NSW has recorded 275 battery-related incidents so far this year. NSW Government advice re lithium-ion battery safe use & disposal warning ahead of the December 2024 sales & holiday gift buying season, as well as use of e-mobility products

NSW Government, media release, 25 November 2024:

Consumers urged to choose quality batteries this sale season after record number of fires

Published: 25 November 2024

Released by: Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Environment and Heritage

Listen [to media release at https://vtdnntts-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/vtapi4/9cad164f00c172d8a99da9e62c2f890c.mp3]

The NSW Government is warning consumers about the potential dangers of buying poor quality lithium-ion battery powered products as gifts this holiday season, which may pose a fire risk.

The warning comes amid fears that substandard lithium-ion battery powered devices may flood the market during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other pre-Christmas sales ahead of new regulations coming into effect next year.

New data reveals there have already been a record 275 battery-related incidents so far this year, surpassing last year’s record number (272). Small portable devices have accounted for the most incidents in 2024 (94), while there have been 86 fires involving e-micromobility devices.

If a lithium-ion battery overheats uncontrollably, it can release flammable and toxic gases in a process called ‘thermal runaway’, which can create fire and explosion hazards. The risk of thermal runaway is higher in batteries that are damaged, overcharged or exposed to high temperatures.

In a campaign launched today, the NSW Government is calling on people to shop, charge and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely, unveiling a new consumer warning video and a central website for people to visit when seeking information on lithium-ion products.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has developed a video to demonstrate how ‘thermal runaway’ can occur, featuring power tool batteries catching fire in a living room.

The NSW Government is urging shoppers to be vigilant and undertake safe charging and disposal practices with lithium-ion battery products.

Today’s warning follows the Minns Labor Government’s mandatory safety standards for lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility products announced in August, which will require e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards to meet new testing, certification, and marking requirements.

These NSW Fair Trading product safety standards are intended to curb the fire risks associated with lithium-ion e-micromobility devices by ensuring low quality and dangerous versions of these products cannot enter the market and be sold to unsuspecting consumers.

Retailers, manufacturers and suppliers will face fines of up to $825,000 for not complying with the new safety standards, which will be introduced in a staged process from 1 February 2025.

A nation-first Information Standard will also be introduced to provide consumer advice and warnings on fire and electrical safety, product storage, road rules and disposal of e-micromobility products.

Communities are being reminded that batteries do not belong in household garbage bins, where they can spark fires in garbage trucks and waste facilities.

Lithium-ion batteries can be disposed of at a range of dedicated recycling drop-off points, including many retail outlets and supermarkets. Products with embedded batteries, like an electric toothbrush or portable speaker, can be safely disposed of at 21 Community Recycling Centres across NSW.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“The increase in battery related incidents is serious and concerning, so we’re working across government to address the risks posed at all stages – from purchase to use and disposal.

“Don’t throw batteries out with your household rubbish. If not disposed of properly, they can cause intense, dangerous fires which put others in harm’s way, including our garbage truck drivers.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Lithium-ion batteries are an important part of the transition to alternative energy and technologies. But we must be aware of the safety risks and how to use these batteries safely so consumers can enjoy the festive season without an emergency visit from Fire and Rescue NSW.

“It’s not just micromobility products like e-bikes and e-scooters that cause lithium-ion fires, it can be devices you don’t expect like electric toothbrushes, shavers, vacuum cleaners, portable chargers and power tools that are contributing to these fires in NSW.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Our primary focus is making sure consumers are protected so please be careful when purchasing lithium-ion battery products and keep an eye out for Christmas sales that appear too good to be true.

“With the Christmas shopping period upon us, we want to ensure that everyone is buying safe lithium-ion battery products.

“Don’t skimp on quality and safety. Check the ACCC Product Safety website to see if there’s an active recall. Make sure the batteries don’t show signs of damage and check for standards labelling. If you’re uncertain about a lithium-ion battery product’s quality, don’t take the risk.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“If these batteries are allowed to overheat, or become damaged or compromised, they can cause an explosive chain reaction.

“These devices are powered by an array of batteries. If they enter that ‘thermal runaway’ process, they can spew a cloud of toxic gas inside your home and violently explode, resulting in an intense fire.

“There’s an additional risk when an unrelated fire breaks out in a home and then consumes lithium-ion battery devices, which can intensify the blaze and make it extremely difficult to extinguish.”

Sydney mother Kirsty Stead said:

“I shudder to think how my son charged his bike in his bedroom every night, as he slept.

“I urge all parents to take precautions and try to charge Lithium-ion devices, like e-bikes, in safe areas. Outside if possible.” 

Byron Bay Waverider buoy set to come online again this week

 

Byron Bay’s iconic yellow Waverider buoy
IMAGE: water.dpie.nsw.gov.au

On 4 November 2024 Manly Hydraulics announced that the Byron Bay Waverider buoy had been damaged and was unable to transmit data to the shore station and, a replacement buoy was to be deployed as soon as possible.

It is expected that the Byron buoy will be redeployed this week to rejoin the six other buoy sites off the NSW coast continuously live monitoring deepwater wave conditions. Which in turn allows the forecasting of nearshore wave height and direction, as well as supplying an overview of swell height and direction along most of the state's 2,137 kms long coastline.

IMAGE: researchgate.net

Thousands of people answered the call of Rising Tide and successfully protested at Newcastle coal port in New South Wales over the course of four days

 

After the Supreme Court set aside a Minns Government decision to cut off access to Newcastle Harbour in an effort to prevent a four-day climate protest, NSW Police were left trying to herd cats on port waters for most of Sunday, 24 November 2024. 

The result was that thousands of people of all ages answered Rising Tide's call for a peaceful protest at what is said to be the world's largest coal port and shipping was disrupted as planned.

Here's how the Newcastle Protestival went down from the perspective of police, protestors and media.

The Canberra Times, 24 November 2024

🚨 Breaking 🚨 Protestors declare victory blocking Newcastle Coal Port. Arrests made. pic.twitter.com/mtFWjg1pL9

— RisingTideAustralia (@RisingTideAus) November 24, 2024

NSW Police News

Over 100 people arrested in Port of Newcastle

Sunday, 24 November 2024 12:47:08 PM

Police have arrested over 100 people as a police operation continues in the Port of Newcastle.

Just after 10am today (Sunday 24 November 2024), a large group of people entered a shipping channel and interfered with the movement of vessels.

138 people have now been arrested after refusing to comply with a direction to move away from the channel.

The police operation is ongoing.

For their own safety and that of the other users of the port, police request that people refrain from entering the harbour with the intention to obstruct other users of the port. We also encourage all participants to follow the directions of police.

The community is reminded that under NSW legislation, the safe passage of vessels is protected. Unlawful activity may result in fines or imprisonment.

The NSW Police Force will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMNwXVEeiRY

Charges laid as police operation continues - Port of Newcastle

Sunday, 24 November 2024 06:20:26 PM

170 people have been arrested this weekend over the disruption of a major facility and failure to comply with marine safety directions in the Port of Newcastle.

Yesterday (Saturday 23 November 2024), two men and a woman were charged with not comply with direction by authorised officer relating to safety.

Just after 10am today (Sunday 24 November 2024), a large group of people entered the shipping channel and presented serious safety risks to themselves and others, causing significant disruptions to the operation of the harbour.

156 adults and 14 youths have now been charged in total - 138 with disruption of a major facility, and 32 with not comply with direction by authorised officer relating to safety. Two were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Monday 24 November 2024).

34 people were required to be retrieved from the water during arrests, ten people required assistance from police to return to shore, and one police officer suffered a fractured ankle.

Unrelated to activities in the water, there were numerous traffic infringements issued, and a further five charges were laid.

Despite disruptions, the harbour remains open and continues to operate with 31 shipping movements over the weekend since Friday (22 November 2024).

The police operation is ongoing.

The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly; however, the priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community and there will be zero tolerance for illegal and dangerous behaviour.

Andrew George, 35, from the Lismore area in the Northern Rivers region was charged with two offences, including seriously disrupting a major facility and operating a vessel as to interfere with others use of waters, before being released on bail.

ECHO, 25 November 2024:

Police minister condemns protesters

Minister for Police Yasmin Catley has released a statement on behalf of the government thanking police for protecting public safety and condemning arrested protesters.

Minister Catley has described as reckless the behaviour of those she says think it ‘acceptable to waste critical policing resources and endanger officers with self-serving stunts’ and ‘irresponsible theatrics’.

GRAPHICS: @RisingTideAus

It's native orchid time around Australia

White Donkey Orchid 2012 - usual colouring 

https://beyondeyelevel.smugmug.com/Flowers/Wild-Orchids-of-the-Yuraygir-N

Clarence Valley Independent, 20 November 2024:

Threatened Species Protection

November 20, 2024 -

VOICES FOR THE EARTH

Significant excitement was generated earlier this month when a sharp-eyed member of the public spotted a mostly white Donkey Orchid. His inquiries led to experts believing this is a new species.

All orchids and other collectable or merchantable native plants in NSW, like ferns, Grass Trees etc are protected under the National Parks and Heritage Legislation Amendment Act, so these handful of plants are protected.

However, they were growing in a relatively public location, meaning there is a chance of their being accidentally trampled, or worse, being dug up by some unscrupulous collector. As a result, the location, as with most rare plants, especially collectable species are usually kept secret.

I must add that the majority of orchid ‘enthusiasts’ do the right thing which, unless the plant is listed as threatened under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act, is only a matter of paying a modest fee for a permit.

There are 568 native plants listed as threatened under the Act and protected accordingly, which leads us to the hypothetical possibility that, because these new orchids aren’t listed as threatened, that handful of plants could be legally dug up under a standard collectors’ permit.

The problem is, it’s not just newly discovered species that are missing out on protection, there are literally hundreds of rare species facing extinction today, simply because nobody has done the research and work required to nominate them for protection.

Before declaring a species as threatened, the NSW Scientific Committee needs to see credible evidence that the nominated species is under threat of extinction. They need to know the extent of populations and the threats they face, which can be costly and time consuming.

Anyone can make a nomination, there is no one person, organisation, or government department charged with doing this research. The problem for new species is they first need describing and details published in a reputable journal before a nomination can be considered, and all that takes time and money.

A dedicated rare species assessment team, charged with doing that work, would be great.

John Edwards

Australian White Finger Orchid 2021
IMAGE: Peter F Williams @pfwaus

Still some amazing diversity in the roadside orchids near Mallacoota, VIC at the start of Nov. with good numbers of beard and onion orchids out, the occasional large duck and the last few spotted sun orchids finishing up. Not bad for a fairly dry spring ... #orchids #ozplants pic.twitter.com/2mTlZVXhWP

— Silver Dory (@thesilverdory) November 16, 2024

From a couple of weeks ago in the #PerthHills, some Blue Lady Orchids (Thelymitra crinita). These lovely #orchids have finished flowering now and have hopefully set seed #biodiversity #ozflora #ozplants #WildOz pic.twitter.com/IXabi7XQVl

— WA Orchids (@wa_orchids) November 3, 2024

STATE OF PLAY NORTHERN RIVERS SPRING-SUMMER 2024: Fires and La Niña years have helped cane toads accelerate their spread in northern New South Wales

 

Atlasof Living Australia, Cane Toad Occurrence records map, Family Bufonidae, est 38,038 records 1990-2024

ABCNews, 23 November 2024:

When Rick Ensby spotted cane toads on his Woodford Island property, he was quick to call the local Clarence Landcare group.

The Woodford cattle grazier said a control officer spent nine days removing adults and metamorphs from the area.

"It had a massive effect on the number of cane toads for quite some time after," he said.

But several years later the notorious invasive pests are back in "huge numbers", despite the best efforts of Mr Nesby and his wife.

"We both work and we work the farm as well and it's quite time-consuming to go on an emu parade every night," he said.

"We definitely will do that because cane toads are quite [poisonous] to native animals and birds that we're a little bit attached to that live around the place.

"We grow hay and we don't want [cane toads] getting wrapped up in our bales of hay and possibly transported elsewhere."

But this time Clarence Landcare was only able to offer Mr Ensby collection buckets and handbooks as Local Land Services NSW (LLS) has discontinued control funding.

Funding redirected to studies

The NSW Cane Toad Biosecurity Zone shows areas in green where cane toads have become established. (Supplied: NSW Department of Primary Industries)

The Ensbys' property was previously in a DPI Cane Toad Biosecurity Zone, which meant all cane toad sightings had to be reported.

But that classification, made in 2017, has now expired.

LLS team leader for invasive pests, Dean Chamberlain, said field surveys were being conducted to determine the cane toad's range.

"We know from where the initial biosecurity line was when it was set up that they've moved considerable distances to the west and in reasonable distances to the south," he said.

"We could spend money now where control has been done in the past, but if it is 10 or 15 kilometres off the front line, then it's not really effective management of incursion."

The Ensbys' property was previously in a DPI Cane Toad Biosecurity Zone, which meant all cane toad sightings had to be reported.

But that classification, made in 2017, has now expired.

LLS team leader for invasive pests, Dean Chamberlain, said field surveys were being conducted to determine the cane toad's range.

"We know from where the initial biosecurity line was when it was set up that they've moved considerable distances to the west and in reasonable distances to the south," he said.

"We could spend money now where control has been done in the past, but if it is 10 or 15 kilometres off the front line, then it's not really effective management of incursion."

While cane toads have been spreading west at a rate of up to 60 kilometres a year in the tropical north of Australia, their spread south has generally been much slower.

But Charles Sturt University herpetologist Matthew Greenlees said that was changing.

"They were introduced around the Byron Bay area in the 1960s and they've spread relatively slowly compared to the expansion that we've seen in northern Australia," Dr Greenlees said.

"Since the bushfires and consecutive La Niña events and wet seasons, they just seem to be spreading more rapidly, particularly over the past three or four years.

"So from Angourie to Brooms Head [18km] it took them almost 30 years, but now from Brooms Head down to Diggers Camp [slightly further] we're talking five to six years."

Early signs this season

Clarence Landcare invasive species officer Matthew Morris said conditions had been perfect for breeding this season.

Bureau of Meteorology weather data shows Yamba received 615 millimetres of rain between May and August this year, almost double the seasonal average, and temperatures were also warmer than the median.

"I think the toads have done a little bit better during the winter," Mr Morris said.

"Coming out of winter we had that massive heatwave for a week and a half and that triggered a number of breeding events, which we saw very early in the season being reported to us."......

Cane Toad Calls

>https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/232004/cane_toads_call.mp3

RSPSA Knowledgebase, 17 January 2024:

Whatis the most humane way to kill a cane toad?

What killing methods are being recommended?

In 2011, the Australian Government released the Standard Operating Procedure for the Humane Field Euthanasia of Cane Toads (SOP) which was based on a comparative study of the humaneness of a range of different cane toad killing methods [1]. However, this SOP has not been updated and so omits some recently developed and evaluated methods, but it still contains some useful information. No methods are listed in the SOP as unconditionally acceptable, thus highlighting the need for more research to develop a humane killing method for cane toads.

The following method is the most humane currently available to the general public:

Cooling and then freezing – one study has shown that this method may be more humane than other methods [2, 3]. It involves placing the toad in a plastic bag or container ensuring that there is sufficient cool air around each individual toad to allow for uniform cooling and freezing (e.g. place toads individually in containers). Place the container(s) in the fridge at 4°C for 12 hours, and then after ensuring the toad is not moving (it is effectively anaesthetised), transferring it to a freezer (-20°C) for at least 24 hours to painlessly kill the toad.

Gloves must always be worn when handling toads. Toads must be confirmed dead before disposal.....

How do I know when a cane toad is dead?

When using any killing method, it is essential to confirm that the animal has died before disposing of its body. Determining death can be difficult with amphibians as their heart rate is difficult to detect and respiration can occur through the skin as well as the lungs. Absence of all of the following signs will confirm that the cane toad is dead (remember to wear thick plastic gloves when handling cane toads):

• Loss of righting reflex – the toad cannot turn itself over when placed onto its back

• Loss of withdrawal reflex – no response to a light squeezing of the skin in between the toes

• Loss of deep pain reflex – no response to moderate squeezing of the toes

• No respiratory movement – no throat movements that indicate breathing

• No heart activity – no chest movement or visible pulse

Always check for these signs and do not assume an animal is dead just because it is not moving or apparently not breathing. If death cannot be confirmed, then the killing procedure must be repeated.

On 21.11.24 International Court of Justice in the Hague issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri - the latter on the presumption that Al-Masri remains alive

 

.@FranceskAlbs perfectly deconstructs the bad faith question “does Israel have the right to exist?” pic.twitter.com/Tm2TUlFoHP

— Abby Martin (@AbbyMartin) November 16, 2024

 Francesca Albanese

Currently a UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967.

Ms Albanese holds a Law Degree (with honors) from the University of Pisa and an LLM in Human Rights from the University of London, SOAS. She is an Affiliate Scholar at the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University and a Senior Advisor on Migration and Forced Displacement for the think tank ARDD

Situation in the State of Palestine:#ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I rejects the State of Israel’s challenges to jurisdiction and issues warrants of arrest for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. Learn more ⤵️ https://t.co/opHUjZG8BL

— Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) November 21, 2024

 

Situation in the State of Palestine: #ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issues warrant of arrest for Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (Deif). Learn more ⤵️ https://t.co/UAlWfRQPrh

— Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) November 21, 2024

Coorabell Hall is hosting a special Indigenous cultural event on Saturday, November 23 at Coorabell Hall from 2pm

ECHO, 20 November 2024:

Coorabell Hall is hosting a special Indigenous cultural event on Saturday, November 23 at Coorabell Hall from 2pm.

Hall secretary, Adele Smout, says that Many Rivers – Bundjalung Culture and History – Understanding and Remembrance will feature Bundjalung author and historian, Dr Shauna Bostock.

‘[She is] winner of the 2024 NSW Premier’s Community and Regional History prize, with her book Reaching Through Time. Historical photos that form part of the event will be on display from 2pm, and Wahlubal Elder, Uncle Lewis Walker, will conduct a Welcome and Smoking ceremony at 5pm.

‘This will be followed by truth-telling for understanding and remembrance of First Nations people in the region.’

Entry is by donation.

Coorabell is just north-west of Bangalow and west of Byron Bay, in the middle of Bundjalung Country which stretches further than the eye can see in that part of north-east New South Wales.

The address for Coorabell Hall is 565 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Coorabell, Byron Bay NSW 2479.

Travelling north turnoff onto Hinterland Way (B62 old Pacific Highway) and watch for the turnoff into Coolamon Scenic Drive. Pass Friday Hut Rd turnoff and the hall is 1km further on the left hand side.

It's hard to miss

IMAGE: https://www.coorabellhall.net/