Alice Gorman - PIA / VPELA Annual Conference 2014Aaron Organ
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms for those who already suffer from conditions like anxiety and depression.
Environmental Offset Presentation, QELA - 29052014Aaron Organ
The document summarizes key points about environmental offsets in Queensland from a presentation given at the Qld Environmental Law Association Annual Conference. It discusses what offsets are, principles like no net loss, challenges with past offset policies, and aspects of Queensland's new single Environmental Offsets Policy implemented in 2014. The new policy aims to provide more clarity, consistency and standardized approaches to offsets, though some limitations around factors like capped offset ratios and addressing time lags still exist.
Alice Gorman - PIA / VPELA Annual Conference 2014Aaron Organ
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms for those who already suffer from conditions like anxiety and depression.
Environmental Offset Presentation, QELA - 29052014Aaron Organ
The document summarizes key points about environmental offsets in Queensland from a presentation given at the Qld Environmental Law Association Annual Conference. It discusses what offsets are, principles like no net loss, challenges with past offset policies, and aspects of Queensland's new single Environmental Offsets Policy implemented in 2014. The new policy aims to provide more clarity, consistency and standardized approaches to offsets, though some limitations around factors like capped offset ratios and addressing time lags still exist.
David Wilson AOC Latham's Snipe PresentationAaron Organ
Three migratory shorebird species - Latham's Snipe, Pin-tailed Snipe, and Swinhoe's Snipe - arrive in Japan in early April for breeding before departing late July through early August for Australia. Data shows these species are arriving in Australia earlier, around mid-August now compared to late August in 1950, and departing earlier, mid-April now versus late April in 1950. Population counts vary from 25,000-100,000 individuals that all overwinter in Australia, with numbers stable or declining over the last 30 years.
The document discusses protecting heritage during construction projects in the ACT and region. It outlines legislation regarding heritage approvals for major infrastructure projects and examples of conditions to minimize impacts on heritage. These can include conducting heritage surveys, developing cultural heritage management plans, implementing unexpected discovery protocols, and providing heritage induction training for contractors. The document advocates for independent monitoring of compliance with heritage conditions during construction to help protect heritage, as is common practice in New South Wales.
Wind Farm Forum 2015: Ecological Risk Mitigation for the Australian Wind Indu...Aaron Organ
This document summarizes a presentation on ecological risk mitigation lessons learned from Australia's wind industry over the past 10 years. It discusses relevant legislation and policies, and provides three case studies: 1) Brolga breeding surveys where collaborative surveys provided robust data to inform guidelines, 2) The importance of fully assessing project footprints and buffers to avoid additional costs from further assessments or inability to modify designs, and 3) Ensuring approval conditions are informed by comprehensive ecological surveys and stakeholder engagement to reduce project risks and costs. The key lessons are to identify risks upfront through accurate assessments, allow flexibility, collaborate, communicate well, and ensure certainty to minimize costs and delays.
This document provides an overview of development and conservation from the perspective of a botanist consultant. It discusses the role consultants play in assessing potential impacts to native vegetation and threatened species from various projects. It outlines the relevant federal and state legislation regarding environmental assessments and protections. Examples are given of projects that required surveys and permits due to proximity to threatened orchid species. Key issues with the current approach are identified, such as short survey timeframes and a focus on offsets over avoidance of impacts.
The document discusses how the author collected feedback on their film trailer and ancillary products from their target audience.
They conducted online surveys and in-person screenings to collect feedback on their initial trailer draft. Feedback indicated changes needed to intertitles, music, and pacing. They incorporated this by changing fonts, adding more intense music, and quickening shots.
Feedback on their poster and magazine cover was also collected through online surveys. Respondents generally found the poster eye-catching and said it would make them see the film. Suggested improvements like changing the background were disregarded to keep the simplicity. The feedback validated that the marketing campaign appealed to and informed the target audience.
The presentation outlines aerial survey methods for detecting and monitoring Brolga nesting sites in South West Victoria. Key points include relevant research on aerial survey techniques, background on the vulnerable Brolga species, a case study applying the methods in South West Victoria to inform wind farm development, and considerations for project proponents, consultants, and government. The aerial surveys effectively mapped Brolga distribution and important habitat areas to identify constraints and inform avoidance and mitigation strategies.
Melbourne's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy_Ecology and Heritage Partners ...Aaron Organ
36 Conservation Reserves within the Urban Growth Corridor (approx. 5700 ha)
Approx. 3000 ha land along major waterways to protect and restore habitat for Growling Grass Frog
15,000 ha grassland reserve and 1200 ha grassy woodland reserve
Approx. 1600 ha of new reserves to be secured outside UGB across rural Victoria
Protection targets set out in the Program report - 80% of best habitat to be protected for Spiny Rice-flower, Matted Flax-lily and Golden Sun moth
Ecology and Heritage Partners Offsets Brokering and Assessments (Vic) 2014Aaron Organ
Victorian Offsets market: brokering and trading
Over-the-Counter vs negotiated trades
Securing sites to generating offsets/credits
Section 69 Agreements
Assessment report
Landowner agreement
Management plan
Determining offsets available on your property and their values
Desktop assessment
Site assessment
The document traces the history and evolution of the horror genre across different eras, from its roots in 19th century Gothic literature to modern subgenres like slasher films, torture porn, and alien/monster movies. It discusses key films, trends, and societal influences that shaped the genre in each era, from the expressionist films of the silent era to works reflecting anxieties over war, family, and technology in subsequent decades. The document also profiles important studios like Universal and Hammer Horror and how they advanced the genre through new technologies and stylistic approaches.
Rivers, creek, lakes & ponds 2015 Richard Sharp Presentation Aaron Organ
This document summarizes issues concerning rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) between 2000 to 2011. It discusses findings from State of the Environment Reports that some water bodies like Lake Tuggeranong, Point Hut Pond and Lake Burley Griffin exceeded water quality standards due to factors like urbanization. While the Murrumbidgee River showed minimal impact from the ACT, lakes and ponds experienced higher levels of pollutants. The health of rivers and creeks was improving but also faced stress from major events and ongoing urbanization.
The Shoalwater and Corio Bays Area Ramsar site in Queensland is a unique wetland that covers both marine and freshwater habitats. It provides important habitat for many species, including dugongs. Defence and the Fitzroy Basin Association work collaboratively to manage threats to the site, such as weeds, feral pigs, aquatic pests and marine debris. Through joint programs, they have made progress in improving wetland health by controlling invasive species and degradation. Ongoing vigilance is needed to protect this fragile Ramsar wetland for the future.