Below a number of details of conservation events in Adelaide in next few weeks. The first one will cost $50 for anyone booking thru GEHA. This will be vital to developing a strong environmental response to current development issues. Peter Newman is a real expert on sustainable development/planning so a great opportunity.

Planning & Urban Development

We can prepare for the challenges of climate change and peak oil – with appropriate planning. Come and contribute to a vital discussion between the environment movement and other key sectors.

Thursday 24th July 2008, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Enterprise House, 136 Greenhill Rd, Unley 100m west of Bus Stop 1, Unley Rd]

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Professor Peter Newman from the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute and a panel of representatives from the local government, business, and social sectors. Bookings Essential

To book online visit http://www.ccsa.asn.au/summits telephone 8223 5155 for a registration form or email policyreview@ccsa.asn.au Cost: CCSA member/supporter $50; Non-member $200.

Urban Development at Gawler East

GEHA has also written a letter to Delfin Lend Lease regarding questions we have about urban development at Gawler East. Questions focus on sustainability, protection of biodiversity, maintenance of grassland habitat and open space, future proofing Gawler East from heatwave and climate change conditions, energy and water self-sufficiency, and protection of natural springs in the South Para.  We have also received a brief response from Delfin but believe a great deal more work needs to be done to answer these questions.

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CCSA Co-auspiced Workshop: Navigating the Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community – a workshop with Dr David Korten presented by the Conservation Council of SA, the People’s Health Movement and Flinders University on Wednesday 16th of July from 1 pm – 4 pm. The workshop will aim to identify short to medium term strategies for building a new economic order under the Earth Community model proposed by David Korten in his books; what small focus groups can do to advance the earth community agenda and what principles should guide their strategic approach. This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to hear Dr David Korten who will be in Adelaide to address the Don Dunstan Foundation and will be a speaker at the 2008 Fulbright Symposium (Healthy People, Prosperous Country). The People’s health Movement and CCSA will be making presentations. Following Dr Korten’s presentation, small group discussions will be facilitated on localised strategies to advance the Earth Community agenda. For more information on Earth Community, visit http://davidkorten.org Registrations essential as there are limited places available – contact Rama Ramanathan, Research Development Manager, Health & Society Area of Research Focus, Flinders University on ramanathan.ramanathan@flinders.edu.au

Campaign Launch: Save Our Gulf Coalition Inc

The Save Our Gulf Coalition Inc is launching their “Stop the Desalination Plant at Pt Stanvac” Campaign with a photo-shoot at Brighton Esplanade, in the Bindarra Reserve next to the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club. When: Sunday July 6th from 10 – 11 am. The Coalition is concerned with the environmental effects on the Gulf St Vincent of the proposed desalination plant, including brine discharge causing algal blooms and damaging coast and marine habitat and the high energy consumption required to run the plant. All those interested in supporting the Coalition in their efforts to stop the desal plant and lobby the Government for alternative and sustainable water saving, recycling and re-use practices, are encouraged to attend. If possible, please bring placards. For more information email impe@internode.on.net

Water Supply in Adelaide: Understanding the ‘Crisis’ a talk by Professor John Argue

How much and for what purposes do we use water in Adelaide? How is our mains water affected by Adelaide Hills supply in winter and River Murray in summer? How will climate change and water trading affect our water supply? Rainwater tanks and/or desalination? Professor Argue of the SA Water Centre for Water Management and Reuse, University of SA, will offer answers to some important questions. When: Sunday July 27 2pm – 3.30pm. Venue: Pacific Cultures Gallery on Level 1. Entry: $5. Children under 15 years free. Bookings are essential on 8207 7575.

Using Bird Monitoring to Guide Ecological Management Across Multiple Spatial Scales – a Seminar

At this seminar speakers will present current research on the bird fauna of SA, including the results and benefits of long term regional bird monitoring, and habitat modelling on a patch and regional scale. Speakers include Hugh Possingham, Uni of Qld; David Paton AO, Uni of Adelaide; Mark Lethbridge, Flinders Uni; Nigel Willoughby, DEH; Joel Allan, Uni of Adelaide; and Judit Szabo, Uni of Qld. When: 31 July 2008 2pm start with drinks and a light supper to follow at 6.15. Venue: Charles Hawker Conference Centre, Uni of Adelaide, Urrbrae. RSVP on telephone 08 7127 4630 or by email tinabentz@gmail.com by July 17. Limited places.

Free Public Lecture: Backyards: The Most Important Room In The House

The Field Naturalists Society of SA is celebrating 125 years with this free public lecture featuring Professor Chris Daniels, School of Natural Sciences, University of South Australia on Wednesday, August 6th 2008 at 7.45 pm. at the Unley Civic Centre. Light refreshments will be served. Ample parking

CCSA Level 1 157 Franklin Street SA 5000 Ph: (08) 8223 5155 – visit http://www.ccsa.asn.au