Archived News for Green Sector Professionals - December, 2013
Australia punches well above its weight in terms of research outcomes, a habit highlighted by the release of the Ten of the Best Research Projects 2013 report.
Cuts crush needed services for neat gains
Schemes encouraging regional social cohesion and providing indigenous legal aid have been cut to save funds, as the Federal Government grapples with a worsening budgetary situation.
Australia claims another NZ icon
New Zealand’s kiwi bird may join a list which includes pavlova, Weetbix, Crowded House and Russell Crowe – all things Australia liked so much it pinched them from its neighbour.
Budget brings grey future for green farmers
This week’s Federal Government Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) indicates changes on the way for several agricultural schemes and funds but not a lot of detail on what, if anything, will replace them.
Deceptive Australians had time to refine their tricks
Australia’s ecology is littered with tricksters, shysters and con-artists; according to a new report.
Farmers continue push to high-level pastures
Scientists and environmental authorities are standing against plans to allow cattle grazing in Victoria’s High Country.
Locals say good intentions doing damage
Farmers and residents on the banks of the Goulburn River have complained that environmental flows released under the Murray Darling Basin Plan may be damaging its banks.
More join call for court over Ipswich flooding
Hundreds have gathered to add their names to a list of thousands in a planned class action suit against the Queensland Government.
People want EPA back on their side, survey says
The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority has to move away from industry-favouring and do more regulating if it is to gain more public trust, a recent survey found.
Radio hunt brings black holes to the back yard
A new weapon has been added to the citizen scientist’s arsenal, with the launch of a tool that allows anyone to find black holes in deep space from the comfort of an armchair.
Study puts cameras on Pilbara cave stars
Typically associated with arid, dry desert conditions, Western Australia’s Pilbara region is actually home to a unique set of aquatic life – the topic of a new study by Murdoch University.
Light way to split H20 could yield super-fuel
Researchers are working on a way to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using some special nanoparticles and light.
Local group out-designs dusty dumps
An engineering firm in New South Wales is testing its new dust-suppressing dump truck, which is aimed at reducing the amount of harmful and valuable material flying loose from the back of loads.
New look at old structure for future possibilities
Recent investigations have shown the incredible potential of an extremely common material, suggesting simple cellulose may have a strong future.
Oxford says changing tide in mining could leave Australia stuck
Global shifts are underway which could lead foreign investors to pull up stumps from Australia, stranding a number of projects and leading to the possibility of “mothballed or abandoned” local coal mines.
US pledge to triple government's greens, Australia considers more coal
The federal government of the United States will triple its use of renewable energy by 2020 on a presidential mandate.
Blaze prompts bid to build Green Star school
A resplendent green phoenix is rising from the ashes of a Tasmanian primary school.
Pledge sought for more useful port
The Council region within which a contentious port expansion has been approved is looking to ensure it can be used for something other than coal.
Tassie town to plan post-peak oil
One council has become the first in Tasmania to implement the Local Government Peak Oil Action Plan, which seeks to help fight the ever-increasing cost of fuel.
Big dig confirmed; there will be mud
Dredging has been approved that many believe will condemn the Great Barrier Reef to silty strangulation.
Birmingham lets billions flow from Murray
Six hundred gigalitres of water from the River Murray system, the Goulburn and Murrumbidgee Rivers will be pushed where it is needed most, according to Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment, Senator Simon Birmingham.