Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
The Federal Government has called for applications under the 2012-13 Grants to Voluntary Environment, Sustainability and Heritage Organisations (GVESHO) program.
"These grants are part of the Gillard Government's ongoing commitment to support groups across the nation to value and protect our natural environment and heritage,” Federal Minister for the Environment Tony Burke said.
"There are many great organisations working everyday at local, regional, state and national levels to achieve better protection for our environment and heritage.
NCGRT urges action on groundwater depletion
The director of National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) has urged Australia to take a leading role in tackling the emerging global crisis in groundwater management.
University of Melbourne examines new water attitudes
The University of Melbourne has released a review that investigates new methods of water conservation and the need to transform policies and attitudes surrounding the vital resource.
Warming to alter Pacific rain band
South Pacific countries will experience more severe and extreme weather events as a consequence of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a research paper published in the journal Nature.
Cut emissions to save billions says report
Move to mitigate to reduce carbon emissions can significantly improve the health of the country’s population and could save billions of dollars and thousands of lives each year, a new report has found.
Universities win PV grants
The Universities of New South Wales and Queensland have secured two major photovoltaic (PV) research grants under the Federal Government’s Solar Flagships program.
Victoria releases wetland assessment
The Victorian Government has released a report detailing the condition of wetlands throughout the state, concluding that despite over 13 years of drought, the majority of the state’s high value wetlands were in either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ condition.
CEFC Board appointments made
The Federal Government has confirmed the appointment of Jillian Broadbent as the chair of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) Board for a five-year term. Also announced were the appointments of Michael Carapiet, Ian Moor, Anna Karbek and Andrew Stock as the inaugural members of the Board.
Victoria launches Gippsland Lakes projects
The Victorian Government has launched eight new projects to be funded through its $10 million Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund.
Government announces $42.5 million for water recycling
The Federal Government has outlined $42.5 million in funding to deliver nine innovative stormwater harvesting and re-use projects in a bid to secure water supplies in urban areas around the country.
SA to undertake Port Bonython EIS
The proposed development will also employ about 400 workers during construction as well as ongoing employment.
Greens call for Burke to reject 'failed' Murray plan
The Federal Greens have called on Environment Minister Tony Burke to reject the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, saying it is set to fail the system in its current form.
Lower Hunter Water Panel meets in Newcastle
The Panel appointed by the New South Wales Government to provide independent advice on the development of the Lower Hunter Water Plan has held its inaugural meeting in Newcastle.
Victoria seeks to start park prospecting
The Victorian Government has announced it will ask the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate the circumstances under which low impact prospecting might be conducted in the state’s national parks.
Feds and Victoria strike deal over Latrobe coal
A new $90 million partnership between the Federal and Victorian Governments will aim to ensure a ‘bright future’ for the state’s Latrobe Valley coal industries in a future low emissions economy, according to Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson.
Queensland proposes new CSG water rules
The Queensland Government has proposed new rules to govern the management of water and brine produced by the coal seam gas industry.
Independence of coal seam gas expert committee questioned
The ABC’s Lateline program has questioned the independence of the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development, set up in May by the Federal Government to provide advice on impacts of coal seam gas and large coal mining proposals on water resources, claiming it comprises members with financial links to the mining and gas industry.
Queensland passes Greentape Reduction Bill
The Queensland Government has passed its Greentape Reduction Bill, reducing the Environmental Protection Act by 90 pages and aiming to save businesses on average $20,000 in costs, 150 pages in paper work and 68 days in processing time.
City of Sydney embarks on Australia's largest building-mounted solar program
The City of Sydney has selected Solgen Energy to undertake a $6 million project to fit solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to more than 30 sites over the next two years to generate 12.5 per cent of the electricity needs of all City properties.
Victoria releases Soil Health Strategy
A Soil Health Strategy developed by the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has been released as a resource for organisations like Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs).
ACT Pest Animal Management Strategy released
Rabbits, wild dogs, feral goats, pigs, carp and other exotic pests will be the target of a new strategy designed to prevent and manage pest animals in the ACT and reduce the harmful damage to the environment.