Archive for July, 2008
The Age
Electrical Trades Union (ETU) spokeswoman, Imogen Schoots, says that fears of a downturn in the uptake of domestic solar power, following the federal government’s decision to means test the $8000 solar panel rebate earlier this year, are reality, and are supported by a growing body of evidence. A Federal Parliamentary committee yesterday, in Melbourne, heard claims that the changes to the rebates are adversely affecting job opportunities in the electrical and renewable energy sectors. The ETU claims a 70% drop in the number of solar panels being installed.
posted by Vinnie on July 29, 2008 at 9:52 pm · filed under 
ABC Online
The Federal Government today launched a $26M scheme which aims to educate the nation’s primary producers in ways to deal with climate change and recurring prolonged droughts. Grants will be made available to access courses which will equip farmers with the skills and tools to adapt to changing climates.
posted by Vinnie on July 29, 2008 at 9:13 pm · filed under 
ABC Online
Western Australian federal Liberal Mal Washer, Chair of the Coalition’s Environment Committee, has spoken out in favour of the introduction of Australia’s Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme ahead and regardless of the stances taken by China and India. He added that Australia taking the lead on the issue will give the county leverage in persuading countries like China, India the US and Russia to take steps towards reducing greenhouse gases.
posted by Vinnie on July 29, 2008 at 8:55 pm · filed under
ABC
It has become mandatory in Victoria that all schools undertake a water audit to reduce their water use. Already, around 400 schools have voluntarily participated and have achieved an average reduction in water use of 13 per cent. Although there is an upfront cost in the implementation of water saving techniques this will be paid for in the future by reduced water bills, ensuring schools are not out of pocket.
posted by kirsty on July 29, 2008 at 1:58 pm · filed under 
The Age
Dr Brendan Nelson, leader of the National/Liberal federal coalition, faces one of his biggest challenges yet, from within the ranks of his own party over the timing of the Emission Trading Scheme, as the Liberal Party sit at shadow cabinet tomorrow. Deputy Leader Julie Bishop, Environment spokesperson Greg Hunt and shadow Treasurer Malcolm Turnbull are set to oppose Nelson wanting to take a tougher stance on setting a later date for the introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme. Nelson is also under pressure from industry groups, with the Energy Supply Association urging Dr Nelson to be proactive in setting a concrete date for sooner rather than later.
posted by Vinnie on July 28, 2008 at 1:55 pm · filed under
The Age
A study of voting patterns following last year’s Federal election shows that the electorate is concerned about environmental issues and the impacts of Climate Change. The study by the Australian national University, which surveyed 1873people, shows that as many as one third of voters were influenced by labour’s stance on the environment and Climate.
posted by Vinnie on July 28, 2008 at 1:40 pm · filed under
Sydney Morning Herald
The Department of Planning has reversed a decision preventing a 181 hectare site of bushland in western Sydney, an area of Aboriginal significance and home to several endangered species of flora and fauna, to be used for development. The area was sold by the Federal Government to a property developer, IFC Capital, in 2004, but the Department of Planning had advised IFC Capital - a donor to the NSW ALP - in 2006 that the area could not be included in the “metropolitan development program” as it did not meet the sustainability criteria. Documents released under the freedom of information laws show that considerable efforts were made to keep this change in status hidden from the public.
posted by steve on July 28, 2008 at 10:06 am · filed under 
ABC News
Sixty-three per cent of the 150 delegates attending the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) national conference in Newcastle agree that the government should take action on climate change even if it results in higher energy prices. National Secretary, Dave Oliver, announced that a paper will be presented during the conference outlining the threats and opportunities to the manufacturing sector presented by climate change initiatives. He suggested that imposing a carbon tariff on imports from countries not signing up to climate change agreements would both act as an incentive for those countries to begin climate change initiatives, and would further help ensure that the Australian manufacturing industries do not face unfair overseas competition from countries unwilling to commit to the burden of increased costs through climate change programs.
posted by steve on July 28, 2008 at 9:37 am · filed under
ABC
Senior Health official, Roscoe Taylor, has warned that climate change is an enormous threat to public health. Risks include an increase in food and mosquito-borne diseases and a reduction in the quality of food and water supplies.
posted by kirsty on July 27, 2008 at 2:03 pm · filed under 
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