Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - March, 2014
Researchers have discovered the way some creatures survived the last ice age, huddled close to the nourishing warmth of volcanoes.
Wombat haircuts made to count
The endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat has given up some hair in the name of research.
Efforts to access iron in trans-Tasman seabed
New Zealand firm TransTasman Resources is looking to break open offshore iron sands, seeking permission for marine mining off the southern coast.
Incredible ocean link plan brings unknown risk
Progress appears to have been made on a $40 billion project to open a new link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Leaks and spills in Japan still, insiders say returning unwise
Experts have told media outlets that a decision to let Fukushima resident back into their homes is premature and potentially very dangerous.
Big swing buries QLD landowner rights bill
A bill allowing farmers and other landowners the right to refuse entry for mining, oil and gas companies has been soundly defeated.
Solar back step to leave QLD customers haggling
Up to fifty thousand Queenslanders will soon have to negotiate their own solar feed-in tariff, with the State Government changing its scheme and leaving regulation to consumers.
Tiny fine from nasty leak, but Santos says all is well
Gas firm Santos Ltd has been fined after groundwater sampling revealed elevated levels of elements including arsenic, lead, and uranium at a site in New South Wales.
Legal tweak for shark cull upheld
Courts have ruled that the Western Australian Government's shark cull is legal, after a challenge by environmental group Sea Shepherd.
$10 million up for MDB betterment
The Federal Government is looking to fund better ways of using Murray-Darling water.
Annual coral action draws more curious minds
The marine biologist’s equivalent of annual fireworks have gone on show in northern seas, with researchers flocking to see this year’s coral spawning at Heron Island.
Greens, Labor push to increase offset standards
The Labor party has joined the Greens in their push for a Senate probe into environmental offsets for mining firms, questioning whether the price they pay is really equal to the damage they produce.
Science spies flowers' speech through the eyes of a bird
New research has revealed the evolutionary links between some Australian birds and the flowers they pollinate, showing some plants change their colour to suit birds’ taste, and may even try to communicate directly to them.
Timber gets PM's tick as business worth boosting
The Prime Minister has set up a new council to support the timber industry, hoping to unlock the economic potential of Australia’s national parks.
Water worries and traditional opposition in WA gas bid
Broad opposition has formed against a planned shale gas extraction program in Western Australia's Kimberley region, with locals saying they won’t put their water at risk.
Hot-bed of rubbery research on the seafloor
A new way to gather energy from the ocean is in development, as engineers continue trying to harness the incredible power crashing against coastlines every day.
ACT guns for more green sources
The ACT Government wants more power for less, and so is allowing itself a greater share of renewable sources.
New site to aid the fight for silent victims worldwide
A new website will provide an avenue for insiders to blow the whistle on crimes against nature.
Offshore moves take the government out of approvals
The Federal Government has announced its ‘streamlined’ version of offshore petroleum and gas resource approvals, and already explorers are looking to sink their drill bits into the ocean floor.
Website and star fight could bring the whole plan down
A meeting today could decide whether Australian consumers get to use a new website and star rating system for healthy food, or whether it has all been a wasted effort.