Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
2,600 scientists have signed a landmark scientific consensus on the rapid and ongoing decline in the health of the world’s coral reefs.
The document, signed at the 12 International Coral Reef Symposium, states that it is imperative to make ‘every effort to save what’s left’.
The Consensus Statement on Climate Change and Coral Reefs calls for a concerted worldwide effort to counter the growing threats to coral ecosystems and to the livelihoods of the millions of people that depend on them. It calls for urgent measures to head off the effects of ocean acidification, overfishing, rising temperatures and pollution from the land.
ASBEC launches 10-point resiliency framework
The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has launched a ten-point framework aimed at improving the reliance of the country’s urban communities against extreme weather events the effects of climate change.
Cockatoo Coal to prepare EIS
The Queensland Government has announced Cocaktoo Coal has been given the go ahead to prepare an environmental impact statement for its North Surat-Taroom coal project.
NWC warns of stressed groundwater systems
The National Water Commission has published a new report that found a number of surface and groundwater systems are stressed due to water extraction, regulation or altered flows.
SA approves $900 million windfarm
The South Australian Government has announced it has granted final approval for the construction of the state’s largest windfarm.
Carbon tax here to stay: survey
The future of the Carbon Tax may be uncertain, but a carbon price is here to stay, according to research from The Australian National University released with a commentary in Nature.
Clean Technology Innovation Program open for applications
The Federal $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program has been launched and is now open for applications.
Study highlights inequities in land use and conservation agreements
James Cook University researchers have produced a study into the ecological consequences and social inequities of conservation agreements offered by state governments.
$2.3 million for BIPV system
The Federal Government has announced a $2.3 million grant under its Emerging Renewables Program (ERP) to assist BlueScope Steel’s $5 million development of a prototype building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system.
Delta Energy cites carbon tax over Munmorah closure
Delta Energy has announced the imminent closure of its New South Wales Munmorah Power Station after 45 years of operation. The station has been maintained on standby since late 2010.
Future of Solar Dawn Project in doubt
The Queensland Government has terminated its $75 million funding deed to the 250 megawatt Solar Dawn project in Chinchilla and the future of the project is now uncertain.
Queensland to wind waste levy back
The Queensland Government has announced plans to wind back the state waste levy in a bid to reduce living costs.
SA demands unity to save Murray
The South Australian Government has called on all users of the Murray-Darling River Basin to support the sustainable use of the water system, with State Water Minister Paul Caica saying that the time for resolving the over-allocation is fast approaching.
TFA given more time
The Federal and Tasmanian Governments have agreed to requests by the Tasmanian Forestry Agreement Signatories for additional time through to 23 July.
Conference urges action on climate change
The 2012 National Climate Change Adaptation conference has wrapped up in Melbourne, covering issues such as preventing food and water shortages, managing more intense natural disasters and their economic fallout and avoiding climate-driven extinctions.
Government moves to clean up ships
The Federal Government has introduced legislation before Parliament that will aim to reduce pollution from ships in a bid to protect the marine environment.
Queensland announces Cape York Management Plan consultation
The Queensland Government is calling tourism operators, pastoralists, traditional owners, environmental groups and industry representatives to comment on the release of a scoping paper for the proposed bioregion management plan of the Cape York area.
Regions lead carbon efficiency uptake
Australia’s regions are leading the uptake of clean energy programs, with 28 of the fist 63 Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) grants being awarded to regional organisations.
WA invests $12.7 million in low emissions tech
The Western Australian Government has announced a $12.7 million investment package in new low emission energy projects in Perth, the Mid-West and the Wheatbelt.
CEFC passes Senate
The Federal Government has passed the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Bill 2012, paving the way for the establishment of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
Queensland caps Solar Bonus Scheme
The Queensland Government has announced it has capped the state’s Solar Bonus Scheme at $54 per year. Effective from 9 July, the scheme will be amended for new applications, with a review taking place into the altered costings.