Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Post

Have we got the SWOOP for you! The July edition of the ABBBS newsletter has taken flight and landed in your inbox. 🐦 The ABBBS coordinates bird and bat banding related research and manages data for banding projects in Australia. The #Flightlines newsletter provides quarterly updates on this valuable work. In this edition: 🌊 hear about the incredible story of an albatross at sea 📊 get the latest public recovery statistics 💉 see updates from Wildlife Health Australia on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza For the latest word on all things bird, subscribe to Flightlines! https://brnw.ch/21wLm3E

The Murray–Darling Basin is a vital habitat for migratory shorebirds including the critically endangered Curlew Sandpiper. Since the 1980s, their population has declined by 79% in the Coorong, South Australia. These incredible birds migrate from Siberia to Australia, returning annually to our estuaries, bays, inlets, lagoons, and lakes for shelter and food. From August to March, they grow strong in Australia before flying back to their breeding grounds. Protecting the habitat of this magnificent bird is crucial to ensuring the species’ survival. Learn how the Australian Government’s plan will protect the #MurrayDarlingRivers: https://brnw.ch/21wLlXY #MurrayDarling

📣Consultation closing this Friday. Have your say on new program to support Murray—Darling Basin First Nations prepare Cultural flows plans for cultural and economic benefit. We want to hear from Basin First Nations on what you need to prepare Cultural flow plans which could assist in owning and managing water in ways that address your Nation's spiritual, Cultural, environmental, social, and economic needs. To share your views on design elements of the Cultural Flows for Cultural Economies program you can: 💧talk to us at a virtual session (see our web page for roundtable dates and to register) 💧take our online survey. To have your say now visit https://brnw.ch/21wLkCm

For #NAIDOC2024, DCCEEW kept the fire burning to celebrate the rich history, cultures, and achievements of First Nations peoples. Vibrant activities were held at all DCCEEW offices across Australia providing us an opportunity to reflect on how our work can positively impact Australian communities. Our all-staff event featured a First Nations panel discussion with: 🎤 Duane Fraser - Indigenous Advisory Committee Chair 🎤 Jahmarl Towney - Wiradjuri man and Bagariin Ngunnawal Cultural Consulting 🎤 Nevada - First Nations Branch, DCCEEW 🎤 Sheryl - Indigenous Co-champion, DCCEEW. The panel shared reflections about our journey as a department in #protecting and #conserving Country, communities and our natural and cultural heritage. 💬 Jahmarl said the department is shining light on the environmental needs of First Nation’s communities and really stepping into their hats. “It was a great opportunity to highlight our progress and reflect on the work that still lies ahead.” 🖤💛❤️💚💙🖤 #NAIDOC #NAIDOCWEEK #NAIDOC2024 #KeepTheFireBurning #BlakLoudandProud

The Australian Government is providing nearly $2m to help 10 businesses explore technologies to: ⬇️reduce emissions ⬆️improve productivity. Read more 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wLiaq Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)

🌊 High seas, ahoy! 🌊 In great news for marine critters, the Australian Government has tabled the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty in Parliament. The high seas cover more than 60% of the world’s ocean, and 90% of its volume. They don’t belong to any single country, but they’re where: 🐋 fish and whales travel 🦑 an astounding array of species and ecosystems make their home 🗑️ plastic pollution congregates. Despite their vastness, only about 1% of the high seas are currently protected. The High Seas Biodiversity Treaty will help: 🦀 establish marine protected areas on these high seas 🐠 drive global efforts to conserve and sustainably manage the biological diversity of the high seas 🔬 support opportunities for Australian marine industries and researchers. Tabling in Parliament is an important step towards ratifying the Treaty. Our world shares one global ocean. By protecting areas of the high seas, we help keep this shared resource – and the communities and industries that rely on it – healthy for generations to come. Find out more about the treaty https://brnw.ch/21wLi4r #Marine #MarineMonday #DCCEEW #OneOcean #BBNJ #HighSeasTreaty

Join our online info session and Q&A about working for CAWI this Friday. We’re looking for First Nations water experts to fill vacancies on the Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Water Interests. #CAWI is Australia’s primary independent advisor to governments on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ inland water rights and interests. If you are dedicated to shaping national inland water reform to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ rights and interests we want to hear from you! 📢 Reminder: closing date for applications extended to 21 July 2024. Register for our info session and apply to join CAWI https://brnw.ch/21wLgPL

💧 The #MurrayDarlingBasin is a key contributor to Australia’s economy. Properly managing its water resources is crucial for sustaining livelihoods, supporting agriculture, and boosting tourism. We're taking decisive action to ensure our rivers and the millions of Aussies depending on them continue to thrive. Learn more about the economic benefits of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan and how it helps keep our economy strong at murraydarling.gov.au

🔋🔌New batteries are switching on and storing rooftop solar power in Bexley North, North Epping and Warriewood! The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has conditionally approved another 370 batteries across the country. This latest round will deliver up to $143 million of grants for new community batteries. The grants will unlock an expected $359 million of investment into renewable energy storage. Once online, these batteries will: 📉 reduce emissions 📉 lower power bills for households and businesses. Read more about where community batteries are switching on🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wLfDp

This #PlasticFreeJuly, let's make a change! 🌍 Join the National Environment Science Program and Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub in reducing single-use plastics. By choosing reusable bags, bottles and cutlery, we contribute to sustainable communities and a cleaner planet. 🛍️💧🍴 Ready to join the challenge? Learn more at plasticfreejuly.org and tag @dcceew and @SCaWHub in your posts! 🙌 Image credit: Nick Fewings