Archive for December, 2006

Melbourne water restrictions tightenedLink to full story

From January 1st Melbourne residents will no longer be allowed to wash cars, fill new pools and use sprinklers.

posted by markmann on December 19, 2006 at 2:54 pm · filed under Drought, rivers and water resources

Water monopolies told to use sewage or lose itLink to full story

The Federal Government is considering measures to force state water utilities to recycle sewage or face competition.

posted by markmann on December 19, 2006 at 2:52 pm · filed under Drought, rivers and water resources

Howard won’t accept link between climate and bushfiresLink to full story

The Australia Institute claims the Federal Government is ignoring the link between climate change and bushfires. According to the think tank, the recent bushfires further underline Australia’s responsiblity to sign the Kyoto protocol. Prime Minister John Howard has dismissed the claims as ‘esoteric debate’.

posted by seamas on December 19, 2006 at 8:46 am · filed under Climate, greenhouse and renewable energy

Rudd aims to strike new balance on forestsLink to full story

Federal Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd will tour Tasmania and has indicated he will revise Labor’s forests policy.

posted by seamas on December 18, 2006 at 9:43 am · filed under Forests, land and agriculture

ACF concerned over drought impact on river wildlifeLink to full story

The Australian Conservation Foundation is urging the Prime Minister and Premiers not to forget the native wildlife that relies on healthy rivers when they consider how to respond to the drought affecting the Murray-Darling Basin.

posted by seamas on December 18, 2006 at 9:36 am · filed under Media releases Pests, wildlife and threatened species

NFF voices concern over carbon trading task forceLink to full story

The National Farmers Federation believes mining and energy interests are over-represented on the new task force set up by the Federal Government to investigate carbon emissions trading.

posted by seamas on December 14, 2006 at 3:57 pm · filed under Climate, greenhouse and renewable energy

Africa’s water resources vanishingLink to full story

New satellite data obtained by scientists from the United States suggests water resources in Africa are decreasing at an unprecedented rate.

posted by seamas on December 14, 2006 at 3:56 pm · filed under Oceans and coasts

Guns drops some of it’s legal claims against protestersLink to full story

With Gunns Limited being forced to drop a number of its legal actions against logging protesters, The Wilderness Society is claiming a victory for freedom of speech and plans to resume its campaign against the timber company.

posted by seamas on December 14, 2006 at 3:25 pm · filed under Forests, land and agriculture

Mega-fires baking the worldLink to full story

Increasingly dry and windy conditions in Australia and other regions around the globe are fuelling a new class of fires that have been nicknamed mega-fires. The uncontrollable fires create their own weather patterns and can be a significant threat to water supplies.

posted by seamas on December 14, 2006 at 2:58 pm · filed under Climate, greenhouse and renewable energy

Imminent water shortages on the Central CoastLink to full story

Central Coast councils are making contingency plans for water shortages, as dam levels drop below 15%. The options being considered include desalination, water recycling and the installation of rainwater tanks.

posted by seamas on December 13, 2006 at 3:07 pm · filed under Drought, rivers and water resources

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