Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - August, 2011
Ausgrid, one of Australia’s largest electricity distributors, has reported that the company is experiencing an unprecedented drop in household power demand.
The company, which provides power to much of New South Wales, has announced that energy demand has been dropping steadily by two per cent per year for the last four years, representing the first time power demand dropped since the 1950’s.
"If you go right back to the 1950s, residential consumption has continued to rise year on year, and in around 2006, we saw that plateau," Ausgrid energy efficiency specialist Paul Myors told the ABC.
New fund for Victorian metropolitan recycling activities
The Victorian Government has launched a $5.5 Million Metropolitan Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Fund to support implementation of the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Strategic Plan.
The funding, sourced from the Landfill levy, will be used by the Metropolitan Waste Management Group (MWMG) to support coordination of local government's waste management and resource recovery activities. The Group has legislated responsibility to work with the 30 metropolitan councils, covering the area where 70 percent of Victoria's waste is generated.
Chair of the Metropolitan Waste Management Group, Councillor Heinz Kreutz said it was important that councils are supported in their efforts to promote recycling and reduce our reliance on landfill.
"The Metropolitan Waste Management Group will work closely with local government to help identify practical projects that will enable councils to tackle waste reduction and improved resource recovery in their communities.
More information can be found here
ERAWA warns against higher prices due to renewable energy incentives
A report has been released by the Economic Regulation Authority of Western Australia which finds that the electricity market in the South West of Western Australia is at a cross-road and warns against higher power prices due to renewable energy incentives.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory update released
The Federal Government has released the Australia's National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: Update report which provides estimates of Australia's national greenhouse gas inventory based on the latest available data and the accounting rules that apply for the Kyoto Protocol.
Japan considers scrapping whaling program
Steep costs and falling public support for Japan’s controversial whaling program have prompted the first serious moves by the country’s influential Fisheries Agency to consider ending the practice.
MDBA supports cotton research centre
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has announced its support for the creation of a co-operative research centre (CRC) for Cotton Regions.
New Chair for Threatened Species Scientific Committee
Internationally recognised conservation and environmental scientist Professor Helene Marsh has been appointed the chair of the Australian Government's Threatened Species Scientific Committee.
Zero-emission homes and offices project launched
The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) and the Federal Government have launched a co-funded $9.5 million solar energy scheme designed to make solar energy a competitive choice for consumers, with the ASI contributing $3.2 million.
Carbon price to cut more carbon than expected
Australia could achieve significantly greater than expected emissions reductions by 2020 if the Federal Government successfully implements its carbon pricing package, according to research conducted by environmental think-tank ClimateWorks Australia.
Applications open for Emerging Renewables program
The Federal Government has opened the Emerging Rewnables program for promising renewable energy technology projects.
AHC's assessment of West Kimberly released
The Federal Minister for Sustainability, Tony Burke, has released the final national heritage assessment of the West Kimberly region by the Australian Heritage Council (AHC).
Tasmania forestry and conservation deal signed
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings have signed an agreement on the extend of forestry and conservation following an extended collaboration and consultation period.
Research calls for large-scale restoration of native vegetation to counter climate change impacts
Native vegetation must be restored to protect Australia’s unique ecosystems from the impacts of climate change, according to scientists from the Australian National University.
Industry Consultation on the draft GEMS Bill commences
The latest phase in the development of national legislation for Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) has begun with the commencement of industry consultation on the draft GEMS Bill.
Space project to boost weather and climate change monitoring
The Federal Government has announced a ‘world-class’ space research, project which aims to improve weather forecasting and understanding of climate change, will be funded by the Australian Space Research Program (ASRP).
Waste Reduction and Recycling Bill introduced in Queensland
The Queensland State Government has pledged to half the amount of landfill currently being produced while generating ‘thousands of green jobs’ through investing in recycling and resource recovery.
CSIRO deploys ocean sentinels to observe climate change
The CSIRO have deployed three deep-ocean moorings that will be used to observe and measure change in currents linking the Pacific and Indian Oceans through the Indonesia Archipelago, which is considered a key factor in influencing Australia’s climate.
Uranium uncertainty in NSW
The New South Wales Government has denied allegations of plans to lift the state’s ban on uranium mining and exploration, despite the state Opposition and Greens claiming the State Government would readily change its stance.
Victoria announces sustainability funding recipients
State Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith has announced the recipients of the Victorian Coalition Government's $5.67 million Local Sustainability Accord grants program.
Tequila plant to help reduce emissions
Large scale farms of the agave plant used to make the drink tequila could be established in Australia's arid inland as a solution to transport fuel problems, a University of Sydney academic has found.
MBD Energy to prepare IPO
Victorian based renewable energy company MBD Energy has announced plans to launch its initial public offering next year, bringing forward its plans in the face of growing public support for carbon capture technology.