Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean has called on local leaders to work cooperatively in the Latrobe Valley to help identify new opportunities to assist the area transitioning to a clean energy future.
Mr Crean’s calls come after he joined Victorian Regional and Rural Development Minister Peter Ryan and regional leaders at a roundtable discussion to hear industry perspectives about the future challenges and opportunities in the Latrobe Valley.
The meeting was the final in a series of forums jointly hosted by Regional Development Australia Gippsland, Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Australian Industry Group.
Expert committee appointed for Clean Tech programs
The Federal Government has announced the appointment of an independent expert committee to assist and advice Innovation Australia to deliver $1 billion in Clean Technology Investment programs.
Geoengineering "risky" says Chief Scientist
Geoengineering is regarded as “risky” by the Office of Australia’s Chief Scientist, with the sector struggling under little governance or broader policy frameworks according to a recently published report.
Queensland demands environmental improvement
The Queensland Minister for Environment Andrew Powell has demanded chemical manufacturer Orica improve its environmental track record or face serious consequences.
Final Caring for our Country report released
The Federal Government has announced the release of the final Caring for our Country report into natural resource management.
CEFC Expert Panel releases report
The independent Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) Expert Panel has released its final report, with the Federal Government supporting all of the recommendations.
Government releases National Greenhouse Accounts
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has released the National Greenhouse Accounts for the latest emission trends for the December Quarter 2011.
CSIRO releases CCS findings
The CSIRO has released a report into a four-year, $21 million research study into the viability of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology offsetting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the country’s coal-fired power stations.
IPART backs carbon price
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has released findings that show households will be better off under the the Federal Government’s carbon pricing scheme, with the planned compensation associated with the legislation more than covering any potential price increases.
Latest NPI pollutant data released
The latest data on emissions of pollutants from industry facilities across Australia were released by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
Mining company hit with environmental harm fine
Mining company MMG Century has been fined $40,000 for causing environmental harm following a zinc slurry spill from the Lawn Hill to Karumba pipeline in October 2009.
Public consultation begins for Gladstone EIS
The Queensland Government has opened the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed multi-billion dollar Arrow liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Gladstone.
SA demands changes to MDBA draft plan
The South Australian Government has issued 71 recommendations to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Draft Plan, saying more must be done to ensure the health of the river system is maintained.
Toll Group leading the way with Isuzu green trucks
Leading Australian transport and logistics provider, Toll Group, has heightened its reputation as an industry leader in environmental sustainability following a major acquisition of Isuzu CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)-powered medium duty trucks.
Toll IPEC's recent order of 42 Isuzu FSR 700 CNG models adds to the company's earlier CNG purchases and brings the total number of Isuzu CNG trucks in Toll's fleet to more than 70.
The latest acquisition is the largest single CNG fleet purchase since the launch of Isuzu's second generation CNG models in 2009.
CNG-powered vehicles show reductions of around 50 per cent of nitrogen dioxide (NOx), 98 per cent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emit virtually zero PM (particulate matter) when compared to similarly sized conventional diesel trucks.
Toll IPEC General Manager, Rodney Johnston, said the CNG additions to the fleet would assist in helping reach environmental goals, while helping provide operational efficiencies.
"One of Toll Group's key objectives is to look at ways to manage the environmental impacts within our facilities and operations, and act to reduce our rates of emissions, energy and waste," Mr Johnston said.
Work starts on Greenough PV project
The Greenough River Solar Farm is a 10-megawatt facility 50km south of Geraldton, with construction of the above ground electrical works starting four months ago to support the 150,000 solar panels across an area of 80 hectares.
BAF to see off red tape
The Business Advisory Forum (BAF) has agreed to reform that will expedite environmental approvals and assessments at its inaugural meeting.
Qantas to undertake biofuel study
Qantas has announced it will conduct a feasibility study into the potential of an Australian sustainable aviation fuel industry, backed by funding from the Federal Government after the company conducted a successful test flight of an Airbus A330 fueled by a 50-50 blend of biofuel and regulat jet fuel.
SA passes water industry legislation
The South Australian Government has passed the Water Industry Act that forms part of the largest overhaul of the State’s water sector in its history.
Worldwatch raises concern over consumerism
US based environmental research group Worldwatch has published its Sate of the World 2012, warning that current trends of consumerism cannot be sustained and that more must be done to ensure development does not further compromise environmental health.
New CEO of the Clean Energy Council appointed
Clean Energy Council appoints UK clean energy pioneer David Green as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Melbourne to lead a new global network on Sustainable Urban Development
The City of Melbourne and C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group have announced that Melbourne will lead a new global network on Sustainable Urban Development.