Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
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.
Mr Lukacs will hold the position for 12 months before taking over as President – the first person from outside North America to head the organisation.
The Society which was founded more than 30 years ago in the USA, and publishes the academic journal Wetlands, certifies professional wetland scientists and brings together those with an interest in wetlands and wetland science.
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.
Green building plan expanded
The Federal Government has announced an additional $35.2 million in funding for its Green Building Fund and Tax Breaks for Green Buildings Programs.
Drought Pilot review published
The joint Western Australian and Federal Government Drought Pilot panel has published its drought policy platform which targets adapting to and dealing with future droughts.
United States - Australia Solar Energy Collaboration Special Research Initiative - Request for comment
The Australia Solar Institute is interested in receiving feedback from the Australian solar research community in relation to a proposed Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) funded initially under the auspices of the United States – Australia Solar Energy Collaboration (USASEC).
South Australia developing STEM strategy
The South Australian Government is developing a cross-government strategy to increase the supply of people taking up careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to meet the future needs of local industry.
Changes to Victoria's Solar Feed In Tariff announced
The Victorian Government has announced that the solar feed in tariff incentive program that currently pays 60c per kilowatt hour for surplus electricity exported to the mains grid will not be accepting applications after the end of this month.
$1.3 billion injected into SA renewable energy
Sulzon Energy Australia has revealed plans to spend upwards of $1.3 billion to build one of the world's largest wind energy projects on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula.
New reference guide for sustainable mining released
A new reference guide has been launched, bringing together the the major lessons of the leading practice handbooks and case studies from around the world in a single reference point for mine managers, senior operating personnel at mine sites, consultants, regulators and others involved in implementing practical and sustainable mining solutions.
Irrigator questions Murray crisis
Weeks out from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority's draft decision on environmental flows, evidence has been supplied from a veteran irrigator in Victoria's north on the environmental health of the system.
Research shows carbon tax compensation unjustified
Research conducted by the Grattan Institute has found that the billions of dollars outlined by the Federal Government to offset the negative impacts of its planned carbon tax is unjustified and costly.
Victoria passes new wind farm legislation
The Victorian State Government has passed legislation which prohibits the construction of new wind turbines within certain proximity to dwellings and regional centres.
Water scientists urge more research on CSG
A number of senior water researchers have warned of the possible effects of the coal seam gas (CSG) industry on water and salinity.
NABERS to be extended to six stars
The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) is being extended from five to six stars.
Climate engineering risks "moral corruption"
Deliberate alteration of the Earth’s environment by humans on a large scale to counter the effects of climate change and in some cases to avoid having to reduce carbon emissions, could be called ‘moral corruption’ according to a leading Australian ethicist.
Wetlands assessed for sulfates
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has concluded a three-year investigative study into levels of acid sulfate soils in the Basin, finding extensive levels of the potentially damaging soils in the southern part of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Federal Government announces environmental law reform
The Federal Government has announced the first major reform to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EBPC) Act since its creation in 1999. The reform forms the Federal Government’s response to the independent review of the Act by Allan Hawke AC.
Victoria to construct first water neutral suburb
A suburb of Melton, in Victoria’s south, is set to become the first water neutral built up area in the country after construction is completed.
Queensland releases carbon price impact findings
The Queensland State Treasury has released its Carbon Price Impacts for Queensland statement, in which Treasury outlines the projected affects the tax will have on the state’s economy.
Australian Paper loses green standard
Australian Paper, the manufacturer of Reflex paper, has lost part of its international green credentials after pulling out of an audit of its wood supplies.
Government releases marine reserves draft
The Federal Government has released a draft marine bioregional plan that proposes to establish marine reserves networks to protect marine environment in Australia’s north and north-east.