Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - December, 2013
An astral drive-by has provided new footage of something we all take for granted – the orbit of the moon around Earth.
Measurements made for Gambier's big bang
A new study has determined how big an eruption occurred last time Mount Gambier blew its lid, and how bad it might be if the Australian volcano fired off again.
Mobiles called-in for tree blight fight
One university is taking a high-tech and democratic approach to biosecurity research, with the launch of a smartphone app to let citizen-scientists help stamp out tree disease.
Stone drips show monsoonal see-saw
Like counting age from tree-rings or calcium layers in teeth, scientists have used stalagmites to look into the history of the environment.
WA hooks in to shark cull for safety
In Western Australia, peoples’ right to swim in the ocean has trumped sharks’ right to live.
A flexible future for children of the sun
The Sun is still seen by some as an inconsistent resource, but developments in the US will help grab a hold of its unending power supplies in a cheaper, more efficient and more flexible way.
More control for locals, miners less impressed
A bill is being considered which will hand more control to Queensland governments for approval of mining leases, but some say it does not go far enough.
Watery model allows best practice to float
A new model has been created to show, with enhanced clarity, the best ways for mining companies to manage water resources and other environmental assets.
Weekend pile-driving approved to hurry port
Construction work at the Hay Point coal port expansion on the Queensland coast will occur on weekends and public holidays, with the extended times hoped to bring completion up to twenty days closer.
Efforts coalesce to combat Coalition carbon plan
Broad opposition is forming to combat attempts by the Federal Government to introduce a ‘Direct Action’ policy to deal with climate change.
First tick for new SA wind farm
Approval has been given to a new 100MW wind farm in South Australia, with Pacific Hydro set to embark on the 42-turbine $240 million build.
Million-litre uranium spill contained, calls for closure still
The recent spill of about a million litres of uranium ore and acid has been used as a platform to call for the end of uranium mining at the Ranger site.
Solar sites to connect people, boost business on PNG
A new initiative will help Papua New Guinea residents stay a little bit more connected, with a telecom company rolling out solar-powered phone charging stations around the island community
State to swap green plants for concrete funds
The New South Wales Government is looking to drum up cash by letting go of some goods, starting with all the state’s renewable energy assets.
Billions in fines show shadowy hands at work
Anti-trust regulators have fined six big banks A$2.5 billion for their role in rigging international interest rates, with an ongoing investigation to shine a sliver of light on the unknown mechanisms underlying global economies.
Experts say 'bird-brained' may be a good thing
Everybody knows someone with the memory of a goldfish or the grace of a boar, but it is important to note that we are animals too – and for the most part not that much smarter than our biological neighbours.
Councils given megaphone for rally against bats
Local councils in Queensland have been given permission to frighten flying foxes into retreat, and possibly to bring out the big guns next year.
Deal struck to scrap the ceiling for a better view
The Coalition Government and the Greens party have agreed on something, for what may be the first and last time.
Plans to pile food for cyclone protection
One regional community has started a push to boost local food production, hoping to plump the supply of fresh produce for the cyclone season.
Cave community proves the tenacity of tiny life-forms
In a world bathed in perpetual darkness, a recent study has found tiny communities bursting with vitality.
Doors to deal with flowback closing in NSW
A major coal seam gas company is shopping around for someone to deal with its chemical-laden ‘flowback water’, but the response from nearby treatment plants has not been favourable.