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On 1 November 2013, the Government announced the re-starting of the Australian Heritage Strategy as one of Australia’s key heritage priorities. All Australians are encouraged to participate in the development of the Strategy.

The Queensland Government and the GBRMPA are currently seeking public comment on the draft strategic assessment documentation.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham has announced the release of the reports.

For the first time Commonwealth environmental water is being provided to the Mehi River and to Carole Creek in the Gwydir catchment to provide in-stream flows to maintain habitat for native animals, particularly native fish.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Annual Report 2012-2013

The Minister has signed an agreement to progress a strategic assessment of petroleum activities in Commonwealth waters under the national environmental law. The strategic assessment is expected to deliver regulatory efficiencies whilst maintaining the highest environmental standards.

The office has published a report on Commonwealth environmental water carryover from 2012-13 into 2013-14 and related fact sheets.

The regional locations and hosting organisations for six Commonwealth Environmental Water Office Local Engagement Officers have been identified.

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Office has published two reports produced through monitoring and evaluation projects in the Edward-Wakool and Murrumbidgee river systems.

Musicians that wish to bring musical instruments, that are made from CITES-listed species, into or out of Australia are required to apply for the relevant import and export permits. Australia does not implement the 'passport' system as described in CITES Resolution Conf. 16.8

Permits are not required for the export of non–CITES listed Australian native coral species where they are harvested from commercial fisheries approved under the EPBC Act. Permits will still be required for the export of CITES–listed corals and exporters should ensure acceptable taxonomic names are used.

The Australian simplified list of CITES species has been updated to reflect changes to the species listed on the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

All goods, regardless of value, that require a wildlife permit for export must be reported to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service on an export declaration prior to being loaded or exported (this includes items being exported via mail).

PERMITS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE - Permit holders (particularly holders of multiple use permits) are reminded that permits are NOT transferable, unless specifically authorised by the department.

Fees for wildlife trade permit applications have changed. For further information see the new fee structure.

See the list of grants awarded under the 2013-14 round.

The research grants stream provides support to postdoctoral fellows and established career researchers to undertake research relevant to the taxonomy and systematics of the Australian biota. Applications close 1 November 2013.

The National Taxonomy Research Grant Program focuses on support for training and/or recruitment of taxonomists, especially for research on critical taxonomic groups. Applications close 1 November 2013.

The Australian Government is committed to delivering a 'one stop shop' for environmental approvals that will accredit state planning systems under national environmental law, to create a single environmental assessment and approval process.

The Emissions Reduction Fund is a central element of the Australian Government's Direct Action Plan. The Fund will be designed to source low-cost emissions reductions, providing incentives for emissions reduction activities across the Australian...