The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies, Tim Mulherin, released the Final Report of the Noosa Fish Health Investigation Taskforce. The taskforce was set up in January 2009 to investigate a range of fish health problems at the Sunland Fish Hatchery, including fish deaths and abnormalities. "It was alleged that these … [Read more...]
Budget modest on clean energy funding
May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Australian renewable energy innovation was one of the sector’s few winners in a tough Federal Budget, according to the Clean Energy Council. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said the modest clean energy funding in the Budget package highlighted the need for a carbon price that would provide enough revenue to transform … [Read more...]
CEC questions solar credits announcement
May 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
According to the Clean Energy Council household solar power must not be used as the scapegoat for electricity price rises, despite adjustments to Solar Credits arrangements announced by federal government being a necessary and sensible decision. Matthew Warren, the Chief Executive of the Clean Energy Council, questioned the justification … [Read more...]
Planning for a new climate
April 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The floods that have covered about two thirds of Queensland earlier in the year did at least five billion dollars in damage. And the fear and anguish experienced by those who lost their homes and businesses – or loved ones - is unmeasurable. It’s alarming to think that this might be just our first taste of dangerous climate change across the … [Read more...]
Development threatens renowned wetland
April 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) are calling for the protection of the significant marine values of the Pumicestone Passage in the face of the massive Caloundra South development. An internationally renowned wetland, the Pumicestone Passage is protected under five … [Read more...]
A bigger Australia teeters on the edge
April 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Carbon tax or not, Australia’s carbon emissions will keep rising, driven by rapid rates of population growth and increasing affluence. Most of the carbon is domestic but we also own the carbon that China and other manufacturers emit when they make stuff we purchase from our malls and big box stores. The ‘Bigger Australia’ much loved by … [Read more...]
Flooding lessons often forgotten
April 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Following the Brisbane floods in 1974, a protocol emerged from the State Government that saw local governments begin to use what is known as the Q100 or 100-year ARI (average recurrence interval) flood event. In essence, this means that the 100-year ARI flood is one with a probability of occurring once in every 100 years. The theory behind this … [Read more...]
New research centre for geothermal
April 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Queensland is establishing itself as a global hub for geothermal energy research, technology development and jobs, Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said on April 20. Opening the Queensland Geothermal Energy Centre of Excellence (QGECE) at the University of Queensland, Mr Robertson said the centre is playing a key role in the State … [Read more...]
Coal seam gas company fined
April 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The Queensland Gas Company (QGC) has been issued three penalty infringement notices by the federal environment department for unapproved clearing of vegetation as part of the construction of a pipeline in far north Queensland. Up to six kilometres of vegetation was cleared prior to having environmental management plans approved for a pipeline … [Read more...]
Government subsidies encourage pollution
April 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Eco talks with Don Henry of the Australian Conservation Foundation about the impacts of government subsidies. Don Henry is the Executive Director of the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF). Henry has led the ACF since 1998, helping it to become a strong advocate for the environment by promoting solutions through research, consultation, … [Read more...]
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