Together, We're The Tidal Wave
Newcastle Herald
Monday January 12, 2009
I HAVE been at Port Stephens Council for four years and manage the Environmental Services Unit, which is responsible for natural resource management (water quality, wildlife and bushland protection), environmental health (including food inspection, pollution control and wastewater services), community environmental education and regulatory services (rangers).
I started out my career as a plumber and did this for 10 years before I was given the opportunity to undertake a degree in environmental health and later a masters degree in environmental law. After I left the plumbing trade, I worked for Hunter Water Corporation as the environmental manager. In my time at Hunter Water I was involved in the environmental aspects of water quality, industrial waste water, catchment management, recycling, corporate management systems and community-based projects.What are the main environmental challenges facing Port Stephens?One of our greatest challenges will be to find the right balance between protecting our waterways and bushland while preserving jobs and providing for development. To cater for a growing population there will need to be some compromises. However, there are some environmental features that are so unique and valuable they cannot be replaced or offset and need to be protected. Climate change is another environmental challenge facing the region, but for a different reason. Whether we believe in climate change or not, governments and the insurance industry believe it is a risk area that needs to be managed. All councils will need to act on climate change and start planning for predicted sea level rises. What have been the council's main environmental successes in recent years?It is only when we all work together that we achieve anything worthwhile. Take Tilligerry Creek, for example. In 2005, when human viruses were found in Tilligerry Creek oysters, it was a concerted effort by the council, the Premier's Department, the Department of Primary Industries, oyster farmers and the community that helped fix the worst part of the problem. The restoration and protection of many bushland reserves, wetlands, foreshore areas and beaches can all be attributed to this co-operative approach. Without the efforts of the community these successes would not be possible. What does sustainability mean to you?We live in a world where much of our economic, social and cultural systems rely on the use of non-renewable resources such as coal and oil. So we need to do the best we can with what we have. We should be aiming to reduce our consumption of resources, limit the amount of waste we send to landfill and consider how we can leave this planet in a better state than we inherited it. One measure of sustainability on a local level is the health of our waterways. In Port Stephens water tends to be a good indicator of the health of the broader catchment. Water quality in the port is good but there are a few isolated areas that need attention and we are addressing this.What can people do to live more sustainably?We can all do something to minimise our impact on the environment. If you're building a new home or redesigning a garden, think about choosing plants that don't use a lot of water. Local nurseries will give advice on the best plants to suit your location and soil type. Try growing your own vegetables at home. If you don't have the space or time, try growing something like herbs it's fun and there's nothing better than fresh herbs. When buying your next car, look at the fuel consumption rating. The green vehicle guide is helpful (greenvehicleguide.gov.au). It's also a good idea to use low-impact cleaners in the home. Visit environment.nsw.gov.au/households/EasyCleaning.htm for some tips on how to minimise your environmental impact in the home. What is your main personal environmental challenge?I am passionate about our waterways and natural features and I want to ensure they remain beautiful. I will also help the council and the community reduce its energy consumption. What changes to environmental laws would you like to see?I would like to see laws that provide a greater range of options for managing environmental issues such as alternative dispute-resolution processes (that are easy to access and use) and incentive schemes that provide rewards for those who do the right thing.The Herald is a proud supporter of Together Today
© 2009 Newcastle Herald