Rainforest Frogs

A complete guide to the 33 species of frog found inthe World Heritage rainforest of the Wet Tropics region of NE Queensland.  This field guide includes an easy to use key for identification an an up-to-date account for each species.  All species are illustrated with at least 2 photos.  A great companion for anyone wishing to know what frog that is and what it does.  The authors Dr Conrad Hoskin (ANU) & Dr Jean-Mare Hero (Griffith Uni) are both scientists who have conducted extensive research on Wet Tropics frogs.  Proceeds from the sale of this book go to frog research.  $  19.95.

Solar Future for Australia

Twelve months after the last debacle with our national solar policy when a means test was introduced without consultation and without warning, the much spun ‘Solar Credits’ program is floating in limbo - unlegislated, uncertain and very unclear whether it will actually become a reality under law.  “Last year the Australian solar industry was promised no surprises and ongoing certainty- twelve months on the ‘Solar Credits’ program, due to commence in mid 2009, has not even passed Parliament,” Rodger Meads, Managing Director of Conergy Solar, said.  “They scrapped the older scheme early, with 6 hours notice to industry, with a promise that we had a great new system to move to – to put it simply, we don’t – we have none.

 “By making so much noise last year about the means test decision we really did help to drive the take up of solar PV across the country by being so public about the many, many benefits of the technology,” Mr Meads said  “We are now hoping that those people who have installed the technology, and those who want to, but are now unsure whether any assistance will come their way from Government will be active in making a submission to the Senate Committee reviewing the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2009.

 “Submissions to the Inquiry close this Friday 24th July at 5pm and can be simply emailed to economics.sen@aph.gov.au – this is your chance to let them know that we want the politics out of this and the practical support in place,” Mr Meads said.  “Let the pollies, of all persuasions, know what further delays and uncertainty will do to solar businesses and for the homeowner’s important and valuable decision to go solar,” he said.

 “We have no idea whether the Bill will be passed after it has been hitched to the highly problematic Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) legislation, whether the solar credits scheme will actually backdate rebates and what the price of REC’s will be if and when the legislation is passed.

 “And this is what they call a smooth transition down in Canberra!” Mr Meads said.

Getting Ready for Christmas

We now have a much larger range of  books for younger children in stock.  Most of the new books are about wildlife rather than environment.  There is also a new range of toys for older children.

Gourmet Guide

You've got an abundance of fresh fruit & vegetables from your garden, or perhaps you've just discovered a new tropical vegetable at your local market.  At last a book written especially for the tropical gardener- cook.  This delightful book offers over 200 recipes and cooking tips and advice on growing and harvesting over 40 tropical fruits and vegetables.  First published 30 years ago by the Darwin Garden Club, this is the new and updated edition of a fantastic resource for every tropical gardener and cook.  Grow the most rewarding fruit & vegetables for an arid-tropical climate, with valuble hints from experienced tropical gardeners.

Pondless Stream Workshop

Have you ever dreamed of owning a property with a creek?  Can afford it?  How about building a creek in your backyard...Yes you can do this.  www.waterscapesaustralia.com.au There is a workshop coming up at Placid Pots in Smithfield on Sat 8th Aug bookings essential check out the website for further details.