NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

A huge thanks to the local community and ORRCA Inc. volunteers, for reporting sightings of the seal to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The seal had been entangled in the plastic for several months, after its disappearances for weeks at a time made it difficult to intervene. Skilled NPWS staff were thrilled to finally free the seal, who was unharmed in the process and happily re-joined its friends in the ocean after being assisted. This #PlasticFreeJuly we're reminding everyone to ditch the single-use plastics and dispose of all rubbish properly, so plants, animals and our environment aren’t harmed.

This week, we honoured the 120-year anniversary of the historic SS Nemesis shipwreck. The 73-metre-long steamship was last sighted in rough seas off Wollongong in July 1904, before the wreck was discovered approximately 160 meters underwater in 2022. To coincide with the anniversary, Heritage NSW commissioned Curtin University HIVE to create a digital 3D model of the shipwreck from the CSIRO Marine National Facility’s incredible underwater footage. The model, shown below, allows the community to explore the remarkable underwater site, plus gives our maritime archaeologists the opportunity to further examine the wreck site.

On 12 February 1965, students from the University of Sydney led by Charles Perkins embarked on a 15-day bus journey through towns such as Walgett, Kempsey and Moree in an event which came to be known as the 1965 Freedom Ride. Their mission was to highlight the discriminatory treatment of Aboriginal people, and caught the attention of the world with coverage as far afield as The New York Times. This NAIDOC Week, a Blue Plaque has been unveiled at Wayside Chapel in Sydney as a powerful reminder of the 1965 Freedom Ride and its importance in advocating for the rights of Aboriginal people. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g_5-tPCb

The first pairs of Golden-tipped bats (Phoniscus papuensis) are calling the handmade roosts their new home. Using traditional weaving skills and dried local plants, we came together to provide homes for the bats after significant habitat was lost in the 2019-20 bushfires. By blending Western science and Indigenous cultural practices, we’ve been able to ensure this vulnerable species is supported in NSW. The project is a huge team effort, managed by Saving our Species in partnership with the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative and the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, both on Gumbaynggirr Country, with support from WIRES Inc National Grants program and the Australian Government Bushfire Recovery Program. Learn more about this important project here: bit.ly/GoldenTippedBats 📽: Alex Pike/DCCEEW, Bathtime Productions/DCCEEW

We’re proud to announce the appointment of Chair and Commissioners to the Net Zero Commission, who will play a crucial role in monitoring, reviewing and reporting on NSW’s progress towards its targets under the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. Directly accountable to Parliament, the Commission will prepare annual reports on the State’s progress and will provide critical recommendations on how NSW can achieve our net zero goals. Bringing together a wealth of experience spanning climate science, technologies, economics, the impact and effects of climate change and the interests of Aboriginal communities, the Commission will consist of: Net Zero Commission Chair: 🔸 Dr Paul Grimes Net Zero Commissioners: 🔸 Ms Maria Atkinson AM 🔸 Mr Oliver Costello 🔸 Prof. Hugh Durrant-Whyte 🔸 Prof. Frank Jotzo 🔸 Ms Katerina Kimmorley 🔸 Ms Meg McDonald 🔸 Prof. Andrew Pitman, AO, FAA

The much-loved precinct, just 8km from Gosford, has undergone five years of improvement works that prioritise safety and accessibility. The new upgrades include: 🔸 an accessible viewing platform with incredible views 🔸 a brand-new amenity building with wheelchair-friendly features 🔸 an improved picnic area, with new BBQs, shelter, tables and seating 🔸 50 car spaces, plus dedicated disability parking spots and a small bus drop off area 🔸 accessible paths throughout The completion of Somersby Falls is just one of many local initiatives that have improved access and visitor infrastructure across a number of the National Parks in the Hunter and Central Coast region.

Back in 2017, Oceanfarmr spotted a problem in the world of oyster farming – growers were unable to leave their farms because all the critical data was stored in their heads. They saw an opportunity to both create an app which would enable growers to manage their farms with precision, as well as obtain finance for their underwater infrastructure. Oceanfarmr would act as asset managers, purchasing the infrastructure and the crop to be cultivated. The farmer then uses their expertise to nurture the crop, and when the growth cycle ends, the proceeds cover all costs. Most importantly, the infrastructure is transferred to the farmer, allowing them to use it for their future endeavours. Fast forward to today, and Oceanfarmr have seen astonishing results, including: 🦪 17% boost in productivity 🦪 50% reduction in on-water time 🦪 An impressive 20% annual farm growth rate Oyster aquaculture has strong benefits for the environment, including an increase in fish abundance and a benefit to the local economy; water is also filtered, while nitrogen and carbon are captured. Oceanfarmr’s innovation was recognised last year when they were awarded the 2023 NSW Sustainability Award for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Entries for the 2024 awards are now open. Know a business, young person or organisation making leaps in the sustainability space? Read more and submit your nominations before 24 July at 🔗 https://lnkd.in/df_V9x6N

The acquisition is the result of a long campaign led by Aboriginal women and supported by members of the broader community to recognise and protect this sacred land. We’re proud to help ensure the Butterfly Cave will be protected for generations to come, honouring the deep connections and ancestral knowledge. The site is a safe place for Aboriginal women to meet and serves as an area for the education of young girls.

After weeks of careful monitoring, incubation and care from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), NSW TurtleWatch and Taronga Conservation Society Australia, the hatchlings were strong enough to be released. Many sea turtle species are in decline due to impacts from coastal development, artificial light pollution, marine debris, climate change and more. Our NPWS staff and dedicated NSW TurtleWatch volunteers invested over 800 hours in monitoring and protecting nests this season, to help ensure the survival of these threatened species.

After being impacted by bushfires and floods in recent years, the works to Wollemi National Park and the Glow Worm Tunnel are now complete, ensuring we can help preserve this natural wonder for generations to come. Glow Worm Tunnel was built in the early 1900s as part of a 53km railway line for the shale mining industry at Newnes. The high humidity and running streams has made the perfect environment for the glow-worm colony, which now cling to the damp walls in their thousands. The precinct, which attracts up to 50,000 visitors each year, is now more accessible and safer for people and glow worms alike. The upgrade was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.