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SearchArchives for September 2011
1 September, 2011
29 September, 2011
Computer says yes
to new PS award
PS staff who deliver service above and beyond the call of duty could be in line for a new award.
The “Computer_says_Yes! Award” has been adopted by 5000+ which is delivering an urban design vision across Adelaide City Council and the seven inner metro council areas and is reportedly backed by Local, State and Federal agencies.
According to 5000+, the Computer_says_Yes! Award would reward innovation in the Public Service and in turn identify better management practices leading to innovation, reform and change.
Chief Executive of the Australian Centre for Social Innovation, Brenton Caffin said the Award would acknowledge outstanding individuals working in public sector agencies.
Mr Caffin said the idea was to recognise and celebrate the “brave souls” within systems who went above and beyond the call of duty in working with the community to enable things to happen – “rather than to prevent them”.
“The idea being that nominations could only come from people outside of the system who could attest to the difference that an individual inside the system made,” Mr Caffin said.
He said the Computer_says_Yes! Award would create a formal recognition process that would validate the kind of behaviour the public wanted to see more of.
Commissioner for Integrated Design, Tim Horton said innovation should be celebrated.
“In Adelaide we do this really well in the arts and in the sciences,” Mr Horton said.
“But we need to also work out how we can incentivise innovation in the Public Service, and how we recognise and reward people who work within a risk averse system and change their behaviour.”
He said over-regulation wasn’t an easy problem to solve.
“It happens all over the place,” he said.
“But other cities have learned how to make things flow in a much more people-friendly way – and we can do it here too.”
Nominations for the Computer_says_Yes! Award can be made at this PS News link and a shortlist of nominees will be published on the same website on 6 October 2011.
29 September, 2011
Planning reforms off
the drawing board
The first stage of reforms for streamlining South Australia’s planning policies has been completed.
Minister for Urban Development and Planning, John Rau said the reforms to the South Australian Planning Policy Library would simplify the zoning system and make it easier for Local Councils to align their planning policies with the South Australian Planning Strategy which included the 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide.
Mr Rau said the Stage One reforms would reduce the number of zones from 650 to around 48, with further reductions to be introduced in stages two and three.
He said five new zone modules and associated policies had been developed following consultation with Government Agencies, Local Councils and industry.
“These reforms will not only make planning policy more comprehensible and effective, they will also guide the implementation of key parts of the 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide,” Mr Rau said.
“For example, the new zones are designed to increase opportunities for residential and business growth in transit corridors, around public transport stops and in other strategic in-fill areas.”
He said by focussing growth within existing urban areas the strategy would reduce urban sprawl and protect productive agricultural and environmentally significant land.
He said it would also reduce car dependency and create liveable and accessible communities.
Mr Rau said the new zone modules were:
- An Urban Core Zone allowing a combination of major land-use types such as residential, office, commercial and civic;
- An Urban Corridor Zone supporting a mix of higher density development on land that joined key transit corridors;
- An Urban Employment Zone that accommodated a range of business uses and activities that generated employment;
- A Suburban Activity Node Zone encouraging a range of medium and high density dwellings supported by a mix of transit stops, activity centres or high quality open spaces; and
- A Suburban Neighbourhood Zone supporting new forms of residential and related development in new growth areas and in-fill development at moderate densities.
He said the second stage of the reform process had begun and would involve a review of all urban development zones to ensure they aligned with the South Australian Planning Strategy.
Mr Rau said Councils would be formally consulted during the process.
29 September, 2011
Forestry strategy
grows on trees
The South Australian Forestry Industry Strategy has been released by the Minister for Forests, Michael O’Brien.
According to Mr O’Brien, the aim of the Strategy is to deliver sustainable economic development to the forestry industry.
He said the Strategy mapped out a long-term vision and strategic direction for the next five years to grow the industry which contributed around $2.6 billion to the State’s economy each year.
He said the priorities embodied in the Strategy included articulation of the Government’s policy position on the forest industry to increase investor confidence; increasing the resource base and processing capacity to enhance competitiveness; capturing new value-adding opportunities; and achieving a stable operating environment across the State.
He said it also prioritised promotion of the environmental benefits of forestry and forest products; developing more training, education and innovation in the industry; and fostering capability.
Mr O’Brien said the Strategy was developed by the Forest Industry Development Board with support from PIRSA and followed consultation with industry and the community.
“The strategy identifies market development opportunities around investment and innovation in sustainable resources, processing capacity, products and workforce development,” Mr O’Brien said.
“More than ever, industry, government and the community are challenged to integrate economic growth, social wellbeing and environmental sustainability, capturing the opportunities in the transition to a low carbon economy.”
He said he was confident that implementing the Strategy would ensure South Australians continued to benefit from the sustainable growth and future success of the forest industry.
Chair of the Forest Industry Development Board, Lyndall Bull said the Strategy’s success would hinge on collaboration between government, industry and the community.
“The South Australian forest sector has punched well above its weight for more than 130 years,” Dr Bull said.
“We aim to build on this advantage.”
The South Australian Forestry Industry Strategy. Vision 2050: Strategic Direction 2100-2016 can be accessed at this PS News link.
29 September, 2011
Work study finds
that work works
It’s official: Work is good for you!
And according to the Commonwealth agency for workers’ compensation Comcare, it is especially good for people returning to work from injury.
Chief Executive of Comcare, Paul O’Connor said statistics showed that people injured or harmed due to work recovered their health faster if they returned to ‘good’ work earlier.
He said a long-term absence from work could have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of an injured worker.
He said Comcare’s stats showed that injured workers away for more than four weeks had a 46 per cent chance of being off work for another nine weeks, and a quarter of those off for more than a month would not go back for at least another five or six months.
Mr O’Connor said workers didn’t need to be fully fit to return to work.
“The more time spent off work, the slower the recovery,” he said.
“We need to help workers negotiate with their employers to get them back at work as soon as possible.
“It doesn’t have to be full-time to start. A few hours of good work will make a real difference to recovery.”
Mr O’Connor defined ‘good’ work as that which was fulfilling, meaningful, and matched to what the injured person could do.
He said injured workers could often make a remarkable recovery on the job rather than sitting at home with little to do, worrying about what would happen next.
He said Comcare had joined with the Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP) and other professional bodies to sign a consensus document promoting the health benefits of work and development of the document was continuing.
The early return advice had emerged from the dialogue with health experts and professionals.
29 September, 2011
Teachers resource for
first class curriculum
A new online package of resources for teachers and students to get the most from the Australian Curriculum has been announced by the Federal Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett.
According to Mr Garrett, the $41.2 million package would give all schools in metropolitan, rural and regional areas of South Australia access to new materials for the first seven subject areas so far developed under the Curriculum.
It will also offer cross-curriculum capabilities.
“The new Australian Curriculum will be the first fully digital curriculum,” Mr Garrett said.
“It will be accessible online to every school and teacher and will be linked to a wealth of additional materials that will be continuously expanded and updated over time.”
He said the funding would go to the publicly owned private company Education Services Australia which will work in partnership with education authorities and other groups to source and develop the new resources.
“We’ll also be offering online professional development support and resources for teachers, to help them deliver the new curriculum as it is rolled out over the coming years,” Mr Garrett said.
“It means that teachers and kids in regional or remote schools will have the same digital resources as city schools, so all students will have equal opportunities to learn and do well.”
He said the new package included $10 million to support teachers in their professional development; $5 million for language teaching and learning; $11.4 million for online materials for teaching English, maths, science, history, geography, languages and the arts; $5 million for technical improvements to enable the materials to be used by schools across Australia; and $9.8 million to make each part of the Curriculum easy-to-find for teachers.
Mr Garrett said new Curriculum would be a “huge benefit” to students and schools across the country because for the first time Australia would have a consistent, nation-wide program of learning for all students.
He said the Australian Curriculum was already being implemented in the ACT with some subjects due to be introduced in other States and Territories in 2012.
More information is available from this PS News link.
29 September, 2011
Natural resources
get green light
The draft of a revised plan for managing South Australia’s natural resources has been released for public comment and consultation.
The State Natural Resources Management (NRM) Plan, which was originally released in 2006, sets the strategic direction for natural resource management across South Australia.
Presiding Member of the NRM Council, Andrew Inglis welcomed the draft saying community involvement was critical to the success of the new Plan.
“The new State NRM Plan is incredibly important as it will set the direction for natural resource management in South Australia over the next decade,” Mr Inglis said.
“Decisions about how to take care of valuable assets such as water, land, plants and animals affect everyone.”
He said the State’s natural resources sustained wellbeing and livelihoods and the community’s prosperity depended on them being healthy and productive.
He said a number of forums had been conducted around the State to discuss what the goals and priorities of the new plan should be and representatives from several organisations had helped develop the draft content and structure.
“We’re now asking all members of the community ? including regional NRM boards, Aboriginal groups, Local Councils, and agriculture, industry, mining, conservation, tourism and regional development bodies ? to have a close look at the draft revised plan and let us know what they think.”
Mr Inglis said the new plan, which would be completed in 2012, would build on the strengths of the previous plan which was the first integrated plan for the management of natural resources in South Australia.
He said it was developed after the proclamation of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, which brought together previous Acts dealing with water, soil, and pest animals and plants.
“We’ve come a long way since 2006,” Mr Inglis said.
He said the new plan would provide high level direction and guidance and encourage innovation.
“It will support ongoing improvement in the condition of our natural resources, integrate the management of our natural resources more closely with regional development and primary production and provide an efficient and relevant management system.
“It will also take a ‘landscape-scale’ approach to natural resource management across public and private land.”
He said NRM boards would remain responsible for developing regional NRM plans and guiding priorities and decisions in different parts of the State.
The draft State NRM Plan is available from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources website at this PS News link.
Submissions close 19 December 2011.
29 September, 2011
Artesian Basin plan
goes to water
Work has begun on the third phase of a project to protect the groundwaters of the Great Artesian Basin.
The State and Commonwealth Governments are jointly conducting the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI), committing $2 million to the third phase to help save water in the nationally important water resource.
Minister for Water, Paul Caica said the project would save up to 45 litres of groundwater every second, maintaining the basin as the largest source of groundwater in the Southern Hemisphere.
“The Great Artesian Basin is a critical water resource for industries and the GABSI is an important initiative aimed at conserving and managing a large volume of Australian water resources on a sustainable basis,” Mr Caica said.
“This funding will help to preserve the Great Artesian Basin’s water which will not only benefit the region’s precious ecosystem, but also the industries that rely on it.”
He said the newly-commenced third phase of the GABSI would see two large free-flowing bores on the western side of the Basin sealed and a high-pressure bore in the middle of the Basin rehabilitated.
He said the number of bores around Marree would be reduced into a single system and infrastructure would be replaced.
“The capping of two large free-flowing bore drains in this phase will preserve an additional 3.8 megalitres per day, or 45 litres per second,’’ Mr Caica said.
“The first two phases of the initiative have been a big success in South Australia.”
He said South Australia pioneered the rehabilitation of uncontrolled, free flowing bores in the Basin in the mid 1970s which helped to recover artesian pressures and reduce water wastage.
He said South Australia had taken part in the first two phases of the GABSI which had seen free flowing artesian bores rehabilitated and controlled pipe-watering systems installed across the Basin to maximise water savings.
Mr Caica said the State expenditure was matched by the Federal Government with another $1.2m provided by BHP Billiton and in-kind contributions by pastoral landholders to install the piping systems.
29 September, 2011
Cost of living index
receives change
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has revised the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to bring it up to date with current patterns of household spending.
To apply from the September quarter which will be released on 26 October, the new CPI Index has been explained in an information paper released by the ABS.
According to the Bureau, Australians now spend more on restaurant meals than they did in 2005 and less on beef and veal, for example, so the expenditure weights applied to the different goods and services in the CPI basket needed to be revised to reflect current patterns.
“The CPI has been reviewed 16 times since its introduction in 1960,” the Bureau said in a statement.
“These reviews make sure that the CPI basket remains relevant to Australian purchasing patterns.”
It said the headline CPI (All groups CPI) would not be revised as a result of the changes.
“The All groups CPI for the June quarter 2011 was 0.9% for the quarter, and 3.6% through the year.”
It said the information paper covered the new CPI expenditure weights and detailed the methods used in deriving the weights as well as highlighting major shifts.
“The information paper also provides a mock–up of the revised format of the September quarter 2011 publication and downloadable spreadsheets to enable users to become familiar with them before the release date.”
The Bureau said that as well as the CPI, it also produced a suite of related indexes to help users understand the pattern of inflationary pressures in the Australian economy.
“The information paper describes the composition of these series.”
It said that in line with a recommendation from the 16th review, indirect charges for deposit and loan facilities had been removed from the headline CPI while improvements were made to the methodology and underlying data sources.
It said a new analytical series would be produced - the All groups CPI including Deposit and loans (indirect charges) – in the meantime.
The information paper Introduction of the 16th Series Australian Consumer Price Index, can be accessed at this PS News link.
29 September, 2011
Transport paper
shows the way
A new report prepared for the National Transport Commission shows that most Australians want a better transport system but reject many of the policies that would help pay for it.
A discussion paper has been released to encourage public comment.
According to the Chief Executive of the NTC, Nick Dimopoulos, the paper Smart Transport for a Growing Nation also highlights a lack of public knowledge about the way roads and rail systems were funded.
“Our research found that Australians have very little knowledge about the way that the transport system is funded, or about pricing models that operate overseas,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“Interestingly, when given further information, the community was more open to pricing reform – as long as it was fair and did not limit car use.”
He said the discussion paper explored opportunities for reforming Australia’s freight and passenger transport networks to respond to challenges such as population growth and ageing, urban congestion, accessibility, rising oil prices, and carbon pollution.
“The report examines the current transport system from a public user perspective, and provides a way to engage with individuals and organisations on opportunities for reform,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
He said urban congestion was identified as a growing issue affecting road users and the economy, with the cost of delays expected to reach $20 billion by 2020.
He said however that many Australians did not see public transport as a viable alternative, with over 90 per cent of all trips in Australia taken by private car.
“Our research found that Australians want better transport services and choices,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“Clear priorities for change included more frequent public transport services, better roads and new public transport routes.
“Yet transport users believe it is governments’ responsibility to fund improvements, without paying more.”
He said this attitude highlighted the fact that information and consultation was really the first step towards future changes to the transport system.
He said the Smart Transport for a Growing Nation discussion paper could be accessed at the NTC website at this PS News link and would be open for public comment until 14 October 2011.
29 September, 2011
And in Other News...
State keeps AAA rating
South Australia has retained its AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor’s.
The agency revised the State’s outlook down from stable to negative and warned it to reach its savings targets.
Treasurer Jack Snelling welcomed the assessment saying it re-iterated how important the savings targets were and how little capacity the State had for new spending.
Correctional Officers graduate
Nineteen Trainee Correctional Officers have graduated from their 12-week induction course and are now taking up positions in prisons around the State.
The 15 men and four women are from a wide range of backgrounds with one a former police officer and another a chef.
Eleven Aboriginal Liaison Officers were also presented with Certificate IIIs in Correctional Practice, among the first in Australia to achieve the qualification.
Councils honoured for excellence
Four Adelaide Councils have taken top honours at the South Australian 2011 Excellence in Stormwater Awards.
The awards, presented by the Stormwater Industry Association, recognise excellence in the innovation, development and management of stormwater projects and were presented to the City of Charles Sturt for Excellence in Planning; the City of Salisbury for Excellence in Infrastructure; the City of Onkaparinga for Excellence in Asset Management; and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and Tonkin Consulting for Excellence in Research, Innovation, Policy or Education.
The City of Salisbury’s Colin Pitman won the Chair’s Award and all the winners now go into the national awards which to be presented in Melbourne next year.
Personal alert scheme expanded
Changes to the Personal Alert Rebate Scheme that helps older South Australians purchase and pay the ongoing monitoring costs of personal alert systems have been announced by the Minister for Ageing, Jennifer Rankine.
Ms Rankine said the revisions meant the scheme now applied to monitoring costs for approved systems purchased before July 2010.
She said when the scheme was introduced earlier this year the monitoring rebate only applied to systems purchased on or after 1 July 2010.
She said people with the older units would receive retrospective rebates.
SA Reputation
goes to waste
A survey of waste management around the world by the United Nations has concluded that South Australia’s waste and resources system is world best practice.
President of the Local Government Association, Kym McHugh said the United Nations report recognised that the management of waste and the move towards landfill reduction and increased recycling had not always been easy but the results were more than worth the effort.
Mayor McHugh said the report highlighted the amount of resources that SA Local Government had put into best practice waste management and recycling and the leadership of the State Government in putting in place appropriate legislation to assist with the tasks.
“The report gives a very comprehensive look at the history of waste management in South Australia, the introduction of the Zero Waste Act in 2004 and the promotion of waste management practices that have put us at the head of the field,” Mayor McHugh said.
He said the report indicated South Australia had demonstrated a high level of political commitment and willingness to ‘stick its neck out’ and implement some policies and legislation upon which other administrations took a more conservative position.
“We would still argue that the Solid Waste levy, which diverts 50 cents in every dollar of landfill tax charged to Zero Waste, should be returned to Local Government and waste industries for local waste management,” Mayor McHugh said.
“However to achieve such international recognition, which points to the tremendous work that Councils do to manage waste, is well-deserved praise for all involved in waste management for our communities,” he said.
1 September, 2011
IPAA names
good fellows
Public Servants from across Australia have been named National Fellows of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) at its 2011 National Conference held in Hobart last week.
Erma Ranieri from Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) was among those honoured.
Acknowledging all the recipients of the awards, the National President of the Institute, Percy Allan, said each one had made an outstanding contribution to public administration.
“Australia is fortunate to have dedicated, talented and passionate public administrators at all levels of Government,” Mr Allan said, “and it is appropriate that IPAA – the professional association of the Public Sector – acknowledge and celebrate their achievements.
“To be made a National Fellow of the Institute is the highest accolade for IPAA members.”
Mr Allan said Ms Ranieri, who is Deputy Chief Executive of PIRSA, had led the agency’s change management and development agenda by addressing critical business issues such as the attraction and retention of people in a competitive labour market and creating value in an environment of competing stakeholder expectations.
He said Ms Ranieri was often asked to provide leadership in events and was considered an inspiring, thought provoking and passionate speaker.
She has been a Divisional Councillor of IPAA for the past year.
Mr Allan said all awardees had dedicated their careers to serving the public interest.
“The 2011 recipients join a pre-eminent group of leaders from across jurisdictions and agencies, who capably demonstrate the qualities and attributes required of the profession,” he said.
“These individuals have and have made a significant contribution to the work of IPAA.”
For more information visit this PS News link.
1 September, 2011
Return to work awards
back again
A risk manager, injured worker, rehabilitation coordinator and two ambushed policemen are among Public Service staff selected as finalists in this year’s WorkCoverSA Recovery and Return to Work Awards.
Minister for Workers Rehabilitation, Jack Snelling said the awards aimed to inspire and motivate people to achieve outstanding results in remaining at or returning to work, and also reward the efforts of injured workers, employers and others who had gone the extra mile.
“A record number of 132 applications were submitted for the 2011 awards with just 30 of those making it to finalist status in the categories,” Mr Snelling said.
“Feedback from the judging panel of highly experienced industry representatives was that the strength of the applications was a testament to the good work being undertaken by many in the workers compensation field.”
He said award categories included Remain at Work and Return to Work Achievement Awards; Employer Excellence Awards; a Health and Rehabilitation Achievement Award; a Case and Injury Management Excellence Award; and a Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Achievement Award.
He said Curriculum Consultant with the Department of Education and Children’s Services Ruth Pfeiler was among the finalists as were South Australia Police officers Nathan Mulholland and Tung Tran in the Return to Work Achievement Award.
Mr Snelling said ForestrySA was a finalist in the Employer Excellence Award, while Joanne Rielly from the Courts Administration Authority reached the finals in the Case and Injury Management Excellence Award.
Eugenie Valero from Western Hospital was also in the running for the Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator Award.
Chief Executive of WorkCover, Rob Thomson said it was rewarding to read applications that clearly demonstrated the growing commitment of people wanting to remain at or return to work as quickly as possible.
“Many of these finalists work in challenging and hazardous industries yet they have been able to overcome hurdles caused by the severity of their injuries and, in the case of employers, the challenge of finding alternative duties, even in smaller organisations,” Mr Thomson said.
“One of the key messages that came through from finalists in all of the categories was the critical role and value of the support from family, friends and work colleagues in the return to work process.”
Mtr Thomson said winners would be announced at the official awards ceremony on 13 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
For more information, including the finalists stories, go to this PS News link.
1 September, 2011
Cuttlefish numbers
not adding up
Moves to arrest the declining numbers of Giant Cuttlefish in the Upper Spencer Gulf have been announced by the Minister for Fisheries, Michael O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien said the decline in cuttlefish numbers was both puzzling and disturbing.
“A number of explanations have been put forward, but all are speculative until we have quality data from which to draw informed conclusions,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said he had talked to Whyalla residents, scientists from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and relevant Government Departments to gather as much information as possible.
“I have been told we don’t have enough data over a long enough time period to accurately quantify what level of reduction there has been this year.”
He said the new plans would include converting the existing temporary closure in False Bay to become a permanent and ongoing closure; closing an additional small area immediately adjacent to the Point Lowly headland that is a known breeding area, but is not currently included in the closed area; and implementing a more comprehensive monitoring program for Giant Cuttlefish.
“The monitoring program will span a time period that is sufficient to pick up the seasonal and dynamic changes in the Cuttlefish population,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I intend to involve Whyalla schools and residents in helping SARDI scientists to gather baseline data.”
He said the seasonal variability of Giant Cuttlefish numbers in the Upper Spencer Gulf might occur due to environmental conditions.
“Given the current management arrangements in place, it is very unlikely that commercial or recreational fishing poses a threat to Giant Cuttlefish populations in South Australian waters.
“We know that Giant Cuttlefish populations are characterised by high natural variations from year to year.”
He said these variations were linked to changes in environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity, water circulation and weather patterns.
Mr O’Brien said Giant Cuttlefish were currently protected through a closure under the Fisheries Management Act, which prohibits the taking of all cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish and octopus) at all times in the waters of False Bay near Whyalla.
He said the closure had been in place since 1999 and was initially introduced as a seasonal closure to protect the Giant Cuttlefish during their annual spawning season from March to September.
The Minister said the closure was implemented following research undertaken by SARDI in the late 1990s which identified the unique nature of the location as a breeding site for Giant Cuttlefish.
1 September, 2011
Police hung up on
phone scammers
South Australia Police have issued a public warning about a telephone scam in Port Lincoln.
Police said the scam was in the form of unsolicited phone calls from a person claiming to represent a company named ‘Blue Tech’.
Police said the scammer then tricked the victim into giving the caller access to their computer, usually by saying it was reporting error messages and may be infected by a very nasty virus.
According to Police, once the scammer had access they pretended to scan the computer and told the victim the computer was infected with several viruses.
The scammer then convinced the victim to purchase an anti-virus program urgently which can be done over the phone using a credit card.
Police said the scammers sometimes charge several hundred dollars.
According to the police the so-called anti-virus program can be a back-door Trojan virus which gives the scammer permanent access to the victim’s computer; access to passwords and banking details; and the victim’s credit card details to use for further purchases.
Their advice is to hang up immediately if a telephone call you did not initiate begins talking about your computer having a virus or error problems.
Police warn computer users not to give remote access to their computer to any strangers or to give credit card or online account details to anyone over the telephone unless they made the call themselves and it was to a reputable person or company.
For further information call 1300 795 995 or visit this PS News link.
1 September, 2011
Arts to make show in
schools curriculum
The new national curriculum for Australian schools will include a prominent place for the Arts according to the Federal Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett.
Mr Garrett said a ‘shaping’ paper setting out how drama, dance, music, visual arts and media arts would be studied in all schools had been released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
“During that extensive consultation, ACARA received a lot of feedback and suggestions about the best way to teach the Arts in our schools, including the need to maintain specialist teaching,” Mr Garret said.
“We’ve listened to those suggestions and the final shaping paper released today reflects the views of our arts and education leaders, schools and parents.”
He said it was important that every child in Australia had the opportunity to engage with the arts no matter where they lived or what school they attended.
He said the arts enabled children to broaden their understanding of the world through experiencing various art forms, and to have the confidence to show their creativity.
Mr Garrett said the fact that the Arts curriculum was the second to be developed, after the foundation subjects of maths, science, English and history, demonstrated the importance of fostering creativity.
He said under the new curriculum, students would study all five arts subjects (dance, drama, media arts, music and visual arts) from their first year of school to the end of primary school.
He said once in high school, students would be able to start specialising in one or more subjects and schools would have a high degree of flexibility over implementation.
He said ACARA would use the shaping paper to guide the writing of the Australian Arts Curriculum, which would be released for public consultation next year.
Mr Garrett said once the curriculum was completed it would be endorsed by all the States and Territories, including South Australia, and would then be implemented in classrooms from 2013.
Copies of the shaping paper were available at this PS News link.
1 September, 2011
Oil spill call seeks
slick response
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) has issued a community reminder of the importance of reporting all marine oil spills to minimise the impact they can have on the environment.
General Manager of Transport Safety Regulation at DTEI, Trent Rusby said oil spills could be dangerous and should be reported.
“Oil spills and spills of noxious or hazardous substances can have a significant impact on the environment,” Mr Rusby said.
“Toxic material is introduced to the food chain, degrades beaches and can affect marine life.
“Reporting a marine oil, fuel or noxious substance spill early is critical.”
He said anyone who suspected an oil spill should take the appropriate steps to report it.
“To check if the substance might be oil, rub it between your fingers – if the substance quickly washes off into the water it is probably algae as oil will not wash off easily,” Mr Rusby said.
“I urge all South Australians to report an oil leak immediately by calling (08) 8248 3505 or radio channel 12 at all hours, seven days a week.”
Mr Rusby said DTEI responded to all reported oil spills, looking to identify the cause of the spill while taking action to contain it.
He said it was important that the public leave the clean up and investigation into marine oil spills to the appropriately trained response agencies.
“DTEI will physically respond to the incident to provide initial site management and emergency response,” Mr Rusby said.
“We then collaborate with other Government Agencies throughout the process.”
He said in situations where a marine spill had occurred, it was helpful to provide as much information as possible.
“When reporting a leak it is imperative that you relay all the details you have at hand,” Mr Rusby said.
“This includes the nature of the leak, when and where the spill occurred, the type of substance, the extent of the spill and the name of the vessel it may have come from if that is known.”
For more information about how to identify and report oil spills, visit this PS News link.
1 September, 2011
Cycling plans get
push along
New initiatives to encourage cycling in 14 Local Government areas have been announced by the Minister for Transport, Patrick Conlon.
Mr Conlon said more than $1.3 million had been allocated to cycling projects aimed at improving conditions for cyclists and promoting cycling in a State dedicated to encouraging green, sustainable transport.
“We want to encourage cycling because of the important health, social and environmental benefits,” Mr Conlon said.
“We have a terrific system in place to encourage cycling projects.”
He said the benefits from cycling were evident.
He said that 14 councils would receive funding from the State Bicycle Program and the State Black Spot Cycling Program.
“This investment will provide Councils with the opportunity to fund projects that support and enhance cycling in their local areas,” Mr Conlon said.
“Projects include bicycle lanes on local and arterial roads as well as construction of shared use paths.”
He said recent spending on cycling infrastructure had provided opportunities for cycle enthusiasts and those looking for a healthy activity to do with friends and family.
“The Greenways Project will take cyclists from Adelaide to Marino Rocks along the Noarlunga train line corridor,” Mr Conlon said.
He said as part of the funding, the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) would carry out works in the metropolitan area when constructing bicycle lanes on arterial roads.
He said Councils receiving the funding this financial year included Adelaide City, Holdfast Bay, Onkaparinga, West Torrens, Charles Sturt, Marion, Salisbury, Tea Tree Gully, Barunga West, Mount Gambier, Wudinna District, Clare and Gilbert Valley, Light Regional and Wakefield.
1 September, 2011
T-shirt designs show
a bit of muscle
Finalists in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Art of Nature T-shirt Design Competition have been announced.
The competition, which was aimed at encouraging artists and designers to get out into nature and showcase what’s great about South Australia’s National Parks, attracted more than 200 entries.
Competition organiser with DENR, Todd Clappis said people aged 30 years or younger submitted a large percentage of entries.
“We wanted younger people to enter the competition,” Mr Clappis said.
“It’s important that we encourage them to embrace the natural environment, and this was a cool way to do it.”
He said the Department received hundreds of entries that were shared and liked by thousands of people across social media sites.
“The diversity of entries was enormous.
“People were inspired by places far and wide, from Waterfall Gully near Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges.”
Mr Clappis said there were 16 finalists in three categories including Belair National Park, Cleland Wildlife Park, and Any South Australian National Park chosen by the entrant.
He said the winning T-shirt designs would be printed by Etiko, an Australian clothing and merchandise company with a commitment to sustainable and fair trade practices.
The winner and runner-up from each category would form the Art of Nature T-shirt range, which would be launched at a fashion parade at Womad Earth Station on Saturday 22 October 2011.
“Six designs from the competition will be chosen to be part of a Parks’ clothing range, providing a great way for budding artists and designers to be recognised and gain exposure for their work,” Mr Clappis said.
All the designs can be inspected at this PS News link.
1 September, 2011
Water depot laps up
transformation
Transforming an unused SA Water depot into landscaped gardens and a recreation area has begun at Narnungga Park 25 at Thebarton.
When finished, the unsightly depot will be home to more than 23,000 trees and plants, walking and cycling paths and a central barbecue area and was expected to be opened to the public next year.
Premier Mike Rann said the new shared bicycle and pedestrian path would form the crucial link between the proposed West Side bikeway through to the River Torrens Linear Park cycling paths.
Mr Rann said once completed, the link would finish the 24km recreational pathway, Ochre Trail, providing greater connectivity through Adelaide’s park lands.
“We will be adding open space including thousands of plants and trees to the heart of our city, turning a barren, industrial site into a recreational park for people to enjoy – a functional meeting area that connects our recreation trails and further enhances existing walking and cycling facilities,” Mr Rann said.
“Australian tree species already on site will be incorporated into the design, this will be complemented by local tree species and drought-tolerant indigenous vegetation.”
“The plantings at this site will help us move closer to our Three Million trees target – we’ve already planted more than two and a quarter million trees under our urban forests program which began in 2003.”
Mr Rann said an event space would be created using grassed terraces under the shade of established trees which would double as a multi-purpose picnic area.
He said once established, the Narnungga Park 25 would be self-sustaining.
“This really is about retaining Adelaide’s natural parklands and giving back to the community,” Mr Rann said.
He said SA Water and the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure were currently undertaking extensive remediation and landscape work at the site, bordered by James Congdon Drive, Port Road and the railway line.
He said construction of the trail, pathways and footbridges would be completed later this year while additional shelters, barbecue facilities would be installed next year.
1 September, 2011
Heritage treasures
join heritage list
Two historic buildings and an Aboriginal reserve near Kingston have been added to the South Australian Heritage Register.
Chair of the Heritage Council, Judith Carr said Blackford Reserve, the old Kingston police station and the former wool store were all important to the area’s history.
“Murrabinna, or Blackford Reserve, is an important Aboriginal settlement in South Australia,” Ms Carr said.
“By the 1970s, Aboriginal people had been living at Blackford for up to half a century and unlike other settlements where there was a white missionary, teacher or administrator in residence, the settlement was run entirely by and for its Aboriginal residents.”
She said the site had several stone and iron cottages which added to its uniqueness and heritage value.
She said the former Kingston Police Station in Cooke Street included an office, house, internal courtyard, cells and stables.
“For a century it played a major role in government administration in the South East,” Ms Carr said.
“While similar to many country police stations, it is not identical to any others.”
She said the old wool store in Hanson Street represented a rare surviving example of the wool stores that once stood at many of South Australia’s regional ports.
She said such stores made the 19th century export wool trade possible, acting as a crucial interface between inland and maritime transport.
Ms Carr said all three places were identified as potential State Heritage Places in the Kingston Heritage Survey and were provisionally entered in November 2010.
The SA Heritage Council confirmed their entry in the register following the statutory three-month period for public consultation.
1 September, 2011
DENR shuts the gate
on Park upgrades
Major upgrades to a campground and day use area in Lincoln National Park have been completed.
Acting district ranger with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Peter Wilkins said the Surfleet Cove campground and the Stamford Hill Day Use Area (DUA) had been upgraded.
Mr Wilkins said a steady increase in visitors prompted the large-scale upgrade to facilities and access roads.
He said the improved Surfleet Cove campground catered for more overnight visitors and allowed use for a more diverse range of camping experiences from adventurous tenting to the luxuriant motor home.
“Facilities have been constructed at the Stamford Hill DUA to cater for coaches and caravans,” Mr Wilkins said.
“There are two new picnic shelters, a formal stairway to access the beach and a new toilet block.”
He said the site also provided access to one of South Australia’s top 40 short walks, allowing park users to follow the footsteps of Captain Matthew Flinders up to the top of Stamford Hill with panoramic views of Lincoln National Park and Boston Bay.
He said planning was currently underway to upgrade the footpath and interpretation signage on the Stamford Hill Hike.
“Volunteer group, Friends of Southern Eyre Peninsula Parks, planted almost 3,000 seedlings between both sites,” Mr Wilkins said.
“These plantings will eventually provide more shade, shelter from the sea breeze and a better sense of seclusion around the campsites.”
He said Lincoln National Park was about 13 kilometres south of Port Lincoln on the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula.
He said the park contained some of the most scenic coastal landscapes in South Australia and provided outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, bushwalking, swimming, fishing and four-wheel driving.
Mr Wilkins said the park’s visitor numbers had increased considerably, growing 15 per cent per year over the past two years to 10 80,000 people in 2009.
He said work on the remaining 11 kilometre stretch of the main access road had commenced and was scheduled for completion by the end of the year, providing a continuous sealed road from the City of Port Lincoln to Stamford Hill and Surfleet Cove.
1 September, 2011
Volunteers volunteer
to help biodiversity
A new approach to protecting biodiversity in a residential area has seen the Land Management Corporation (LMC) team up with Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) to introduce an urban habitat program at Lochiel Park Green Village at Campbelltown.
Chief Executive of LMC, Wayne Gibbings said about 80 volunteers rolled up their sleeves with Lochiel Park residents to weed, mulch and plant seedlings in the award-winning 15-hectare development in Hill Street.
Mr Gibbings said the Pathway to Habitat for Sustainability initiative would see CVA assisting local residents and the Friends of Lochiel Park group to support the ongoing care of the urban forest and wetlands at Lochiel Park.
He said the partnership aimed to ensure that Lochiel Park’s urban forest retained its biodiversity and sustainability while at the same time was regarded as a significant community asset.
“Lochiel Park has gained a reputation as one of Australia’s leading green villages, incorporating ecologically sustainable development technologies and this new initiative will further emphasise the focus of this community on habitat sustainability,” Mr Gibbings said.
“Residents are enjoying their new lives at Lochiel Park and are experiencing the benefits of an award-winning green community.”
State Manager of CVA, Terry Peacock said he was looking forward to involving staff from other sponsors, as well as families from the Lochiel Park community.
“I am excited about what will be achieved for the community and the environment through the partnership,” Mr Peacock said.
“It’s a strong message about joining the strengths of the partnership to achieve the environmental outcome.”
General Manager of Urban Planning at Campbelltown City Council, Kevin Lowe said he was enthusiastic about the initiative.
“Council supports this great initiative and the work of Conservation Volunteers that seeks to build local community capacity whilst preserving and improving biodiversity outcomes in the area,” Mr Lowe said.
“Council is providing in-kind resources that include the guidance and direction of the volunteers in regards to the programmed works they will undertake.”
Information about participating in the program is available from this PS News link.
1 September, 2011
Citrus research for
juicy returns
New research findings by scientists from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) could lead to major gains for Riverland citrus growers according to the Minister for Agriculture, Michael O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien the findings demonstrated yield increases in navel and Valencia orange orchards of between 17 and 63 per cent after the application of animal manure and compost.
He said fruit measured in the trial increased in diameter by 5-7mm on average.
“This could provide growers an extra $100 per tonne, with the benefits of the compost lasting well beyond the first year after application,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This is a positive example of South Australia’s premier agricultural research institute delivering practical benefits to industry.”
Senior entomologist with SARDI, Peter Crisp said the study also evaluated a range of tree and soil health factors including levels of soil moisture, nitrogen and soil carbon.
Dr Crisp said the research team found that compost application during periods of drought improved tree health compared to trees that did not receive compost.
“Where composted green organics had been applied, trees had dense foliage, good leaf colour and the highest flower production,” Dr Crisp said.
“Improved tree health where compost was applied may be attributed to increased soil moisture levels in the root zone.”
He said moisture sensors 10 to 15cm deep in the soil showed that moisture levels were consistently higher under trees treated with the highest rate of compost compared to control trees.
Dr Crisp said a cost benefits analysis from the study found all compost applications trialled showed a positive return on the initial investment.
He said the benefits recorded gave a return of between $1.90 to $5.40 for every dollar invested in compost over a five-year period.
“These are conservative estimates as the potential water savings and improvements in fruit quality were not included in the analysis,” he said.
Dr Crisp said data from the trial site at Loxton would be collected for another three years with support from Horticulture Australia Limited and a voluntary contribution from the Australian compost industry.
1 September, 2011
Planners coast in
with coast strategy
A new planning strategy has been released for the Limestone Coast.
Announcing the plan, the Minister for Urban Development and Planning, John Rau said one if its main aims would be to foster a more diverse regional economy for the area.
Mr Rau said the Limestone Coast Region Plan contained policies and principles to protect and manage the region’s natural assets and existing industries, while allowing communities to grow and new industries to expand.
“The Limestone Coast is a fast-growing area,” Mr Rau said, “and the plan lays the groundwork to realise the region’s enormous economic potential.
“The Limestone Coast has a strong primary production sector, an industrial sector poised for expansion particularly in alternative energy, and significant nature-based tourism and manufacturing.”
He said it largest city, Mount Gambier was well positioned to become one of the State’s principal growth centres.
Mr Rau said the land use arrangements within the plan aimed to encourage initiatives that would help retain the special qualities of the region while fostering vibrant and distinctive towns.
“To achieve that, it identifies where housing, population and industry growth is best located – and not located,” Mr Rau said.
He said the Limestone Coast Region Plan was the result of a collaborative process involving seven Local Councils as well as Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast, the South East Natural Resources Management Board and the South East Local Government Association during 2009–10.
He said the Limestone Coast Region Plan aimed to promote industrial growth, particularly in Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, the Katnook industrial area near Penola, Snuggery, Bordertown, Keith, Kingston and Millicent; manage growth to protect and enhance natural assets and existing industry; and foster small, micro and home-based businesses.
Mr Rau said the Plan also aimed to assist primary production industries to adapt to increasing variations in climate and water availability and to become more sustainable; strengthen the tourism industry by building on the region’s natural and cultural assets; protect areas of environmental and conservation significance; and support and strengthen emerging industries, including the renewable energy sector.
He said the final plan had been adopted as a volume of the South Australian Planning Strategy following a two-month public consultation period in March and April last year.
The Limestone Coast Region Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
1 September, 2011
Scientists put species
under the microscope
Government scientists monitoring environmental issues in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region have uncovered four new species of microscopic animals.
They believe the new species play an important role in the food chain of the area.
Minister for Environment and Conservation Paul Caica said three ecologists working with the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Program discovered the new zooplankton species.
Mr Caica said University of Adelaide scientist Dr Russell Shiel officially confirmed that the four species were new.
“This discovery and confirmation is an excellent result for the program and its dedicated work to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for the Coorong and Lower Lakes region,” Mr Caica said.
“The new species were in water samples collected by the ecologists – Katherine Goss, Sorell Lock and James Thiessen – at locations including the Goolwa Channel, Clayton Bay, Lake Albert and Boggy Lake.”
He said Zooplankton were a base food source for juvenile fish, and were important for the survival of the region’s native fish species.
He said they were also very sensitive to changes in water quality, so were an important indicator for issues such as salinity and acidity in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) region.
“Zooplankton are used around the world as bio-indicators, but until recently they have not been regularly studied in Australia,” Mr Caica said.
“Studying these microscopic animals provides critical water quality information for the CLLMM Program’s drought recovery work.”
Dr Shiel said the process will now begin to formally recognise the new species.
“The new zooplankton species will need to be formally documented to be recognised, and I will soon be submitting a paper describing them to a scientific journal such as Zootaxa,” Dr Shiel said.
He said the new species had not been named.
“Names normally have something to do with a prominent feature of the animal or the location where they were discovered,” Dr Shiel said.
“One of the new species has distinctive teeth, so we are considering the name dentate.”
1 September, 2011
And in Other News...
Fund taking applications
Applications are now open for the Premier’s Community Initiatives Fund.
The Fund was established to provide financial assistance to organisations that offer direct services and support to members of the South Australian community, but do not receive mainstream funding.
The Fund supports projects that benefit disadvantaged, disabled or socially isolated people.
Round 10 applications close on Friday 7 October 2011.
Trail reopens
The redeveloped Ravine hiking trail on Kangaroo Island will be officially opened this week.
The trail was closed after it was damaged by bushfires in 2007.
From 1 September 2011, visitors will be able to explore the new seven kilometre return trail through a diverse regenerating landscape.
The trail has been reinstated on an alternative alignment and at a reduced length and the walking surface has been improved.
Research grants available
Applications for the Research Collaboration Awards 2011 are now open.
The 2011 Regione Puglia - South Australia Awards for Research Collaboration will recognise excellence in research cooperation between SA and Regione Puglia and foster further research activity.
The Awards aim to promote relations between research institutes and universities from the two regions, with a view to intensify collaboration and agreements between research centres and universities based in Puglia and SA, promote increased participation in relevant international programs and initiatives and intensify technical-scientific collaboration in the key industry sectors in both regions.
Applications close 25 October 2011.
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