Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - May, 2014
The Federal Environment Minister has defended his decision to give state governments more power over mining approvals.
Push to free trees continues amid rejection
The Federal Government says it will review a draft World Heritage Committee decision, which rejects an application to delist some Tasmanian forests.
Floating gas giants fail to fill industry's demands
An industry body has warned that mining and processing natural gas in giant offshore factories will cost thousands of onshore Australian jobs.
Coal fire shows cost of old methods, unpreparedness
The Victorian Environment Department says a long-running underground fire at the Hazelwood coal mine has “created a choking reminder of the real price of relying on coal for electricity”.
Light shines on building, buying and burial in NSW
One of Australia’s largest coal supporters has given a glimpse of how much money it costs to “do business in New South Wales”.
Nuclear firm says frozen wall could work
Japan's Industry Ministry has given a glimpse of the soil-freezing technique it hopes will stop the spread of a radioactive material from the Fukushima nuclear disaster site.
Uncertainty could keep green power dollars down
Analysts say the future of renewable energy investment in Australia is looking rough.
Touring factory brings tech edge to Top End
A high-tech road show is making its way across the Northern Territory, bringing futuristic methods to ancient practices.
Federal fee shift to see reduced students paying more
Higher education changes mean students will now have to pay interest on their HELP loans, start repayments at a lower wage, and universities have had their cap on tuition fees lifted.
Locals win over gas firm's non-communication
A victory for community rights in New South Wales, as a gas drilling operation is shut down.
Move to throw away the key for feared refugees
New amendments mean the Australian Government will be able to detain refugees indefinitely.
Conflict costs companies, but can be used to connect
Public conflict can cost big companies in many ways, and new research shows how great that effect has been for one key economic driver.
Green thinking moves to working after federal fund fix
Australian treasury cost-cutters appear to have scoured legislation for any mention of “clean”, “green” or “renewable” spending, and promptly hacked it down.
Port report finds leaks in legislation
An independent inquiry has found environmental conditions on a central Queensland port expansion were virtually meaningless.
Research re-jig sees commercial cuts and bio-med boost
Australia’s research industries have been reformed after last night’s budget announcements, with healthy boosts in some areas but deep cuts in others.
Student's burning farm ambition rewarded
One young researcher in Queensland is looking for solutions to his home country’s rapidly rising needs, and has been rewarded for his efforts so far.
Thousand year boost shows where the rain has gone
New Australian research has added some detail to the world’s ocean, air and climate maps.
Water funds drawn up, splashed in different areas
Big moves in funding pools have upset the flow of water-related funding in the federal budget.
A cheap and easy way to trap centuries of supply
An Australian expert has put forth a proposal that could protect the nation from water scarcity for generations.
Charity book brings water-purifying particles to the poor
A charity has put together a book that may be the perfect combination of practical and academic advice to save lives.
Idea floated for innovative solar fix
A wastewater treatment site in South Australia is looking to solve two problems with one high-tech fix.