Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has called for development of green centred economic growth and labor development.
In its report, the OECD outlines the need for ‘greening growth’, saying that “Governments must look to the green economy to find new sources of growth and jobs. They should put in place policies that tap into the innovation, investment and entrepreneurship driving the shift towards a greener economy.”
Noting the strong performance of the Australian economy in recent years, the OECD made the case that Australia’s enviable economic position represented the perfect opportunity to take strong and bold action to tackle climate change.
Bligh attacks Federal Greens
The Green’s plan to build a carbon neutral economy before 2050 by banning coal mines has drawn criticism from Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, who has labeled the plan as fanciful and liable to cause an economic and social catastrophe in her state.
Murray Darling Basin Authority needs more funding and less water
The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has reported that it will require $38 million in funding this financial year while new research shows that less than 3000 gigalitres will be required for environmental flow.
Bio-derived jet fuel a possibility
A joint research report compiled by CSIRO and major aviation industry representatives shows that economically and environmentally beneficial aviation fuel is a viable proposition in the coming 20 years.
Research looks to mine sewage to improve soil fertility
Scientists in the CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE) are working on ways to turn one of the nation’s major urban organic wastes into a safe source of fertility for the continent’s depleted soils.
$20 million damage bill for Queensland's parks
The Queensland Minister for the Environment Kate Jones has announced the final damage cost for the state’s parks, saying that over $20 million will be required to repair Queensland’s parks and forests.
Murray-Darling Basin Authority pledges to consider findings after delay
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has promised to consider the findings of the Windsor Inquiry after it was announced the findings will be delayed from its original May release date.
Victoria releases water roadmap
The Victorian Government has released its first ‘Living Melbourne, Living Victoria’ roadmap for urban water usage and reform.
Research into beach erosion forecasting tool underway
Researchers have begun a project to create the first global tool to forecast how changes in wave patterns and rising sea levels will affect beach erosion.
Council beats own emissions targets
Mount Alexander Shire council has announced that it has beaten its own emissions reductions councils by 8%.
NSW faces class action over tariff cuts
The New South Wales Government is facing a class action suit supported by hundreds of disaffected solar unit installers and homeowners following the Government’s decision to significantly reduce its solar unit tariff program.
Greens push for carbon neutral economy before 2050
The Federal Greens are pushing for the goal of establishing a carbon neutral economy before 2050, saying “The Climate [Change] Commission's (CCC) first report sets out the clear scientific case that Australia must move swiftly to build a zero carbon economy well before 2050”.
Climate Change Commission says climate change a certainty
The peak Australian Government climate change agency, the Climate Change Commission (CCC), has written its most candid assessment of the world’s climate issues to date, saying that ‘there is no doubt that the climate is changing. The evidence is overwhelmingly clear’.
Electric roads could be solution for the electric car
Researchers from the University of Utah are currently working on technology that stands to revolutionize the future of the electric car; the promise of roads that recharge the car that uses it.
Queensland promises $12.1 million saving in greentape slashing
The Queensland State Government has proposed substantial savings after it promised to ‘take a razor to green tape in Queensland’.
Local government urged to show climate change leadership
Local government is being challenged to take bold action on climate change and to show strong community leadership at a recent national roundtable held at the University of Technology.
Climate policy to become "poison chalice" unless carbon tax introduced
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has warned climate policy will become "the poisoned chalice" of politics for the next 10 years if the Federal government fails to introduce its carbon tax.
Victorian windfarm gets green light
The planned Chepstowe wind farm in Central Victoria has received government approval following discussions between Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
Alternative fuels legislation introduced
Legislation has been introduced into Parliament to implement the longstanding alternative fuels taxation policy.
$5 million in funding for Western Australian NRM projects
$4.9 million to help local communities protect and improve their renewable natural resources has been announced by the Western Australian Government
Australian researchers discover key to hydrogen energy
An international team, of scientists, led by a team at Monash University has found the key to the hydrogen economy could come from a very simple mineral, commonly seen as a black stain on rocks.