Young Australian develops new solar technology

The Sydney Morning Herald

Nicole Keupper, 23, last night won two Australian Museum Eureka Awards for the new solar cells she’s been able to produce in a pizza oven!  Compared to current solar cell technology which is very costly, the iJET cell developed by Ms Keupper can be manufactured cheaply in low-cost, low-temperature environments like pizza ovens.  She hopes this technology will be ready to be sold commercially within 5 years, to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but, will be able to supply electricity to poorer countries.

posted by kirsty on August 20, 2008 at 4:50 pm · filed under

Mixed messages from Gunns

The Wilderness Society

One of the reasons the proposed Gunns’ pulp mill has been so unpopular is because it planned to source 80% of its timber from Tasmania’s native forests, despite claiming they have enough plantations to supply the pulp mill. This is all about to change, however, as Gunns’ share price has fallen 20% in the last three days and they have just released $170 million worth of plantations to relieve their debts. Meaning, if the pulp mill does go ahead there will be added pressure on Tasmania’s native forests to supply the mill.

posted by kirsty on August 20, 2008 at 4:41 pm · filed under

Melburnians take to trains, trams and buses

Premier of Victoria

Victorian Premier John Brumby has released figures showing public transport use is growing dramatically in Melbourne. During the 2007-08 financial year, Melburnians made 201.2 million trips on trains, 158.3 million tram trips and 91.3 million on buses. Figures indicate that public transport use grew at over 7% during the past two years. Rising passenger numbers are beginning to strain the system.

posted by seamas on August 20, 2008 at 4:02 pm · filed under

Liberal Party Reignites Debate on Nuclear Power

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts

Despite Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson’s statement in February of this year that the liberal party had no plans to build a nuclear industry in Australia “at any time in the near future”, Shadow Trade Minister Ian MacFarlane has stated that if Australia is serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it must “include nuclear in our future base-load clean-energy mix.” Minister for the Environment, Hertitage and the Arts Peter Garret demanded yesterday to know where the liberal party would build the power plants, where they would dump the waste produced, and if the party still endorses the previous government’s plan to build 25 new plants.

posted by ruby on August 20, 2008 at 3:24 pm · filed under

Tas. wedge tailed eagles no longer monitored

ABC news

Concern has been expressed by wildlife carers and a veterinarian that the Tasmanian state government does not have a dedicated eagle officer.  This is despite an increase in the number injured and a decline in populations as old growth forest habitat is logged.

posted by shaun on August 20, 2008 at 11:32 am · filed under

Botany Bay dredging raises environmental impact issues

ABC News

The dredging of Botany Bay, part of a $1bn port expansion in New South Wales has raised concerns about the welfare of the bay. Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has voiced her disapproval, saying dredging could cause tidal changes to occur and potentially rouse toxic sediments from the bottom of the bay, disturbing fish and bird breeding grounds. Ports Minister Joe Tripodi has stated that although there may be unfavourable short term consequences, appropriate precautions will be maintained to ensure minimal environmental impact.

posted by cecie on August 19, 2008 at 7:40 pm · filed under

Riversymposium (Brisbane, Sep 1-4)

International Riverfoundation

Brisbane’s 11th International Riversymposium: ‘A Future of Extremes’ will serve as a preparatory meeting for the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul, 2009.

Australia’s largest annual river management forum, the International Riversymposium will be attended by more than 600 delegates from 40 countries, with discussion focusing on the challenges associated with the increased incidence of flooding and drought expected with climate change in future years.

Riversymposium will take place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, September 1-4, 2008.

posted by seamas on August 19, 2008 at 3:38 pm · filed under