Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
The CSIRO and the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) have announced the co-development of a new research ‘Supersite’.
The Supersite will form part of an Australia-wide network of sites that monitor the country’s environment, supported by the Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Network (TERN).
A focus of the Supersite will be a 36 metre tall 'OzFlux' climate station at the former Credo Station near Kalgoorlie, which is managed by DEC for conservation, to monitor the energy, water and carbon balance of mature eucalypt woodland that is representative of natural landscapes across these regions.
WA launches biosecurity program
The Western Australian Government has launched its two year, $9.4 million biosecurity program that will specifically target the state’s aquatic environments.
Federal Opposition backs down from threats against ARENA
The Federal Opposition has confirmed it will not oppose the formation of the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Queensland releases Renewble Energy Industry Development Plan
The Queensland Government has unveiled a plan to help attract and accelerate investment and development of the renewable energy industry and projects in Queensland.
The Renewable Energy Industry Development Plan (REIDP) plan outlines 23 initiatives the Government will undertake over two years to facilitate economic development of Queensland’s renewable energy industry, generate green jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate deployment of renewable energy projects.
The REIDP defines five key priorities to address market impediments and drive industry growth:
Queensland introduces bill to cut greentape
The Queensland Government has introduced a Bill before State Parliament that will attempt to streamline the regulatory process for environmental approvals
$6.6 billion Kevin's Corner project EIS released
The Queensland Government has released the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the $6.6 billion Kevin's Corner coal mine project for public comment.
Ocean flora retreating to the brink
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.
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.