Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - September, 2011
The winners of the 2011 Green Gown Awards Australasia have been announced, showcasing sustainability initiatives being developed and implemented within tertiary education institutions.
In their second year and founded in the UK, the Awards drew winners in 6 categories, with 27 institutions submitting applications.
The Continuous Improvement – Institutional Change category was awarded to La Trobe University for showcasing excellent leadership through embedding sustainability into every facet of their activities, whilst New Zealand’s University of Canterbury took out the Continuous Improvement – Specific Area award for their stream restoration project.
WA releases Environmental Offsets Policy
The Western Australian Government has released a new policy framework aimed at guiding the creation and application of environmental offsets. The policy will aim to deliver greater certainty, transparency to Government, businesses and developers.
Deakin to invest $5 million in marine and aquaculture research
Deakin University will invest $5 million over the next five years in an initiative set to place its Warrnambool Campus in the international spotlight for marine and aquaculture research and teaching.
Western Australia launches seagrass monitoring project
The Western Australian Government has announced a new seagrass monitoring project that will be aimed at providing valuable data to scientists about the health of the Swan and Canning rivers.
Wheatstone gets environmental approval
A liquefied natural gas project proposed by Chevron in Western Australia’s Pilbara region will go ahead after the Federal Government approved the projet under national environmental law.
Carbon Farming legislation receives royal assent
Legislation for the Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative has received royal assent on the 15 September 2011. The Act is available on ComLaw.
Carbon capture research project breakthrough
The Federal Government has announced the successful completion of a $10 million key research milestone at the Otway Project, with the Federal Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr saying the completion will accelerate the development of the carbon capture and storage (CSS) industry around the world.
Study discovers multiple benefits of green buildings
Bond University’s Institute of Sustainable Development & Architecture - has just completed a study that shows how ‘green buildings’, are not only good for the environment; they’re also good for the people working in them.
Researchers: sustainable products should target teens
The way to encourage adults to shop sustainably is to target their children, according to new research.
Tasmanian Independent Expert Group forest group named
The Federal and Tasmanian Governments have announced the formation of the new Independent Expert Group. The group will be responsible for verifying conservation values of native forests nominated under the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement and their compatibility with sustainable wood supply requirements for industry.
New water purchase rounds to open in the northern basin
The Federal Government has announced three new water purchasing tenders in the northern Murray Darling Basin.
Clean energy regulations opened for public consultation
The Federal Government has opened an exposure draft of the Clean Energy Regulations 2011 for public consultation.
UN lauds South Australian waste management
The United Nations has lauded South Australia’s waste management systems, describing the state’s efforts as international best practice.
Productivity Commission to launch climate change policy inquiry
The Federal Government has announced an inquiry by the Productivity Commission into the regulation and policy framework that would best enable effective climate change adaptation.
Economic benefits of biomass examined
The Federal Government has released two reports into the future of biomass in the Australian economy.
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.