Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
A new study has found that the warming ocean climate is causing seaweed communities, on which fauna survive, to retreat to the brink of the continent and possibly extinction.
According to research led by Assistant Professor Thomas Wernberg from The University of Western Australia's Ocean's Institute, modern seaweed communities to the south are becoming more similar to past communities in the north, with several temperate species moving poleward (south).
The results published in the latest edition of Current Biology predict that, given future warming, up to one quarter of species in southern Australian waters might retract towards extinction.
Government reports find renewable energy potential in regional WA
Two separate reports published by the Federal Government have examined the potential for renewable energy development in regional Western Australia.
DCCEE releases Solar Cities background paper
The Department of Climate change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) has released the Solar Cities Catalyst for Change background paper, outlining the current and future goals of the Solar Cities program.
DSE opens first round of Communities for Nature Grants
Victoria’s Department of Sustainability the Environment (DSE) has opened the first round of the $20 million Communities for Nature Grants.
NSW conducts carbon audit
A recent carbon audit has found that Forests NSW is successfully using 32,100 of forest to reduce the state’s carbon emissions.
Queensland introduces Biosecurity Bill
The Queensland Government has introduced the Biosecurity Bill 2011 before State Parliament that will see the seven separate Acts that govern biosecurity in Queensland brought under the single Bill.
Agreement to protect the Hawkesbury-Nepean River
The University of Western Sydney, TAFE Western Sydney Institute and the Hawkesbury Environmental Network (HEN) have signed an agreement to contribute to protecting and maintaining the health and vitality of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River.
Commonwealth blocks Victoria from alpine grazing
A new regulation under current environmental law will prohibit the reintroduction of cattle grazing to the Alpine National Park in Victoria without due assessment of the potential environmental damage.
Victoria releases Anglesea River findings
The Victorian Government has released the findings of an independent review into water quality issues in the Anglesea River.
Mining company to pay $1.45 million for environmental damage
Centennial Coal has been ordered to pay $1.45 million after its mining operations on the Newnes Plateau inflicted significant damage to the temperate highland peat swamps on sandstone ecological community.
Exit grants for Tasmanian forestry announced
The Federal and Tasmanian governments have announced a voluntary exit package of up to $45 million to assist forestry contractors to leave the industry.
McKibbin urges bipartisan support for carbon tax
Former Reserve Bank board member Professor Warwick McKibbin has called for the Federal Opposition to withdraw its pledge to scrap the Federal Government’s carbon tax, saying they should concentrate on repairing the scheme.
Investor Group on Climate Change urges climate change policy
A consortium of climate change investment groups have called for long-term climate change and clean energy policies to allow for significant opportunity growth in clean and renewable energy technology, and energy efficiency.
SA releases Renewable Energy Plan
The South Australian Government has released the Renewable Energy Plan for South Australia, providing an agenda for future growth of the state’s renewable energy sector.
SA moves to block Arakoola mining
The South Australian Government has released draft legislation that will see all mining activity banned from the Arkaroola area.
214 gigalitres for Murray environmental flow
The Commonwealth and Victorian governments have announced a new agreement that will deliver the country’s largest irrigation infrastructure renewal project and will see 214 gigalitres returned to the Murray for environmental flows.
WA releases draft plan for Tuart Forest National Park
The Western Australian Government has released the draft management plan for the 3,000 hectare Tuart Forest National Park for a two-month public consultation period.
Abbott warns industry on carbon credits
Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has warned industry groups to avoid purchasing more international or future local carbon tax credits than they currently need, saying that his party will repeal the tax if he takes office next election.
Queensland farmers to farm carbon on state land
Queensland farmers and lessees of state land will have the opportunity to earn carbon credits from planting trees or managing regrowth on cleared land.
Government introduces renewable energy agency legislation
The Federal Government has introduced legislation that will create the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) before the Commonwealth Parliament.
City of Melbourne signs Environmental Upgrade Agreement
The first Environmental Upgrade Agreement has been signed under the City of Melbourne’s 1200 Building Program, opening the doors for significant investment in retrofitting Melbourne’s commercial building sector.