The ABC of the Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative Greenfleet supporters get their hands dirty It’s in your nature, give a green gift Nurturing the Murray River 5 minutes with one of our foresters 6 tips to give your holiday the green light

In this issue:

News #17

In late August, more than twelve months after the Greenhouse

Friendly™ program ceased, we were pleased to see the Carbon

Farming Initiative legislation passed by Federal Parliament.

You may have heard about it in the media, but we thought you’d be

interested in what it means for you.

What is the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI)?The CFI is a regulated system accrediting Australian land-based

carbon offset projects, including reforestation.

The scheme includes:

Legislation to establish a carbon crediting mechanism,

Methodologies for offset projects, and

Information and tools to help farmers and landholders benefit from

carbon markets.

The CFI will provide regulatory certainty to the carbon market and

confidence to the community to invest in farmland and forestry carbon

reduction projects.

What does it mean for Greenfleet?We believe that it is very important to provide assurance to our

supporters, to the community and to the market, that the offsets

we generate meet a recognised standard and that they can be

independently verified.

The CFI won’t change what Greenfleet does, or how we do it. It will

simply reinforce and showcase the real difference that our biodiverse,

Australian native forests are making for the climate. The CFI will

help us demonstrate that Greenfleet’s forests are permanent and

additional, and that the carbon stored is measurable and not double-

counted.

We aim to undertake independent verification of sites which

are eligible under the CFI standard as soon as possible, once

methodologies and the regulations are finalised. Accordingly, the CFI

will provide government approval for the carbon captured in these

projects, recognising the reliability of Greenfleet’s program.

As a biodiverse forestry offset provider, Greenfleet will be able to

generate carbon credits within the scheme, whilst remaining a not-

for-profit environmental organisation.

What does it mean for you?CFI permits can be used by organisations who have a liability in the

mandatory carbon market, along with organisations and individuals

who want to voluntarily offset their carbon footprint.

If you are an individual... Greenfleet’s accreditation under the CFI

will give you extra confidence in what Greenfleet does. You can be

assured that the carbon is stored and retired. Note that all donations

over $2 will still be tax deductible.

The ABC of the Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative

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While we are confident that Greenfleet’s projects will meet the CFI standard, it is still some time before the CFI is operational and Greenfleet can apply. We may need to make some operational amendments to gain approval for our projects, however we hope any changes will be invisible to you, our generous supporters.

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Greenfleet supporters get their hands dirtyAlthough most of Greenfleet’s trees are planted by professional contractors, every year we give our supporters’ staff an opportunity to take part in our revegetation program firsthand.

To celebrate the International Year of Forests, we organised four staff planting days and judging by the smiles, the volunteers had a blast!

Wright Express staff volunteers and students from King David School helped plant 500 native seedlings in Hyde Street Reserve, Yarraville.

We returned to Kinglake National Park for the second stage of the Watson’s Creek Biolink Project with Suncorp staff volunteers. After checking out last year’s trees, they planted a further 2,000 trees. Stephen Nutbean, Leader Suncorp Outbound, said

“This was a great way to use my volunteer day. The sun was shining and we had a fantastic time, while meeting new colleagues from around the business and saving the planet at the same time!”

Europcar staff planted over 700 seedlings at Mt Rothwell, to help expand the existing Greenfleet forest, providing more habitat and food to native wildlife. Angela Spencer, National Marketing Manager at Europcar, commented

“It was so good to see your work in practice and to learn how the donations are used. I hadn’t really considered the impact on animal species before and was amazed.”

As part of a large revegetation project in Kosciuszko National Park, we invited 30 staff volunteers from Airservices Australia to kick off the project, near Lake Eucumbene, NSW. Eventually, 65,000 trees will be planted on this site. Lachlan Brennan, Airservices Australia Environment Services team member, observed

“Staff from across the organisation were able to interact away from the office and learn more about the role we can play in improving biodiversity and air quality.”

Thank you to all of the volunteers for helping us make a difference and to their organisations for supporting Greenfleet!

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It’s in your nature, give a green giftThe holiday season is just a few weeks away and the relentless

question is popping into your mind: “What am I going to give them

this year?”

Well look no further, Greenfleet has gift ideas that we know you’ll be

proud to give. There are several options, all with an environmental

twist, to suit everybody - from friends and family, to staff and

corporate clients.

We know you care about the environment, so share your passion with

others and help us with our extra special fundraising efforts for the

International Year of Forests.

‘Plant a Forest’ Gift Card The ‘Plant a Forest’ Universal Gift Card is a prepaid VISA Gift Card

which includes a $50 donation towards Greenfleet native revegetation

projects and $50 to use wherever VISA cards are accepted*.

For every card purchased, Greenfleet will plant 15 native trees in

Australia, re-establishing forests to help absorb greenhouse gas

pollution, and restore habitat for native wildlife. So you can feel good

about offering a gift with genuine environmental benefits that last.

Contact Universal Gift Cards on 1300 799 131 to order your

‘Plant a Forest’ cards.

Greenfleet Vehicle Offset Of course, if you prefer you can opt for a gift of 100% trees with a

Greenfleet Gift Certificate.

We all know someone who owns a vehicle, and this is the perfect gift

for them! A $60** Greenfleet Gift Certificate (tax-deductible) will plant

17 native trees to help offset the greenhouse gas emissions that the

recipient’s car produces in one year.

We know you’ll want the option of giving your gift personally,

so Greenfleet will send the Gift Certificate to you, along with an

explanatory letter, our latest newsletter and a vehicle sticker.

Please place your order before the 14th December to be sure it arrives

in time for the festivities.

Find out more about these green gift ideas at www.greenfleet.com.au

* A $9.95 premium is charged per card to cover carrier, message, postage and handling. Universal VISA Gift Cards are issued by Heritage Building Society Ltd. ABN 32 087 652 024 AFS licence 240 984.

** Includes a quality certificate, introductory letter, vehicle sticker, three newsletters per year, postage & handling.

Greenfleet supporters get their hands dirty

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Planting a forest There are two common ways to establish forests: direct seeding and

planting seedlings. Greenfleet uses both and we thought you’d be

interested in understanding more about these techniques.

Direct seeding Seeds sown directly into ground.

Machine does everything in one sweep: sprays herbicide (to combat weeds), scalps the soil, drops the seeds and covers them to the appropriate depth.

Not suitable on steep terrain or in excessively wet conditions – seeds can wash away and machinery access can be difficult.

Not suited to high productivity areas. If a site is very productive for trees, weeds also thrive and the competition for light, nutrients and space slows germination and growth, and encourages poor form.

More random establishment and growth.

Seeds can remain dormant in the soil for a long time until more suitable conditions arise (soil moisture, temperature, light intensity, etc.) – very beneficial in times of drought.

Cheaper and quicker.

Planting seedlings Seedlings planted by people who manually dig hole, place the seedling

inside and remove air pockets by gently packing the soil down.

Site preparation happens well in advance: breaking up the soil (ripping) and spraying herbicide to remove weeds.

More standard establishment method on smaller sites and in areas of higher productivity.

Seedlings are usually stronger and more competitive against weeds. Nurseries grow seedlings to certain specifications. We look out for seedlings with a strong and healthy root system.

Better control of planting design. Seedlings generally planted 3 metres apart, ensuring room for plants to grow.

Greater reliance on rain, but less dependence on other climatic and soil conditions.

More expensive and labour intensive, but generally ensures a safer result.

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Nurturing the Murray RiverLast edition we revisited a site on Lake Alexandrina at the Murray mouth. This time

we travel upstream more than 2,000 km to Lake Hume, near Albury, NSW.

Lake Hume is an artificial lake supporting a diverse range of uses including water for

farmland irrigation, urban demands, stock and domestic uses. Good water quality in

the lake is essential not only for communities, but for the river system itself.

In 2002, Greenfleet joined force with the Goulburn Murray Water, local landholders

and Scouts Australia to plant a number of sites along the shores of Lake Hume and

neighbouring paddocks. Part of the Murray Darling Rescue program, more than 80

hectares of ex-grazing and shoreline land were revegetated.

In addition to re-establishing biodiverse forests and capturing carbon, this large

scale project aimed to reduce salinity and erosion in this important river system and

improve the quality of water in Lake Hume.

Nine years after the initial plantings, Greenfleet foresters are very satisfied with the

conditions of the forests.

All sites are in a very healthy condition and growing at very good rates. The average

tree height is 10 to 15 metres and the second generation of many species are

emerging. Some of the shorter-lived wattle species are dying off and producing vast

quantities of seed to create thickets, as is their tendency. There is much evidence of

insects, birds and other wildlife. These are all signs of good overall forest health.

“We are very pleased to see how well the trees have coped with extensive drought conditions ever since establishment. Good species selection, strong stock and good site preparation played a big part in this. With conditions more conducive to good growth over the last two years, the sites have flourished, and the lake and wildlife have benefited.” said Greenfleet forester Reece Sandwith.

The Lake Hume revegetation project is just one of the Greenfleet projects you can

find in our new interactive map.

Check out some more today at www.greenfleet.com.au

5 minutes with Eoghan O’ConnorTo finish our special series of interviews for the International Year of Forests, we met with Greenfleet Forester, Eoghan O’Connor, to ask him more about his background and his role at Greenfleet.

What is your background?

I originally studied and worked in logistics. After 8 years, I realised it wasn’t for me and I needed to work in a job that I enjoyed. So I went back to study full time at the University of Melbourne for an Associate Degree in Forestry Management. Upon finishing in 2007, I joined Greenfleet as a forester, and I have been here since. Greenfleet offered me a chance to use my studies in forestry as well as make a real impact at local biodiversity levels.

I am also currently studying a Degree in Environmental Science part time.

Why forestry?

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What do you enjoy most about your role at Greenfleet?

Whether it is organising a job from a bare paddock to a biodiverse forest, or identifying and researching what species grow in a particular landscape and how that landscape and species change in a small area, my job presents very diverse and fascinating aspects.

A major part of the job is working with contractors and landholders. A Greenfleet project is not simply planting some trees in the ground and walking away. There are businesses like nurseries, planting and spraying contractors who rely upon organisations like Greenfleet for their livelihood. Making sure a project, usually 12 months in

the planning, is run efficiently and openly gives other businesses confidence in our program. I thoroughly enjoy liaising with these external businesses and these solid relationships all help produce strong vigorous plants that are able to grow into the forest.

Dealing with landholders is also a very enjoyable part of my role. Working in with their needs whilst planning each project for the requirements of a carbon forest is very pleasing. Returning to older plantings and hearing from the landholders how the trees have positively affected their land is a highlight of the job.

I chose forestry because I was interested in working in the outdoors and had a great interest in the natural world. How the Australian bush is affected by fire and the historical and present impact of people on the bush was particularly interesting to me. There are many facets to forestry and I was interested in exploring both the commercial and environmental sectors, as each affects us all.

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5 minutes with Eoghan O’Connor Celebrating the International Year of Forests

It’s amazing the difference you are making by supporting Greenfleet. For our last newsletter in the

International Year of Forests, Greenfleet’s foresters wanted to share some photos they have taken of our

forests to show you what makes them so special...

“ This tiny eucalypt was photographed ten months after the seed was sown. It is true what we say, from little things big things grow!”

Greenfleet Forester,

Michael Spiller

“ Bluebottles are very rare to see. Despite their appearance and their other name ‘Blue-ant’, they are actually a native wasp. Their presence on one of our trees is a sign of a healthy forest.”

Greenfleet Forester,

Eoghan O’Connor

“ There are sometimes remnant dead trees on the sites we plant on. There’s nothing wrong with a dead tree. While the young, healthy Greenfleet forest provides food and habitat to wildlife, we often forget that dead trees provide crucial habitat.”

Greenfleet Forester, Reece Sandwith

Our target for the International Year of Forests is to raise enough funds to plant 2 million native trees. Have you donated yet? Have you inspired others to donate and make a difference too?

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Don’t waste time and fuel searching for a car park Wilson Parking has launched ParkMate, a free iPhone App to help you find the nearest Wilson car park in and around Australia’s major cities. They also provide online booking at discount rates with “Book a Bay”, saving you the hassle of driving around car parks to find a spot. These new services both save time and fuel usage, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution! It’s smart and can make a difference.

“This innovation is sure to be popular with folks who have to park in the city at odd times, and it’s just the beginning. Imagine what the future holds – no hovering around, queuing, searching for a spot, paying at checkout, saving receipts, etc.” commented Greenfleet Director David Lamb.

More at http://www.wilsonparking.com.au/go/parkmate and https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/go/book-a-bay

Shopping and fundraising for Greenfleet at the same time! Introducing Robin Good… the new digital version of our favourite charitable hero, Robin Hood but without the stealing part! Robin Good is a charity oriented, product deals program, which donates a portion of every transaction to your selected charity - Greenfleet of course. Check out the website - www.robingood.com.au - offering discounted deals on products and services.

Greenfleet is very excited to be part of it: select Greenfleet as your preferred charity for each purchase you make and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to us.

Need a daily environmental news fix? Haven’t got time to trawl the newspapers and internet, but want to know what’s happening in the environment? Check out Making Environmental News – a daily email summary of environmental news items appearing in the major electronic news media.

Visit www.makingenvironmentalnews.com to subscribe and benefit from this free service.

Ever wondered how you can further support Greenfleet? Rusty Surfboards prides itself on being environmentally aware, with actions ranging from recycling in the workplace to assisting non-profit organisations with fundraising events.

With 2011 being the International Year of Forests, in an effort to help meet Greenfleet’s fundraising target of 2 million trees, Rusty Surfboards hosted a ‘Christmas in July’ Quiz Night — giving the gift of trees, rather than the tradition of gifts under a tree.

“With 100 attendees, silent auctions, raffles, 6 friends to a table and the event being BYO... it was set to be a good night!” commented event organiser, Dominique Kingston. “A total of $7,625 was raised, and we are stoked to be able to give this to Greenfleet to put more trees in the ground.”

Thank you Rusty Surfboards for your donation, we are thrilled to benefit from this fun initiative!

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We'd like to thank the following organisations for supporting Greenfleet

Visit greenfleet.com.au for more supporters.

Foundation sponsor:

Summer is around the corner, and with it the holiday season. While enjoying time with your loved ones, use these 6 simple tips to enjoy eco-minded holidays.

Sending out greetings cards? Why not send e-cards? If you prefer the feel of paper, choose cards made locally from recycled paper and printed with soy-based inks - they look great and are kinder to the environment.

While shopping for festive meals, remember to buy local and seasonal produce for a better taste and fewer miles on the clock!

Flying somewhere for the holidays? Don’t forget to offset your trips’ emissions. Visit Greenfleet’s website to estimate and offset your emissions.

If you happen to be travelling to or from Melbourne airport, SkyBus is a greener way to travel - with their fuel emissions offset through Greenfleet. Now with more services than ever to take you from the airport to the city (and vice versa), it is quick, hassle-free and likely to save you loads.

Holidays are synonymous with family and friends, so, most of all, get out together and enjoy nature for endless fun in the outdoors. It is the best gift you could offer!

When buying presents, make sure the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ motto is on your list to leave a smaller footprint. And if you are looking for meaningful gifts, check out page 5 of this newsletter for some eco-loving gift ideas which make a big difference to the planet.

Give your holiday the green light!

Contact GreenfleetEmail: info@greenfleet.com.au Web: www.greenfleet.com.au Individual supporters and enquiries: 1800 032 999 Business supporters and enquiries: 03 9642 0570

Postal address: GreenfleetPO Box 16011Collins Street West VIC 8007

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Thank you to Fishprint for donating the printing of this newsletter, using waterless offset technology and non-genetically modified soy ink, on 100% post-consumer recycled paper donated by B.J. Ball Papers. Graphic design by Subgreen Design.

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Photo credit for picture above: Maria Isabel Villamonte