Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
The Federal Government has announced the formation of a new National Urban Policy, providing $181.4 designed to ‘progress a range of practical measures which will promote more productive, sustainable and liveable cities.’
Our Cities, Our Future - a National Urban Policy Framework outlines the Federal Government’s objectives for the nation’s 18 major cities, which it identifies as the ‘engine rooms of growth, innovation and opportunity’.
To progress implementation of the Framework, the 2011-12 Budget puts in place an Action Plan for Our Cities with an initial down-payment of $181.4 million over four years for:
- A Sustainable Australia - Liveable Cities and Urban Renewal Program - $20 million - to leverage additional resources from state and territory governments as well as local councils for innovative solutions to poor urban design, high levels of car dependency, traffic congestion, a lack of open space and rising carbon emissions.
- A Sustainable Australia - National Smart Managed Motorways Trial to be developed by Infrastructure Australia and involving the retrofitting of smart technology to improve traffic flows along motorways and outer city roads, with $61.4 million available to co-fund projects with those states and territories which sign the national transport reforms.
$5 million for alternative fuel research
James Cook university has been allocated $5 million from the Federal Government’s $20 million Biofuels Research institute to establish a ‘foundation project’ to oversee the development of a ‘significant next-generation’ Biofuels Study
Federal Budget announces renewable energy initiatives
The Federal Government has announced significant injections for the renewable energy sector after the handing down of the Federal Budget.
Funding for Biofuels Research Institute
As part of its commitment to establish the $20 million Australian Biofuels Research Institute, the Federal budget has provided $5 million for a foundation project at James Cook University in Townsville.
South Australian EPA chief executive to retire
The Chief Executive of the South Australian Environmental Protection Authority Helen Fulcher has advised the SA Government she will retire when her contract ends on August 31 this year.
Draft South-West marine reserves released for community consultation
A draft marine bioregional plan and a Commonwealth marine reserve network proposal for the South-west Marine Region have been released for public consultation.
NSW Government announces offshore reef construction
The NSW Government has announced plans for an artificial reef to be constructed off the coast of Sydney.
Federal Government releases NGER consultation draft
The Federal Government has released the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) (Measurement) Amendment Determination 2011 consultation draft for public comment.
Funding for Ballarat's green waste power initiative
The Victorian Government has announced the allocation of $50,000 for a feasibility study of generation of sustainable energy from Ballarat’s organic waste in the 2011-12 Victorian State Budget.
Victorian budget environment initiatives announced
The Victorian Government has released its 2011-12 budget, displaying an increased spending on green initiatives.
$10.7 million China-Australia solar cell collaboration
A $10.7 million collaborative research project into energy efficiency of photovoltaic solar cells between the Australian National University and Trina Solar has been launched in Canberra.
ACT environment budget for 2011-12 announced
The ACT has funded a number of new and continuing environmental and civil management initiatives in its 2010-11 budget.
$90 million for environment projects announced in NT Budget
The Northern Territory Government has announced funding for environment projects totalling more than $90 million in its 2011-12 budget, released on Monday.
Victoria boosts funding for low emission energy technology innovation
The Victorian Coalition Government has increased funding for the Energy Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS) by $41 million in its 2011-12 budget, announced on Tuesday.
Rail loses out to roads on government spending
New analysis shows governments across Australia are spending at least four times more on building roads and bridges than on public transport infrastructure.
Coffs Harbour Coastal Hazards Study released
A study of predicted coastal erosion and inundation on the Coffs Harbour coastline due to extreme weather events and sea level rise has been published as the first step in developing a strategy to tackle any possible risk areas.
Carnegie Wave Energy activates first commercial-scale CETO unit
Carnegie Wave Energy is the first company in the southern hemisphere to generate electricity from the ocean's wave, after successfully activating its first commercial-scale CETO unit off Garden Island in Western Australia.
WA rangelands discussion paper released
The Western Australian Department of Regional Development and Lands has released a discussion paper for public comment detailing proposed tenure options for the rangelands under its Rangelands Reform Program.
ACCC to allow waste paint collection trial
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted authorization to the Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation (APMF) to conduct a waste paint collection trial over a 12 month period throughout Victoria.