ENERGY MINISTERS MEETING

Large energy consumers to undertake mandatory energy audits and report on the energy efficiency opportunities that these identify, following the most recent Ministerial Council on Energy meeting, in which Ministers agreed to implement the first stage of the national framework for energy efficiency over the next three years.

The measures include nine integrated and inter-linked energy efficiency packages, including improvement of the energy performance of the residential building stock over time, and to inform consumer decision making, including nationally consistent minimum energy efficiency design standards for new homes, units and apartments; improvement of the energy efficiency of commercial buildings; nationally coordinated training and accreditation for energy auditors and energy performance contractors in the commercial and industrial sector, in conjunction with programs and protocols already in place; development of nationally consistent standards for measuring and reporting on government energy efficiency programs; broadening of the National Appliance & Equipment Energy Efficiency Program; the development off training and accreditation courses for practicing tradesperson to identify and implement energy efficient solutions; the establishment of nationally coordinated energy efficiency best practice networks; and raise awareness within the finance sector of the opportunities for, and benefits of, energy efficiency investments.

A new working group has been established by the Ministerial Council on Energy to consider policy directions required for removing impediments to, and promoting the commercial uptake of renewable and distributed generation technologies and practices in the Australian energy market.

The Renewable and Distributed Generation Working Group will be assisted by a technical advisory group, with industry sector representation will be formed by NEMMCO, to assist the policy group with the analysis of the technical matters.

At the August meeting, Ministers also agreed to participate in a joint working group with the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) to examine the streamlining of greenhouse and energy reporting to ensure that there is a nationally consistent framework for greenhouse and energy reporting from Australian industry to meet government and public reporting needs.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY INQUIRY LAUNCHED

The Productivity Commission has been requested by the Federal Government to conduct a public inquiry into the economic and environmental potential offered by energy efficiency, which will inform the development of the National Framework for Energy Efficiency, stage one of which was announced at the recent meeting of the Ministerial Council on Energy.

The Commission is to examine and report on the economic and environmental potential offered by energy efficiency improvements which are cost-effective for individual producers and consumers, through consideration of:

The economic and environmental costs and benefits arising from energy efficiency improvements, including, but not limited to, research undertaken in the context of the National Framework for Energy Efficiency and international studies; existing and recent Australian and state government energy efficiency programmes, including consideration of the level of coordination between these programmes and comparison with international experiences; and barriers and impediments to improved energy efficiency, including, but not limited to, information asymmetries and implementation costs.

For further information, go to www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/energy/index.html

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REFORM OF BUILDING REGULATION RESEARCH REPORT RELEASED

Recent developments, including the introduction of energy-efficiency standards, have undermined a national and soundly based system of building regulation, and created significant inconsistencies in the national building code, according to a research report released by the Productivity Commission.

Environmental externalities are being addressed by the Australian Building Codes Board, despite these issues not being addressed in its mission statement due to the Federal Government’s objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the report, the Government’s decision not to use taxation or tradeable emission permits to reduce emissions has led to instruments including setting energy efficiency standards are being used, which differ from state to state and leads to inefficiency and inconsistencies.

“A national approach and a rigorous assessment system need to be applied to this momentum for energy-efficient buildings, and more generally in relation to environmental objectives."

“While there are advantages in the consolidation of technical requirements for buildings into the BCA, much work remains to be done to establish whether there is a case for intervention, and determining which elements of ‘sustainability’, if any, should be incorporated within the Code,” the report says.

“The Commission considers that health, safety, amenity and environment are the areas which are most likely to present market failures that may need to be addressed, including via regulation, such as the BCA. It is important that the assessment process, as progressed via Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) requirements, is rigorous in determining whether a signficant problem exists, that no better alternative is available and, if regulation is chosen, that it is the minimum effective to address the issue.”

For further information go to http://www.pc.gov.au/study/building/draftreport/building.pdf

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RANGER REPORT RELEASED

Energy Resources of Australia has suspended uranium mining at its Ranger mine in the Northern Territory after a report released by the Office of the Supervising Scientist highlighted poor maintenance practices as being the key reason for the potable water contamination in March this year.

The report of the Supervising Scientist concluded that the underlying cause of the incident was the poor condition of the process water distribution system at Ranger, and has recommended the introduction of new legislation requiring Energy Resources of Australia to ensure that the incident will never happen again.

In public discussion on this incident, it has been noted that the incident occurred only a few months after ERA received certification under the International Standard ISO 14001, which the report says has caused many people to raise questions about the efficacy about the Standard in light of the occurrence.

OHS risks are not addressed in the systems implemented at Ranger under ISO 14001, which the report recommended should be rectified.

The report reviewed the extent to which ERA may have been in breach of the Ranger Environmental Requirements, concluding that ERA was in breach of ER 3.4 as result of its failure to ensure that process water is contained within a closed system. It also found that that ERA has been in breach of ER 5.1 as a result of its failure to ensure that radiation doses to company employees and contractors must be kept as low as reasonably achievable.

It has been recommended that the Commonwealth Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources should assess whether or not action should be taken by the Commonwealth in response to the established breach of Environmental Requirements 3.4 and 5.1.

Two approaches have been adopted in the report to assess the potential impact on the downstream environment of Kakadu National Park arising from the discharge of contaminated water, both of which have concluded that the potable water contamination incident should not have given rise to any impact on the ecosystems of Kakadu National Park and that there should be no impact on the health of people who consume water or food from the creek or billabongs downstream from the mine.

The full report is available at
www.deh.gov.au/ssd/publications/ssr/pubs/ssr184-summary-preface.pdf

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FORESTRY MERGER

The merger will create the nation’s second largest publicly listed timber industry group, with annual revenues expected to approximate $100 million, and would have a market capitalisation in excess of $200 million.

Neville Smith Group’s Managing Director, James Neville Smith, said the operations of both companies would be significantly strengthened and enhanced as a result of the merger. “The collective resource base of both companies will place the merged entity in a position to create significant earnings growth,” said Mr Neville Smith, who will be Chief Executive Officer of the merged group.

“There are natural synergies between the operations of the companies,” said Mr Neville Smith. “The Neville Smith Group has expertise in value adding that can move hardwood plantation timber up the value chain and maximise returns to woodlot owners. ITC’s progressive approach to site selection and forest management maximises growth yield and creates a potentially valuable timber resource.”

To proceed, shareholders of ITC must first approve the issue of $40 million worth of new ITC shares in an extraordinary general meeting, to be held on September 8.

ITC said that to pay the cash component and to repay about $38 million of Neville Smith's $39.5 million debt, it would raise an extra $80 million in equity through a placement of shares to Futuris (of which ITC chief executive, Les Wozniczka is also chief executive) and institutional investors, with an associated offer to shareholders of up to $5000 of new ITC shares. Futuris will take up $60 million of the new equity. The proposed issue price is $1.20 per share.

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ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS IN THE AUSTRALIAN RIVERINE ENVIRONMENT SYMPOSIUM, Land & Water Australia and CSIRO

20 September 2004.

Registration (including lunch) $175 + GST.  

From 9:00am - 5:30pm, CSIRO Discovery Centre, Canberra.

There is now substantial international evidence that certain chemicals can impact on the health of wildlife, influencing hormonal and reproductive functions.  However, the ecological risks associated with Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in the Australian environment are not clear.  This is largely due to a lack of knowledge about their incidence in the Australian environment and the impact of exposure for our unique native species.

Jointly organised by Land & Water Australia, CSIRO Land and Water and the Australasian Society of Ecotoxicology (Special Interest Group on EDCs), a symposium on 20 September in Canberra will discuss the Ecological Considerations in the Australasian Environment of EDCs and PPCPs.  It is important to establish a firm scientific foundation for the management of this issue to support our national water and waste reuse agenda and foster rational decision-making. 

The workshop coincides with the visit of Dana Kolpin (US Geological Survey) - a well-known scientist and world authority on the topic. Another key speaker will be Peter Cullen, Land & Water Australia Director, who has worked for more than 30 years in the water quality and catchment management. This was recognised in 2004 when Peter was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to freshwater ecology. Symposium organiser, and Land & Water Australia supported CSIRO researcher on this topic, Dr Rai Kookana from CSIRO Land and Water in Adelaide will discuss his current research into the fate and impact of endocrine (hormone production) disruptors in the riverine environment. Dr Kookana is collecting water and sediment samples at selected sites in the Murray Darling Basin to cover significant sources of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the Australian riverine environment.

The broad aims of the workshop are to:

• Bring together regulators, researchers, natural resource managers, policy makers and other government and non-government agencies.
• Facilitate discussion and exchange of current information and knowledge in an open forum.
• Develop a better understanding of the risks posed in the Australian environment and to help develop future directions for effective management strategies.

Other speakers include:

• Dr Richard Lim - University of Technology Sydney
• Dr Heather Chapman - CRC WQT (TBC)
• Dr Michael Warne - CSIRO (TBC)
• Dr Stuart Khan/ Dr Andrea Schafer - University of Wollongong (TBC)
• Prof. David Waite - Uni. NSW (TBC)
• Dr Louis Tremblay - Landcare Research Ltd. New Zealand
• Dr Les Davies - Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra (TBC)
• Ms Alicia Hogan - Northern Territory (TBC)
• Dr Anu Kumar - CSIRO
• Dr GG Ying - CSIRO
  

One exciting element of the Symposium will be the Research Round-up. This session will provide an opportunity to survey the scene and review the extent of current research in the field, in a facilitated session. 

The EDC Special Interest Group is also hosting a special workshop for a small number of participants on September 21 to develop some future directions.  Please contact Rai Kookana rai.kookana@csiro.au or (08) 8303 8450 if you would like a summary of the workshop or further information.  The results of the Research Round-up will be compiled in the booklet for future reference.

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EFFICIENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE

Strategically driving consistent improvements in productivity, sustainability and maintenance for your facility.

The efficient management of energy makes good economic and organisational sense and aids in lowering greenhouse emissions, which is good for your organisation and the environment.

An energy efficient cost effective facility can best be achieved and maintained through building a business plan for energy efficiency. When implemented successfully, an energy management plan will help your facility to achieve consistent energy savings, cost savings and compliance, and guard against the adverse effects of market and infrastructure variables. Sustainable energy efficiency planning makes good business sense.

Achieving Energy Efficiency (11th & 12th October 2004, Melbourne) will assist in your business continuity planning for energy efficiency, offer an excellent opportunity to benchmark your operations against leading organisations and better manage and understand the political and economic drivers of energy efficiency.

This event will equip you with practical ideas and techniques for optimising savings for your facility.

EnviroInfo subscribers receive 10% discount.

Please call Chris Low at marcus evans on tel: 61 (2) 9223 2137 or see http://www.marcusevans.com.au/pdf/398.pdf

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SUPERSOIL 2004 - 3RD AUSTRALIAN/NEW ZEALAND SOILS CONFERENCE

5-9 December 2004

The University of Sydney

Invitation:
Your opportunity to participate in the leading conference for soil practitioners from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. There will be over 300 oral and poster presentations and outstanding Keynote Speakers, a great social program and field tours.

Theme:
SuperSoil – the title reflects the importance that soil plays in the environment and to the long term well-being of the human race.

Who should come:
Soil scientists, advisory officers, consultants, students, Landcare and Catchment Management Authority members, primary producers, the general public, private enterprise, environmentalists.

Program:
Themes include global challenges and opportunities in soil science; soil science in Australia and New Zealand: lessons from the past; society and soil science; acid sulphate soils; soil and farming systems; soil formation and landscape processes; soil health; quality and function; soil and climate change; management of soil salinity; waste and solute transport in soil; soil management under high nutrient regimes; communicating and utilizing soil information; water quality and soil management

Conference and Registration details:

www.icms.com.au/supersoil

or

Email: supersoil@icms.com.au

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SMART APPROVED WATERMARK SCHEME – THIRD ROUND OF APPLICATIONS

The Smart Approved WaterMark is the nationally endorsed water conservation labelling scheme that recognises products, services and organisations which are assisting all Australians to help save our most precious resource - water!

The Smart Approved WaterMark Scheme is managed by Australia's peak water agencies: the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA); the Nursery and Garden Industry of Australia (NGIA); the Irrigation Association of Australia (IAA); and the Australian Water Association (AWA).

The key objectives of the Smart Approved WaterMark scheme are to assist in the reduction of per capita water consumption – especially in the areas of outdoor water-use via the labelling of appropriate water using/saving products and water related services and organisations.

Products that may be included under the scheme include: trigger hoses; tap timers; rainfall sensors; mulch and weep hoses. Services that may be included under the scheme include: retrofit services; water efficient design services; education and training programs; and information advisory services. Organisations that may be included under the scheme include: schools; local government; new urban developers; and retail outlets.

The Smart Approved WaterMark scheme is not-for-profit, voluntary and applications are assessed by an independent expert panel. The thirdround of applications closes on November 12, 2004.

For further information on the scheme go to www.smartapprovedwatermark.info

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APA MASTERS AND PhD SCHOLARSHIP TOP-UPS AVAILABLE AT UTS

The Institute for Water and Environmental Resource Management at the University of Technology Sydney is offering 5 postgraduate research top-up scholarships of $4000 pa (to a maximum of 3 years) each.

These scholarships will be awarded to 5 students starting their PhD or Masters by research studies at UTS in 2005 and who are supervised by IWERM staff on projects closely linked to IWERM research interests and who receive an APA from the UTS 2004 (for commencing study in 2005) allocation.

Award of the top-up scholarships will be competitive and based on merit.

Contact Professor Derek Eamus Derek.Eamus@uts.edu.au for further details, and contact your prospective supervisor (see list of current projects and staff on the IWERM webpage:   www.iwerm.uts.edu.au) to discuss projects and supervision.

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SCHOLARSHIPS - CRC FOR PLANT-BASED MANAGEMENT OF DRYLAND SALINITY

HELP WANTED!
FROM TALENTED STUDENTS

The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity is currently recruiting future leaders in Natural Resource Management and invites 'Expressions of Interest' for our 2005 Postgraduate Scholarships.

We are offering ten scholarships of $25,000/yr tax free.

Priority topics for 2005 are in areas such as animal production systems, the impact of salinity on biodiversity, the function of natural ecosystems, and the social impacts of landscape change.

Topics include but are not limited to:

• New animal production systems for recharge and discharge zones
• Enhancing and managing biodiversity in salinising landscapes
• Adaptation of native vegetation to moisture and endaphic factors
• Mechanisms of salinity tolerance
• Breeding of woody and herbaceous perennials, salt tolerant crops and pastures
• Development of new farming systems
• Decision support tools for land suitability analysis

A document containing a range of potential topics can be obtained by contacting the CRC's Education Officer or by download from the 'Education' link at www.crcsalinity.com

Successful students will receive a stipend of $25,000/year tax free. Operating and travel expenses are provided, and you will participate in a comprehensive and well planned professional development program that will help prepare you for your future leadership role. Top-ups to Australian Postgraduate Awards (APAs) are also available.

Details about the application process and 'Expression of Interest' forms can be obtained from Daryll Richardson, (07) 5446 6094, drichardson@csu.edu.au.

Please note that these scholarships are only available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Closing date for expressions of interest is 8th October 2004.

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ECOS: TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Published by CSIRO and initially known for 30 years of excellence in environmental science reporting, Ecos now brings you lively, incisive, easy-to-read articles on key sustainability research and news topics from across Australia and the Asia Pacific.

The magazine is now published six times per year, which means more current content, and more stunning images, more often.

All previous issues are also available online back to 1985.

The latest issue is now available at www.publish.csiro.au/ecos and features articles on our changing approach to drought … effect of fire in water catchments ... super-sized ocean eddies ... biological weed control and more.

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NEW BOOKS FROM CSIRO PUBLISHING

Australian Soils and Landscapes is destined to become a classic for anyone interested in land use and our natural environment. The book explains the impact of various forms of land use and the changes they can bring about in soil. This is followed by a compendium that describes and illustrates over 100 of the more important and widespread soils of Australia, along with their associated landscapes.

http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/20/pid/3821.htm

Managing and Conserving Grassy Woodlands describes a set of principles that will enable landholders to maintain or increase productivity without compromising ecological sustainability. Initially published in hardback, this book is now available in paperback.

http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/20/pid/4749.htm

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