Welcome to Newsletter Number 66 Dear SENG Queensland members, contacts and friends, Our first event for the year is a Movie Night and Panel Discussion at New Farm cinemas. The movie is the Age of Consequence which is about the impacts of climate change and how serious the situation really is. Take the Red Pill to exit the matrix by coming along to our session and informing yourself of the true risk of climate change.
It is not our typical technical session and should be an interesting night. Please bring your friends and family along, ALL ARE WELCOME. See below for more information.
We are also progressing our Climate Reality: Transport session so keep an eye on these newsletters, and on the SENG website and the QLD Branch page for updates.
This months newlsetter includes: Age of consequence Movie and Panel Discussion Expression of Interest Newsletter Support Other Events Interesting Snippets Open for comment As always, we welcome input from members regarding topics or speakers of interest. Please contact one of the Qld committee members, or consider coming along to a committee meeting, held at Engineering House prior to each of our technical seminars
Sustainable Engineering Society
Qld Branch
Engineers Australia. Age of Consequence Movie and Panel Discussion Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 - 18:30
Presenters: Tim Dalmau, Steve Posselt, Lara Harland and David Hood
Venue: New farm Cinemas - 701 Brunswick Street, NEW FARM
Unmissable for all concerned Stark, profound, sobering and downright scary, but what does it mean for you? Scientist stress that we are facing an existential threat to human life within the lifetimes of many people alive today. What does this mean? Now unfettered by their careers, experts unpack what climate change means in military terms. Be part of the discussion with the panel where people who have dedicated decades of their lives to the issue explain what their take home message is. Tim will provide some insight on why change is so slow and what you can do to help speed up the movement for change. Whether you have seen the movie or watched the shortened version on 4Corners, you need to take part in this. How you deal with the information is up to you but it will have a profound influence on you. The movie
The Hurt Locker meets An Inconvenient Truth, THE AGE OF CONSEQUENCES investigates how climate change impacts resource scarcity, migration, and conflict through the lens of US national security and global stability. Whether a long-term vulnerability or sudden shock, the film unpacks how water and food shortages, extreme weather, drought, and sea-level rise function as accelerants of instability and catalysts for conflict. Left unchecked, these threats and risks will continue to grow in scale and frequency, with grave implications for peace and security in the 21st century. As in any military defence and security strategy, time is our most precious resource. Watch the TRAILER. Panel Discussion After the screening there will be a panel discussion on why as a society we are so slow to act and what we can do to move people into action. Each member of the panel will give a 2 minute summary of their thoughts and then it will be opened up to questions. Tim Dalmau: Tim is one of Australia’s foremost management consultants. His practice covers the world, advising leaders of corporations and engineering focused companies in the resources and manufacturing sectors, working with Boards and senior teams, and designing systems for change. Steve Posselt FIE(Aust): Climate activist and adventurer: Steve has paddled his kayak 12,000km raising awareness and inspiring others. Lara Harland FIE(Aust): Lara has worked with a wide range of industries to gain site wide support for the implementation of systems and practices to improve environmental outcomes. Prof David Hood AM HonFIE(Aust): David is one of the world’s leading sustainability advocates, an Al Gore trained Climate Reality Leader, a QLD Councillor of ACF, Deputy Chairman of BZE, and Chairman of the Long Future Foundation. Register Now Invite your friends and bring your family. Register on-line or for more information see the attached flyer. Member rates for SENG and ACF members. Expression of Interest - Newsletter Support SENG has a vacancy! This position would suit an engineering or science student who would like to provide administration support for the SENG newsletter. It generally involves up to 3 hours per month to assist in compiling an e-newsletter (like the one you're looking at now). If you would like to find out more please Lara Harland. Other Events Engineers Australia
The impact of recent high profile tailings dam failures - 8 June 2017
Smart Grid Half Day Seminar - 15 June 2017
The state of the water industry and how utilities are managing assets to increase resilience and exceed customer’s expectations - 26 June 2017
Centre for Environmental Training Erosion and Sediment Control Workshops: Brisbane, QLD - 10 - 13 July 2017
Australian Water Association
North Queensland Regional Conference 2017 - 20 - 21 July 2017 Interesting Snippets For your interest, horror and amusement. SENG makes no claims regarding the accuracy or currency of these items.
Australian Water Association A mechanical engineer may have found a solution for filtering out sneaky microplastics from polluting wastewater. Read about it here.
Analysis of the consequences of qualitative and quantitative upgrades in sewage treatment. Evaluation of the upgrade effects in four sewage treatment plants in NSW, Australia. Check out the research paper here.
Major breakthrough - new treatment for PFAS water pollution - a toxic chemical predominantly linked to firefighting foam. Read more here.
According to article in WA news 'Politics should butt out of WA's public Industry'...Given the predictions of extreme population growth by 2050, public infrastructure and planing for the masses is critical, and these decisions need to be made on the basis of research and economic studies, not out of political agenda. Read more here.
Introducing the "super sponge"! Capable of soaking up water pollution in record time, this low-cost nanocomposite sponge developed by researchers from the University of Minnesota, can soak up heavy metal pollutants in just a few seconds. Read about it here.
Everyday Australians maintaining steady water usage despite above average temperatures last year. Find the stats here.
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection - Regulatory Updates
QAL pleaded guilty and fined $400,000 for releasing contaminated steam Abattoir fined $225,000 for ammonia release Quarry company fined $70,000 for operating without an EA Wirralie Mines fined $40,000 for breaching its environmental obligations
All environmental authorities (EAs) are now available in a spreadsheet form that can be downloaded from the Queensland Government website.
ABC
With over 60,000 abandoned mine sites in Australia, a pilot clean-up program in WA's abandoned mines has sparked conversation, and has been hailed as a possible solution. Read about it here.
Engineers Australia
Energy, climate change submissions lend much-needed perspective to energy policy Making the case for a comprehensive electricity grid transition plan, less politicising of energy infrastructure and stronger leadership in climate change.
Awards and Open Comment
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection - Regulatory Updates
Have your say by 15 June 2017:
Financial assurance framework reform discussion paper Better mine rehabilitation for Queensland discussion paper
Consultation now open for the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting measurement determination, audit determination, and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting auditor registration instrument
The consultation period for the draft amendments to both determinations and the instrument will be open from Tuesday, 30 May 2017 until close of business on Friday, 9 June 2017.
2017 Healthy Land and Water Awards - Entries Close 12 June 2017
The Healthy Land and Water Awards recognises and celebrates the dedication and passion of volunteers, schools, community groups and organisations who are working to protect and improve South East Queensland's land and waterways. Click here for more information.
Parliment of Australia Enquiry into Current and future impacts of climate change on housing, buildings and infrastructure - Submissions close 21 July 2017
The current and future impacts of climate change on housing, buildings and infrastructure, accounting for the full range of projected climate scenarios. Click here for more information.
Moment for Action
Climate Protection Petition.
Sign Here.
Climate emergency declaration
Sign the petition
David's Blog Keep up to date by reading David's Blog on the SENG website. Log in using your to post comments or questions. Join the conversation on our LinkedIn group page If you have an idea to share, an issue you would like feedback on, or just want to follow the conversation, click here to join the group. | 