Budget News

FEDERAL - Transition to low carbon economy

The Federal budget provides assistance measures through household assistance payments and support for jobs in trade-exposed industries making the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, says treasury modelling shows the introduction of a $23 carbon price from July 2012 will only have a 0.7 per cent impact on the CPI.

Mr Combet says more than four million households will get an extra buffer with assistance that covers 120 per cent of the average expected impact for a household of their income and type. He says the government will also support jobs and ensure industries remain competitive as Australia transitions to a low carbon future.

The Jobs and Competitiveness Program will help emissions intensive, trade-exposed industries manage the impact of the carbon price. The Budget includes further measures to drive energy efficiency and assist in the transition to a low carbon economy:

Building Energy Efficiency

$2.8 million in additional funding for a range of building energy efficiency activities, including maintenance and improvement of current building rating tools, information programs and regulatory schemes.

• This funding supports a package of programs to deliver cost-effective abatement in the building sector, including administering the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, monitoring compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act and contributing to measures in the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency.

Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards

$37.1 million in funding over four years to introduce a nationally-consistent legislative framework to regulate the energy efficiency of equipment and appliances.

• This framework will replace an inefficient patchwork of state and territory schemes – it addresses two policy objectives of improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Adaptation

$3.0 million in funding in 2012-13 to support the development of climate change adaptation policy and risk analysis. Further funding will be determined based on the recommendations of the Productivity Commission’s report on adaptation due later this year.

• This funding will help develop policy to enable business and communities to build resilience and adapt to a changing climate.

Tax Breaks for Green Buildings

The Tax Breaks for Green Buildings Program will no longer proceed with a saving of $405.2 million over the forward estimates.

• Since 2010 there have been major changes to the policy environment, most notably the passage of the Clean Energy Future (CEF) package. Along with the incentive provided by the carbon price under the CEF package, support is available for retrofits of commercial buildings; for example through Low Carbon Australia. Upon its establishment, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation will also provide financing that will build up to $10 billion for renewable energy, energy efficiency and low emissions technologies.
• In light of these changes, proceeding with the program is not considered value for money.

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FEDERAL - Funding water reform

The 2012 budget provides for $350 million to support water reform in the Murray Darling Basin.

Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Water, Tony Burke, says the government is committed to delivering a plan for the Basin that restores rivers to health, ensures strong regional communities and sustainable food production.

Mr Burke says the government is committing additional funds to support modernisation of irrigation infrastructure, helping irrigators improve water efficiency on-farm. He says some funds previously reserved for buybacks have been pushed back for future years because of the government's decision not to engage in general rounds of tenders prior to the conclusion of 2012.

An additional $150 million is being provided to the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program from 2012-13 to support individual farm infrastructure improvement projects.

Mr Burke will soon announce a call for applications for round three of the program.

The minister says the program builds on the work of farmers in improving water efficiency at an on-farm level. Mr Burke says irrigators have informed his department that they have spent funds for supplies and services from two previous rounds of the program almost entirely to the benefit of regional businesses.

The Budget will also provide $200 million for the Strategic Sub-System Reconfiguration Program, a new four year initiative which will achieve water savings through reconfiguring inefficient off-farm water delivery infrastructure where this is coupled with the purchase of water entitlements.

Mr Burke says proposals will be developed at a community level involving infrastructure operators and their irrigation customers.

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FEDERAL - Caring four Our Country

The Federal Government will continue its commitment to the Caring for our Country program for another five years, providing $2.2 billion from 2013-14 to 2017-18.

The extended funding follows a review of the first phase of Caring for our Country, which found the program was on track to exceed its five-year outcomes in nearly all national priority areas.

The next five years of the program will draw on the findings of the review and the strengths and successes of the first phase; focus on activities that address emerging priorities in natural resource management, and strengthen the focus on the marine environment.

From July 2013, Caring for our Country will be delivered through two specific streams – one dedicated to sustainable environment, and the other to sustainable agriculture.

Sustainability, Environment and Water Minister, Tony Burke, says separate but complementary streams will allow focussed delivery of priorities and ensure effective integration with the policies and programs in the government's broader sustainability agenda.

Agriculture Minister, Joe Ludwig, says the initiative is a “win for farmers and for the sustainability of farming land into the future”.

Senator Ludwig says separate streams will allow for greater emphasis on the role farming communities play in keeping land productive, and the projects that are needed to support their efforts. He says a stream dedicated to agriculture means farmers and farming communities will directly benefit.

Information on the broad framework for the next five years of Caring for our Country and areas for further consultation will shortly be available on the Caring for our Country website www.nrm.gov.au. A second phase of consultation regarding the future direction of the program will take place over coming months.

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VICTORIA - Upgrading water management

More than $66 million is being invested over the next four years by the Victorian Government to improve water management.

The 2012 budget funding includes $50.4 million to improve water resource measurement and management. The money will be used to improve surface water monitoring and data management, groundwater monitoring through the State Observation Bore Network, the Victorian water register and integrated water analysis and reporting.

Funds will be used to manage potential risks to water availability to minimise the impacts of future droughts and towards streamlining processes and cutting red tape by simplifying the Bulk Water Entitlements Framework.

The government will also invest $7.25 million to review water legislation and co-ordinate activities under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Another $8.7 million will be allocated to improve water security for food producers while balancing the needs of the environment. This will be done through improving integrity in water savings assessment and management; providing incentives to irrigators to complete property management planning; and for those eligible, upgrade on-farm systems to improve water use.

Water Minister Peter Walsh says the state can better manage essential water services if it has a better understanding of water resources. He says the funding will establish Victoria as a world leader in liveable cities, improve the environmental health of waterways and provide mechanisms to understand and manage water resources.

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VICTORIA - Budget funding for energy security

The Victorian Government has allocated $33.7 million in budget funding over five years to finance stronger government oversight of the smart meter program and to protect the state’s interests during the introduction of the carbon tax.

The allocation for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure or smart meter program follows the recommendations of the 2009 Auditor-General's report and a 2011 cost-benefit analysis by Deloitte.

The Auditor-General's report found an historical lack of governance and central oversight of the smart meter rollout and that government had a responsibility to better support the implementation of the project.

Minister for Energy and Resources, Michael O'Brien, says both reports found greater customer engagement was required to better explain smart meters and their operation.

Mr O’Brien says the Budget investment will support consumers by giving them useful advice and information on energy efficiency and how to take greater control of their energy consumption.

The minister says it is also important that consumers understand their options under flexible pricing should they choose to take it up when it is introduced. These initiatives will be funded under a Budget allocation of $19.8 million over four years.

The Budget includes funding of $62.5 million over three years to progressively replace the most dangerous powerlines in the state with new technology.

These funds are the first installment of up to $200 million over 10 years that was announced in December 2011 in response to the recommendations of the Powerline Bushfire Safety Taskforce and the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission.

Mr O'Brien says $9.5 million over three years would also help ensure Victoria was well-placed for the commencement of the Federal Government's carbon tax. He says Victoria has concerns about the implications of the carbon tax on energy security and mine site rehabilitation – risks that will need to be managed.

Mr O’Brien says the funding will ensure the state is informed and resourced for the decisions and actions that are needed as the energy sector goes through transition.

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Greenhouse & Energy

Regulator names first liable entities for carbon tax

Nearly 250 entities have been categorised by the Clean Energy Regulator as being liable for the Federal Government’s carbon tax which comes into force from July 2012.

The 248 entities make up the first phase of the Liable Entities Public Information Database (LEPID) published by the regulator. Under the Clean Energy Act 2011, the regulator is required to publish a list of entities that are likely to be liable to comply with the carbon pricing mechanism.

They are included in the database if the regulator has reasonable grounds to believe they are, or are likely to be, liable entities because they meet criteria specified under the Act within a financial year.

The LEPID is being published through a staged schedule as information is made available to the regulator. The first phase of the LEPID includes entities identified through emissions reporting under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 and natural gas suppliers.

Clean Energy Regulator Chair, Chloe Munro, says it wrote to about 330 entities advising that they were likely to be liable for the 2012-13 financial year. Ms Munro says following that consultation the regulator published 248 entities it was satisfied were likely to be liable entities. They account for around 70 per cent of emissions covered by the carbon pricing mechanism.

She says the initial phase of the LEPID is the first step in providing timely information to participants in the new carbon pricing mechanism – the regulator’s focus is on providing education and training to help them understand and meet their statutory obligations. More information about the process for publishing the LEPID is available at www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au.

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PC report incorporates challenges for councils adapting to climate change

The Productivity Commission argues that shortages of professional and technical expertise, and financial constraints, are preventing some councils from planning for climate change and implementing effective adaptation actions, according to the Productivity Commission.

The commission said in a draft report released at the end of April that there was also inadequate information and guidance to support local government decision making.

The report — Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation — said a large volume of guidance material was provided to councils to assist them to make decisions about climate change adaptation, but the material did not appear to be meeting the requirements of some councils.

The commission said local governments had an important role to play in assisting communities to understand the impacts of climate change and in establishing and implementing options to address climate risks. It said, however, the roles responsibilities of the sector were not particularly clear – these included responsibilities for managing the risks of climate change, especially in the areas of land-use planning and emergency management, and also extended to areas beyond adaptation.

The commission said as a first step to clarifying these roles and responsibilities, state and territory governments should compile and publish a comprehensive and up-to-date list of laws that imposed responsibilities on local governments.

The PC said it was the responsibility of state and territory governments to ensure councils had the capacity to fulfil their regulatory functions, including those that related to climate change adaptation. This included clarifying legal liability for adaptation and the appropriate processes for councils to manage their liability.

The Commission will be holding public hearings in July and is seeking responses to its draft recommendations and a number of information requests contained in the draft report. A final report will be submitted to the Australian Government in September 2012.

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Major construction starts on Tasmanian wind farm

Foundations are being poured for the $400 million Musselroe wind farm in north east Tasmania.

The remote site will be home to 56 turbines, generating 168 megawatts of clean wind power. Tasmanian company Hazell Brothers has been appointed as the main civil contractor for the project and towers for the turbines are being fabricated by a Launceston company.

Premier, Lara Giddings, says careful planning has gone into managing the cultural and environmental impacts of the project. The footprint of towers and roads has been planned to avoid areas where Aboriginal artefacts have been discovered and a comprehensive bird monitoring program will continue throughout the construction period.

Ms Giddings says the project will boost Tasmania’s international reputation for renewable energy and will create 200 jobs in the state’s north east during the 18 month construction period.

About 130 workers will be based on site or in accommodation at Gladstone, creating a direct economic benefit for an area that has been hit hard in recent times by the downturn in the forest industry and the loss of vegetable processing facilities.

Ms Giddings says a number of workers were displaced as a result of the downturn in the local forest industry and the wind farm project is important in ensuring their skills and expertise is being retained in the region.

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SA's next uranium project on track

South Australia’s next major uranium mining development is a step closer with a 10-year lease accepted for the Four Mile project.

Four Mile, in SA’s far north near the Beverley Mine, is described as one of the most significant uranium deposits unearthed anywhere in the world in the past 25 years.

The lease has been accepted by Quasar – an affiliate of Heathgate Resources, the owner and operator of the Beverley Mine – and Alliance Resource. It allows the joint venturers to develop a mining and rehabilitation program for the Four Mile project. They plan to minimise the environmental disturbance by processing the resource at the existing Beverley facilities.

State Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Tom Koutsantonis, says he’s hopeful Four Mile will help realise the benefits of the mining boom for all South Australians and tap into the growing global demand for energy.

Mr Koutsantonis says nuclear technology is going to play an important role in delivering the energy needs of China and India as they continue to develop and urbanise. He says China’s domestic production of uranium can only meet a small part of the demand created by its 13 operating nuclear reactors and 27 more under construction. India is expected to increase its use of nuclear power from its current three per cent of electricity generation to 40 per cent by 2050.

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Training Opportunities

Looking to further your career or change direction?

There are now more people living in urban centres than in rural areas. RMIT can give you the skills and knowledge you need to work in a complex and changing environment and make sense of the bigger picture.

Become a leader in your field. Be involved in developing communities and environmental policy. Create action that will affect the future sustainability of our cities and regions.

Designed by leading academics and industry professionals, RMIT’s programs reflects the latest debates, issues and approaches to policy making, development and management both locally and globally.

Many subjects and materials are delivered online, providing you with a flexible learning process that lets you balance study, work and family life.

Gain practical, first-hand experience with RMIT’s programs in:

• Master of Social Science (Environment and Planning)
  (http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=o3ld9j8e3bl71?utm_source=EnviroInfo&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=RD041212)
• Master of Social Science (International Urban and Environmental Management)
  (http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=o3ld9j8e3bl71?utm_source=EnviroInfo&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign= RD041212)
• Master of Social Science (International Development)
  (http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=cu0aobr6hn081?utm_source=EnviroInfo&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign= RD041212)

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Maximise your training budget with SAI Global

Utilise your training budget before the financial year ends with one of SAI Global's Environmental Management training courses and qualifications.

Courses are nationally accredited and cater for introductory through to advanced diploma level students. Topics include environmental compliance, greenhouse gas reporting and auditing environmental management systems (EMS). You can also choose to complete our Diploma of Quality Auditing for EMS, or SAI Global’s Advanced Diploma in EMS*.

With new dates available around the country in May and June, you’ll be making the most of your training budget with SAI Global.

For more information, or to register, visit saiglobal.com/environment, email training@saiglobal.com or call 1300 727 444.

*This is not a qualification under the Australian Qualification Framework.

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Environmental Auditor Certification Workshop

Environmental Auditor Certification Workshop

Newcastle 21st – 25th May

$2,495.00 (GST Free) Includes a copy of the Environmental Audit Guidebook valued at $549.00

This comprehensive, accredited 5-day workshop enables individuals to commission, manage and conduct environmental audits, as well as advise their clients on environmental issues.

Certified by RABQSA Australia, our flagship course includes the following accredited competency units to be put toward registration as an Environmental Auditor:

• RABQSA-EM– Environmental Management Systems
• RABQSA-AU– Management Systems Auditing
• RABQSA-TL– Leading Management Systems Audit Teams

Who Should Attend

• Environmental managers
• Operational managers
• Staff who may need to undertake internal environmental audits or inspections in their organisation
• Environmental consultants seeking qualifications to undertake environmental audits or inspections for clients
• OHS personnel undertaking environmental work

Workshop Topics

• Environmental Legislation
• Government Requirements
• ISO 19011:2003 Guidelines on Quality and / or Environmental Management Systems Auditing
• Environmental Management Systems including ISO 14001
• Environmental Audits – History & Definitions
• Commissioning & Conducting Environmental Audits
• Other Relevant Environmental Standards
• Environmental Risk Assessment
• Ecosystem Principles
• Environmental Audit Protocol Development

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion, you will be able to:

• Conduct an environmental audit in an organisation
• Apply environmental management systems (EMS) to different operational processes
• Assess the risk of identified hazards in the context of the organisation’s EMS
• Assess the effectiveness of an organisation’s methodologies for controlling environmental hazards
• Assess environmental roles & responsibilities in the context of the organisation’s EMS
• Relate the auditee management system to the audit criteria
• Apply relevant regulations and other considerations to the audit process
• Apply environmental management principles to the auditee’s business/industry sector
• Increase understanding of environmental science and technology principles within the organisational context
• Determine the adequacy and effectiveness of the EMS

For more information and to register visit www.grahamabrown.com.au or contact Tania to secure your place training@grahamabrown.com.au or phone 02 4927 8500.

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Conferences & Events

Registrations are now open for the largest irrigation event ever to be held in Australia

Registrations are now open for the largest irrigation event ever to be held in Australia.

The event, hosted by Irrigation Australia Limited will be held from 24th to 29th June, at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Running over four days the IAL Conference will offer seminars on essential irrigation topics with key speakers from government, agriculture, and horticulture, as well as environmental and landscape industries. The future trends in water supply and irrigation will also be demonstrated at this internationally recognised Conference. The Conference program has been developed with an outlook on issues that will affect businesses and the industry over the next 12 months as well as the challenges faced by a still developing industry.

Occupying more than 5000 square metres, the Trade Show will feature companies such as irrigation equipment suppliers, importers, distributors and retailers all showcasing their products and services to the irrigation industry.

Launching at the Trade Show in 2012 is the ‘Wet Pit’ Demonstration Area which will bring a new dimension for visitors and a real ‘touch and feel’ experience. Visitors can learn about new technologies from leading suppliers in the water industry and see experts demonstrating their products and skills.

Ian Atkinson, CEO of Irrigation Australia, explained why this is ‘must attend’ event: “For Conference delegates as well as Trade Show visitors the event is an excellent opportunity to see all the best irrigation equipment available. With presentation papers on the latest developments in technology and management as well the biggest Trade Show in the southern hemisphere you can’t afford not to be at this year’s event in Adelaide.”

For more information about Irrigation Australia’s 2012 Conference and Trade Show and to register, visit: www.irrigation.org.au/2012

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2012 Government Sustainability Conference & Public Sector Clean Energy Forum

• Australia’s peak environmental conference for the Public Sector
• Sept 18 & 19, Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne
• REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE at www.governmentsustainability.com.au
  
• Early Bird Registration only $600+GST

UPDATE: This conference will now incorporate the one-day Public Sector Clean Energy Forum: leading the way to efficient, low-carbon energy use. This Forum will be staged on Day 2 - September 19. More information about the Forum is available here

The 2012 Government Sustainability Conference will again provide local, state and federal government professionals and representatives of other public sector agencies with comprehensive analysis and advice about how to ingrain environmentally sustainable policies and practices within their organisations and the communities they serve.

Confirmed Speakers include:

• Felix MacNeill, Environmental Management Coordinator, Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
• Rob Murray-Leach, CEO, Energy Efficiency Council
• Michael Oke, Coordinator Environmental Management, City of Yarra
• Adam Beck, Executive Director Market Development and Sustainable Communities, Green Building Council of Australia
• Laura Lynch, ESD Unit Coordinator, Moreland City Council
• Tiernan Humphrys, Manager Environmental Sustainability, Capital Projects & Service Planning, Victorian Department of Health
• Andrew Foran, CEO, Centre for Sustainability Leadership
• Leah Sertori, Project Director, Central Victoria Solar City CEO, Sustainable Regional Australia
• Emma Fuchsen, Sustainability Education Officer, Rural City of Wangaratta
• Bronwyn Chapman, Manager of Environment, Rural City of Wangaratta
• Ed Cotter, BioRegional Australia

Speakers will be added to website as they are confirmed.

WORKSHOPS will include:

• Carbon Accounting in the Public Sector - Workshop presented by National Centre for Sustainability, Swinburne University.
• Barriers and Drivers to Embedding Sustainability in your Government Organisation - Workshop presented by Local Government Association of NSW and Shires Association of NSW.

This conference will follow on from the highly successful 2011 Government Sustainability Conference, which attracted more than 200 attendees. By focusing on the issues and needs that are faced by governments and their authorities, this conference has become the peak annual environmental conference for Australia’s public sector.

This national conference will provide attendees with the means to network and discuss environmental best practice with officials from the nation’s public sector sustainability leaders.
High-quality information and case studies will assist attendees to address crucial environmental issues facing all levels of government, including:

• How to embed a culture of environmental sustainability within a government organisation.
• Implementation of leading-edge climate change strategies that encourage reduced emissions and prepare a government organisation. for the risks posed by climate change.
• Community engagement in environmental initiatives.
• Encouraging sustainability in public sector infrastructure and the built environment.
• Efficient water management practices and waste minimisation.
• Green purchasing and procurement.
• Policy and regulation adherence.

Attendees will also be able to participate in high-quality WORKSHOPS that will enhance their ability to respond to environmental issues and generate sustainable outcomes for their organisation.

Public Sector Clean Energy Forum:

This year’s Government Sustainability Conference will include the Public Sector Clean Energy Forum: leading the way to efficient, low-carbon energy use. The Forum will be staged on Day 2 of the Conference (September 19).
Attendance of the Forum will be open to Conference Attendees. To specifically attend the Forum, please ensure you are registered for Day 2 of the Conference. Online registration is available here

The focus of the Public Sector Clean Energy Forum will be to:

• Examine leading examples of how public sector bodies are reducing energy consumption and emissions through the adoption of energy efficient practices and renewable energy technologies.
• How public sector organisations can lead their communities in the adoption of more sustainable energy consumption solutions.
• With the introduction of the Carbon Price to further escalate energy costs, this Forum will provide attendees with crucial advice on how to mitigate the impact of energy price rises on their organisations.

CALL FOR SPEAKERS:

If you would like to propose a presentation for the 2012 Government Sustainability Conference or the Public Sector Clean Energy Forum, please email a 300-word description of your presentation topic to Conference Coordinator Ben Hutchison at ben.hutchison@commstrat.com.au

For conference registration and attendance enquiries please contact:
Registration Manager
Ph: (03) 8534 5050
registration@commstrat.com.au

Sponsorship & Exhibition Enquiries:
Brian Rault
Sales Manager
Hallmark Conferences + Events
CommStrat
Ph: (03) 8534 5014
brian.rault@commstrat.com.au

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EARLY BIRD CLOSING NEXT WEEK: 2012 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government Conference

• Melbourne, July 18 & 19
• PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE AT www.lgbestpractice.com.au
• Two days of leading knowledge and practical advice
• EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION PERIOD CLOSES MAY 23
  

Leading case studies and advice for local governments on how to improve organisational performance and efficiency, cut costs and pursue continuous improvement will be detailed at the 2012 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government Conference.

This Conference will provide attendees with information they can immediately use to improve organisational performance, drive continuous improvement and achieve a culture of excellence within their own local government.

To be staged in Melbourne, this annual national conference will be held at Etihad Stadium on July 18 & 19.

This event follows on from the highly successful 2011 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government Conference, which attracted more than 150 local government professionals from across Australia.

Presentations will include the latest case studies and advice on innovative and best practice in local government organisational development and management practices, as well as interactive workshops.
The Local Government Business Excellence Network and the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government are again Official Endorsing Organisations for this event.

Confirmed Speakers include:

• Nick Heath, General Manager, Hobart City Council
• Dr Michael Kennedy, CEO, Mornington Peninsula Shire
• Mark Brady, General Manager Corporate Services, City of Port Phillip
• Ian Mackinlay, Manager Organisational Development, Woollahra Council
• Melissa Gibbs, Assistant Director, Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government
• Denise Bennett, Lean Program Manager, City of Melbourne
• Marg Burge, Executive Manager Organisational Development, Bayside City Council
• Kerryn Ellis, Manager Corporate Planning and Performance, Knox City Council
• Joel Edmondson, Executive Officer Strategic Change, City of Whittlesea
• Damian West, Group Manager Client Engagement, Australian Public Service Commission
• Stephanie Sheehan, Principal Corporate Planner, Moreton Bay Regional Council
• Ben Dornier, Director of Corporate and Community Services, City of Palmerston
• Gregor Ptok, HR Consultant, Local Government and Shires Associations of New South Wales
• Dave Barry, Director Community and Corporate Services, Towong Shire Council
• Coralie Nichols, Executive Director Community Services, Sunshine Coast Regional Council
• Josh Keech, Coordinator Employee Services, Randwick City Council
• WORKSHOP TOPIC: Efficiency + Effectiveness = Productivity
  Achieving Excellence through Leadership & Culture
  Presenter: Human Synergistics Chairman ANZ – Shaun McCarthy

The 5th Annual Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government Conference will focus on local government best practice in areas such as:

• Organisational development and performance improvement
• Staff productivity & workforce culture
• Management structures & systems
• Best practice HR and Becoming an Employer of Choice
• Achieving financial sustainability
• Business Systems & Technology implementation

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

This Conference will be tailored for local government officials from across Australia who are focused upon improving the performance of their organisation, including:

• CEOs / General Managers
• Directors
• Organisational Development and Performance Improvement Coordinators
• Manager Corporate Services
• Human Resources Manager
• Manager Corporate Planning
• Change Management Coordinator
• Business Excellence Manager
• Elected Members

This year’s conference will again be followed by a meeting of councils participating in the Local Government Business Excellence Network.
The Conference venue is located in the heart of Melbourne and within walking distance of a variety of accommodation options.

REGISTER ONLINE at www.lgbestpractice.com.au

For Registration Enquiries please contact:
Registration Manager
Ph: (03) 8534 5050
registration@commstrat.com.au

Sponsorship & Exhibition Enquiries:
Brian Rault
Sales Manager
Hallmark Conferences + Events
CommStrat
(03) 8534 5014
brian.rault@commstrat.com.au

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National CBD & Town Centre Design and Development Conference - TO BE STAGED NEXT WEEK

• Sydney, May 23 & 24
  
• PROGRAM AVAILABLE AT: www.cbdconference.com.au
  

The national CBD & Town Centre Design and Development Conference will provide comprehensive analysis and advice on how to optimise the infrastructure and design of key community hubs.

With local governments, developers and businesses seeking to enhance the amenity and economic activity of CBDs and town centres, this conference will provide comprehensive analysis of how these spaces can be sculpted to achieve optimum results for the community and local business.

Leading case studies of successful urban CBD and regional town centre design and revitalisation will be featured along with analysis of supporting economic development strategies.

Speakers secured to date include:

• Giovanni Cirillo, Executive Director, Urban Renewal and Major Sites, NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure
• Andrew Wear, Regional Director, Metropolitan Melbourne, Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development
  
• Stephen Sully, General Manager of City Development, Brimbank City Council
• Russell Luhrs, Executive General Manager – Planning and Infrastructure, Springfield Land Corporation
• Merryn Spencer, Creative Broker, City Culture, Tourism & Recreation, Parramatta City Council
• Evelyn King, CEO, Newcastle Business Improvement Association
• Bronwyn Clarke, Project Manager, Lane Cove ALIVE
• Shannon Davies, Place Manager - Moe Activity Centre, Latrobe City Council
• Tony McNamara, Director of Planning and Environment, City of Canada Bay
• Ursula Lang, Urban Renewal Manager, Rhodes Peninsula, City of Canada Bay
  
• Monica Cologna, Team Leader, Strategy, Planning & Environment, Auburn City Council
• Peter Steele, Coordinator - Urban Development, Moreland Energy Foundation
  

WORKSHOP to be staged as part of conference:
Building the business case for CBD / Town Centre development
Workshop Facilitator: Andrew McDougall, SGS Economics and Planning Pty Ltd

This event is produced by Hallmark Conferences + Events (subsidiary of CommStrat), producer of the biannual Melbourne Planning Summit and previous events including the Local Government Sustainable Development Conference and the NSW Sustainable Development Conference.

Who Should Attend:

• Urban Planners & Designers
• Economic Development Professionals
• Infrastructure & Asset Managers
• Development industry professionals
• Place Managers
• Councillors
• Regional Development Authority representatives
• Chamber of Commerce representatives
• Etc

For conference registration and attendance enquiries please contact:
Registration Manager
Ph: (03) 8534 5050
registration@commstrat.com.au

Sponsorship Enquiries:
Brian Rault
Sales Manager
Hallmark Conferences + Events
CommStrat
Ph: (03) 8534 5014
brian.rault@commstrat.com.au

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Water Management

New tool to boost irrigation efficiency

A new tool has been launched to help Queensland irrigators calculate when and how much water their crops need.

The Scheduling Irrigation Diary is a web-based software tool to assist irrigators to improve the efficiency of their watering strategies. It has been made available under the South East Queensland Irrigation Futures program managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

The tool uses real time rainfall, as well as evaporation data from the Bureau of Meteorology to determine soil moisture content and determine the water requirements of the relevant crop. Irrigators enter data such as soil types, crops, plant and harvest dates into the program which assesses when and how much to irrigate, up to a week in advance.

State Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Andrew Cripps, says to have such knowledge ahead of time will enable irrigators to make better decisions and avoid over or under watering. This will, in turn, save water and money.

Mr Cripps says improving and refining irrigation scheduling is one of the keys to water use efficiency in agriculture, and making good choices about water use is a focus of government and industry water use efficiency programs. For further information, visit the Scheduling Irrigation Diary at http://sid.usq.edu.au

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Canberra approves Connors River Dam EIS

The Federal Government has approved the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Connors River Dam and Pipeline project in central Queensland.

SunWater’s $1.2 billion project involves a 373,662 megalitre capacity dam and a 133 kilometre pipeline from the dam to Moranbah.

SunWater intends to transfer about 49,500 megalitres of water per annum from the dam via the pipeline as far as Moranbah, to service coal mines and associated communities.

Water may also be released downstream for purchase by irrigators (up to 5000 ML per annum) and the project will provide sufficient water to ensure necessary environmental flows down the river.

The project will help facilitate the delivery of reliable water supplies to the Bowen and Galilee coal basins, as well as the townships of Nebo, Moranbah and Alpha. Construction could start in late 2012, with the first water delivered in 2016.

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Water security for Western Australia's south west

The first surface water allocation plan for the Warren-Donnelly region in Western Australia’s south west will provide long-term water security for hundreds of irrigators, according to State Water Minister Bill Marmion.

The plan affects about 400 landowners who have built nearly 500 on-stream dams to capture and store water.

It covers more than 6,000 square kilometres of the Donnelly and Warren River basins. Nearly 67 gigalitres per year of water is allocated for licensed use across the plan area, of which 35 GL/year is already licensed.

Mr Marmion says new allocation limits, based on dry years, will ensure licence holders have reliable supplies while also providing water for the environment. He says the need for a plan arose as the concentration of water users grew, putting pressure on supplies.

Mr Marmion says the new plan manages water for the benefit of landowners and provides confidence that the investment potential in the region will be maintained. He says it encapsulates more than 50 years of surface water licensing and management in the region as well as extensive stakeholder involvement.

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Recognising excellence in water efficiency

Commercial and industrial companies that can demonstrate recent water savings are encouraged to nominate for the 2012 Prime Minister's Water Wise Award.

Announcing the opening of nominations – Don Farrell, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water – said the award was to celebrate companies that make outstanding efforts to conserve water. Senator Farrell said it was Australia's premier award recognising water efficiency excellence in the commercial and industrial sectors, which typically accounted for between 15 and 20 per cent of all water used in Australia.

Judging is based on water savings and takes into account innovation, excellence in project delivery, and the ability for approaches to be replicated at other facilities.

The 2011 award was won by Queensland-based landscape supply company, Nursery Traders. The company was recognised for water harvesting and recycling projects that have reduced reliance on potable water by 98.5 per cent per hectare.

The award is part of the Water Efficiency Opportunities program, under the Federal Government's Water for the Future initiative. Nominations close on 20 July 2012. Further information can be found here.

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Land Management

Focus on progressing drought reform

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Joe Ludwig, says Australia becoming officially drought-free for the first time in over a decade marks the time to progress drought reform.

Senator Ludwig says the expiry of Exceptional Circumstances declarations in Bundarra and Eurobodalla on April 30 marked a major milestone for agriculture in Australia. He says the seasonal outlook is brighter than it has been for many years and the improved conditions are a welcome reprieve for farmers across Australia.

The Senator says the government and the agriculture sector need to take this opportunity to transition from reacting to crises, to a pro-active policy approach that prepares farmers for the future.

Senator Ludwig says the government is working with states and territories to progress new drought policy, with reform a key topic for discussion at the first Standing Council on Primary Industries held in Adelaide. He says the reform process will see a national framework introduced which focuses on risk management and preparedness, rather than on crisis management. A major step toward that framework will be phasing out the EC interest rate subsidy, which will conclude on 30 June.

Senator Ludwig says the end of the subsidy will clear the way for new arrangements which help farmers better manage risk and prepare for challenges associated with drought, rather than the previous approach of waiting for a crisis before offering assistance. He says it is important to support those farmers still suffering hardship and the Federal Government will provide funding for the Transitional Farm Family Payment until June 2014.

The payment provides up to 12 months of income support for farm families as well as individualised case management to help families in hardship and improve their long term security.

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Tasmanian government stands behind approved mining in Tarkine

The Tasmanian Government has reaffirmed its opposition to a blanket National Heritage listing of the Tarkine area.

Deputy Premier, Bryan Green, says the government will not compromise Tasmania’s mining potential, including heavily mineralised areas on the north west and west coasts.

Mr Green says he has made clear to Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, the state’s strong support for continued exploration and sustainable mining operations in the region. He says there is no reason that mining cannot co-exist with other activities and values of the Tarkine as it has done for generations.

Mr Green says it is important to keep in perspective the small mining footprint in the Tarkine. He says if all current mining proposals went ahead in the region, together with mines already operating, the total lease area would amount to just 0.8 per cent of the Tarkine.

Mr Green says any mining operation is subject to stringent environmental laws and rigorous state and Federal approval processes. He says mining is a key industry for Tasmania’s economic prosperity and the government will continue to proactively seek investment to promote wealth generating opportunities for the state.

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National

Australian centre to inform climate change studies

The only Environmental Radioactivity Measurement Centre of its kind in Australia has been opened at Lucas Heights in Sydney.

The $8.7 million centre at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) facility uses ultra-sensitive equipment to provide data for climate change studies and to measure the natural radioactivity of items to ensure they meet strict import and export conditions.

It will mean Australian environmental scientists will be able to use top quality equipment to obtain world-leading, low radiation readings. The readings will enhance scientists' understanding of the environment.

"The ITRAX-Corescanner, a key piece of equipment used to measure environmental samples, will be housed in the new facility and will allow thousands of measurements to be made within a few hours, instead of a few weeks.

Minister for Science and Research, Chris Evans, says the facility and equipment will ensure ANSTO scientists can continue their work as world leaders in dating and sorting human-induced environmental change from natural change. Senator Evans says the research will help predict future impacts on the environment so scientists can develop more sustainable land and water practices to conserve the environment.

Designers and builders spent months sourcing and analysing materials with the lowest possible levels of natural radiation for the construction of the centre. Providing an environment with low background radiation enables the equipment to detect tiny amounts of radiation that would otherwise go undetected.

The building's basement facility, enclosed by a 550 kilogram door made from pre-World War II steel and 30 centimetre thick concrete ceiling, floor and walls to limit interference, houses five gamma spectrometers. They are tools which detect traces of radiation in samples from around the world.

The new centre features a range of specialised radiochemistry and environmental monitoring laboratories that can unlock climate records held in sediment cores and tree ring samples.

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Funding for biochar research to help build Australia's carbon capacity

Five new research projects will share in $2 million funding to investigate ways farmers can use biochar to reduce carbon emissions. Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal that can improve soil health and water holding capacity.

The projects will establish biochar demonstration sites in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia so researchers are able to determine the effectiveness of biochar as an emission fighting agent.

They may help develop Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) methodologies which farmers can put into practice on their properties to reduce emissions and earn extra income.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Joe Ludwig, says the government wants as many farmers as possible to capitalise on opportunities the $46 million CFI presents, and the research projects will help investigate new ways biochar can help farmers get involved.

Twenty-nine applications were received from a broad range of organisations and institutions from across Australia. The projects were funded under the Biochar Capacity Building Program, a part of CFI. Further information about the programs can be found here.

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Built Environment

Major study into outer suburban regions allocated Federal Funding

Five councils belonging to the National Growth Areas Alliance will be involved in a major study into ways of making the outer suburbs of Australia’s major cities more productive, sustainable and liveable.

The Practical Design for Resilient Outer Suburbs Project will be underpinned by more than $335,000 in funding from the Federal Government’s Liveable Cities program.

A quarter of Australians living in cities reside in outer suburban growth areas which face challenges such as lack of jobs, public transport choices, ad hoc planning and retail development.

The study will be led by Whittlesea City Council in Victoria and will include the Town of Kwinana in Western Australia, Penrith City Council in NSW, Mount Barker District Council in South Australia and Ipswich City Council in Queensland. The Green Building Council of Australia will use its Green Star communities rating tool to assist with the research which will look specifically at how to:

- ensure development is well-designed, vibrant and people-friendly;

- make sure these areas are more walkable and less car dependent;

- better integrate public transport with new housing developments;

- improve job opportunities in outer areas so people do not face long daily commutes; and

- encourage greater economic and environmental sustainability.

The five councils will disseminate the results and recommendations of the project across the nation so that other growth areas have concrete research to guide their own decision-making.

Federal Infrastructure Minister, Anthony Albanese, said from a national perspective, the “far-sighted project” was a great example of the kind of cooperation between governments needed to address challenges facing cities such as climate change, a lack of affordable housing and a growing, ageing population.

Mr Albanese said as one of the most urbanised societies on the planet, Australia’s future economic prosperity and social cohesion would depend largely on how successful all levels of government were at making cities more productive, sustainable and liveable.

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Infrastructure

Twenty year strategy for Sydney

A new Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney will be prepared alongside the Long-Term Transport Master Plan and the State Infrastructure Strategy.

A discussion paper on the key principles to underpin the 20-year Metropolitan Strategy has been released by New South Wales Planning Minister, Brad Hazzard.

The discussion paper states that Sydney’s expected population, excluding the Central Coast, is expected to reach 5.6 million by 2031, some 700,000 higher than was predicted for this date in the 2005 strategy.

The revised projection has taken into account the latest actual population estimates, along with higher fertility levels and expected increased overseas migration.

Mr Hazzard said Sydneysiders deserved to have improved access to all the opportunities that the city could offer, whether these were housing, infrastructure, environmental, economic or lifestyle benefits.

The minister said he would be examining giving legislative backing to the Metropolitan Strategy as part of the state’s proposed new planning system. He said the government was looking at a clear mechanism to ensure the strategy was properly delivered. The discussion paper can be found here.

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Murray Darling Basin

Water monitoring report for the Murray Darling Basin

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released its second annual Water Monitoring Report for the Murray Darling Basin under the Water Act 2007.

The report shows water market reforms in the Basin are providing irrigators with the flexibility to maximise the value of their water assets through water trading and farming, according to ACCC Chairman, Rod Sims.

Mr Sims says commission analysis shows that compared to the previous year, fewer irrigators are electing to exit farming which reflects a positive outlook for commodity prices and water availability.

Although some irrigators are selling their permanent water rights, many are preserving their option to irrigate and continue farming into the future. Their water needs can continue to be met through the water market.

Mr Sims says although water market reforms have allowed irrigators to adapt and respond better to changing water availability and market conditions, the ACCC’s report notes that artificial barriers to water trade still exist in some areas of the Basin.

He says it also shows that charges for irrigation water services in 2010-11 were generally stable compared to the previous year, with an average increase of approximately five per cent across the Basin. This trend is reflected in changes to termination fees which are based on irrigation charges.

However, total water bills for many irrigators were higher in 2010-11 compared to 2009-10 due to an increase in available water and the volume of water delivered for farming.

Irrigation infrastructure operators were generally compliant with the water rules during 2010-11, with breaches identified by the ACCC being relatively minor.

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Marine & Coastal

First LNG from multi-billion project in WA

Woodside’s $14.9 billion Pluto Liquefied Natural Gas Project in Western Australia has produced its first LNG.

The project is located on the Burrup Peninsula, 10 kilometres north-west of Karratha. Train one will have production capacity of 4.3 million tonnes per annum. The facility is supported by an offshore platform connected to five sub-sea wells on the Pluto gas field and a 180 kilometre pipeline to the facility.

Woodside operates the Pluto LNG Project and holds 90% ownership, with Tokyo Gas and Kansai Electric, two major customers, each owning five per cent.

Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, says the project is important to the energy industry and the national economy. Minister Ferguson says Woodside estimates that 15,000 Australian jobs have been created over the course of construction, including a peak on site workforce of 4,000, and more than $7.6 billion has been pumped into the national economy.

Once Pluto reaches full production, Australia’s total LNG exports will increase from around 20 million tonnes per annum to 24.5 million tonnes per annum.

Since late 2007, Woodside has worked with CO2 Australia to implement a $100 million carbon offset program, the largest commercial program in Australia dedicated to forest sink carbon plantings. The program has already seen 20 million trees planted, with seven million more to follow.

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WA project to harness ocean energy

The ocean off Perth’s Garden Island is set to power a world-first grid-connected demonstration of Australian wave energy technology.

The $31 million pilot project will demonstrate the potential for Carnegie Wave Energy’s Australian invented and owned CETO technology to provide up to two megawatts of energy to the electricity grid.

The Federal Government has allocated nearly $10 million in funding for the project at Carnegie Wave’s Fremantle facility and the Western Australian Government is providing $5.5 million to this stage.

Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, says the technology involved has the potential to increase investor confidence in wave projects and to help unlock Australia's untapped wave energy resource. Mr Ferguson says it could also produce zero-emission desalinated seawater, which on a dry continent such as Australia, is a significant additional benefit.

It is anticipated that power could be delivered into the grid by the end of 2013.

The Federal funding is from the Emerging Renewables Program which is designed to support the development of innovative renewable energy technologies for commercialisation and deployment. More information on the program is available at www.acre.gov.au

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Recycling

TV and computer recycling scheme 'around the corner'

The Australian Capital Territory will be the first jurisdiction to implement the new National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.

From 15 May, DHL Supply Chain (Australia) Pty Ltd will provide a free, ongoing recycling service for households and small businesses across the ACT to dispose of televisions, computers, and computer products such as printers, keyboards, mice and hard drives.

The DHL Supply Chain services will operate from the Mugga Lane and Mitchell Transfer Stations.

Televisions and computers contain non-renewable resources, including gold and other precious metals, as well as hazardous materials including lead, bromine, mercury and zinc. By recycling them, useful materials can be recovered and health and environmental risks reduced.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Don Farrell, and ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher, said the Canberra initiative was the start of a nation-wide roll-out of services as part of the Product Stewardship legislation.

They said such services would boost television and computer recycling rates to 30 percent in 2012-13 and 80 per cent by 2021-22, providing a long-term solution to TV and computer waste.

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