Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - November, 2011
The Federal Government has formed a Commonwealth Environmental Water Office as a distinct entity within the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities to improve accountability and stakeholder engagement in environmental water management.
The formation of the Office was announced as part of its official response to the Standing Committee on Regional Australia’s report Of Drought and Flooding Rains: Inquiry into the impact of the Guide to the Murray Darling Basin Plan in Regional Australia.
The Committee was was tasked with conducting an eight-month long inquiry, ultimately producing the Guide and estimated effects on the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
First round of Action on the Ground opens
The Federal Government has announced the first round of funding under the $99 million Action on the Ground initiative is now open.
Antarctic CRC releases ocean findings
The Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC has released a synopsis of the latest scientific findings of the changes of the salinity, temperature, acidity and circulation of the Southern Ocean.
New Pacific climate research released
The Australian Government’s Pacific Climate Change Science Program (PCCSP) has released the most comprehensive research data on the impacts of climate change on the Pacific to date.
Climate Change threatens health: report
The Climate Change Commission has released its Climate Change and Health extension to its original Critical Decade report, finding that climate change will result in prolonged and increasingly severe heatwaves, increasingly severe pandemics and mass population displacement.
Government moves to protect Coral Sea
The Federal Government has proposed the establishment of the world’s largest marine protected area in the waters of the Coral Sea that are encompassed by the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone.
Government establishes Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board
The Federal Government has announced the final membership of the independent Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board.
MDBA draft plan released
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has released its draft Basin Plan, starting off a 20 week consultation period that will examine and tweak the Authority’s plan.
Queensland moves to allay CSG fears
The Queensland Government has announced that environmental and landholder protection is the ‘cornerstones’ to the any coal seam water management policy.
Origin secures renewable energy deal
Origin Energy will be supplied renewable energy after a long-term power purchase agreement was signed with ACCIONA.
Victorian Government fails environment test
The Victorian Government has received a scathing report from Environment Victoria in an audit of the government's green credentials. The audit measured the delivery of government's election promises on the environment and also assessed significant actions taken that were not foreshadowed prior to the election.
Sustainable CRCs win funding approval
Sustainable-based CRCs have led the way in this year’s Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) selection round (Round 14).
Gas and wind drive electricity generation development
Statistics released by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics show that power station development has stalled, with just two projects — both windfarms — worth $488 million completed in the 12 months to October.
Committee calls for submissions on water security
The Senate Standing Committee on Rural Affairs and Transport is calling for submissions for its inquiry and report into the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Protecting Australia's Water Resources) Bill 2011.
Tasmania announces solid irrigation progress
The Tasmanian Government has announced it is closing in on the half way mark with its extensive irrigation program, with some of the biggest projects close to completion.
Australia-Denmark green forum held
Business leaders, energy producers and senior government officials have attended the Australia-Denmark Green Growth Forum to discuss future sustainable development opportunities for both countries.
Victoria to form Gippsland Lake advisory committee
The Victorian Government is calling for expressions of interest for a new Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee as part of a broader plan to improve the health of the lake system.
Stronger CSG regulations in the pipeline
The Federal Government has promised stronger national regulatory frameworks to assess the impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) on the environment in a bid to win key independent’s vote on the recently-passed minerals resource rent tax (MRRT).
Leaked Murray plan sparks concerns
A leaked copy of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has sparked fears of massive job losses and water allocation cuts.
La Trobe research used to treat water toxicity
Research by a microbiologist at La Trobe University is being used to mitigate the impact of treated sewage on the environment and human health.
ACT tables solar legislation
The ACT Government has tabled its Electricity Feed In (Large Scale Renewable Energy Generation) Bill 2011 before territory parliament.