SLA

The Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan (CAP) was first developed in 2006 to guide natural resource management (NRM) in the Northern Rivers region. It supports the whole community to improve natural resource condition by identifying key issues impacting on natural resources and priorities for investment and on-ground action.

The region’s natural resources and community are constantly changing and it is important to constantly review and improve programs to best meet their needs. The Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) has commenced a 5 year CAP review. A new CAP for 2012 to 2022 will be developed with the community and finalised in 2013. Community input is essential to ensure the new CAP represents the aspirations of the whole Northern Rivers community for the future management of its precious natural resources.

Your input is essential!  There will be many opportunities for input over the coming months, but as a first step, please have your say by completing the two surveys at http://yoursay.northern.cma.nsw.gov.au/.

If you are interested in keeping up to date with the CAP review process, please subscribe by emailing CAPreview_northern@cma.nsw.gov.au.

Article source: http://hicub.org.au/project/?p=2074

Shareable is a nonprofit online magazine that tells the story of sharing. We cover the people and projects bringing a shareable world to life. And share how-tos so you can make a sharing real in your life.

In a shareable world, things like car sharing, clothing swaps, childcare coops, potlucks, and cohousing make life more fun, green, and affordable. When we share, not only is a better life possible, but so is a better world.

The remarkable successes of sharing projects like Zipcar, Wikipedia, Freecycle, Kiva, and Creative Commons show this. They tell a hopeful story about human nature and our future, one we don’t hear enough in the mainstream media.

They show what’s possible when we share. They show that we don’t act merely for our own good, but go out of our way to contribute to the common good. They show that we can solve the crises we face, and thrive as never before. They show that a new world is emerging where the more you share the more respect you get, and where life works because everyone helps each other.

We tell this story because a shareable world might be just what’s needed to enjoy life to the fullest today while creating a better tomorrow. And it’s being built by people from all walks of life right now. Shareable is an invitation to join these everyday innovators.

By: Adam Blakester

The iFixit site is dedicated to providing free repair manuals to every gadget on earth, and therefore put the skills and confidence back in consumer to take real ownership of their electronics.

By: Adam Blakester

Urban Depavers Return Parking Lots to Paradise

Depave is a Portland-based non-profit that organizes volunteer “depaving” sessions, wherein a group descends on an empty or underutilized lot and transforms it into a public green space, whether a community garden, playground or soccer field.

By: Adam Blakester

Funding has been secured to begin work improving the Martins Gully sub-catchment. In its current condition, Martins Gully delivers sediment and nurient loads to the urban creek system running through Armidale, exacerbating resource issues downstream in the Macleay Catchment. Recent monitoring of water quality in areas downstream show low levels of oxygen, high levels of turbidity and low levels of signal micro-fauna – all indicators of a highly degraded system.
The funding will be used for fencing to restrict stock access, replanting of the riparian corridor, removal of exotic weeds, and installation of low level hard surface crossings to protect water quality and prevent soil erosion.

Article source: http://hicub.org.au/project/?p=2069

What will it take for the human race to thrive?

THRIVE lifts the veil on what’s REALLY going on in our world by following the money upstream — uncovering the global consolidation of power in nearly every aspect of our lives. Weaving together breakthroughs in science, consciousness and activism, THRIVE offers real solutions in this powerful documentary, empowering us with unprecedented and bold strategies for reclaiming our lives and our future.    See www.thrivemovement.com  Entry by donation. Showing at Kent House.

By: George Neo

We want to celebrate the HiCUB project, all it has achieved and all those who have contributed.
Members of the HiCUB Advisory Committee, and our local community are invited to join us on Sat 11 Feb at Black Gully (behind NERAM) to celebrate community, music and biodiversity.
There will be a biodiversity display, live local music, food and drink and much more on the day.
Keep an eye out for the posters around town, and our ads in the Independent, and invite all of your friends to be there too!

The next shared meal will be on Fri 13 January at Kent House. Anyone interested in sustainability is welcome to attend these meals that are held on the 2nd Friday of every month.  The kitchen opens at 6.30, and we usually eat at about 7.  It’s very informal – a good chance to catch up,meet new people, share great food and company!  Bring some food or drink to share, children, friends, music and of course your wonderful selves… .  Hope to see you there.

Helen and Cathie

Convenors of “Community” Action Group

Our garden is now growing pumpkins, wild rocket, coriander, parsley, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, potatoes and watermelons – and we’ve only just begun! We work on the garden every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 3:30 (weather permitting) and on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 3 pm.

We now have about a quarter of the whole area under cultivation and have already used up one of the huge round bales of lucerne mulch. We have a Christmas tree (for this year only!) and have made a start on a frog pond. Come and see!

This hot pink bicycle stand occupies a space the size of one parking bay and holds 10 bicycles.

By: Adam Blakester