News

Emissions trading bills delayed in Senate

The Federal Government's 11 emissions trading bills have been pushed to the bottom of a lengthy list of Senate legislation after changes to the Senate order of business for the week.

The change, instigated by the Opposition and with the support of Independent senators Nick Xenophon and Steve Fielding, means that the legislation will not be voted on until the next parliamentary sittings on August 13.

Senator Xenaphon and the Coalition have commissioned consulting firm Frontier Consulting to model the effectiveness of a variety of emissions trading schemes, as well as some scenarios for an international agreement and short-term transitional costs.

Senator Xenaphon has been an outspoken critic of the scheme, and prefers a "baseline and credit" model which would rewrd companies that improve the emissions intensity beyond the industry average, rather than setting a national emissions cap.

Climate Change Minister Penny Wong attacked the Opposition for its move to delay the bills.

''This [is] how this alternative government fronts up to the important issue of climate change. Not even prepared to debate the Bill but prepared only to play political games and engage in political stunts in order to avoid making a decision,'' she said.

Minister Wong has refused to speculate with the motion to defer consitituted a defeat of the bill - the first step in a double-dissolution trigger.

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$1 billion to protect NSW environment

An investment of more than $1 billion to protect and conserve the New South Wales environment has been announced in the recent state budget.

The “big ticket item” is $208 million from the Climate Change Fund to be spent on programs that will save billions of litres of water and prevent tens of thousands of tonnes of damaging greenhouse gas emissions.  The money will provide extended household rebates and new energy efficiency programs that will give assistance to households and businesses to save water and energy, as well as creating demand for green skills and employment.

Thousands of low-income households will also benefit with $15.3 milion set aside for home energy assessments and energy saver kits. 

$27.2 million has been allocated for natural resource management, including $23 million for Catchment Management Authorities to invest in restoring land, managing weeds and pests, and improving water quality.

More than $19 million will be used to support local councils undertaking estuary, coastal and flood plain management activities, and $21 million will be used to improve council waste and recycling services.

A further $13.7 million will be spent on purchasing water entitlements to provide more water for the environment in ailing river systems. 

Environmental regulation and compliance will be boosted by $71.8 million.

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Low carbon economy focus of Queensland budget

The Queensland budget provides new initiatives valued at $96 million that are designed to help the state move towards a low-carbon economy and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Change Minister, Kate Jones, says the package of initiatives will form an important part of the government’s new Climate Change Strategy to be launched later this year.

Ms Jones says the centre piece of the budget’s climate change package is a $47.7 million investment to reduce Queensland’s overall energy consumption, which will particularly benefit households and businesses through reduced electricity bills. She says the program has the potential to save $4 billion in energy capital savings – about one and a half power stations – and 22,200 gigawatt hours by 2020.

Other initiatives in the package include:

• $4.5 million over four years to provide ongoing support for farmers to prepare for the impacts of climate change and rising costs of energy by looking at ways of improving on-farm management;
• $4.6 million over five years to better prepare communities for bushfires that result from higher temperatures and drier conditions brought about by climate change;
• $5 million to implement cleaner energy in remote Queensland communities that rely on diesel fuel for power generation with a trial to be undertaken on Thursday Island, Horn Island and in the Northern Peninsula area in 2009-10;
• $15 million over four years for a ClimateSmart Business Service to commence in July 2010; the service will assist and educate businesses regarding practical ways they can reduce their energy and water use;
• $3.4 million over three years to provide a network of emergency supply warehouses to communities across the state, prone to extreme weather events which are forecast to increase because of climate change; and
• $7.7 million over five years for communities to receive improved education and awareness programs to better enable them to prepare for natural disasters brought about by the impacts of climate change.

Ms Jones says the initiatives will ensure that Queensland remains at the forefront of the national response to climate change.

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Increased focus on renewable energy for South Australia

A $20 million Renewable Energy Fund has been established by the South Australian Government to accelerate investment in the state's renewable energy sector.

The fund is designed to foster innovation and investment in renewable technology and to create green jobs in a renewable energy industry alongside SA's defence and mining sectors.

Premier, Mike Rann, says the state's Economic Development Board has identified renewable energy as an important industry for SA's economic future. He says the board has recommended that SA strive to become Australia's “clean energy” state.

Mr Rann says the Renewable Enegy Fund will support the state's new renewable energy production target. The target aims for 33% of the state's electricity generation to come from renewable energy by 2020.

The Premier says the Federal Governmentr has asked all the states to achieve a 20% target by 2020, but SA is aiming to reach that figure by 2014.

Mr Rann says South Australia is home to 56% of the nation's wind power, 90% of its geothermal investment and nearly 30% of its grid-oriented domestic solar systems; by far the highest in Australia.

“We have taken advantage of our world class natural renewable energy resources and cut red tape to support renewable investment in Australia to make sure we create new jobs from this booming industry.

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Solar scheme blocked by opposition in Victorian Parliament

The Victorian Government claims the decision by the Oppositon and Greens to delay its feed-in tariff legislation in the Upper House of Parliament means householders are missing out on extra support to repay the costs of solar panel installation.

Energy and Resources Minister, Peter Batchelor, has accused the Opposition and Greens of “playing games” by delaying the Electricity Industry Amendment (Premium Solar Feed-In Tariff) legislation 2009.

Mr Batchelor says the feed-in tariff was announced in 2008 and the bill was introduced to Parliament in March.

He says the Opposition has failed to table any proposed amendments despite repeated requests while the Greens have proposed expensive changes that would put pressure on families.

Mr Batchelor says the Greens have proposed amendments that the government has branded for months as unacceptable.

“We have always said that an amendment proposing a gross feed-in tariff would be unacceptable because the model creates an unfair cost burden on all households that use electricity. The Greens' proposal would increase the cost of the feed-in tariff by 400% for all households.”

Mr Batchelor says the Greens also want the feed-in tariff paid to big businesses and the cap increased to 10 kilowatts. He says a 10 kilowatt system could cost about $80,000 to install and would need a roof the size of a factory, making it much too large for an average home.

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Research reveals old growth forests are a valuable source of carbon

New research by scientists at the Australian National University has shown that old growth forests could be the most valuable source of carbon in the world.

The scientists studied 132 forests around the globe and found that a mountain ash forest in central Victoria was the most carbon dense of all. Their findings overturn conventional thinking about the carbon density of different forest types that until now held that tropical rainforests were the most carbon-dense. The results are published in the US-based Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study shows the Victorian forests hold 1,900 tonnes of carbon per hectare, which is up to four times higher than what is found in tropical forests.

Brendan Mackey, a professor of environment science at the Australian National University, says it is an important find.

"The trees in these forests can grow to a very old age - at least 350 years - and they can grow very large, very tall, and they grow very dense, heavy wood," he said.

"Most of the biomass carbon is in big, old trees, and these are large, old, dense trees. These particular stands have not been subject to intensive land use, such as logging, so ... they've been able to grow and reach their natural carbon-carrying capacity.

“Finally, it involves the way the forests have evolved in response to fire. If they get an intense fire that kills the tree, you haven’t lost all of the carbon – most of it is in the trunk, branches and roots, and much of it remains after a fire, even as dead wood. Many trees survive fire in less intensely burnt patches, plus new groups of trees regenerate. Over time the total amount of carbon building up can be very large, resulting in a complex forest,” said Professor Mackey.

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Energy master plan for Sydney a work in progress

The City of Sydney has enlisted the assistance of a London-based specialist in energy generation to help develop a master plan for a network of green energy generation hubs that could provide up to 70% of the city’s energy needs.

The council has been working on the master plan for the past few months with the help of Allan Jones of the London Climate Change Agency. The agency has the job of reducing London’s carbon dioxide emissions.

Mr Jones also works for Woking Borough Council in Surrey where he has been involved in environmental initiatives that have won recognition for the council as one of the most energy efficient local governments in the United Kingdom.

The City of Sydney is seeking to reduce its reliance on coal-fired power generation though a system of gas engines that generate electricity for entire precincts and capture waste heat for use in heating and cooling office buildings and homes.

The council has estimated that when combined with other demand reduction measures, the ‘Green Transformers’ system will progressively provide 70% of the electricity requirements for the city. This target is expected to be reached by 2030.

A spokesperson for the council says it is not know when the master plan will be completed. The spokesperson says the initiative represents a “whole new way” of generating electricity for the city and can best be described as a work in progress.

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Announcements

Department of Climate Change - 2010 Graduate Development Program

Department of Climate Change
Graduate Development Program
$53,469 - $62,178

Do you want to work on one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time?

The Department of Climate Change (within the Prime Minister’s portfolio) leads development of Australia’s climate change policy.

The department leads on key policies including the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Australia’s international climate change negotiations and adapting to climate change that cannot be avoided.

Applications Open: Monday 22nd of June 2009. Full details are available on our website.

Applications Close: Monday 13th of July 2009.

Available Positions: Department of Climate Change will be recruiting up to 20 graduates for the 2010 Graduate Development Program.

Disciplines Sought: Graduates from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.
www.climatechange.gov.au/about/graduates

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2009 Environs Australia Sustainability Awards now open

The Environs Australia 2009 Sustainability Awards will recognise nine award categories for progressing sustainability at the local level by:

• Local Government individuals (Councillors and Officers),
• Local Government Authorities (LGA’s) and 
• Local Government Partnerships.

The awards will be judged by an independent panel and are structured at two levels ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’, and against two themes ‘Council’ and ‘Partnerships’ as well as providing opportunities for smaller LGA’s to be judged against their peers.

Each Award will be assessed on its merit and all information necessary to assess the Award must be emailed to David Keenan, President, Environs Australia at president@environs.org.au before close of business, Tuesday 30 June 2009. If there are any queries, please contact David Keenan on 0448 324 116.

All entries should address the selection criteria, outlining the purpose of the project and how it relates to the three key sustainability principles. Applications must not exceed five pages of text. To enter the awards, simply download the nomination form from the Environs website: www.environs.org.au

The awards will be presented on the evening of Day 1 of the Local Government Sustainable Development 2009 Conference being held on Tuesday 18 August 2009 at The Sebel Hotel, Albert Park, Melbourne. For further details on how to register for the conference and the awards please visit: www.halledit.com.au/lgsd09

The 2009 Conference will hear from more than 25 experts and leading councils in the sustainable development field. 2009 will be the fourth year that the Local Government Sustainable Development Annual Conference has been held, and it has become recognised as the premier conference for showcasing leading sustainable development initiatives within local government.

If you know of a potential, worthy recipient do not hesitate to encourage them to apply.

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Conferences & Events

2009 Carbon Market Expo

104 speakers, 1100 delegates, 27 countries and 81 exhibitors over 3 days made Carbon Market Expo Australasia the event of 2008. Australia’s biggest and most respected carbon trading expo is returning to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, 26-28 October 2009.

The 2009 Carbon Market Expo is the most cutting edge carbon market intelligence forum in Australasia. Hosted by the two leading carbon market industry associations, the Asia-Pacific Emissions Trading Forum and Environment Business Australia and supported by government, this event is the premier gathering of industry experts.

2009 will feature a high level conference hosting leading international and Australian practitioners of the emerging carbon market, a major trade fair and in-depth technical workshops that draw on the skills and knowledge of experts actively participating in global carbon markets. The trade fair is Australasia's leading showcase of carbon market products and services.

This event is critical for businesses wishing to find out more about the Australian emissions trading scheme and how to measure, manage and offset their own emissions profile. There will be opportunities to discuss issues with global carbon market leaders and to survey the full range of carbon market products and services exhibiting in the trade fair.

Participants and exhibitors at Carbon Market Expo Australasia 2009 include:

• Carbon asset investors and managers
• Businesses with corporate or product emissions reduction strategies
• Government and/or private market-based emissions reduction initiatives
• Carbon offset projects, wholesalers and retailers
• Carbon accountants, auditors and verification services
• Research and education institutions
• Businesses manufacturing and retailing low carbon emission technologies
• Carbon market advisory and facilitation services (carbon pools, brokers, legal advisers and risk managers)

Sponsored by major corporations Barclays Capital, The National Australia Bank and international law firm Baker & McKenzie, whether you intend to come as a delegate or trade exhibitor, Carbon Market Expo Australasia 2009 should not to be missed!

The full program, online registration and exhibitor details are available now at www.carbonexpo.com.au.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Liz Symmons on 07 5528 2501 or secretariat@carbonexpo.com.au .

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Financial Review Carbon Reduction Conference 2009

Financial Review Carbon Reduction Conference 2009

Managing your business into a cleaner economy

Thursday, 23 July 2009 • Hilton on the Park, Melbourne

Australian business will soon be bound by a carbon pollution reduction scheme that has both costs and opportunities. Drawing on case studies from the energy, resources and financial services sectors, this high-level conference explores how business is preparing for a low carbon world. Join your leadership peers to hear the latest on challenges to management, business and financial reporting, and risk mitigation.

To register for this event, call 1800 032 577 or visit www.afr.com/events

3 Reasons to register:

• Prepare your business for a low carbon future
• Learn the new realities of business and financial reporting
• Understand the risks and opportunities of investor relations

Key topics:

• The agenda for a low carbon future
• Carbon prices
• Green directions for industries sectors
• Investment realities
• Business reporting
• Business opportunities

Confirmed speakers:

• Amanda McCluskey, Head of Sustainability & Responsible Investment, Colonial First State Global Asset Management
• Andrew Gray, Head of Research, Goldman Sachs JB Were
• Andrew Petersen, Partner, Climate Change Sustainability Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Danny Price, Director, Frontier Economics
• Dr Ian Woods, Senior Research Analyst, Sustainable Funds, Australian Equities, AMP Capital
• Dr Martin Parkinson, Secretary, The Department of Climate Change
• Jon Ward, Manager - Environmental Policy, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia
• Michael Molitor, Principal, Carbon Shift
• Peter Hanley, Divisional Director - Utilities and Climate Change, Macquarie
• Sean Lucy, Head of Carbon Solutions Group, NABCapital
• The Hon Gavin Jennings, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Victorian Government

Who should attend:

• Chief Operations Offi cers
• Environmental Managers
• Risk Managers
• Heads of Sustainability
• Lawyers
• Policy Makers

Full price: $1100.00
Endorsing member rate: $1000.00

For enquiries about sponsorship opportunities for these conferences please contact John La Rosa on 02 9282 2245 or by email to jlarosa@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

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Local Government Sustainable Development Conference

Tuesday 18th - Wednesday 19th August
The Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne

The peak national local sustainable development conference designed to assist local government practitioners to identify, plan and implement best practice sustainable development solutions, particularly related to reducing the carbon footprint. It will showcase leading edge examples of outstanding environmental initiatives by Australian local governments. 

Topics will include:

• Expert analysis of Local Government’s emissions trading obligations
• Climate change and energy efficiency
• Integrating sustainability into economic imperatives
• Future directions for asset management
• Practical approaches to water management
• Sustainable planning and urban design
• Waste management and resource recovery
• Community engagement in environmental initiatives
• Green purchasing and procurement

Invited speakers include:

• Geoff Lake, President, Australian Local Government Association
• Cr Colin Hampton, Mayor, City of Frankston
• Cr Geoff Ablett, Mayor, City of Casey
• Cr Peter Young, Gold Coast City Council
• Stephen Sawtell, General Manager, Coffs Harbour City Council
• Louise Hicks, Partner, DLA Phillips Fox
• Nick Bailey, Manager, Local Government, Sustainability Victoria
• Chris Newman, Manager, Councils Reforming Business, Local Government Victoria, Department of Planning and Community Development
• Peter Kinrade, Senior Consultant, Marsden Jacob Associates
• Gareth Williamson, Senior Waste Management Consultant, Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Pty Ltd
• Jack Holden, Senior Manager, KPMG
• John Gertsakis, Executive Officer, Product Stewardship Australia
• Steve Harrison, Director, Business & Economic Development, City of Prospect
• Geoff Withycombe, Executive Officer, Sydney Coastal Councils Group
• Peter Maganov, Manager Sustainability, Randwick City Council
• Michael Top, Group Manager, Sustainability, Bayside City Council
• David Lemcke, Senior Planner – Planning, Policy & Legal, Wyong Shire Council
• Rosemary Dillon, Manager, Corporate Planning and Community Outcomes, Blue Mountains City Council
• Matthew Trigg, Sustainable Design Officer, City of Port Phillip
• Robyn Evans, Research Director, RMIT Centre for Design
• Faye Adams, ESD Officer, Manningham City Council
• Simone Dilkara, Project Manager, Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

For further information, or to register for the Conference, go to www.halledit.com.au/lgsd09 or contact Denise McQueen on 03 8534 5021 or denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

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Training Opportunities

Writing Clear Science Workshops

Writing Clear Science Workshops

We help science professionals and students improve their writing skills. Our writing workshops are relevant to individuals from all science backgrounds and with different levels of academic achievement. People who attend our workshops greatly improve their ability to write high-quality science documents: - research reports, peer-reviewed papers, industry reports, fact sheets, media releases and theses.

Writing Clear Science workshops are regularly held throughout Australia as:

• Open Workshops: We visit most capital cities. Individual and group bookings are welcome.
• In-House Workshops: 1-to-3 day workshops tailored to your needs and held at your institution.

Open Workshop Course

• Day 1: The Nuts & Bolts: Writing Clearly & Succinctly
• Day 2: Writing Reports, Articles & Papers
• Day 3: Writing Your Thesis

Enrolments are available for Day 1, Day 1-2 or Day 1-3.

Open Workshop Calendar

MELBOURNE: Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Victoria. Tue. 21st – Thurs. 23rd July.
BRISBANE: DFI&F Conference Centre, 80 Anne Street Brisbane. Mon. 7th – Wed. 9th September.
SYDNEY: UNILINC Meeting Room, Level 9, 210 Clarence Street, Sydney. Tue. 6th – Thurs. 8th October.
ADELAIDE: Venue to be confirmed. Wed. 4th – Fri. 6th November.

To download registration form and for further information on both Open and In-House Workshops go to www.writingclearscience.com.au, or please contact Dr Marina Hurley on 0416-097979 or info@writingclearscience.com.au.

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Products & Services

EnviroJobs

EnviroJobs is your source for employment positions available within environmental fields across Australia.

EnviroJobs is a weekly email and online service which lists employment positions available in the environment management, natural resource, environmental engineering, environmental health and environmental science fields.

This service is provided by Hallmark Editions (publishers of Environment Business, Land & Water News, CO2 News and EnviroInfo) to help practitioners in these disciplines to locate middle and senior level positions.

This weekly email, distributed each Monday, is free to receive, but there is a small cost to advertise.

All jobs listed in the service are available to view on the website www.envirojobs.com.au and you can subscribe to the weekly bulletin via the website.

For advertising queries, please call 03 8534 5000 or email enquiries@envirojobs.com.au

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