Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
The Federal Government has released two reports into the future of biomass in the Australian economy.
Releasing the reports, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said that research on converting biomass into materials such as fuel, plastic and chemicals can help Australian industries reduce their reliance on imported petrochemicals.
“Developments in biomass research could help feed the demand for clean energies, create high-skilled jobs in regional areas and increase economic activity in local communities” Senator Carr said.
CSIRO studying wind speed changes
Scientists at the CSIRO are researching long-term wind speed changes with an eye to gain better understanding for the wind energy sector and reduce risk for generators in a changing climate.
Queensland outlines waste infrastructure spending
The Queensland State Government as announced $13 million in funding for new or upgraded waste management infrastructure for councils in the state.
NT Government rejects Daly River dam proposal
The Northern Territory Government has rejected calls by the Federal Opposition to dam the Daly River, with Territory Environment Minister Karl Hampton urging the Country Liberal Party to “respect the science and reject plans by the Federal Coalition to dam the Daly River”.
Renewable energy sector to benefit from skills spending
The Federal Government has announced $28 million in funding to address the emerging critical skills shortages in the resources, construction, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.
Green offices worth up to 10% more
Office blocks with solid green credentials can be worth up to 10 per cent more than other office buildings, new research shows.
NECA urges solar intervention
The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has become the latest organisation to urge Federal intervention to stabilise the country’s small scale solar industry.
South-East Asia suffering signficant biodiversity losses
South-East Asia has suffered the greatest losses of biodiversity of any tropical region in the world over the past 50 years, according to new research.
New technology previews long-term impact of mining on groundwater aquifers
A new machine at the University of New South Wales Water Research Laboratory can act as an environmental “time machine”, allowing researchers to preview the long-term effects on groundwater aquifers of activities such as coal seam gas and longwall mining.
University of WA appoints new Chair in Biodiversity
Internationally renowned plant conservation biologist Professor Stephen Hopper FLS will be stepping down as director of the world heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, UK, to take up a new Chair in Biodiversity at The University of Western Australia.
WA Government to wait for appeal before protection is granted
The Western Australian Government has announced it will wait for the completion of an appeal over coal mining in the Margaret River before any changes to environmental protection in the area are made.
Queensland to review Mary Basin use
The Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has released the Mary Basin Resource Operations plan, which reviews the way in which water is used between towns, irrigators and the environment.
Challenge to recycling deposit plan
Coca-Cola Amatil has announced it will consider pursuing legal action against Keep Australia Beautiful over the introduction of the Northern Territory container deposit laws that would provide a 10 cent refund on containers.
Carbon tax legislation goes before Parliament
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has introduced the Federal Government’s carbon tax legislation to Parliament, saying that the legislation will lead to reducing the country’s carbon production while stimulating the economy and creating jobs.
Siemens awarded top ranking in Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Siemens has been ranked the most sustainable company in its industry for the fourth time in a row.
Wind power sector gains momentum in 2011
The global wind power industry is beginning to pick up pace in both the developed and developing worlds, according to a report released by the World Wind Energy Association.
Large-Scale Solar Policy Roadmap launched
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has launched its Large-Scale Solar Policy Roadmap, finding that Australia has five years to establish the foundations for a sustainable large-scale solar industry or it will run the risk of missing out on a huge economic opportunity.
Research finds forest logging increases risk of mega fires
Logging in Victoria’s mountain ash forests is increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires, according to an expert from The Australian National University.
$1.4 billion for NSW environment and heritage works
The New South Wales Government has outlined $1.4 billion in spending for environmental and heritage works in the state's Budget.
Australian elected to global wetlands research body
James Cook University scientist George Lukacs has been elected President-Elect of the Society of Wetland Scientists, an international organisation of about 4000 members dedicated to fostering sound wetland science, education, and management.
South west Victoria to trial sustainability report card
A Community Report Card that will rank the overall sustainability of Victoria's south west is being developed by researchers at the University of Ballarat, together with Southern Grampians Shire Council and the Natural Assets Alliance of South West Sustainability Partnership which includes Wannon Water, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority.