◗ Design and Construction: Derek Wrigley (Chair), Ray Franzi, the environment, health, science, technology and design, English and the Jim Were, Richard Elliot, Alistair Falconer, Lance Fellows, Jacek arts. Wendy has had many years experience teaching and has led student Lukaszyk, Janis Birkeland, Gerry Gillespie, Amy Leenders, Dave groups in Environment Education at the Birrigai Outdoor Education Centre, Pigram, Greg Waddington. and a student voluntary group called Children of the Green Earth. Wendy has coordinated a volunteer BushCare group for many years, and has had ◗ Displays: John Reid (Chair), David Eastburn, Bryan Furnass, Brian hands-on action working with Canberra Nature Park Rangers. She has Gore, John Schooneveldt and Rob Gourlay. been involved in Integrated Catchment Management programs, including ◗ Education: Wendy Rainbird, (Chair), Valerie Brown, David Eastburn, the Southern ACT Catchment Group facilitated by Environment ACT. Rory Eames, John Harris and Brendan Mackey. Mr John Reid: BA (ANU), MFA (UNSW), AIDIA (Graphic Design). Volunteers: Many volunteers contributed to this initiative. They are too numerous to name, but recent contributors include Anwar Ahmad, Simon Mr Reid is a visual artist and Senior Lecturer, School of Art, Australian Brown, Kim Hyunh, Shirley Kral, Kala Perkins, and Ken Thorne. National University, Canberra where he coordinates the Environment Studio and convenes field studies. He works with the media of Art: Allan Fox provided generous access to his extensive photographic photography, collage and performance to address issues of human rights, collection and provided helpful advice on the initial brochure and to visualise landscape as a contribution to the construction of cultural subsequent Action Plan development, editing and design (some of his identity and sense of regional place, and to influence community original photos were lost in the fires). acceptance of environmental protection strategies. John has been Diagram: Valerie Brown worked collaboratively with the Board to awarded for teaching, raising environmental awareness and for inspiring develop the diagram on page 12 using a web-based process. the production of visual art from science. He co-directs the FieldScreen Research Project and is chief executive officer of the National Case study: David Eastburn worked with the Lowbidgee community to Environment Bank. develop the bioregional case study.

Dr John Schooneveldt: A director of the Sustainability Science Team Office building: Robert Thorne and David Ascroft, Canberra based in Canberra . architects, both provided generic designs of green office buildings to inspire and form the basis for further work when a specific site for the Dr Schooneveldt special interests include enterprise development and office building is determined. innovation. He was closely involved in developing Australia’s business incubator, innovation centre and business facilitation movements. He is Site Plan: The site plan and design concepts were developed by Janis currently setting up a farm on sustainable principles at Binalong in New Birkeland, Mervyn Dorrough and Derek Wrigley in collaboration with the South Wales and writing a book on contextualism. As a public servant he Board, the Design and Construction Group, and Education Group. developed the basis for negotiating Australia’s reciprocal social security Landscape: Mervyn Dorrough of Dorrough Britz & Associates Landscape arrangements with its migrant source countries and was a senior advisor Architects and Site Planners provided valuable advice. to the Fraser Government on multiculturalism. John has been an activist in the human rights arena for 20 years and has qualifications in Network technology: Rolf von Behrens advised on the establishment of psychology, linguistics, navigation and ecology. the proposed web-based network. Writing: David Eastburn co-ordinated the review of feedback, and the writing and production of the Action PLan in collaboration with the Board.

This document was edited by Jenny Cook and designed by Grey Worldwide.

38 ACTION PLAN | ANSI I commend you for this initiative and urge that we “ cooperate by linking the efforts of all like-minded individuals throughout this planet whose objective is to travel lightly and leave the planet in a better state than the state in which we found it on arrival. If this is not the majority of the people on earth, as I firmly believe, then we are probably wasting our time. ” Respondent M Williams AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE CASE STUDY – VIDEO EXPLANATION:

The video is a story about a farming community on the lower Murrumbidgee floodplain, between Hay and Balranald in south- western NSW, working towards an ecologically sustainable future. It is one of hundreds of similar stories from throughout Australia which respondents have indicated that they would wish to be shared through the proposed Sustainability Network and Centre.

The Lower Murrumbidgee floodplain is one of the most significant wetland areas in Australia. It contains the largest area of wetland remaining in the Murrumbidgee Valley (217 000 ha) which assumes great significance in the context of the Murrumbidgee River having the most water diverted of any river in the Murray-Darling Basin. It includes the second largest red gum forest in Australia (35 000 ha) and is the largest organic grain producing area in the nation. The Lower Murrumbidgee floodplain wetlands have considerable potential for rehabilitation, and an enormous under-utilised ecological service capacity to cleanse, restock and rejuvenate the River Murray. The area suffers from the world-wide problem of environments and communities at the bottom ends of rivers ‘dying from thirst’ as a result of increasing upstream diversions .

In 1899, more than sixty years before the beginning of the modern environment movement, and ninety years before most non- indigenous Australians recognised the importance of wetlands and the value of flooding in the Australian landscape, a handful of people in the western Riverina, began to lobby to protect their local wetland ecosystem. As the floodplain is very flat it is vulnerable to the impacts of upstream diversions - a reduction in floodwater levels of a matter of 20 centimetres can mean that hundreds or even thousands of hectares of land are not watered. Their struggle continues to this day.

The vernacular agricultural methods developed by the Lowbidgee landholders - to work in harmony with natural river flows, the floodplain, wetlands, redgum forests and the surrounding saltbush country – were until recently in conflict with the dominant worldview. While the land-use practices are now regularly vindicated, vestiges of earlier punitive policies still survive in bureaucratic processes, apparently because the area is difficult to ‘measure’ and categorise. In 2002, the ‘Draft Water Sharing Plan for the Murrumbidgee Regulated River Water Source’ stated that: … the Lowbidgee, is not part of this water sharing plan.…the draft Plan treats all flows to Lowbidgee as supplementary access water, including the environmental component of that water. Thus, this flow provision has the lowest priority of all water in the water resource, and also at times is of lower priority to water supply commitments to the Murray River.

The enormous ecological services capacity of the floodplain to rejuvenate the River Murray is being ignored as water is kept within the river channel management convenience rather than being allowed to pass naturally through the wetlands. Around 60 000 hectares of some of Australia’s richest alluvial soil – a country with notoriously poor soils - built up over tens of millions of years of flooding, has already largely been lost to both agricultural and ecological production. Large areas of one of Australia’s most significant red gum forests are now highly stressed and dying because of current river management methods, and recently introduced water trading. The ‘clean-green’ and highly valuable large-scale organic farming industry is also under threat due to water insecurity.