Category Archives: Uncategorized

by Keith Scott | July 11, 2026 · 2:13 pm

From Grass to Gondwana: a unique rainforest restoration competition in 2026

The Australian Rainforest Conservation Society is excited to launch “From Grass to Gondwana”, a unique, and potentially world-first, rainforest restoration competition at Springbrook Mountain!

Community groups, organisations and businesses made up of 5-10 members are invited to work together (and against each other!) to transform former dairy cow paddocks into thriving World Heritage-quality rainforest.

Each team will take on their own 100 m² restoration plots, developing their own approach to bush regeneration using locally sourced native species, careful weed management and restoration science. The competition isn’t about speed – it’s about creativity, collaboration, education, awareness, and achieving the best ecological outcomes. Prizes will be announced throughout the competition, with awards for the winning team and a wild card prize for participants.

An Information Weekend will be held on the 5th and 6th of September 2026, where prospective teams can explore the site, meet other participants and learn what’s involved before committing. There is no entry fee, free accommodation is provided for competition weekends at Koonjewarre Campground, so teams simply need to cover their own travel and meals.

For more information download the information pack here.

If this sounds like something you’d be keen to get involved with, please fill out the expression of interest form.

Expressions of interest close Friday 14 August 2026.

Letter from Dr Tim Cadman to Bellingen Shire councillors | The Bellingen Shire Courier Sun

An open letter to all parties present at Wednesday’s council meeting.
— Read on www.bellingencourier.com.au/story/6455638/letter-managing-the-forests-of-the-upper-kalang/

Some thoughts on the relationship between forests, water, ecosystem services and sustainability in northern NSW

Queensland to restrict community rights to object to mining applications

The Newman-Seeney government is proposing to restrict the right to object to mining applications to people directly affected such as the owner of the land. Community groups including environment organisations will not be able to object to the majority of mining applications.

Currently, any person or group can object and that can lead to the matter being heard by the Land Court. According to Deputy Premier, Jeff Seeney, that is “frustrating” for the government.

The Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Andrew Cripps, has released a discussion paper for public comment. Submissions close on Friday 28 March. The discussion paper can be downloaded at http://mines.industry.qld.gov.au/mining/mining-lease-notification-initiative.htm

On releasing the discussion paper, Mr Cripps said “The proposed reforms will allow us to hear from those who are directly impacted by the development rather than extreme green groups in Melbourne or California whose life goal is to create a road block for economic development. These individuals or groups have little or no interest in our state and submit vexatious objections to tie up economically beneficial projects.”

Jeff Seeney told the ABC, “It’s obvious that the current process allows individuals or groups who are fundamentally opposed to the coal industry – for whatever reason – to use the objection process to frustrate and delay those projects,”
“The people of Queensland have elected us as a government based on developing our coal industry to supply the world markets and our processes need to allow us to do that.”

The Environmental Defenders Office Queensland has identified the issues and produced a summary of the discussion paper as well as a sample submission. They can be found at the EDO Queensland web site.