Archived News for Green Sector Professionals

Australia's energy policy has ranked 22nd in the World Energy Council's Policies for the Future assessment of global energy and climate policies.

The UK based charity's list was topped by Switzerland, followed by Sweden, France, Germany and Canada.

"Our index shows clearly that even countries with abundant energy resources, wealth and political stability struggle to provide stable, affordable and environmentally sensitive energy," Pierre Gadonneix, Chairman of the World Energy Council said.

Start date announced for Clean Energy Regulator

The Federal Government has announced that the new administrative body for the new carbon pricing mechanism, the Clean Energy Regulator, will begin operations from 2 April 2012.

New land and water modelling service launched

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has announced a new computer modelling service that will deliver new digital topographic information, giving greater imagery of the country’s land and water systems.

ACCC to pursue carbon gougers

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched a guide for businesses on carbon price claims while warning that the Commission would not shy away from pursuing suspected price gougers.

APEC moves to remove green tariffs

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum leaders have announced a commitment to cut tariffs on environmental goods to no more than f per cent by the end of 2015.

MDBA announces 110 GL for environmental flows

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has announced the release of up to 110 gigalitres under the Living Murray program over the next few months to benefit specific, iconic sites along the system.

Sustainable Melbourne Fund launches finance video and guide

Sustainable Melbourne Fund has released a short animated video and a guide on applying for environmental upgrade finance aimed at informing building owners about the innovative new funding solution for unlocking energy and water savings.

Federal Government opens carbon research funding

The Federal Government has opened the first round of funding under the $201 million Filling the Research Gap program, officially opening $48 million in competitive grants.

DPI searches for Victorian CCS potential

The Department of Primary Industries has conducted an airborne gravity survey along the Victorian Gippsland coast as part of ongoing research into the viability of a large-scale carbon capture and storage facility in Victoria.

City of Sydney Australia's first carbon-neutral council

The City of Sydney has become Australia’s first carbon-neutral council after achieving formal certification from its greenhouse reduction programs.

New regulations outlined for electronics recycling scheme

The Federal Government has outlined new regulations under the Product Stewardship Act in a bid to form a national scheme for the recycling of televisions and computers.

Australian technology used to cut building emissions

Technology developed in Australia will be used to cut the emissions of a 25-year-old building by an estimated 80 per cent, following a $5 million energy efficiency upgrade.

CCAMLR finalises conservation agreement

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has announced the finalisation of its conservation agreement that will create a roadmap for establishing a representative system of marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean.

Carbon tax package passes Senate

The Federal Government has successfully passed its carbon tax package through the Federal Upper House, with the legislation due to take effect in July, 2012.

Main Roads WA receives sustainability recognition

Main Roads WA has achieved international recognition for its 2011 Annual Report’s public sustainability reporting and accountability processes through the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) - the first Australian Public Sector agency to achieve such an accolade.

WA receives appeals against Vasse Coal recommendations

The Western Australian Minister for Environment Bill Marmion has received an independent Appeals Committee report against the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) recommendations against the Vasse Coal proposal.

Work to begin on WA hybrid plant

The Western Australian Government has announced that work is set to commence on the new power plant that will supply renewable energy to the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder – and potentially the $2.5 billion Square Kilometre Array project.