ALEC Update December 11

From the Coordinator:

G’day all,
Hope you’re enjoying this humid, stormy day which brings us one day closer to Christmas, holidays and whatever summer plans you have.
Finally...the ALEC office is fully-functional again and rearing to go in 2009.

Thanks to everyone who helped transform the office from a smelly carpet swamp to a swanky, ‘new’ community space. Your efforts are very much appreciated and will not easily be forgotten.

Don’t forget to come along to the ALEC Christmas Party next Thursday (18th) from 6.30pm. It’s a good chance to check out the new space, meet the staff, volunteers and community that keep ALEC ticking along. If you’re not a financial member, it’s a great opportunity to get in before the New Year, maybe even sign up your family for Christmas. ;)

Next week will be the last official ALEC Update until January 15, however we will keep you posted about significant events and dates as details come to light (eg. exploration activity at Angela Pamela, funding news etc etc)

We’ll be looking to have more events next year and engaging you (the members) much more in the activities of ALEC.

Until next week, have a great one.

See you at the Christmas party

Jimmy

The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.
-Zeno

ALEC Christmas Party - December 18

ALEC will be having its end of year Christmas Party on Thursday December 18 @ 6.30pm. Come check-out the new-look ALEC office. There will be nibblies, a barbecue and if possible bring something to share. A great chance to catch up with the ALEC team, reflect on the year that has been and gear up for 2009.

Drinks by gold coins donation

Renew your membership/ make a tax deductible donation


RSVP: info@alec.org.au 08 8952 2497 before Tuesday December 16

PRAM JAM

Don't miss out!
Come along to our signature event 'Pram Jam' and the FFANFF Christmas Morning Tea!
A pram-friendly, peaceful demonstration of community concern about the exploration of uranium at the Angela Pamela site.

FFANFF T-shirts for sale at Council lawns so you can wear one for the walk.
$15 -adults, $12 - kids and $7 - bags.

Where: meet @ the Council Lawns
When: Friday 12th November, 9am
Bring: a thermos and some snacks for the morning tea. (They'll be no balloons this time.)
Feel free to make your own placard and one for a friend?

We will leave the Lawns at 9.30am for a pram walk to another secret location!!. Let's show a positive, family friendly presence on the streets of Alice Springs.

International Human Rights Day

This year is the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

In Mparntwe- Alice Springs, people are gathering on Saturday December 13 for an afternoon of speakers, food, poetry and music.

The event will run from 4pm-7pm on the Town Council Lawns.

Performances by:
Warren H Williams
Sunshine Reggae Band (Ikuntji)
Simpson Desert Band (Titjikala)

Poetry Slam featuring :
Steve Gumerungi Hodder, Celestine Rowe and Nooks.

This is part of a national day of action against the NT Intervention.
Speakers will address the impact of the Intervention, current housing lease proposals, outstation funding cuts, and the proposed radioactive waste dump in the NT.

Stand up for human rights on International human rights day!

For more information contact Barbara Shaw 0401 291 166 or Marlene Hodder 8952 5032.

This event is organised by the Intervention Rollback Action Group and endorsed by Central Land Council Full Council.

Biodiversity Hotspots - sites of significance for biodiversity conservation in the NT

Now open for public comment

The Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport has recently completed a process of identifying and mapping 67 sites of either international or national significance for biodiversity conservation in the Northern Territory.

A detailed draft information paper for each site provides a snapshot of the current knowledge and research and is available at www.nt.gov.au/consult.
The website also includes background information on the project, criteria used to assess the sites and the sources of information used in the assessments.

The draft information papers are now open for public comment and will close on Friday 19 December 2008. To have your say on the draft papers please complete the online feedback form or download a feedback form.

The aim of the NHT-funded project is to:

. highlight the most important sites for biodiversity in the Northern Territory

. prioritise sites for future off-park conservation initiatives

. increase public knowledge and appreciation of the Territory's outstanding biodiversity resources

For more information go to www.nt.gov.au/consult

OLIVE PINK COMMUNITY WEEDING DAYS

What: Removal of Buffel Grass and Tribulus on site Where : Meet at the visitors centre , Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, Tuncks Road Alice Springs

When: Fri 19th Dec 8am-11am

Bring: Hat, sunscreen, working clothes, shoes, gloves & plenty of water

Morning tea provided

For more information contact Sarah or Tenille on 0437 942 524 or 8952 2154

We hope to see you there!

DKA COOLmob Project Manager position

All good things must come to an end... And for me, it's my time as the DKA COOLmob Project Manager. It's been fantastic to work on the project over the last year and half and I'll be a bit sad not to be COOLmob Kat anymore. But it's time for new adventures.

And for you? Is it time for new things such as.... Being able to work at ALEC on a household efficiency project? If so please submit your applications by December 10th.

For position description and selection criteria email dka.coolmob@coolmob.org or download here
Questions? (08) 8952 0299
More on the project: www.dkacoolmob.org

Office "renovations"

Due to recent rains and development in drainage at John Cummings Plaza (i.e. rain now bypasses downpipes and is channeled conveniently onto the office floor) the flooring of the Arid Lands Environment Centre is being redone.
We look forward to being able to open a neater ALEC with a brand new office plan and polished concrete floor. In the meantime, the office is mostly closed. Please ring or email with any messages to the normal contacts. You can also leave a message on the door. The Beyond Nuclear Initiative office has been open, although Nat will be out of town towards the end of the week. DKA COOLmob has been temporarily relocated to the Alice Solar City office across the road from town council.

A huge thankyou to all the volunteers who are helping to move furniture, mop, clean, do rubbish runs and rip up carpet. It is a mammoth task. You rock and ALEC wouldn't exist without you!

Nuclear Waste Dump Senate Inquiry

Tell the Senate - Don't Dump on the Territory!

The Federal Government is currently conducting a Senate Inquiry into the repeal of the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act (CRWMA), an undemocratic piece of legislation that forces a nuclear waste dump on the Territory. Four areas are nominated under the CRWMA - Mt Everard, Fishers Ridge, Harts Range and Muckaty. Public hearings start in Alice Springs on Monday November 17.

COMMUNITY RALLY
Send a strong message to the Senators:
Monday November 17
12pm
Crowne Plaza Lawns

Public hearing times:
Monday November 17, 1pm - 5pm
Tuesday November 18, 8am - 11am
Crowne Plaza Ballroom AB
Everyone is welcome to attend.

Speakers include people from affected areas and local organisations.

Please pass on!!

Central Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (CANFA)

Come along to the Central Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (CANFA) Meeting

Friday November 7, 6pm, Anzac High School Hall.
Public Meeting about Angela Pamela.
Guest speakers include:
Dave Sweeney – Australian Conservation Foundation
Dr Jim Green – Friends of the Earth Australia
Donna Jackson – Top End Aboriginal Conservation Alliance
Australian Nuclear Free Alliance Chairperson

Saturday and Sunday November 8-9, 9am-5pm, Blatherskite Park.
Central Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (CANFA) meeting
(see attached agenda)

Monday November 10, 9am, CANFA media conference, location TBC

Central Australian Nuclear Free Alliance meeting
November 7-9, 2008. Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs.

FRIDAY NOV 7
7pm onwards
Dinner and films at Blatherskite Park

SATURDAY NOV 8
7-8:30am
BREAKFAST

9am
Introductions and plan for meeting
Discussion: what is this meeting about?
Australian Nuclear Free Alliance

10:45
TEA/COFFEE BREAK

11am
What is happening in the NT?
-uranium exploration and mining
-what do people experience?
-role of Land Councils
-how can people in town support communities?

12:30pm
LUNCH

2:30pm
Exploration/mining planning

4pm
TEA/COFFEE BREAK

4:30-5pm
5-6pm
Small group discussions
-Radiation and health
mens and womens groups

6pm
DINNER + films


SUNDAY NOV 9
7-8:30am
BREAKFAST

9am
Radioactive waste dump update
-what has happened so far?
-people’s stories
-what have we done to stop the dump?
-Senate Inquiry- public hearing, media

11am
TEA BREAK

11:30
International issues- weapons and wars
Communities overseas

12:30
LUNCH

2:30
Uranium mining, climate change and water

3pm
Meeting statement

4pm
TEA BREAK

4:30
Planning- 2009 events

6pm
DINNER and films
MONDAY NOV 10
7-8:30am
BREAKFAST

9am
Media conference in town

Implement the WEP campaign and film

ALEC's Climate Action Group (CAG) presents their brand new short film:

Water in Alice Springs - (17 mins)

The Story Wall,Todd Mall

Thursday October 23rd 7pm / 8pm/ 9pm

"an engaging look at local attitudes to water and where our water comes from!"

Followed by Scott Ludlam's (WA Greens Senator)

Climate of Hope - 30 mins on climate change, nuclear power and the energy revolution

The film Water in Alice Springs marks the beginning of CAGs community campaign:

"Implement the Alice Springs Water Efficiency Program - WEP!"

Background to the campaign...

Does day sprinkling on public lawns dampen your sensibilities?

Did you know the NT government commissioned a Water Efficiency Study for Alice Springs way back in 2001?

At a cost of around $200,000 the study was over three stages and 6 years! Working closely with NRETA, P&W and the Alice Springs Urban Water Reference Group the Sydney-based Institute for Sustainable Futures developed a comprehensive plan for Alice Springs in 2007 called the Water Efficiency Program -WEP.

But all this effort and enthusiasm foundered over who would make the initial investment. The solution was to ask the Commonwealth for the dollars - and the application has languished there ever since. It would cost about $5 million over 3 years to implement these measure that can save 1/4 of Alice Springs' annual water consumption.

From NRETAS water wise website: "Alice Springs residents want a better, more cost effective solution than continuing to waste water. Installing more efficient fixtures, eliminating inefficient practices and repairing leaks not only reduces peoples' water bills but will also help delay the need for a new borefield and water supply infrastructure". A WEP involves the whole community from institutions to households.The start-up money would be recovered in several years. Save water, save power, save emissions and save public money that could be spent helping Alice Springs adapt to climate change.

Someone at P&W recently said "it's just about getting someone to commit to the future!".

The Climate Action Group is committed to the future.

Join us and say "Just do it".

For more information on the campaign contact Ruth Apelt CAG: ruthapelt [_"at"_] yahoo.com

To read the history and recommendations of the WEP: www.nt.gov.au/nreta/water/wise

Water Week Activities Oct 19-25

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT, THE ARTS AND SPORT
Do you want to know where our water comes from, how it’s managed
and how to be more waterwise? Join in these free activities to fi nd out.
Waterwise public bus tour
Saturday 18 October - bookings essential
Time: 8.45am sharp - 1.30pm, Where: Anzac Hill Car Park
See how our groundwater is managed and learn to save water in the garden
Light lunch provided at Alice Springs Town Council
Supported by Power and Water Corporation, the Alice Springs Town Council and
Geoff Miers Garden Solutions.
Greywater information night
Tuesday 21 October
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Where: Lot 4311 Chateau Rd
Discussions on products, NT approvals, installation, rebates and testimonies
Supported by Greenplumber - Flavell Plumbing
Rainwater tank information night
Thursday 23 October
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Where: Alice Springs Town Council, Andy McNeill room
Discussions on products, installation, rebates and launch of DKA
COOLmob’s Rainwater Tank Calculator
To reserve your place call the
Water Conservation Offi cer on 8951 9209
www.nt.gov.au/waterwise
National Water Week
activities in Alice Springs
every
drop
counts

ALEC Update

Well...it’s been a busy week with the announcement that the Cameco/Paladin joint venture has been granted the rights to explore for uranium within our water catchment, a meagre 25 km out of town! It was great to see about 70 local people gather at the Council Lawns and march up Gregory Terrace to the Chief Minister’s office on Friday afternoon. This was within 3 hours after the NT Government’s announcement – a commendable and heartwarming effort by all involved. This was followed with a rally on Sunday morning where about 300 people gathered to hear and voice their opposition to the approval with a strong commitment to take action if necessary to stop the project. However, the uranium situation in Central Australia extends well beyond the Angela Pamela deposit. There are a number of exploration projects currently underway that are only 40-50km south of here. We must remember that if uranium mining starts in any of these areas the yellowcake will be trucked into Alice Springs, unloaded and trained up to Darwin.
There are a host of risks associated with this as well!
-----
If you want to get involved in the campaign, come along to the Alice Springs Angela Pamela (ASAP) Collective meeting this Thursday, 6pm at the ALEC office. Tonight we will be talking strategy, so bring your ideas or open mind to contribute to the campaign for the self-determination of our town and a nuclear-free future.
-----
The Management Committee and I conducted a strategic planning meeting on Saturday and resolved that the key foci for ALEC in the next 12 months will be:
- Water – conservation, efficiency and protection in conjunction with the Climate Action Group, COOLmob and other relevant agencies
- Community Resilience – community gardens, workshops, forums, skill sharing, networking and community engagement and;
- Providing organisational support for the ASAP Collective

If you would like to discuss any of these projects or get involved please email me at: info@alec.org.au or call me on 08 8952 2497
---------------
ALEC has a blog
The weekly updates will be posted to this blog and hopefully in time will become an ALEC Community (cyber)Space for organising, networking and communicating ideas.
Check it out:
http://aridlandsec.blogspot.com/

On Leave...
I will be on leave between Wednesday October 15 and November 4. I will post to the blog but will not be able to send group emails. If you have events that you would like to have publicised, email me and I can post it to the blog but the ALEC Updates won’t be emailed until November 5.
Have a fun October

Jimmy

‘Our first task is to create a shadow economic, social and even technological structure that will be ready to take over as the existing system fails’ – David Ehrenfield

Greens Gathering

Greens Gathering
We would love more people to get involved in the Greens in Alice Springs and for more people to be informed about issues affecting life in Central Australia. To encourage this we have decided to have a Green gathering every second month on the second Sunday of the month. This will be a social event with a time to meet other Greens members and learn more about a particular issue. The first one will be happening this Sunday (12th October):
Date: Sunday 12 OctoberTime: 5pm - 6pm
Venue: Telegraph StationFocus Issue: Angela-Pamela exploration license - what happens now?What to bring: drinks/snacks to eat and share, something to sit onKids, friends, non-members VERY welcome.Hope to see you there!Lisa Hall on behalf of the Alice Springs Greens

Native Plant Sale at Greening Australia

Native Plant Sale at Greening Australia Nursery .
Happy Healthy Plants
Looking For Good Homes.
11th October 9am - 12pm.
Charles Darwin University
off Grevillea Drive 2nd Entrance ... then follow the signs...

Beyond Nuclear Initiative News

1. There will be a Senate Inquiry into the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Bill.

This Bill put forward by Senator Scott Ludlam repeals the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act of 2005 and the amendments to that legislation made in 2006.

The highly undemocratic law, rammed through by the Howard government, allows the federal dump to be forced on the NT despiteopposition from Traditional Owners, the broader NT community and the NT Government.

Submissions are due by Friday 31 October.

Information about the Inquiry is online here: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eca_ctte/radioactive_waste/info.htm

You are strongly, strongly urged to make a submission to the Inquiry!

Send your submissions to:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts Department of the Senate PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Australia
Phone: +61 2 6277 3526
Fax: +61 2 6277 5818
Email: eca.sen@aph.gov.au

Hearings will be held in mid-November, and if enough submissions are received from the Territory, it is a possibility that a hearing will be held in Darwin and/or Alice Springs.

The report will be due in early December.

--------------------------------------

2. Angela Pamela Exploration License granted late Friday afternoon we had news that the Angela Pamela license had been granted. It was heartening to see the immediate community response- within 3 hours, 80 people were assembled on the Town Council Lawns and marched to the Chief Minister's office for a community speak out.

On Sunday, hundreds of people attended a rally and the ASAP collective spent the rest of the afternoon faxing the 143 messages that were written to the Mines Minister, Chief Minister and Environment Minister in the NT and federal Environment and Resources Ministers to reiterate that while the NTG says yes, Alice Springs says NO !

---------------------------------

Links to some media articles:

Alice ALP Branch fights uranium licence
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/08/2385307.htm?site=alicesprings

NT Government defends uranium exploration decision http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/07/2384315.htm

Alice Springs uranium mine gets exploration approval http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/03/2381698.htm?site=alicesprings

NT 'ignored community over uranium project'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/03/2381883.htm?site=alicesprings

Uranium mining won't affect Alice water: Henderson http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/06/2383116.htm?site=alicesprings

The Alice Springs Angela Pamela collective will be planning a number of community events to keep momentum around this issue, and to begin challenging the large number of other uranium exploration licences pending, or already granted.

Stay tuned for more information about nuclear free picnics and other upcoming events.

---------------------------------

Media Release
October 3, 2008

Community group condemns approval of uranium exploration

The Alice Springs Angela Pamela (ASAP) collective has branded the NT Government decision to allow exploration at known uranium deposits Angela and Pamela ‘a blatant disregard of community concern and opposition’.

The uranium deposits are situated only 25 km from Alice Springs and within the water catchment boundary for the town.

“This decision from Darwin is extremely disappointing, because the local community has spoken loudly and clearly that exploration at these sites is not welcome,” stated Natalie Wasley, from the ASAP Collective.

“950 people signed a petition calling for this license not to be granted and hundreds of people have attended public meetings and rallies to show their opposition.”

Jimmy Cocking from ASAP added “The NT Government has shown contempt for concerns about the potential environmental and social impacts of having a uranium project so close to Alice Springs.”

“The NT government and companies have tried to talk up possible economic benefits for the region, but local residents, pastoralists and tourism operators will be adversely impacted if this project goes ahead”.

“The decision to allow exploration at Angela and Pamela is extremely disappointing, but the ASAP collective will continue to foster broad community alliances to oppose uranium exploration and mining at these deposits and throughout the NT.” Natalie Wasley concluded.

Contact:
Natalie Wasley 0429 900 774
Jimmy Cocking 0423 511 931

-------------------------

3. Central Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (CANFA) meeting

The inaugural CANFA meeting will be held at Blatherskite Park (Members Bar) from November 7-9, 2008.

CANFA is a regional version of the annual Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA) meeting, which was recently held near Darwin.

All community members are welcome to attend and discuss a range of topics including:
Radiation and health
Uranium exploration
Uranium mining
Water
Climate Change
Nuclear waste

There will be a special session on Angela Pamela, details TBA.

Guest speakers at the meeting include:
Dr Jim Green, Friends of the Earth Australia Dave Sweeney, Australian Conservation Foundation Donna Jackson, Top End Aboriginal Conservation Alliance Dr Hilary Tyler, Medical Association for the Prevention of War

For more information, to attend or assist in organising CANFA please contact:
Natalie Wasley, 08 8952 2011, natwasley@alec.org.au

------------
Beyond Nuclear Initiative
Uranium Project

natwasley@alec.org.au
08 8952 2011
0429 900 774

Desert Community Seminar and Workshop

The Desert Knowledge CRC is proud to host a unique seminar and workshop featuring internationally-renowned author and thinker Margaret J Wheatley on how to lead and organise desert communities.
“No one discipline, institution, or specialisation can answer the questions that now confront us. We all must draw from many different perspectives to reweave the world,” Margaret says.
In her co-authored groundbreaking 1996 book A Simpler Way she explores the question: Could we organise human endeavour differently if we understood how Life itself organises? For more information see: http://www.margaretwheatley.com/biography.html
DKCRC research has found that certain rules govern the way deserts and all life in them, human included, operate and this has profound significance to the way we organise our communities, livelihoods and industries. Margaret will deliver a seminar on leadership in desert communities, followed by an interactive workshop focusing on:
• How science is finding what indigenous peoples have known all along—the basic building blocks are relationships
• What makes for a healthy community
• What kind of leadership works to mobilise a community
• The core principles for working in a community.
The event is open to partners and associates of the DKCRC, and the public, but please book as we anticipate heavy demand and seats are limited.
Media are welcome to attend and cover the event.
Where: Crowne Plaza Grand Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Barrett Drive, Alice Springs
When: Monday 3 November 2008, 11:00am start for seminar with the workshop running from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. A light lunch will be provided.
Bookings: Renee Westbrook, 08 8959 6041 or renee.westbrook@desertknowledgecrc.com.au
RSVP: By close of business, Friday 17 October 2008.
The workshop will be streamed live, from this page: http://www.desertknowledgecrc.com.au/publications/conferencestreaming.html

DKACOOLmob News National Water Week October 19-25

National Water week October 19th- 25th
Do you want to know where our water comes from, how it’s managed and how to be more waterwise? Join in these free activities to find out.
Waterwise public bus tour
Saturday 18 October - bookings essential
Time: 8.45am sharp - 1.30pm, light lunch provided. Where: Anzac Hill Car Park
See how our groundwater is managed and learn to save water in the garden
Greywater information night
Tuesday 21 October
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Where: Lot 4311 Chateau Rd
Discussions on products, NT approvals, installation, rebates and testimonies
Rainwater tank information night
Thursday 23 October
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Where: Alice Springs Town Council, Andy McNeill room
Discussions on products, installation, rebates and launch of DKA COOLmob’s Rainwater Tank Calculator
To reserve your place call the Water Conservation Officer on 8951 9209
www.nt.gov.au/waterwise

Water audits
Why not celebrate National Water Week by booking a water audit with DKA COOLmob? Audits take about an hour and cost only $10. Find out where your water goes and prioritize water saving actions for your home. Your friendly auditor will bring a rebate information pack too.

New Greenhouse Friendly Action Booklet
Grab your copy of the revised Greenhouse Friendly Action Booklet. Available from the Arid Lands Environment Centre or for download here. This edition includes information for Tennant Creek as well as Alice Springs.

Position: 8CCC Station Manager

Position : 8CCC STATION MANAGER

Applications due 24th October 2008. Post to 8CCC Board of Management PO Box 4185 Alice Springs NT 0871 or email to 8ccc@netspeed.com.au.

For more information contact 8CCC on 8ccc@netspeed.com.au or ring 0427 527771.

INVITATION- Heaslip Arid Zone Research Scholarship

Emily Treagust, the 2008 winner of the Heaslip Arid Zone Research Scholarship, will present the findings of her project. The aim of the project was to develop a predictive equation to estimate the amount of carbon stored in standing dead mulga trees. This topic is very timely given that there is increasing recognition that Australia’s rangelands have a role to play in carbon accounting and perhaps even carbon trading. A predictive equation was successfully developed for use in central Australia and the biggest tree measured in this study was found to contain approximately 46kg of above-ground carbon.

The Heaslip Arid Zone Research Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior student from St Philip’s College and is designed to expose students to all the skills required to take a scientific research project from concept stage through to final promotion. The scholarship also helps to educate young people about the local arid environment.

The scholarship is generously funded by
Grant & Jan Heaslip of Bond Springs Station

The presentation will be held at the Fred McKay Centre

St Philip’s College, Schwarz Crescent, Alice Springs

3.30 pm on Friday 10th of October 2008

Afternoon Tea Provided


RSVP Oriel
Phone 8950 4502
Email Oriel.Clarke@stphilips.nt.edu.au

Alice Solar City

ALEC is a proud member of the Alice Solar City Consortium Alice Solar City is very much aligned to our objective of creating healthy futures for arid lands and people. The $37 million, six year program is part of the Australian Government's Solar Cities initiative and aims to explore how technology, behaviour change and new approaches to electricity pricing can combine to provide a sustainable energy future for Australia. Elements include residential, commercial and large scale solar trials.

Alice Solar City provides the residents and business operators of Alice Springs with free energy surveys, financial incentives to save energy, and advice on solar energy and energy efficiency. So far over 260 residents have signed up to the program. After the launch of the commercial services program on 30 May, 25 business operators have also expressed interest in participating, with the first business energy survey conducted at the YHA last week.
Congratulations Alice Springs!

To find out more or to sign up just drop into the Smart Living Centre at 82 Todd Street (next to Bojangles) and have a chat with their friendly staff or visit the website http://www.blogger.com/www.alicesolarcity.com.au or call 8950 4350.

Member Advertisement: CARTRIDGE WORLD

THE environment is on everyone's minds, but some aspects of modern technology conflict with it.Locally owned Cartridge World Alice Springs is dedicated to the three R’s -- reduce, reuse and recycle.Millions of printer cartridges are thrown away across Australia each year, but reusing and recycling them is an alternative.Laser print cartridges account for more than 90 per cent of all throw-away cartridges and each one can take 450 years to decompose.With increased use of office printers, the demand for print cartridges has grown enormously.About 3.4 litres of fuel is used to produce one new laser cartridge.Recycling cartridges can save about 10 million litres of oil in Australia.To reduce the production of these mass-produced cartridges overseas, it is essential that cartridges are reused as many times as possible.The plastic and metal components within the cartridges can be reused many times -- the plastic alone has a lifespan of 400 years.Even if you do not reuse, others do.Cartridge World Alice Springs always requires cartridges for reuse, and when they can't be reused any more they will be recycled.By reusing and recycling, we can reduce the importation of cartridges while creating jobs for Australian remanufacturer’s.Refilling and remanufacturing, not only helps the environment but creates employment for local people, as this we produce locally.We can refill & remanufacture most ink and laser cartridges in store. It produces a top quality, reliable product and there is a 100 per cent money-back guarantee.Cartridge World in Alice Springs is one of more than 1300 Cartridge World stores world-wide.The Alice Springs store services the region including Yulara, Tennant Creek and each of the surrounding borders, with a free local delivery and pick-up service within Alice Springs.Using a recycled cartridge helps save the environment and makes a saving for the consumer.Contact Cartridge World, in Elder Street, on 8953 8700.

Greens Gathering - ASAP

We would love more people to get involved in the Greens in Alice Springs and for more people to be informed about issues affecting life in Central Australia. To encourage this we have decided to have a Green gathering every second month on the second Sunday of the month. This will be a social event with a time to meet other Greens members and learn more about a particular issue.

The first one will be happening this Sunday (12th October):
Date: Sunday 12 October
Time: 5pm - 6pm
Venue: Telegraph Station
Focus Issue: Angela-Pamela exploration license - what happens now?
What to bring: drinks/snacks to eat and share, something to sit on
Kids, friends, non-members VERY welcome.
Hope to see you there!
Lisa Hall on behalf of the Alice Springs Greens

Protest against Angela Pamela

Unfortunately we are one step close to being a Uranium mining town

The Angela Pamela license to explore for uranium 21km from Alice Springs has been granted:

http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Minerals_Energy/news_media_archive_article.cfm?newsid=404&ws=1

Over 100 people gathered yesterday and another protest is planned for tomorrow.

PROTEST THIS SUNDAY Oct 5th: Flynn Church lawns 10.30am

You may also want to find out more about ASAP and join the No Alice U-Mine facebook group

From the Coordinator

It's starting to heat up and a busy couple of weeks ahead for all of us.

Don't forget the Landcare AGM on Sunday morning.

The Going Green Workshop Series may be of interest to some of you.

There's been a potentially large gain on the waste dump issue, with a senate inquiry being instigated by Greens Senator Scott Ludlam (see below).

If you don't have the time to volunteer for ALEC you can make regular tax deductible donations through our new direct debit, recurring credit card system from www.egive.org.au. See DONATE on the right for more info.

Also, Ngapartji Ngapartji tickets are selling fast so don't forget to book yours and tell your mates to get in quick before they get snapped up by conference delegates! Araluen Box Office for tickets 8951 1122.

That's all for now.

Enjoy your week and be good to our Mother.

Jimmy

'All things are possible once enough human beings realise that everything is at stake' - Norman Cousins

How to Lead and Organise Desert Communites

The Desert Knowledge CRC is proud to host a unique seminar and workshop featuring internationally-renowned author and thinker Margaret J Wheatley on how to lead and organise desert communities.

"No one discipline, institution, or specialisation can answer the questions that now confront us. We all must draw from many different perspectives to reweave the world," Margaret says.

In her co-authored groundbreaking 1996 book A Simpler Way she explores the question: Could we organise human endeavour differently if we understood how Life itself organises? For more information see:
http://www.margaretwheatley.com/biography.html

DKCRC research has found that certain rules govern the way deserts and all life in them, human included, operate and this has profound significance to the way we organise our communities, livelihoods and industries.

Margaret will deliver a seminar on leadership in desert communities, followed by an interactive workshop focusing on:
. How science is finding what indigenous peoples have known all along-the basic building blocks are relationships . What makes for a healthy community
. What kind of leadership works to mobilise a community . The core principles for working in a community.

The event is open to partners and associates of the DKCRC, and the public, but please book as we anticipate heavy demand and seats are limited.

Media are welcome to attend and cover the event.
Where: Crowne Plaza Grand Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Barrett Drive, Alice Springs
When: Monday 3 November 2008, 11:00am start for seminar with the workshop running from 1:30pm to 5:00pm.
A light lunch will be provided.

Bookings: Renee Westbrook, 08 8959 6041 or
renee.westbrook@desertknowledgecrc.com.au
RSVP: By close of business, Friday 17 October 2008.
The workshop will be streamed live, from this page:
http://www.desertknowledgecrc.com.au/publications/conferencestreaming.html

Inquiry into the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Bill

As you may know, there will be an Inquiry into the Commonwealth Radioactive
Waste Management Bill, put forward by Senator Ludlam last week.

Information about the Inquiry is online here:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eca_ctte/radioactive_waste/info.htm

This Bill put forward by Senator Ludlam repeals the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act of 2005 and the amendments to that legislation made in 2006.

Submissions are due by Friday 31 October. You are strongly, strongly urged to make a submission to the Inquiry! Send your submissions to

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts
Department of the Senate PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600
Australia
Phone:+61 2 6277 3526
Fax: +61 2 6277 5818
Email:eca.sen@aph.gov.au


Hearings will be held in mid-November, and if enough submissions are
received from the Territory, it is a possibility that a hearing will be held
in Darwin and/or Alice Springs. The report will be due in early December.

Alice Springs Landcare Community Field day

Alice Springs Landcare

Greening Australia and Alice Springs Landcare are pleased to invite you to a community field day on the banks of the Todd River this Sunday 5th October.

Meet at Casa Nostra carpark 9am. Write this in your diaries now!

Activities: rubbish removal, maintenance of past plantings and buffel control around remnant vegetation and Old Red Gum Trees.

Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water bottle, mug, rug/chair, gloves and any spare tools. Supervision and training provided on the day

Hang around afterwards for a BBQ and the inaugural Annual General Meeting of Alice Springs Landcare.

This is the chance you have been waiting for to get your hands dirty and help look after the unique environment of Alice Springs.

Enquires:

Ben Kober

Urban Landcare Officer Alice Springs
Greening Australia NT (Ltd)
PH: (08) 89532882
FAX: (08) 89527434

Native Plant Sale

Native Plant Sale at Greening Australia Nursery.

Happy Healthy Plants Looking For Good Homes.

11th October 9am - 12pm. Charles Darwin University
(off Grevillea Drive 2nd Entrance ... then follow the signs...)

Alice Solar City

ALEC is a proud member of the Alice Solar City Consortium
Alice Solar City is very much aligned to our objective of creating healthy futures for arid lands and people. The $37 million, six year program is part of the Australian Government's Solar Cities initiative and aims to explore how technology, behaviour change and new approaches to electricity pricing can combine to provide a sustainable energy future for Australia. Elements include residential, commercial and large scale solar trials.

Alice Solar City provides the residents and business operators of Alice Springs with free energy surveys, financial incentives to save energy, and advice on solar energy and energy efficiency. So far over 260 residents have signed up to the program. After the launch of the commercial services program on 30 May, 25 business operators have also expressed interest in participating, with the first business energy survey conducted at the YHA last week.

Congratulations Alice Springs!

To find out more or to sign up just drop into the Smart Living Centre at 82 Todd Street (next to Bojangles) and have a chat with their friendly staff or visit the Alice solar city website or call 8950 4350.

Sustenance

Tune into Sustenance to hear the latest on the sustainability and environmental frontline. Hosted by Kat Taylor and friends, listen to inspiring interviews, groovy music and stimulating conversation from 7-9pm every Wednesday night on 8CCC 102.1FM

SPEAKERS and PARTICIPANTS NEEDED:

Volunteer speakers, requests or cancellation of email notification: contact Bill Low, Coordinator, P.O.Box 3130, Alice Springs; Phone/Fax 89 555 222, Fax 89 555 722; Email: LowEcol@LowEcol.com.au Organisational and distributional assistance from CSIRO, NRETA, DPIFM, CAT, CLC. Seminar notices are available on the web

Ngapartji Ngapartji Central Desert Tour 2008;

Kala pukulariku nyura pitjanyangka show nyakunytjikitja. Show nyanga paluru panya nintini munu wangkanyi iriti Maralingala bomb waninytja. Nyangatja nganampa, Anangu tjutaku Tjukurpa mulapa. Nganana nyakula kulintjaku panya iriti alatjirinytja. - Ninti Mulapa

We are excitedly anticipating that many of you will come and see the show. This theatre production explores history and talks about the fallout from the Maralinga bomb testing. This is our true story, that of Pitjantjatjara people. This show helps us to understand the way things happened in the past. - Ngapartji Ngapartji Language and Culture Reference Group

Big hART's Ngapartji Ngapartji is a long-term intergenerational language and arts project based in the Central Desert. The project comprises an ongoing community development process which feeds into film projects, touring theatre works and an online language and culture learning website - http://ninti.ngapartji.org - and a campaign to encourage the establishment of a national indigenous languages policy.

The Ngapartji Ngapartji theatre show is an epic story of displacement as the desert nations are swept up in the Cold War. Written and directed by Scott Rankin and performed by Spinifex man and master storyteller Trevor Jamieson, with an ensemble cast of elders and young people from his community. This incredible story is shared in Pitjantjatjara and English, inviting audiences into an intimate and rare experience of culture through dance, story and song.

The Ngapartji Ngapartji theatre show has toured nationally to sold-out audiences at Melbourne International Arts Festival, Sydney Festival and Perth International Arts Festival.

October 2nd, 3rd, 4th Alice Springs - Araluen Arts Centre as part of Regional Arts Australia's the Art at the Heart conference; This season will sell out so get your tickets quick - Bookings via Araluen box office: 08 8951 1122

We hope to see you there!
http://ngapartji.org

YouthLEAD Alice Springs October 10-12 2008

Inspiration Action Tools to Make a Difference !!!

An innovative environmental/social action and leadership training program designed to give young people the skills, motivation and opportunities to lead the way to a sustainable future in their own communities & beyond.

What is Youth LEAD?
Youth LEAD is an OzGREEN initiative, building a national network of young leaders who are working in their local community and beyond to build a life-sustaining society. Youth LEAD is achieving this through leadership training and mentoring for eco-social projects that forge pathways to sustainable futures. Youth LEAD begins where other leadership programs finish – with people learning to be leaders by designing and undertaking their own projects.

Why get involved?
Have you ever wanted to do something but aren’t sure how you can make a difference or where to start? Are you already doing lots but want to reflect, refocus or recharge? No matter what your concerns and where you’re at, we can help you strengthen skills and create a plan for action to really do something that you are interested in, even if you don’t know what that is!

We provide the space, support, nurturing and training to give you the confidence, motivation and skills to develop plans and put them into action, and to refocus on and invigorate your current plans. We work from the principle that the answers to problems lie within people and within communities, even though most of us don’t know what they are. Youth LEAD is a transformative processes that enables people to tap into these answers, to be themselves, do what makes their heart sing, AND make a real difference in the world!

The Program
Each program involves a 3 day residential environmental leadership training and action planning residential workshop for participants. It costs $250 which covers everything (food, accommodation & course costs) & there are subsidised places available if price is a barrier. Youth LEAD is for 15-25 year olds (we do have Leading with the Heart for older adults).

The workshop features skills training in:
ecological footprint assessment and lifestyle analysis
strategic questioning,
deep listening and critical thinking
rational and emotional intelligence
creative thinking
values and visioning
goal setting
and actionplanning for lifestyle changes and eco-social action

After the workshop there will be follow-up meetings and regular phone and email contact with all participants for mentoring and support. And opportunities to join our trainee facilitator, mentor and OzGREEN volunteer programs nationally & in East Timor, India, Pakistan & Papua New Guinea.

Youth LEAD is currently being documented as a case study in best practice education for sustainability by the Australian Association for Environmental Education (2006). Youth LEAD is also a previous winner of the Social Ventures Australia BIG BOOST! Award and winner of the coveted Eureka! Award for Education for Sustainability (2007).

Through our programs people:
Clarify what is important to them
Find inspiration and focus to make informed life choices
Develop confidence to live from their own values and integrity
Reflect on and re-energise the difference they already make in their lives
Develop and strengthen skills to understand, analyse, vision and plan
Be leaders of positive change
Understand local and global environmental challenges
Learn to live sustainably and reduce ecological footprint (average 29%)
Harness their passion, creativity and intelligence to build a better world
Join a supportive inspiring community of people
Become more themselves

About the Facilitators
OzGREEN co-founders Sue and Colin Lennox lead by example and are recognised as leading social entrepreneurs in Australia. They each bring over 30 years of experience and professional qualifications in environmental education, social enterprise and youth empowerment gained on the ground in city and rural settings in Australia and internationally. They are supported by a team of passionate young professionals, trainee facilitators and youth-to-youth mentors, each of whom has a track record of successfully implementing their own life changes and projects.

What YouthLEADers Say
”Youth LEAD has made me more confident and determined to speak out and act on the issues that concern me.”
”Youth LEAD has given me a chance to be more of a leader, make new friends and have heaps of fun.”
”I have gained and unleashed skills I never knew I had.”
“Before Youth LEAD I was overwhelmed by the issues of our time... Now I am inspired, happy and empowered with a clear plan of action!”
“It is so hard to articulate what a profound effect this program has had. On a personal level, for me, it gave my life new direction and was impetus in defining who I was and what I stood for and then doing something about those things!”
”Thank you so much for the inspiration. You have helped me become myself.”

OzGREEN
OzGREEN is an independent, not for profit organisation that was established in 1992. OzGREEN facilitates life changing learning and leadership programs for sustainability. OzGREEN enables people to harness their inner wisdom, creativity and intelligence to build pathways to an ecologically sustainable future. OzGREEN runs a range of programs, working nationally in Australia and internationally in India, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Pakistan.

Youth LEAD is proudly supported by the Vodafone Australia Foundation & Coca
Cola Foundation.

If you are interested please contact Kathryn to reserve your place


Kathryn Mc Cabe
Program Coordinator & Facilitator
OzGREEN
Po Box 1378
Dee Why
NSW 2099
Australia

P 02 9984 8917
F 02 9981 4956
E kmccabe@ozgreen.org.au
http://www.ozgreen.org.au
http://www.myriver.org.au
Sign up to our monthly E-news http://www.ozgreen.org.au/elist_form.php

COOLMob September wrap up:

Sustainable House Day, Sustainability Fair and Solar Oven Bakeoff

Sustainable House Day was extremely well attended with 100-200 people visiting each house to see the range of features including solar PV, permaculture garden, solar air heaters and aquaponics. The first year of the Desert Garden and Sustainability and went very well. Some highlights included the worm farm display, no dig garden demonstration, Mandala making and smoothies from the pedal powered blender. As usual the native plant sale was a huge hit. Can’t wait for next year!

Congratulations to all the entrants in the Solar Oven Bakeoff. All the entries were delicious and we were lucky it didn’t rain! Some interesting things were Hans’ Fresnel lens griller made from an old TV screen and the feral dove stew.

The winners were:
Meredith: Sweet category, Bean Tree café voucher
Steve Sawyer: Savoury category, Afghan Trader’s voucher Hans Pfau: Best homemade oven, Home Timber and Hardware voucher
Delia Naughton and Emma Chessel: Bush Foods category, plants from Olive Pink
Delia Naughton and Emma Chessel: OVERALL WINNERS, subscriptions to ReNew magazine and the Green Spoon Trophy

HUGE THANK YOUS TO:
The Crosses and the Sawyers for opening their houses.
All the bakeoff entrants, judges Stephanie Alexander, Rohan Barwick, Beck Gooderham and Lyndon Hodges, pre-bakeoff workshop organizer Steve Sawyer, all the organizations who donated prizes, and ABC radio for their livecoverage.
Ruth Apelt, Ada Markby and Jan Taylor for helping out at the Bakeoff info stall.

Cheers
Kat Taylor

New Greenhouse Friendly Action Booklet

Grab your copy of the revised Greenhouse Friendly Action Booklet. Available from the Arid Lands Environment Centre or for download here. This edition includes information for Tennant Creek as well as Alice Springs.

Tennant Creek Water Audits

Shout out to Tennant Creek- please pass on to anyone you know there Energy/ water auditors will be in Tennant Creek on Thursday 2nd October. To book an audit, ring Kat 8952 0299 or email dka.coolmob@coolmob.org.

If you're interested in cutting your bills, you could also come to the free information session in the Pyramid Building (Civic Centre) at 5:30pm,Thursday October 2nd. Learn about available rebates, grab a copy of the Greenhouse Friendly Action Booklet, and tell Kat how DKA COOLmob could best help you.

We're also looking for people to train up as casual home auditors, please come and say 'hi' on the night if you're interested!

Beyond Nuclear News

There have been some interesting developments in the anti-dump campaign this week:

1. ANSTO’s application last week to build a new radioactive waste storage building on site at Lucas Heights highlights to the federal government that there are more options for radioactive waste management than a remote dump in the NT (see media release below). There is the opportunity for public comment on this application until September 30.

The referral document can be downloaded from
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=referral_detail&p
roposal_id=4459

Comments can be emailed to epbc.referrals@environment.gov.au

2. WA Greens Senator Scott Ludlam tabled a bill in the Senate today to repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act, which has allowed a federal dump to be forced on the NT. Repealing this undemocratic Act was a clear election commitment from the ALP, but since forming government there has been no previous indication this will go ahead. It is a welcome move from the Greens that they have decided to introduce this Bill to push things along.

Yesterday Senator Kim Carr stated in Senate question time that Minister Martin Ferguson has indicated (for the first time) the government will repeal the Act.

While this is great news for communities living near the targeted areas, it has not happened yet, and our local ALP federal members would no doubt appreciate a flood of calls and emails urging them to help this Bill go through!

Contact:

Senator Trish Crossin
Senator.crossin@aph.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6277 3777
Fax: (02) 6277 3661

Minister Warren Snowdon
Warren.snowdon.mp@aph.gov.au
Tel: (02) 6277 7620
Fax: (02) 6273 7112

Climate Torch Relay Friday October 3 from 4 til 5 pm

Local communities and groups around Australia have been hosting climate torch relays over the past six weeks to achieve this, and in one week the torch will be in Alice Springs. The week after that it will finish in Canberra. This is an exciting opportunity to link your local action into a national campaign and call to reduce emissions by 50% by 2020.

I'm coordinating the Alice Springs leg of the relay, with fantastic support from ALEC and others. The plan so far is for it to start at 4.30pm and finish at 5.00pm on the Town Council lawns opposite Solar Cities. The relay runners will represent local groups who are 'holding the torch' on climate change issues in Alice, and will walk/run/cycle/skip a short distance, maybe 50m before passing onto the next runner. We plan to take the torch from the base of Anzac hill down to the council lawns, where it will be received by a local politician.

I would love to hear from any ALEC or CAG members and others who are interested in getting involved. Most especially, it would be great to have a couple of legs run by people associated with the Climate Action Group. One leg could be any willing volunteer (got any quirky costumes you want to give another public outing to?), and the other, Ruth and I have discussed having a younger person, or group of children, run the final leg, with the torch perhaps held by a child who will turn 21 in 2020 - thus highlighting the need for change now (but age is no biggie).

Quirky and interesting should help get local media coverage - local media are the voice of our pollie's electorates and

So - would you like to help out coordinating runners on the day?
- would you like to run a leg?
- do you know of a child/children who would like to run the final leg and is capable on the footpath?

I would love to hear from you, as soon as possible - I need to finalise the final leg tomorrow in time to put out press releases etc - please call me directly.

Cheers
Hannah
ph. 0431 267 213
home. 8953 8928

More info at www.climatetorch.com

Tax deductible donations

We now have the option for those who can afford to give regular tax deductible donations to ALEC. There are direct debit and recurring credit card options that allow you to give as much as you want to ALEC, all of which you can claim at tax time. The website is: www.egive.org.au ALEC can be found in the Environment Group section. All you have to do is register and organise with your bank to take out $10, $20, $50, $100 or whatever you want each month. These funds will help ALEC to maintain a strong voice in the community and allow us the opportunity to become less dependent on government funding.
If you’re interested in giving tax deductible donations to ALEC contact me
on 8952 2497 or email info@alec.org.au

More funding for ALEC from NTG

NT Government confirms election commitment increasing ALEC funding to $70,000 per year from 2009/10 as part of its recognition of the importance of engaging the community on climate change issues.

From the Coordinator

Well...it’s been busy times in Alice Springs for the last couple of weeks. The Desert Festival wound up on Sunday and since Monday, many of us have been cleaning up after the freakish storm that hit early that afternoon. It’s been inspiring to see people pull together as a town to put on entertaining musical and theatrical acts but more importantly how we just get on with it following powerful natural events such as the storm.

The key to living in this environment is working together as a community. Sharing
skills, resources, tools and time is key to ensuring we have a future herein the arid zone.

The looming economic crisis that has engulfed the US and spread across the globe is a strong signal that we cannot continue living beyond our means and must look closer to home for how we may weather the crisis here in Central Australia. The development of solar thermal technologies will provide the energy necessary to maintain commercial and residential electricity supply.

We need to rethink our methods of building to live comfortably in a carbon-constrained world. Could we make strawbale houses from all the buffel grass rendered with papercrete or other locally produced material? It’s just an idea but a possibility in cheaply providing energy efficient housing for those who need it.

We’re currently in the process of developing strategies around how ALEC can play a role in building community resilience in Alice Springs and beyond. In particular, how the town and its residents can be empowered to improve water management, produce food locally, reduce energy use, increase sustainable and affordable housing, adapt to climate change, reducing vehicle (fuel) use, increasing public and low-impact transport in town, rethinking waste management (reduce, reuse, recycle), green trades upskilling and whatever else comes to mind. ALEC will be advocating for and working towards practical local solutions that will improve our community’s resilience.

We’re meeting at ALEC on Monday September 29 at 1.30pm to start discussing
strategies as to how we can get this process happening.

If you want more information or to get involved in making the transition,
email me: info@alec.org.au Ph. 8952 2497

Some links:
www.transitiontowns.org

www.transitionculture.org

‘If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost, that is where it should be. Now put foundations under them.’
Henry David Thoreau

Jimmy