Stephen,
my thanks to all those involved with the preparation of the annual conference.  The subject was topical,  the issues were covered from a range of viewpoints, and I enjoyed the venue. Apart from the following comments specific to biobanking, I have no suggestions for future conferences or venues at this stage - carry on the good work.

I had not provided feedback to you earlier as I have been considering the implications of the biobanking proposal. It surprised me that biodiversity credits would not be available for current biodiversity values, only for predicted improvements in biodiversity values arising from improved management.

Might this provide motivation for landowners to temporarily degrade vegetation to maximise later yield of biodiversity credits? Is it not likely that a conservation commitment in perpetuity would lead to improved biodiversity values?

Is it possible that National Parks (or ather government agencies) could sell biodiversity credits from improved management of their own land? Should vegetation in good condition (likely to be the most profitable to manage according to Rob Humphries) be quarantined in favour of management more degraded lands?

I am keen to see how it all works out.

I ,too, was impressed by the fine efforts of fellow Council Members, involved in the organising of the conference.

One comment I would add is the venue was fine,but the acoustics of the conference room made it a little difficult for some of us senior citizens to follow all conversations (question times) and presentations fluently.Perhaps an upgrade of sound systems by the Carrington management for this venue might need to be addressed.

Phil Burrell

Hi Brett,

Thanks for the feedback - glad you found the conference worhtwhile.

According to our President, Stepehen Ambrose, CDs with conference Proceedings should be available (hopefully) within the next 3-4 weeks.

A very informative, interesting and challenging day. Thanks to the organisers for their efforts, in putting on a succesful conference and the speakers for contributing.  Back to work today and I allready have questions from clients who want to know more, can anyone provide an estimate as to when the proceedings will be available?

This is just a reminder that the ECA will be holding its annual conference at the Carrington Hotel, Katoomba on 14 September 2007.

The theme of the conference is Biobanking. The biobanking legislation that was passed through the NSW Parliament late last year is one of the most significant influences on the work of ecological consultants in NSW in recent years. Our annual conference is your opportunity to keep up to speed with the latest developments and attitudes towards this scheme.

DECC employees involved in the implementation of the Biobanking Scheme will fill us in on the concepts of biobanking, methods of assessment, and the latest developments in the scheme. This will be followed by afternoon sessions that will present ecological consultancy, planning, legal, conservation ngo and academic perspectives of biobanking. There will be plenty of opportunity for all conference delegates to ask questions and participate in both morning and afternoon discussion sessions.  

The conference is followed immediately by the ECA annual general meeting. It's important that for as many members as possible to attend this meeting. The current ECA Secretary will be notifying everyone of the agm within the next few days.

Both ECA members and non-members alike are welcome to attend the conference. Registration brochures can be obtained by email from Mark Couston, Liz Ashby or Paul Burcher (see ECA Member Contact List).  Hope to see you all there!