Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
Murray-Darling basin reform has been further stymied by a senate inquiry that will investigate whose interpretation of the Water Act is correct - Water Minister Tony Burke’s or former Murray Darling Basin Authority chairman Mike Taylor’s.
Mr Taylor said the act stated the health of rivers had to be the primary concern in basin reform, but Mr Burke - and the man he has appointed as new chairman of the MDBA, Craig Knowles - say the act allows environmental, social and economic factors to be considered equally.
Coalition water spokesman Barnaby Joyce said reform based on Mr Burke’s interpretation would be the subject of successful legal challenge as it would not comply with the act.
Australia's Emissions Projections report released
Annual emissions projections released by the Federal Government demonstrate that Australia’s emissions will rise steeply without decisive and effective new policy action.
Garnaut condemns Australia's climate change policy
The Federal Government’s climate change adviser Ross Garnaut has labelled Australia one of the largest drags on global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Biodiversity Research Hubs funded
The Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, has approved funding of up to $68.5 million for five new biodiversity research hubs over the next four years under the Australian Government's National Environmental Research Program (NERP).
Mining by-products effective in fight against algal blooms
CSIRO research has shown that some mining by-products can be effective in preventing nutrients from entering river systems, thereby reducing the potential for algal blooms.
Coast and Climate Change report released
The Chair of the Coasts and Climate Change Council, Professor Tim Flannery, has submitted the Coasts and Climate Change Council’s end of term report to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet.
NSW accidentally approves old-growth forest logging
The New South Wales Government admits it may have accidentally approved logging in old-growth forests in the north-east of the State.
South Australian NRM projects funded
The South Australian Government has allocated $14.7 million to fund 47 new and continuing Natural Resource Management projects to help deliver key environmental objectives.
Review of Energy Efficiency Opportunities Program
A review into the effectiveness of the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) Program has found that it is helping large corporations change their behaviour and reduce both energy use and emissions.