Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - March, 2013
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new paper urging world governments to reform their subsidy programs affecting products ranging from coal to gasoline.
Biodiversity research centre launched
A new research laboratory that will help Australia harness cutting-edge advances in biological sciences has been officially opened in Canberra.
Great Artesian Basin reports released
Two new research reports into the Great Artesian Basin are set to build on our understanding of one of the country’s most important water resources.
NT to challenge deposit court ruling
The Northern Territory Government has announced it will challenge a recent Federal court ruling which ruled the existing container deposit scheme (CDS) as illegal.
Queensland releases Wet Tropics water management plan
The Queensland Government has released a draft plan that it says will establish a ‘robust water allocation and management framework’ for the Wet Tropics region.
Queensland to review Barron Water Plan
The Queensland Government has announced it will conduct a full review into the Barron Water Resource Plan in a bid to examine the allocation and management of water in the Upper Barron.
Australia falling behind in clean energy stakes
While Australia has staged a ‘fragile reversal’ in its previously declining low-carbon competiveness, Asia, driven by China, has emerged as the key performing in developing preparedness for the future low-carbon economy according to the new GE Energy/Climate Institute’s Global Climate Leadership Review 2013 report.
D'Ascenzo joins CER
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, has announced the appointment of Michael D’Ascenzo as the newest board member of the Clean Energy Regulator (CER).
Government announces department merger
The Federal Government has announced that it will merge the majority of the functions of the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) with the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISTRE).
New DNA tech to speed up species discovery
A team of research scientists from the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the CSIRO have teamed up with Kimberley Traditional Owners to test a new molecular technique that has the potential to significantly speec up the discovery of enw species.
SA passes wilderness protection Bill
The South Australian Government has passed the Wilderness Protection (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2012, which it says will ensure the ongoing protection of wilderness in the State.
Water trading weathers all seasons finds NWC
The practice of water trading throughout the country has continued to grow, showing that seasonal conditions play very little role in the behaviour of the sector, a new National Water Commission (NWC) report has shown.
Work smarter on plan urges NWC
A renewed focus and cooperation between State and Federal Governments is sorely needed if real reform of the management of the Murray-Darling Basin is to be achieved, a new report by the National Water Commission (NWC) has found.
Bowen pipeline gets the nod
Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) has announced it has given environmental approval to the proposed billion dollar Bowen coal seam gas pipeline.
NWC releases industry reports
The National Water Commission (NWC) has released two reports into the industry’s operation in the 2011-12 year, detailing sustained improvements in water quality, delivery efficiency and water conservation.
Queensland considers solar de-regulation
The Queensland Government will consider de-regulating solar feed-in tariffs (FiT) across the south-east of the state, following a report into solar FiT’s by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA).
Territory water allocation plans open for comment
The Northern Territory Government has released the drafts of the Alice Springs Water Allocation Plan and the Great Artesian Basement Water Allocation Plan for public comment.
WA could face tariff shake up
Queensland won’t be the only state looking to shake up its feed-in tariff (FiT) system after newly re-elected Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett announced his intentions to reform the state system earlier last week.
Clean energy bodies to share research
The Australian Clean Energy Council (CEC) and the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) have announced a new partnership that will see the two bodies share research and information on clean energy.
MDBA Plan passes final parliament hurdle
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has been finally formalised after it passed the final hurdle of the Federal Parliament.
Victoria releases climate resilience plan
The Victorian Government has tabled its Climate Change Adaptation Plan before State Parliament, with State Minister for Climate Change, Ryan Smith, saying that it will provide for improved climate risk planning, strong leadership and partnerships with local government.