Rainforest timber used in Sydney “green” building

The Age

Billed as one of Sydney’s greenest new developments, the No.1 Central Park on Broadway project has been rocked by revelations it sourced uncertified wood cut from rainforests and milled in Sarawak, Malaysia. Seven Greenpeace protestors were arrested yesterday for questioning the legality of the timber and drawing attention to the impact of this purchase by unfurling a banner from a 50m crane at the construction site. The source mill has been found to be connected to illegal logging in protected species habitat and areas slated for national park status in recent years. Developer Frasers Property is advertising the building as a “five green star” project, but the use of uncertified timber would disqualify it from such a rating.

posted by seamas on July 28, 2011 at 7:31 am · filed under

Government backs massive Moree Solar Farm

GreenPages

A $925 million solar power plant is planned for Moree, northwest New South Wales. Led by BP Solar, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures and Pacific Hydro, the 150 megawatt plant is expected to be one of the largest in the world and power around 45,000 homes. A $66.5 million Federal Government grant for research to directly support the project is designed to also aid development of a long-term solar industry in Australia, according to project spokesman Tony Stocken.

posted by seamas on July 23, 2011 at 7:39 pm · filed under

Melbourne’s markets take strides for sustainability

Feature

Shopping for fresh local produce at markets is one of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment, by avoiding unnecessary packaging and transport. But what about the markets themselves? Concentrated volumes of trade makes them potential centres of waste generation, as well as water and energy consumption.

Read & Comment »

posted by seamas on July 16, 2011 at 4:15 pm · filed under

Japan to resume whaling, sanctuary blocked

AFP

At the 63rd annual International Whaling Commission meeting in St Helier, Japan has stated its intention to resume hunting whales next season. The Sea Shepherd protest group, which successfully stopped Japan’s whaling fleet early this year, has promised to again disrupt the hunt. Discussion of a proposal to create a whale sanctuary in the South Atlantic has been postponed for at least a year due to pressure from pro-whaling nations. One delegation described the commission and it’s failure to implement the moratorium on whaling as “genuinely dysfunctional”.

posted by seamas on July 16, 2011 at 7:47 am · filed under

Forestry Tasmania accused of disregarding new protection agreement

Still Wild Still Threatened

Conservation group Still Wild Still Threatened has expressed outrage over Forestry Tasmania’s release of the first year of their three year wood harvesting plan. The plan includes new roading into iconic high conservation areas including the Upper Florentine and Styx valleys despite these areas being earmarked for National Park protection under the new agreement. Read & Comment »

posted by seamas on July 16, 2011 at 7:36 am · filed under

Unions set to talk to workers on carbon price

ACTU

Unions have resolved to campaign in workplaces around Australia to help workers understand how the price on carbon will work, and what it will mean to them. Unions say their explanation will not be sugar-coated but will be explained in a calm rational manner to get the facts straight.

posted by rochelle on July 13, 2011 at 4:42 pm · filed under

Australia sets ambitious emissions reduction target

ABC News

ABC News breaks down the key numbers in Australia’s brand new carbon price policy, including a fresh target of an 80% reduction in carbon pollution by 2050 (from 2000 levels). Interestingly, only 500 big polluters are expected to meet the initial criteria and thresholds required to pay the carbon price. Follow the link for all the key figures.

posted by seamas on July 11, 2011 at 7:24 am · filed under