Carbon Counting

DERM

2012-02-10T16:13:00.005+10:00

Today a tweet came through my Twitter feed as follows:

sueGCB Sue Lappeman

So its "derm derm' for DERM? RT @KylieJacobson: Campbell_Newman says LNP will deal with the absurdity of DERM.

This was allegedly said at the QLD Rural Press Club Lunch

It confirms my suspicion that should @can_do_campell win #Ashgrove and a majority of seats in the Qld legislative assembly, that he will unceremoniously dismantle DERM...

I am interested to know how the alternative scenarios will pan out, if the mad Katter's tea party get any skin in the game...

DERM

The State Opposition have been critical of the Qld Labor Government’s environment credentials indicating that the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM)’s poor management was responsible for its ineffectiveness in administering and enforcing legislation.

A LNP Government would repeal the Waste Reduction & Recycling Act & would probably disassemble DERM. Shadow Minister for the Environment Andrew Powell said there’s no proper rigour & reporting in the management of waste in Qld. He cites Auditor-General reports accusing DERM of focusing on outputs then outcomes when it came to mitigating risks to the environment.

Mr Powell was also quoted as saying: "Regional Queensland was subjected to inconsistent monitoring and compliance from the department and there was appalling and limited oversight to assist regions plan effectively."

Please find follow some excerpts from DERM's Compliance Update which seem to contradict Mr Powell's assertions.

Prosecution Bulletin no. 1/2012

DERM has released its first prosecution bulletin for 2012. This bulletin reports the successful prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the Integrated Planning Act 1997 of a Queensland company in receivership for unlawfully operating a sewage treatment plan.

Sustainable Business Weekly QLD Edition [Procurement, Floods, Oh my Darling]

2012-02-10T02:52:00.003+10:00

Sustainable Procurement

In the last few weeks, the Australian Sustainable Business Group (ASBG) in Qld has had a drive on to assist members to embed “sustainability” in supply chains. One good way to encourage supplier industry transformation is through 'forward commitment procurement'.

In theory, one engages with suppliers early (well before the product or service is required) to discuss with them one’s requirements & objectives. This gives suppliers time to properly understand what one wants & allows the market to consider modifications to their products/services/business to provide a more appropriate product/service (that are more likely to win the tender).

For example, one might let the market know that one will favourably consider environmentally labeled products. This would give suppliers time to consider modifying their processes & getting products certified under an appropriate scheme.

The British Standard BS 8903:2010 Principles and Framework for Procuring Sustainably is very useful. The Australian Procurement & Construction Council (APCC) also has some good publications.

This arrangement creates several rewards for both the Supplier & the end-user. In brief...

Advantages for Suppliers:

· Get to spend time marketing the products early, before their production runs commence;

· They may receive some payment early, which helps with cash flow;

· Have an opportunity to get to know the end-users.

Advantages for end users:

· more customisation of products to meet the end users specific needs;

· better integration of manufacturing with installations & commissioning;

· Develop a relationship with the supplier & an understanding of manufacturing processes &/or service delivery.

The Qld Floods Commission

The Qld Floods commission was given an extension to investigate “new evidence” concerning the operation of Wivenhoe Dam releases in Jan 2011.

The Qld Floods Commission of Inquiry has taken public submissions from across Qld & held two rounds of public hearings in affected areas. The Commission has commenced a third round of public hearings commence 2 February 2012.

This week Dam Engineers, Bureaucrats & Politicians have been on trial in the Courts of public opinion. There is a class action being assembled.

Steve Posselt (author of Cry Me a River) pointed out that the fallout from the Qld floods commission is a result of a society that thinks that we can engineer ourselves to be independent of nature...

Clive palmer’s Conspiracy Theories

This week on social media Qld State Treasurer Andrew Fraser tweeted “Lettuce know what you think of page 33 of Courier-mail please Prof Clive Palmer? Doesn't exactly mesh w your conspiracy theory ...”

The “Lettuce” was a reference to Clive Palmer’s blast of the Courier Mail in a recent press conference. There would appear to be a BHP Billiton project proposed in the same (or similar) corridor as Clive Palmer's project. On face value, it appears to mesh quite well with Clive Palmer's conspiracy theory.

The Coordinator-General has prepared draft terms of reference (TOR) for the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Goonyella to Abbot Point Rail Project.

The draft TOR set out the matters that BHP Billiton MetCoal Holdings Pty Ltd must address when preparing the EIS.

The public and state government advisory agencies are invited to comment on whether the draft TOR adequately cover all the matters the project proponent must address when preparing the EIS.

Comments close at 5pm on Monday 5 March 2012. The project's impacts on matters of national environmental significance are being assessed separately by the Australian Government. Download the draft terms of reference for EIS, read the fact sheet on making a comment & complete the draft TOR comment form.

Send your comments to: goonyella-abbot-rail@deedi.qld.gov.au Read more about commenting on draft TOR.

Questions for the Qld Environment Minister Vicki Darling

Recently, ABC Radio morning show host: Steve Austin spoke to Environment Minister Vicki Darling.

The Member for Sandgate took over the Environment & Resource Management portfolio 7 months ago, when the Kate Jones retired from the Ministry to spend more time re-contesting her seat of Ashgrove. Ms Darling has been involved in implementing some of the reforms that were started by Ms Jones.

Waste Reform has been an area of focus because Qld had the worst rate of rubbish to landfill of any State in Australia.

In her discussions with Steve Austin, Ms Darling defends the Qld Government’s decision to ban sand mining on Stradbroke Island.

Ms Darling is comfortable with the control systems that the Qld Government has put in for Coal seam Gas Development & is more concerned about misinformation.

sustainable procurement

2012-02-05T13:53:00.004+10:00

In the last few weeks, the Australian Sustainable Business Group (ASBG) in Qld has a drive on to assist members to embed “sustainability” in supply chains.

One good way to encourage supplier industry transformation is through 'forward commitment procurement'.

In theory, one engages with suppliers early (well before the product or service is required) to discuss with them one’s requirements & objectives. This then gives them time to properly understand what one wants & allows the market to consider modifications to their products/services/business to provide a more appropriate product/service (that is more likely to win the tender).

For example, one might let the market know that one will favourably consider environmentally labeled products.

This would give suppliers time to consider modifying their processes & getting products certified under an appropriate scheme.

The British Standard BS 8903:2010 Principles and Framework for Procuring Sustainably is very useful.

The Australian Procurement & Construction Council (APCC) also has some good publications.

This arrangement creates several rewards for both the Supplier and the end-user. In brief...

Advantages for Suppliers:

· Get to spend time marketing the products early, before their production runs commence;

· They may receive some payment early, which helps with cash flow;

· Have an opportunity to get to know the end-users.

Advantages for end users:

· more customisation of products to meet the end users specific needs;

· better integration of manufacturing with installations & commissioning;

· Develop a relationship with the supplier and an understanding of manufacturing processes and/or service delivery.

Clive Palmer's Conspiracy Theory

2012-02-04T12:22:00.004+10:00

The Qld Treasurer tweeted this morning:

AndrewFraserMP Andrew Fraser
Lettuce know what you think of page 33 of @couriermail please Prof@clivefpalmer? Doesn't exactly mesh w your conspiracy theory ...

Strangely enough page 33 refers to the Goonyella to Abbott Point Rail Project - Draft terms of reference for environmental impact statement....

This would appear to be a rival BHP Billiton project in the same corridor as Clive Palmer's project. On face value, it appears to mesh quite well with Clive Palmer's conspiracy theory.

Have your say:

The Coordinator-General has prepared draft terms of reference (TOR) for the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Goonyella to Abbot Point Rail Project.

The draft TOR set out the matters that BHP Billiton MetCoal Holdings Pty Ltd must address when preparing the EIS.

The public and state government advisory agencies are invited to comment on whether the draft TOR adequately cover all the matters the project proponent must address when preparing the EIS.

The Coordinator-General will consider your comments before finalising the TOR.

Comments close at 5pm on Monday 5 March 2012.

(The project's impacts on matters of national environmental significance are being assessed separately by the Australian Government.)

How to comment

Read the draft TOR

Download the draft terms of reference for EIS (PDF, 3.81 MB), or

view a printed copy between 6 February 2012 and 5 March 2012 at:
Bowen Library, 67 Herbert Street, Bowen
Collinsville Library, Council Chambers, Corner Stanley and Conway Streets, Collinsville
Moranbah Library, Grosvenor Complex, Batchelor Parade, Moranbah
State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane.

Comment

Read the fact sheet on making a comment (PDF, 141 kB), and

complete the draft TOR comment form (Word, 248 kB).

If you have special communication needs and wish to comment, telephone the EIS project manager on +61 7 3836 0667 to make alternative arrangements.

Send your comments

Send your completed comment form to one of the following:

Email: goonyella-abbot-rail@deedi.qld.gov.au
Post:
The Coordinator-General
C/- EIS project manager - Goonyella to Abbot Point Rail Project
Significant Projects Coordination
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
PO Box 15517
City East Qld 4002 Australia
Fax: +61 7 3225 8282

Environmental impact statement (EIS) process

Date	Activity
6 February 2012 to 5 March 2012	Public consultation on draft terms of reference for EIS.
24 October 2011	Gazettal of 'significant project' declaration.
23 September 2011	Project deemed a 'controlled action' by federal environment minister.
25 August 2011	Application, including initial advice statement (PDF, 3.8 MB), submitted.
18 August 2011	Project referred to federal environment minister.

Media releases

Two major projects declared 'significant' by Coordinator-General (27 October 2011)

Further information

For more information, visit BHP Billiton's regulatory information web page.

* Project information supplied by proponent and subject to change.

Sustainable Business Weekly QLD Edition [Coles, CSR, Flood Commission, Litter]

2012-02-03T18:23:00.003+10:00

Sustainable Procurement?

This week Coles supermarkets launched a marketing campaign slashing the retail price of selected fresh produce.

ASBG are specifically concerned about the effects this may have on the supply chain of our members in the food processing sector. There are also concerns about the impacts a fresh produce price war could have on the ecological sustainability of food production in general. Will these short term behaviours by Coles (&/or Woolworths) affect the supply chain in the long term?

According to their website Coles are actually committed to finding ways to reduce any negative impact & enhance the environment we live in. As one of Australia's largest retailers, Coles recognises the effect it may have on the environment. Adopting sustainable business practices requires a systems approach. It requires affecting sustainable behaviour as a basis for operating not only within the workplace, but within our communities.

It would appear that Coles have failed to learn that suppliers need to be recognised as essential to delivery of sustainable procurement outcomes. ASBG is interested to know what steps the ACCC may take to regulate the behaviour of Coles and/or Woolworths to protect the long term interests of consumers, suppliers, competitors and processors in the fresh produce industry.

A working definition of Sustainable Procurement provided by Action Sustainability: “Sustainable Procurement is a process whereby organisations meet their needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money on a whole life basis in terms of generating benefits to society and the economy, whilst minimising damage to the environment”

Corporate Social Responsibility

What is the value of a good reputation?

TEPCO - operator of Fukushima nuclear plant - voted world's second most irresponsible corporation in a Greenpeace poll. Brazilian miner Vale took out first.

The Qld Floods Commission

The QLD Floods commission has been given an extension to investigate “new evidence” concerning the operation of Wivenhoe Dam releases in Jan 2011. Counsel assisting the Floods Commission: Peter Callaghan referred to the hearing as "Groundhog Day".

With all the powers of a Royal Commission, the Qld Floods Commission of Inquiry has taken public submissions from across Qld & held two rounds of public hearings in affected areas. The Commission will hold a third round of public hearings commencing 2 February 2012.

It also held community meetings and consultations in thirteen locations in central and western Queensland, and the Lockyer Valley. The Commission of Inquiry delivered the interim report on 1 August 2011, covering matters associated with flood preparedness to enable early recommendations to be implemented before next summer's wet season. The final report will be delivered on 16 March 2012.

Littering & Illegal Dumping

Littering and illegal dumping is a serious problem in Qld. According to the Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index, Queensland is the most littered mainland state in Australia.

With the introduction of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, members of the public can speak out & report littering and illegal dumping involving a vehicle or a vessel.

This initiative will help minimise waste hazards on our environment, as well as dealing with the much broader social impacts of littering & illegal dumping.

If littering or illegal dumping was personally witnessed you can report it now. Witnesses of littering and illegal dumping offences can request to have a reporting form mailed by contacting 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

The difference between littering and illegal dumping is determined by size & tougher penalties have been introduced accordingly.

Pillars of the economy

The Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan & the LNP Candidate for the seat of Ashgrove: Campbell Newman have both been referring to Pillars of the economy.

Wayne Swan recently released an economic note, waxing lyrical & talking up the key pillars of economic strength.

The LNP are campaigning in the QLD State elections with a platform based on four pillars of the economy: focusing on tourism, agriculture, resources & construction as well as cutting red tape & regulation.

ASBG are seeking clarification on the foundation of sound environment policy to support the pillars of the economy.

Taking Care of Business

Keep an eye out for the Association for Sustainability in Business who are organising the 'Taking Care of Business: Sustainable Transformation' Conference on the Gold Coast on the 21-22 May 2012. It will bring together 'green economy' leaders from Australia & NZ, presenting an opportunity to network with others who are building profitable & sustainable business models, services & products.

Clive Palmer

2012-02-03T04:21:00.010+10:00

Clive Palmer is suing.....again.

In the lead up to the last Qld State election, Professor Clive Palmer launched a defamation action against Premier Anna Bligh and Treasurer Andrew Fraser.

In the lead up to the next State election, he is suing Qld Rail amongst others. It is interesting that Mr Palmer sees these as completely unrelated incidents.

Journalist, blogger, actress, producer: Natalie Bochenski captured the following fascinating audio of a press conference that Clive Palmer held recently.

Subsequently, Clive has appeared on:

* Steve Austin's Morning Program on 612Brisbane;

* Tony Jone's LateLine

I am convinced that Clive Palmer is a better (and more legitimate) leader of the Liberal National Party than Campbell Newman.

DRAFT LETTER -Coles/Woolworths Price wars on fresh produce

2012-01-31T20:55:00.003+10:00

Rowan Barber

ACCC

Dear Manager

Re: Coles/Woolworths Price wars on fresh produce

Coles supermarkets launched a marketing campaign http://www.coles.com.au/Stores-Services/Freshness-Super-Specials.aspx slashing the retail price of selected fresh produce.

As the State Manager of the Australian Sustainable Business Group, I have concerns about the impacts on the ecological and economic sustainability of food processing industries, if these short term behaviours by Coles (and/or Woolworths) affect the supply chain in the long term.

I fear the upstream impacts on Australian farmers and the viability of their businesses. I also fear the downstream impacts on consumers of a restriction of variety. i fear smaller retailers may be adversely impacted. My over arching concern is a cost driven impact on ecological sustainability of agriculture.

I would like Coles (and/or Woolworths) to pay fair and reasonable prices to Australian farmers.

i am interested to know what step the ACCC will take to regulate the behaviour of Coles and/or Woolworths to protect the long term interests of consumers, suppliers, competitors and processors in the fresh produce industry.

Yours sincerely

Rowan Barber

Sustainable Business Weekly QLD Edition [Sustainable Procurement, Qld Election, DERM, Gas]

2012-01-24T05:59:00.009+10:00

Sustainable Procurement

There are a couple of imminent developments which will have significant impacts on the process of implementing sustainable procurement:

The Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC) is market testing a sustainability rating tool in preparation for a national launch in Parliament House Canberra in February 2012.

AGIC has a whole category on sustainable procurement recognising its importance. Aurecon Pty Ltd and Net Balance Pty Ltd were the authors of this category and it was based on the British Standard BS8903:2010 which is recognised as probably the leading edge worldwide.

The Australian Water Association (AWA) has developed a Water Sector Sustainability Framework to assist AWA's Corporate Members embed sustainability principles and practices within their business activities, and encourage organisations to assess their progress. The AWA Framework consists of a Sustainability Charter for the water sector, providing a set of Sustainability Principles by which participants can guide their business activities.

The AWA Framework also provides a Business Case for participation and a Toolkit which will in time be developed into an online 'Sustainability Knowledge Point'. AWA is now ready for Corporate Members to sign-up to their AWA Water Sector Sustainability Framework and Charter.

Qld State Election

The Election date has not been announced but Qld is definitely in election mode.

ASBG’s will be writing to major & minor political parties to clarify their policies on issues that impact Environmental Management & Sustainability in the lead up to the Qld State Election.

Earlier today the Qld Premier met with Commissioner Cate Holmes.

The Commissioner advised she would be holding further hearings and therefore would require an extension to the Inquiry's reporting date. The Premier advised she would be prepared to grant an extension.

She also advised the Commissioner the granting of such an extension could have implications for the timing of elections and this would require me to seek urgent legal advice on a number of options.

The Premier awaiting this advice and will she make a further public statement once she has received and considered it.

DERM

Regional Queensland was subjected to inconsistent monitoring and compliance from the department, and there was appalling and limited oversight to assist regions plan effectively.

Stradbroke Island

Last year the Qld Premier announced a timetable to phase out sand mining on Stradbroke Island with a view to boosting the national park area on the Island to 80% by 2027. The Government believes North Straddie has enormous potential to grow a thriving, eco-tourism industry. It has legislated to ensure a phasing out of mining by 2027. A joint management process for land use is proposed with the Traditional Owners - the Quandamooka people.

Sand mining has occurred on Stradbroke Island for more than 50 years & could continue sustainable for at least another 200 years. However, the Qld Government is determined to make Straddie a political football & form the basis of it Environmental credentials. The LNP opposition believe that the extended national park now incorporates un-rehabilitated areas (including a tailings dam) which responsibility the Government will have to restore.

Gas Powered Pork Barrels

The availability & potential of gas reserves in Qld had outstripped existing & potential demand in the greater east coast Australian Gas market.

Qld Coal Seam Gas (CSG) producers want to access international gas markets via Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The first CSG-based LNG project was announced in May 2007 & since then a further nine have followed, of which 4 have achieved ‘significant project’ status & 3 have all the necessary approvals for the projects to proceed.

The Government wants to use the profits of the next resources boom, before they have calculated or demonstrated an understanding of costs of the Environmental impacts.

The Qld State Government is trying to link the modernisation of the education to the resources sector. The Qld Premier announced last year, that the Government will establish an Education Trust with the royalties from LNG. The Trust will be funded directly through 50% of LNG royalties. The Government is counting (& spending) chickens before they hatch relying on Treasury projections that indicate this will mean more than $1.8b will enter the Trust over the next 10 years.

The Government is also spending multi-billion dollars with TRUenergy, to provide 2 new gas fired power stations for Qld. The stations in Ipswich & Gladstone will be powered with CSG. In all of the propaganda from the Government & the Gas Industry, they quote the figure that gas will emit up to 50% less CO2 than coal-fired stations. There is no data to verify this claim & it is being brought into question by the proponents of renewable energy industry.

TRUenergy has already commenced the application process for development of both gas-fired power stations, which will occur over the next 12 months, with construction to begin as early as 2013.

this is not a love song

2012-01-22T08:56:00.004+10:00

This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song.....

My beloved is a Midwife by passion & vocation, currently on maternity leave.

This is not a love song

This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song

She is in the market for a new vocation that might be more compatible with parenthood.

Happy to have, not to have not
Big business is very wise
I'm crossing over into
E-enter-prize

My beloved is currently in training to be a part-time sales rep.....

Love song
Love song
Love song
Love song

She has reluctantly joined Facebook. She refuses to put her picture on her profile and she is petrified that someone will steal her identity.

I'm going over to the other side
I'm happy to have not to have not
Big business is very wise
I'm inside free enterprise

She shall be hosting "parties" to demonstrate the products features and benefits. She will be selling a robot that processes raw foods into meals. She also has another sideline in bras and undies and other apparel.

I'm adaptable
I'm adaptable

She is way out of her comfort zone.

I'm adaptable and I like my new role
I'm getting better and better
And I have a new goal
I'm changing my ways where money applies

I am very proud of her.

This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song

I'd like to support her and her ambitions.

Now are you ready to grab the candle
That tunnel vision - not television
Behind the curtain - out of the cupboard
You take the first train - into the big world
Now will I find you - now will you be there

I am here to help.....by sharing domestic duties and co-parenting an infant and a toddler.....and perhaps I can help with marketing and lead generation.

Not a love song (echo)
Not a love song
Not a love song ...

Sustainable Business Weekly QLD Edition [Waste Levy, WHS Act, QWEST]

2012-01-15T02:45:00.009+10:00

The Waste Levy

The LNP candidate for the State seat of Ashgrove is preempting the announcement of a QLD State election & has promisedto repeal the Waste levy if he wins Government (& his seat).

The Australian Sustainable Business Group (ASBG) does not oppose the Waste Levy (in principle) but has been lobbying for some sensible changes to the QLD legislation for the sake of consistency with National initiatives & easier administration.

ASBG held a policy reference group on the 6 October 2011, with members meeting with representatives from the Department of Environment and Resources Management (DERM).

It would appear that ASBG (&/or common sense) have prevailed. DERM has made changes in their naming of low & high hazardous wastes. Now they call it Regulated Waste - low hazard and Regulated - high hazard

The business plan for waste and recycling programs funded by the new Queensland waste levy was published last month & can be accessed from the DERM website. There is a also brief levy FAQ on the DERM website.

The Waste Levy Legislation passed late last year also included:

· Establishment of a scheme to support the Federal Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative via carbon sequestration projects in Qld;

· Amendments to the Water Act 2000 to compliment the National Water Initiative;

· Amendments to the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 to allow, the disposal of treated coal seam gas water to a natural water way without approval under the Act.

· The Qld Government appear to be bending over backward to provide increased flexibility in the management of seepage water discharge from coal seam gas development.

QLD Work Health Safety Act 2011

The new legislation came into force on 1 January 2012. There is still a lot of confusion about the changes.

The changes are an attempt to get some consistency in Work Health & Safety legislations in all Australian States

The regulations were first presented to industry in December 2010, as the start of a four month consultation period. The latest version of the regulatory package (model regulations and first stage codes of practice), which has been considered by the Workplace Relations Ministers, has been available to the public since September 2011. This package provides industry with a very clear picture of what is going forward. Queensland, like all other states and territories, will be introducing transitional arrangements so that industry has time to adjust to any areas that require considerable change to comply with the new laws.

Transitional provisions are included to smooth the transition to the new requirements which will require some action by business operators in order to comply.

· Transitional provisions at a glance: Work Health and Safety Act 2011

· Transitional provisions for the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

· Asbestos transitional arrangements

The Queensland Parliament passed the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the WHS Act 2011) on 26 May 2011. The WHS Act 2011 reflects the national model WHS Act with minor (but necessary) changes which enable it to operate within the Queensland jurisdiction. This was followed on 24 November 2011 with the approval of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (the WHS Regulation 2011) by the Queensland Governor in Council.

The WHS Regulation reflects the national model WHS Regulation, with some changes, which will enable it to operate effectively in Queensland.

The key pieces of legislation are:

· Work Health and Safety Act 2011

· Explanatory notes (Work Health and Safety Bill 2011)

· Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

· Explanatory notes

· Proclamation of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011

The new Work Health Safety act relies on the concept of “Reasonably practicable” which takes into account a number of factors that can help one decide what is reasonable in terms of controlling risks.

To determine what is (or was at a particular time) reasonably practicable in relation to managing a risk, a person must take into account and weight up all relevant matters, including:

· the likelihood of the hazard or the risk concerned occurring

· the degree of harm that might result

· what the person concerned knows, or ought to know, about: - the hazard or the risk; and - ways of eliminating or minimising the risk

· the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or minimise the risk.

QWEST Network

Qld Water Energy Sustainable Technology Networking forums (QWESTNet) are running a forum on “Turning manufacturing waste into profit”. It will be at Ipswich Rugby Club on 15 February 2012 supported by Ipswich Regional Council.

The keynote presentation will be from Coca-Cola Amatil's Director of Supply Chain talking about their waste reduction. There is a good range of technologies & practical solutions to reducing one’s bills & waste to landfill.

is QLD missing the start on the low-carbon revolution?

2011-12-29T19:49:00.006+10:00

The following statement by Greg Combet - Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Minister for Industry and Innovation.....

....seems somewhat remote from the actions of the Qld State Government's addictions to fossil fuels (including Coal, Crude Oil & Coal Seam Gas).

We have a head start on low-carbon revolution

Greg Combet posted Wednesday, 14 December 2011

As published in The Australian, Wednesday 14 December 2011

The decision by the UN climate change conference in Durban to pursue a new global agreement for reducing greenhouse gas emissions has profound economic significance for Australia.

For the first time, all of the world's major emitters -- including Australia's two biggest trading partners, the US and China -- have committed to take on legal obligations to reduce carbon pollution. This new agreement, which is to be negotiated by 2015 and come into effect from 2020, will create a new international legal architecture for tackling climate change.

It will replace the Kyoto Protocol's increasingly unsustainable divide between developed and developing economies by bringing all emitters into the international emissions reduction framework.

In contrast to the claims by Tony Abbott and Bob Brown that the outcome was insignificant, countries around the world -- developed and developing -- have welcomed the agreement as a major step forward. The Durban outcome leaves no doubt that all major emitters will be part of a new legal pact on climate change.

Some people have claimed that the 2020 timeframe for a new international legal agreement is too far off and that this will be a "do nothing decade". This could not be further from the truth.

All countries now have a clear signal that there will be a new legal framework to reduce global emissions. The fact that this framework will be backed by legal force cannot be underestimated. It means that all countries will be legally bound to implement measures to reduce carbon pollution.

Those countries with strong domestic climate change policies already in place -- from Europe to China -- have a head start on the low-carbon revolution that will occur this decade and beyond.

The Gillard government's carbon price ensures Australia is ready to meet our domestic and international commitments.

Just imagine if we had waited until 2020 before taking action.

Not only would we miss out on valuable opportunities this decade to build the jobs and industries of the future, we would face a significant economic shock when the new legal framework came into place and we had to achieve emissions cuts overnight. But this is exactly the approach that underpins the Coalition's climate change policies. Abbott thinks that by planting trees and offering taxpayer-funded subsidies to a few polluters, Australia will be well positioned to compete in the future low-carbon world. It is a recipe for economic decline.

The Durban outcome builds on climate action already under way including the pledges of 90 countries to reduce emissions by 2020.

This will create momentum for investments in clean energy and energy efficiency. In addition, the government is providing $1.5 billion to support innovation in Australian industry and manufacturing to seize the opportunities of a low-carbon world. Australia's transformation to a clean energy future is critical to our future competitiveness.

Implementing our clean energy reforms will be essential in the years ahead and central to my new responsibilities as Minister for Industry and Innovation and my continuing role as Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

The outcome in Durban confirms that by moving ahead with these reforms we are moving in step with global action on climate change.

a bridge too far?

2011-12-21T19:43:00.005+10:00

I am informed by Transcity that the pedestrian bridge connecting the Brisbane Grammar schools to the Victoria Park Golf Course will be closed for construction activities from mid December 2011 until late January 2012.

Transcity are going to lengthen the span of the pedestrian bridge by 15 metres, effectively extending the structure above the new outbound ICB lanes.

The existing access ways to this bridge make it very difficult for special populations (such as disabled people, the elderly, infants, parents with prams etc), to access the city.

Transcity/Brisbane City Council are extending the pedestrian bridge without addressing any of the access issues.

I understand Qld Rail own sections of the bridge but the new works are clearly the responsibility of Brisbane City Council.

Daft Draft Energy White Paper

2011-12-20T21:40:00.002+10:00

Could somebody please explain to our Federal & State politicians that gas is a fossil fuel?

Draft Energy White Paper Released

Martin Ferguson posted Tuesday, 13 December 2011

The Australian Government today released the draft Energy White Paper for public consultation, alongside the release of the 2011 National Energy Security Assessment and the Strategic Framework for Alternative Transport Fuels.

The draft Energy White Paper sets out a series of proposed Commonwealth Government priorities to address challenges confronting Australia’s energy sector.

The draft Energy White Paper identifies four priority areas for further action:

Strengthening the resilience of Australia’s energy-policy framework;
Re-invigorating the energy market reform agenda;
Developing Australia’s critical energy resources – particularly gas; and
Accelerating clean energy outcomes.

Launching the document in Melbourne, Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP outlined the emerging challenges facing Australia’s energy sector, and reiterated the role of the Energy White paper in laying out the Commonwealth Government's policy framework to address these challenges for the benefit of the community as a whole.

“Over the next two decades, Australia will require massive investment in the gas and electricity sectors – around $240 billion in generation, transmission and distribution,” Minister Ferguson said.

“We need sound regulatory frameworks and confidence from investors to ensure that the necessary investment is delivered, and the White Paper seeks to deliver this stable framework.

“The 2011 National Energy Security Assessment shows that overall Australia has a positive energy security assessment but we must remain vigilant, and the White Paper seeks to establish a more robust policy framework to increase our responsiveness to emerging challenges.

“In a period of significant change, improving the resilience of energy policy is critical. The Government therefore proposes that a strategic review of national energy policy be undertaken every four years, supported by a review every two years of national energy security. This will allow us to assess, and respond as required to emerging strategic market or policy developments in a timely and predictable way.

“The White Paper also focuses on the next round of energy market reform, including further privatisation of energy assets and the removal of retail price regulation to increase efficiencies and remove distortions in markets that deter private sector investment and are harmful to consumers’ interests.

“Further work should also be undertaken to extend energy market governance arrangements and principles to all Australian energy markets.

“In terms of consumers, the Government recognises that the community has experienced a period of rising energy prices. The White Paper recognises the need for greater consumer engagement to improve community understanding of investment and price drivers, which can lead to greater empowerment in terms of making informed decisions around managing energy use and associated costs.

“In a period of significant change, improving the resilience of energy policy is critical. The Government therefore proposes that a strategic review of national energy policy be undertaken every four years, supported by a review every two years of national energy security. This will allow us to assess, and respond as required to emerging strategic market or policy developments in a timely and predictable way.”

Alongside the release of the draft Energy White Paper, and following the passage of legislation giving effect to the carbon price, the Government is also today announcing it will no longer proceed with the introduction of emissions standards or Carbon Capture and Storage Ready requirements for new coal fired power stations.

“With the legislation of a carbon price, the Government has a position that it is best to let the market determine the most efficient investment outcomes within the energy market, carbon price and Renewable Energy Target framework,” Minister Ferguson said.

The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism will now begin a period of consultation on the draft Energy White Paper, including information sessions to be held in every state and territory capital city.

Written submissions are invited to be received no later than 16 March 2012.

The Government intends to release the final Energy White Paper around mid 2012.

The draft Energy White Paper and associated material is available atwww.energywhitepaper.ret.gov.au

Oh my Darling

2011-12-19T20:12:00.003+10:00

Here is the automated response that I received from some sort of bot, employed by Vicky Darling MP.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for your email concerning the Bimblebox Nature Refuge. The Minister for Environment has asked me to respond on her behalf.

Nature refuges are an important conservation mechanism for the Queensland Government. They are expected to contribute about one-third of the government’s commitment to 20 million hectares of protected area by 2020. Nature refuges hold special value in providing the means by which private landholders can contribute directly and meaningfully to Queensland’s protected areas.

While Queensland has become a national leader in voluntary conservation, the exceptional growth in the Nature Refuges Program has increased the prospect of conflict with other land uses. Conflict between nature refuges and mining is a key issue of concern, particularly given the recent growth in mining exploration in Queensland.

Queensland legislation does not prohibit mineral or petroleum exploration and extraction, nor veto the granting of new rights on nature refuges. However, a nature refuge’s significant conservation values must be addressed on a case-by-case basis in relation to any such proposed activities, in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1994.

In addition, the Government is currently exploring a range of options to address this conflict, including tenure amendments, however there are no easy answers.

Your feedback on this issue is of assistance as these discussions continue.

Bimblebox Nature Refuge is located on land that is proposed to be mined as part of the Galilee Coal Project (Northern Export Facility), which is currently undergoing assessment. As this proposal has been declared of State significance (a ‘significant project’), an environmental impact statement (EIS) was developed and submitted to the Coordinator‑General and the Australian Government for evaluation. Public consultation on the EIS was invited from 26 September and the due date for final submissions was extended to 19 December 2011. Further details can be found at:

www.deedi.qld.gov.au/cg/galilee-coal-project-northern-export-facility.html

The Government will not make a decision on this proposal until completion of a rigorous evaluation of the proposal and submissions by the Coordinator‑General and the Australian Government.

Should this project proceed, the proponent will also be required to replace the values that are lost on the property consistent with the requirements of the government’s Biodiversity Offsets Policy. This policy, which commenced on 3 October 2011, protects the long-term viability of Queensland’s most important biodiversity by requiring offsets where impacts from a development cannot be avoided. These biodiversity values include things such as endangered and of concern remnant regional ecosystems, wetlands, essential habitat for protected animals and protected plants.

Offsets provided under the Biodiversity Offsets Policy must achieve an equivalent or better environmental outcome and the environmental values of the offset must be similar to those that are impacted. In this way, offsets represent a positive step forward for both the State’s economy and the government’s continuing commitment to conserving Queensland’s natural heritage for future generations. Further details on the policy, as well as other government offset initiatives can be found at:

www.derm.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/environmental-offsets/environmental-offsets.html

The Minister hopes this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

Administration Officer

Office of the Hon. Vicky Darling MP | Minister for Environment | Member for Sandgate

Department of Environment and Resource Management

www.derm.qld.gov.au

Andrew Fraser - Naughty or Nice?

2011-12-19T20:00:00.003+10:00

The Qld Government goes back to a future (of Coal).

The following media release paints Andrew Fraser's vision of supplying coal to the North Pole....

Naughty or nice?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade The Honourable Andrew Fraser 19/12/2011

Northern 'Missing' Link opens up Bowen Basin and Qld's export potential

Acting Premier Andrew Fraser today officially opened the Goonyella to Abbot Point (GAP) rail link marking a new era for coal exports in Queensland.

North of Moranbah to witness the first journey of a loaded coal train on the newly constructed rail line, Mr Fraser said the event was another step towards unlocking the wealth and prosperity of the Bowen Basin for all Queenslanders.

"The 69 km stretch of rail line increases the capacity of Queensland's coal exports to 50 million tonnes per year through the Port of Abbot Point and improves the efficiency and flexibility of our coal export industry," Mr Fraser said.

"This project is a key component of track expansions stretching from Goonyella to Abbot Point which have created an approximately total of 800 jobs and bolstered regional economies in Central Queensland.

"QR National and their alliance partners have delivered this 20-month project under budget and ahead of schedule - despite drastic weather interruptions earlier this year.

"This project exemplifies the drive industry has to develop our resources in response to international appetite by investing in new coal export infrastructure in Queensland.

"Now that QR National is a publically listed company it has the ability to make this type of investment that benefits all Queenslanders, without taxpayers having to foot the bill."

Mr Fraser said that Queensland was an investment magnet with tens of billions of dollars in business investment locked into the economy.

"Private sector investment in the State's rail infrastructure is a huge vote of confidence in the long-term viability of Queensland's resources sector," Mr Fraser said.

"The government has responded to overwhelming private sector demand and is now planning a super-expansion of the Port of Abbot Point.

"The Port of Abbot Point, with a total of nine proposed terminals, is destined to become one of the world's largest export hubs," Mr Fraser said.

Mr Fraser said investment in Queensland's ports and rail systems will drive an enormous economic surge in regional Queensland, creating thousands of jobs for Queenslanders.

"Today as we watch the first loaded coal train run across the Northern Missing Link, we witness a significant milestone in Queensland's 145-year rail history."

Mr Fraser said the GAP Expansion project formed part of an increasing list of investment projects that were transforming Queensland's coal export industry and generating significant economic growth.

In Pursuit of Happiness

2011-12-17T15:33:00.003+10:00

In Pursuit of Happiness

The Christmas letter continues.....

This is the sixth instalment of a Mills & Boonesque saga about an Elf & a Fairy who settled in the land of Normanby to live happily ever after......

Flood waters inundated the regions surrounding the land of Normanby at the start of another year. The Fairy took in refugees from a West End town. The Bug entertained Elly and B’o. Julie, Judy & Julia entertained three of their sister chooks, while the Elf took part in cleaning up the nearby City.

The changing climate brought with it great loss and sorrow, courtesy of floods and a cyclone. Yet the people of Normanby and the surrounding regions, united in a spirit of community. Armies of volunteers arose to help their fellow citizens. Some folks who could not help directly provided #bakedrelief in the form of meals and love.

It was during the time of the flood, the Elf and the Fairy were blessed with another conception. The clock started ticking for the arrival of a sibling for Bug. Not knowing whether it might be a brother or a sister, the new baby was known as “Happy”.

The Elf was quite happy spending mornings at home with the Fairy and the Bug. He spent afternoons and evenings cleaning the local City, emptying bins, picking up rubbish and cleaning the toilets.

The Bug was a hybrid of the Elf and the Fairy. She continued to spend her days eating; sleeping & singing tunelessly (just like her father). Some days Bug went to day care to refine her skills in the sand pit and caring for dolls & bears. She honed her art skills with chalk on a blackboard and paint just about everywhere. She was fond of bouncing balls and dressing up and listening to stories.

The Fairy spent her days managing the day to day affairs of the family and delivering other people’s babies at the local hospital. The Fairy was a midwife. The Elf was seconded to the local water and poo factory as a Procurement Officer and a Contract Manager, building and repairing water and sewage treatment infrastructure.

On the first day of Spring, “Happy” arrived into the world: a sister for the Bug. There was great joy in the land of Normanby. Unfortunately, Julia the chook met her untimely demise & now lives beneath a rose garden. Bug began to learn lessons of life (and death).

Happy grew.......and grew. Soon happy was almost as big as the Bug. Meanwhile the forces of darkness and evil began to undermine the land of Normanby, constructing a tunnel for infernal smoke emitting machines.

Despite the noise and the dust, the Elf, the Fairy, the Bug and Happy continued their pursuit of happiness.

To be continued.....

Mining hypocrisy

2011-12-17T06:16:00.005+10:00

There is no dispute that North Stradbroke Island is a place of outstanding natural beauty enjoyed by generations of Queenslanders, interstate and overseas visitors.

However, there seems to be some hypocrisy in a Government that shuts down sand mining in an area adjacent a large Metropolitan city but allows Clive Palmer to apply for a coal mine lease in the Brimblebox nature Reserve.

The Qld Government is proudly spruiking that the future of Straddie has now been protected for generations to come.

The Qld Government has announced that the end of mining will be fast-tracked, with the largest mine closing in 2019 and all mining ceasing in 2025. To develop a strong sustainable economy for the island, the government is working with a range of stakeholders, including the Quandamooka People, the Straddie Chamber of Commerce, education leaders and tourism industry experts.

For the other side of the story, it is worth checking out Sibelco Australia's website. One could be excused for cynicism.

By the end of this year, 50 per cent of the island will be national park. By 2021, this will increase to 75 per cent and by 2026, 80 per cent of the island will be protected.

The first stage of Naree Budjong Djara National Park covers one-fifth of the island, or over 5000 hectares. Naree Budjong Djara means My Mother Earth to the island’s Traditional Owners—the Quandamooka People.

The national park will be jointly managed by the Quandamooka People and the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

Get involved

The Qld Government says that North Stradbroke Island is in transition towards a strong sustainable economy. Community input is essential in shaping this transition. If you have feedback, suggestions—including how the community should be informed as the strategy develops—or would like to receive updates on the key issues facing the island, have your say:

phone 1800 194 064 (free call)
email straddiestrategy@derm.qld.gov.au
in person at the North Stradbroke Island Information Centre, 7 Stradbroke Place, Dunwich.

Mines to mines

2011-12-16T21:05:00.005+10:00

Perhaps if we spend a shit load of money on Education and/or Health, no one will notice the guilt offset. The following story came from the Premier, via the Member for Brisbane - Grace Grace.

Premier Anna Bligh has launched a plan to use the State’s resources to fuel the education of the next generation of Queenslanders.

The Premier released From Mines to Minds: A proposal to establish a Queensland Education Trust, at West End State School.

The paper proposes the establishment of a multi-billion dollar Queensland Education Trust using 50% of future LNG royalties – projected at more than $1.8 billion in the next 10 years alone. “We want to take the wealth from the earth and use it to train the minds of our children,” said the Premier.

“We can harness the energy of the decade of prosperity we see before us to create a golden generation that will secure Queensland’s bright future for a century and more.” The Government’s proposed trust could be invested in different ways including;

• Individual Trust Accounts for Education – an individual endowment that would mean every newborn child would have a nest egg valued between $7,800 and $9,500 when they turn 18 or;

• Dedicated Education Fund: an investment fund where the proceeds are reinvested by Government in education and training initiatives beyond the basics throughout the schooling years and potentially beyond.

The Premier said under the Trust account model every Queensland child born on or after July 1, 2012 would receive a savings endowment at birth that could be accessed at age 18. Under the second option the QET would invest up to 50% of LNG royalties as an education ‘future fund’. Under this model the QET would set aside funds for specific initiatives such as;

• TAFE and university scholarships for rural, regional and disadvantaged students
• International exchange programs
• Language program The QET can be the tool we use to build a bright future that will make Queensland the best place in the world to live, raise a family and to fulfil your potential.

“In Queensland we are already on the cusp of enormous prosperity with a resources boom unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. “The question now is how we use this prosperity.” The Queensland Government wants to hear from Queensland communities. We want your feedback on the QET by February 17, 2012. You can have your say by writing to us at: Education Trust, PO Box 15185, Brisbane 4000 or email:

	Education.Trust@premiers.qld.gov.au

Feedback and reading of the proposal - From Mines to Minds can be found online at:

	The Premier of Queensland

Speech to Gas Symposium

2011-12-15T19:28:00.005+10:00

Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser spoke to an international audience about development of Queensland’s gas resources.

He put the case that in a relatively short period of time, the consensus on our government’s shepherding in of this industry will be regarded as the seminal economic event for our state of the first half of this century.

You can read the entire speech by clicking here.

I hope he is right but I fear that we are developing Coal Seam Gas reserves for Liquefied Natural Gas, at a rate that exceeds our ability to understand the impacts.

We really do not know the impacts of depressurising the aquifers, bringing shit loads of saline water to the surface and/or emitting shit loads of greenhouse gases.

The water may be used in agriculture, industry and/or domestic water supplies for remote communities but the quantity and quality of the product water is highly variable. Water from Coal Seams is not a guaranteed supply.

The water has to be treated. It contains salts and short chain (highly soluble) hydrocarbons. The treatment processes (microfiltration/desalination) are energy intensive. The waste streams (brine) are problematic.

We are still uncertain whether coal seam gas is any better than coal in terms of green house gas generation.

While I am not opposed to CSG, I would like to see the Qld Government force the CSG industry to take the time to do some pilot studies, gather some data & use #csg as a true transition fuel

Coal, Cars and Cows

2011-12-13T18:54:00.005+10:00

The following Media release from the Qld Premier demonstrates the Qld Government's commitment to coal, cars and cows....

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction The Honourable Anna Bligh 13/12/2011

Queensland leading Australia on recycling power station emissions

Premier Anna Bligh today inspected an Australian-first project at Tarong Power Station which uses algae to absorb carbon emissions.

Ms Bligh said the Queensland Government had committed $1 million to Phase 1 of the project, which is underway at the South Burnett power station following successful trials of the new technology at a purpose-built pilot facility at James Cook University in Townsville.

"Here we have an example of Queensland innovation and scientific expertise being put to work in an Australian-first project," Ms Bligh said.

"It uses algae to soak up the carbon dioxide emissions from the coal-fired power station, and has the potential to enable a wide range of large emitters to reduce the amount of carbon they release into the atmosphere.

Under a process called Algal Synthesis, captured flue gases from the coal-fired power station are injected into waste water contained in long plastic membranes next to the station.

Algae then grow rapidly in the water, with the captured gases providing carbon dioxide and other nutrients, doubling in quantity every one to two days.

"The algae biomass is then used to make bio fuels which can be used to create valuable products such as livestock feed or oils for transport fuels.

"The search for reliable, affordable, commercial alternatives to oil is now a global effort, and Queensland is an increasingly important player.

"Renewable energy, CSG to LNG, and Bio Fuels are all part of securing a cleaner, greener future for Queensland.

"What's more they are securing our vision for Queensland as the Asia-Pacific hub for new energy sources," the Premier said.

Energy and Water utilities Minister Stephen Robertson said when fully operational, it is anticipated that per hectare per annum, the project will capture up to 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of taking 170 cars off the road for a year.

"It is also expected to produce one tonne of algal biomass per day, 120 tonnes per annum of algal oil and 240 tonnes per annum of algal meal.

"The first stage of the one-hectare Tarong Power Station facility is complete, with earthworks finalised, most services connected and vertical growth columns for the algae installed. The project is scheduled to be fully commissioned in 2012."

Mr Robertson said the project was a joint initiative between MBD Energy Limited and Queensland Government-owned Stanwell Corporation Limited, the state's largest power generator.

"As Queensland is one of the biggest coal and gas mining and export regions of the world, the Bligh Government has a keen interest in ensuring that combustion of energy resources produce the lowest levels of atmospheric emissions possible," Mr Robertson said.

"I congratulate Stanwell and MBD Energy for working together on this pioneering project which is about testing and finding real solutions for the global challenge of excess industrial carbon emissions.

"As Water Utilities are part of my Ministerial portfolio responsibilities, I'm also very interested in the fact that this process developed by MBD Energy and its R&D team at James Cook University has the capacity to recycle waste water.

"MBD Energy expects to use the Tarong Power Station display plant as a blueprint for one or more potentially much larger projects that seek to recycle waste flue gases into algae biomass on a commercial scale.

"In order to protect local biodiversity, only strains of micro-algae local to Tarong Power Station have been selected for growing."

Stanwell Chief Executive Officer Helen Gluer said Tarong Power Station was proud to be the first coal-fired power station in Australia to test the technology as part of the MBD Energy trial.

"As an energy company, we are acutely aware of our environmental responsibilities and the need to manage emissions from coal-fired generation while meeting a growing demand for electricity," Ms Gluer said.

"Our partnership with MBD Energy to trial the use of algae to sequester carbon dioxide will yield valuable results to inform an ever-growing body of knowledge in this new and exciting sphere."

MBD Managing Director Andrew Lawson updated the Premier on construction progress during the visit and outlined plans for commissioning the facility and commencing extensive trials beginning next year.

"We will evaluate the system's efficiency in reducing CO₂ emissions and its potential to produce valuable products from the algae, such as livestock feed and oils for making transport fuels," Mr Lawson said.

"Our immediate focus is completion of construction, quickly bringing up production to design capacity and then running feed trials for cattle."

Sustainable Business Weekly QLD Edition [Electricity, Packaging, Compliance, Green & Red Tape]

2011-12-12T16:05:00.003+10:00

Qld Electricity Review

An independent review of the QLD Government owned energy corporations has found Qld's electricity network has improved significantly in both security & reliability since it was last reviewed in 2004.

The review headed by Mr Darryl Somerville found network reliability improved 40 per cent over this time & that power outages are now significantly less frequent & shorter in duration.

Over $12 billion has been invested to improve the Qld’s electricity networks since the serious outages experienced prior to the review & in particular during the devastating 2004 storms.

The report also highlighted the importance of the work energy distributors are doing to meet the challenges of ever-increasing peak demand on the Qld network. The review identified a potential $1.5 billion in savings that ENERGEX & Ergon could implement over the current five-year regulatory period (just in time for the next State Election).

The two major areas in which savings can be made are changes to the way the network is planned & lower than forecast electricity demand. These savings will inevitably be passed on & will assist in easing future pressures on electricity bills.

Qld has apparently seen lower than expected electricity demand, perhaps due to the effects of the GFC & because of shifts in customer behaviour due to scare campaigns related to the Carbon Tax.

Packaging & Litter

State Ministers for Environment & Water are looking for feedback about packaging & litter waste.

The Standing Council on Environment & Water has released a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on Packaging Impacts for public comment.

The consultation considers options to improve resource recovery & reduce litter associated with a wide range of consumer packaging, including food wrappers & beverage containers.

The consultation provides the opportunity for an informed debate on options to address packaging waste. An extended consultation period over 16 weeks will allow for the Christmas & summer holidays. The Ministers acknowledged the important input of environment groups & industry groups (like ASBG) in formulating the 7 options in the consultation paper.

These options include container deposit schemes, industry-funded schemes that may be co-regulated under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 (Cwth) & nationally consistent Government initiatives.

The analysis includes a base case which recognises existing packaging recovery & litter reduction systems, including the long-standing South Australian container deposit scheme & the implementation of the Northern Territory container deposit scheme; the servicing of most Australian households by kerbside recycling; & the Australian Packaging Covenant. The Council recognised assessment of the costs and benefits of options has many dimensions & cannot be based on quantifiable matters alone.

DERM’s Compliance update

If environmental incidents are not addressed voluntarily by those responsible, the Department of Environment & Resource Management (DERM) may issue environmental protection orders (EPOs) under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to ensure that environmental harm is prevented or minimised.

DERM’s Compliance alert 4/2011 includes three case studies demonstrating the significant legal and financial consequences of failing to comply with an EPO, as well as key messages on how to avoid enforcement action.

Red & GreenTape Reduction

The Greentape Reduction project has been established by the Qld Government to streamline, integrate and coordinate regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) without compromising environmental outcomes. The project will result in savings for business & government of $12.5m each year.

The Environmental Protection (Greentape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 was introduced into Parliament on 26 October 2011. The aim is to achieve key objectives of the Greentape Reduction project.

The Qld State Opposition (led by the Candidate for the seat of Ashgrove) is also targeting red (& green) tape that can be easily removed at no or low cost.

Already Mr Newman has announced that an LNP Government would dump Labor's waste tax & streamline real estate regulations.

One can also have one’s say by emailing suggestions to the Qld Opposition: cutredtape@lnpqld.org.au or join their conversation on Facebook. The results will be compiled & revealed in the new year.

Merry & sustainable Christmas

We wish you a Merry (& Sustainable Christmas). We are currently planning a number of Seminars, Workshops and a Carbon Conference for 2012.

We will kick off the year with a half day seminar on Compliance with Environmental Legislation.

We are also planning a half day seminar on embedding Sustainability into one’s supply chain.

Please let rowan@asbg.net.au know if you have any suggestions for future seminars or newsletter topics.

York's Hollow Chainsaw masacre

2011-12-07T19:48:00.004+10:00

Dear Friends & neighbours,

Please find following link to some footage of the chainsaw massacre of a couple of Hoop Pines on Gilchrist Avenue this morning. This was filmed by the lovely Ms Natalie Bochenski (a journalist).

I spoke to Rayner and Teresa this morning just prior to them cutting the trees down.

Teresa assured me that TransCity had done everything possible to avoid removing the trees.

Had TransCity done everything possible, the trees would still be there.

regards,

its a gas [in pursuit of sunset industries]

2011-12-07T09:16:00.005+10:00

The following press release from the Qld Premier, proudly pursuing sunset industries....

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction The Honourable Anna Bligh 06/12/2011

QUEENSLAND CENTRE OF THE WORLD ON CSG TO LNG ISSUES

Over 500 national and international delegates have begun arriving in Brisbane as Queensland becomes the centre of the world for the global gas industry this week.

The Queensland International Gas Symposium will act as a forum to discuss opportunities and challenges as Australia enters a "golden age" of gas development.

Delegates will hear presentations from a selection of global experts on the symposium's key themes: Demand and global market trends; Business and industry innovation; Encouraging investment; Environment and best practice regulation.

"This symposium will host a diverse range of speakers including Ian Cronshaw from the International Energy Agency in Paris to Dr Peter Stone, a CSIRO Director to Western Downs Mayor, Ray Brown," said Premier Anna Bligh.

"Over the next few days Brisbane and Queensland will be the centre of the world for the global gas industry just as we can be a global hub for this industry for decades to come."

Ms Bligh said leading resource companies and Queensland universities had championed cutting-edge research and development on key issues facing the CSG to LNG industry.

"Good environmental management and technological advancement go hand in hand with the best available science and research to underpin them," she said.

"Without these vital ingredients, Queensland's CSG to LNG industry would simply not be where it is today.

"Queensland is now not only leading the nation as an emerging LNG export hub for key markets in the Asia-Pacific region, we are also breaking new ground in research and development so we can develop the industry in a safe and sustainable manner.

"A lot of hard work has taken place to get the industry to where it is today. In a little over 12 months, we have seen three projects worth $45 billion achieve final investment decision.

"These are the largest CSG to LNG projects in the world and Queensland is a major international player as a result. The benefits we are creating from all this investment will be felt for many generations.

"This is a global industry that is creating a multitude of business opportunities, new community infrastructure, services and jobs for all Queenslanders and that is set to continue for many decades to come.

"Labor's Queensland Education Trust, which aims to use 50% of all LNG royalties to create education opportunities for young Queenslanders, is the perfect example of that in action."

The Queensland International Gas Symposium is being held at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre over the next two days.

Information about the symposium is available at: www.gas.business.qld.gov.au

NOTE: Resource writers and journalists wishing to cover the proceedings can access the media room by emailing:MEmediaunit@deedi.qld.gov.au

LNG industry buys off Gladstone

2011-12-05T12:45:00.004+10:00

The folks of Gladstone are getting a trust fund, paid for by the LNG industry?

I wonder who will compensate the future generations it the soils are saline and/ot the Great Artesean Basin is not so great.....

See the Press release from Andrew Fraser that follows:

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
03/12/2011

LNG industry contributes $13.5M to the Gladstone Foundation

Gladstone's major liquefied natural gas (LNG) players will contribute to a trust fund set up to boost social infrastructure across the booming region.

Three proponents - APLNG, QGC and GLNG - will collectively contribute $13.5 million; while Arrow Energy LNG has committed to provide further funding should its project receive Final Investment Decision approval.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade Andrew Fraser said the significant contribution to the Gladstone Foundation shows the willingness of the LNG industry to give back to the local community.

"The financial contribution from the LNG proponents builds on the already strong partnership between industry and all levels of government to build long-term social infrastructure for the community," Mr Fraser said.

"Already the Bligh Government has announced how it will use the proceeds of the LNG industry to form the Queensland Education Trust - a trust fund that takes the prosperity from this boom and use it to educate generations of Queensland kids into the future.

"The Gladstone Foundation helps the big private sector players based in this region build a legacy of new and improved infrastructure in the area.

"It's a wonderful gesture that will lead to real benefits in the region."

Speaking on behalf of the LNG companies, APLNG Chief Executive Officer Page Maxson said:

"Through the Gladstone Foundation, the benefits of the CSG-LNG industry will flow into the community and make an ongoing significant difference to the development of social infrastructure in and around Gladstone."

"We are pleased to be providing this funding in addition to the investment already made by the industry in the local community."

The Gladstone Foundation is a perpetual trust which will operate as a mechanism for managing and allocating industry contributions to benefit the community. An independent board of advice oversees the Foundation's operations.

Media contact: 3224 5982

Sustainable Business Weekly QLD Edition [CSG Senate Enquiry, Oil, PV, ALPNC]

2011-12-05T06:24:00.005+10:00

CSG Senate Enquiry

A Senate committee has released an Interim report: the impact of mining coal seam gas on the management of the Murray Darling Basin. The report calls for a moratorium on future coal seam gas (CSG) projects in key parts of Qld, NSW & in the parts of the Murray-Darling Basin that lie over the Great Artesian Basin, pending Qld Government & scientific investigations into the impact on groundwater.

The report contains recommended measures that should be in place before any further production is approved including:

· a national regulatory framework should be established;

· comprehensive water management plans;

· gas production should be excluded from highly productive agricultural land;

· where the industries do co-exist, agricultural productivity should be given priority in any dispute between land holders & CSG companies.

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association believes many of the recommendations are already being addressed.

The Federal Government has 3 months to respond to the recommendations. The committee's final report is due in June 2012.

Oil Recycling

A new $30m Southern Oil Refineries (oil recycling) plant is to be built in Gladstone.

The plant will process waste lubricant oil from mining & agricultural machinery, transport vehicles & cars into usable lubricants. Construction of the refinery will commence in early 2012, with plans to be operational in 2013.

A $6.76 Cloncurry Solar Farm project has been given a green light & $5.7m by the Qld State Government.

The Qld Government has named Ingenero Pty Ltd as preferred tender to design, build and operate a 2.128 MW solar farm at Cloncurry.

The Qld Government is progressing contractual negotiations with Ingenero to build & operate the solar farm on land close to the Cloncurry North electricity substation. The solar farm will comprise 7,600 polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic panels mounted on multiple rows at an angle of 25^o & facing due north.

These panels will generate approximately 3,700 MWhrs of electricity per year.

Weather permitting, the Cloncurry Solar farm should be completed in October 2012. The Cloncurry Solar Farm project is part of the Qld Government's commitment to make Qld the 'Solar State' & its ClimateQ strategy to address climate change.

Further information about Qld Government solar initiatives is available at: www.cleanenergy.qld.gov.au

ALP National Conference

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) met for the 46th National Conference over the weekend to attempt to shape a new National Platform and to consider important reforms to the Party.

Former Senator John Faulkner told the conference: "Labor has had the courage to change Australia. Today we must find the courage to change ourselves."

The Liberal Party, the National Party & the Greens all have their own conferences, but no one tends to notice them. It is a little strange that Labor's biannual national get-together attracts so much attention.

The ALP National Conference ran from 2-4 December 2011. Each day there was policy forums covering policy issues from workplace relations in the iPhone age through to marine sanctuaries, new voices for social democracy and everything in between.

Emotions ran high during the debate over whether Labor should change its platform to support selling uranium to India.

Labor's Left faction has vowed not to give up its fight against uranium exports to India after the conference endorsed the Prime Minister's plan to lift the ban.

Several protesters were ejected from the conference for chanting anti-uranium mining slogans during Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese's address. Former lead singer of Midnight Oil Peter Garrett was not amongst them. The Member for Kingsford Smith made a passionate speech about Nuclear disarmament & the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty but he was ignored.

The Federal Government is now preparing negotiate an agreement with India to export Australian uranium

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is one of the most fundamental tools for biodiversity protection available to the Federal Government.

Late last year, Federal Labor received the final report of Dr Allan Hawke’s review of the EPBC Act. Amongst other

things, this report recommends linking bioregional planning & strategic assessment to broader environment policy objectives, using environmental markets and offsets arrangements to achieve the desired level of conservation of our precious biodiversity.

The Federal Labor Government will consider the recommendations of the Hawke review carefully, to ensure that our national environmental laws are supporting efficient and effective environment protection and to facilitate sustainable development, while at the same time cutting red tape and increasing certainty for business. Labor will introduce new legislation into Parliament during their second term to implement any reforms identified to better achieve these objectives.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/35875307/A-Healthy-Environment

Damon and Amanpour Tackle the Global Water Crisis

2011-11-30T12:25:00.001+10:00

Damon and Amanpour Tackle the Global Water Crisis

29 November, 2011

Christiane Amanpour took on the global water crisis Sunday, on ABC’s “This Week”. The interview starts with Amanpour sharing startling statistics such as a child dies every 20 seconds from lack of access to safe drinking water. To address this crisis, Water.org co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White are working to bring safe drinking water to people across the world.

Damon was first inspired to get more involved with water when he met a young girl in rural Zambia. On their walk to collect water, Damon inquired what the girl planned on doing when she grew up, to which she responded she would go to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, to be a nurse. Damon realized after the interaction that the girl was only able to think about working in Lusaka due to the nearby borehole, which provided water so close to her home. This borehole allowed for the girl to attend school instead of spending her life searching for water.

As a father of four girls, Damon is particularly interested in finding a solution to the global water crisis which sentences millions of young girls around the world to be used as water infrastructure. In the interview, Damon and White explain how the water crisis can be solved in part through market-based solutions, such as water credit, a micro-financing loan system. Water.org’s water credits make it affordable for families to build toilets or connect water to their homes. The water connections bring water security to homes allowing women and girls to spend more of their time at school and at work, instead of fetching water and suffering from preventable waterborne disease.

One of Damon and White’s biggest obstacles is bringing the water crisis home to the United States. Damon often uses his celebrity status to inspire people to care about water, since most Americans cannot fathom going a day without safe drinking water. Learn more about how Damon and White are showcasing the positive impact of investing in water by viewing the full interview on “ This Week”.

Ana Kolodzinski

akolodzinski@WASHinitiative.org

703-795-1588

Sustainable Business Weekly QLD Edition [Landfill Levy, MDBP, MRRT]

2011-11-28T13:28:00.004+10:00

The Waste Levy

As previously discussed, the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 including a land fill levy was passed by the Qld State Parliament in August.

ASBG have reviewed the regulations & are preparing a response.

After delays due to flooding & Cyclone Yasi, the commencement of the levy has been postponed until this Thursday, 1 December 2011. The Qld Government aims to reduce waste & promote improved resource recovery. The stated aims of the legislation to the waste disposal levy are to:

· create a price signal to encourage waste generators to focus on waste avoidance & resource recovery, and to discourage unnecessary landfill disposal;

· ensure a level of consistency with waste disposal costs in other states to deter unnecessary disposal of interstate waste in Qld;

· provide funding for programs that help establish better waste avoidance, resource recovery practices & overall waste management initiatives;

· reduce the impact upon Qld’s carbon footprint caused by waste disposed to landfill.

The levy is a price paid by waste disposal site operators in relation to commercial, industrial, construction, demolition & regulated wastes delivered to a waste disposal facility.

A Regulatory Assessment Statement for Queensland’s waste disposal levy proposal has been prepared that includes a cost-benefit analysis. The Qld Government has commissioned the cost-benefit analysis from Synergies Economic Consulting to assess the impacts of the levy to business, government & the community over a 10-year period. The cost-benefit analysis & the regulatory assessment statement have been prepared as part of the Qld Government's commitment to regulatory best practice.

Since the last election, there has been a protracted process of industry consultation by the Department of Environment & Resource Management (DERM). The State Opposition has had the opportunity to participate in the drafting of the policy but appear to have waited until now to raise any objections. Public consultation on the regulatory assessment process closed on 28 February 2011.

Campbell Newman (Candidate for the seat of Ashgrove) claims that the Waste Levy is another blatant broken election promise from the Labor Qld Government. He reminds the electorate that before the last election Labor promised it would not introduce a Waste Levy. He now claims that this $35 a tonne tax on commercial, industrial, construction and demolition waste will destroy jobs & hit small businesses hard with additional costs.

If Mr Newman wins the seat of Ashgrove AND the Liberal National Party win enough seats to form a Government, Mr Newman has promised to repeal the current Labor's recently enacted Waste Levy.

The LNP have estimated that the Waste Levy will add more than $3000 a year to the cost of running a medium-sized restaurant, for example. The LNP claim it will be am impost on hospitality & tourism in Qld at a time when both sectors are struggling & many operators are going to the wall.

The Chamber of Commerce & Industry believe that most businesses are willing to support recycling & sound environmental practices, however most businesses believe they have little to no opportunity to increase their recycling & recovery capacity.

Murray Darling Basin Plan

The Federal Government has released a Draft Murray Darling Basin Plan.

If one would like to play a part in the conversation go to “have your say” & let one’s views be known.

One can view the four major publications.

· The proposed Basin Plan – a draft for consultation

· Plain English summary of the proposed Basin Plan–including explanatory notes

· Delivering a healthy working Basin

· The draft Basin Plan -catchment by catchment.

Mining Resource Rent Tax

The Federal Labor Government has secured support of the Independents (& the Greens) for the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT).

This reform was originally proposed by Ken Henry to address the issues of a two speed economy. In its current form it may distribute the benefits of the mining boom to a select few. In short, the MRRT will only deliver an unfair, short term return from the development of the nation's resource wealth at the expense of traditional owners, future generations & the other species who we share the biome.

The MRRT appears to be more about pork barrelling, ensuring some Australians share in the benefits of the mining boom before the next election.

The MRRT:

· Delivers a major new tax break for Australia's 2.7m small businesses as well as a cut to the company tax rate for all businesses, with small businesses getting a one year head-start;

· Boosts the superannuation for 8.4m workers. This will increase the nation’s savings pool by $500b by 2035;

· Provides extra superannuation contribution for 3.6 million low-income-earners worth a total of $900 million each year.

· Invests in roads, bridges & other infrastructure, particularly in mining regions.

There is little or no respite for ASBG members in Manufacturing industries

how can we dance when our Earth is turning

2011-11-23T20:43:00.008+10:00

The Federal Labor Government has secured support of the Independents & the Greens) for the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT).

However they have left a number of groups out of the equation:

* the first Australians;

* future generations;

* those who have contributed the least to climate change, yet suffer the worst consequences;

* other species.....

This reform to lock in the benefits of the mining boom for a select few and deliver an unfair, short term return from the development of the nation's resource wealth at the expense of traditional owners, future generations and the other species who we share the biome.

The MRRT is about pork barreling, ensuring some Australians share in the benefits of the mining boom before the next election.

The MRRT will spread the opportunities of the mining boom to some corners of the country, by:

Delivering a major new tax break for Australia's 2.7 million small businesses as well as a cut to the company tax rate for all businesses, with small businesses getting a one year head-start.
Boosting the superannuation for 8.4 million workers, which will increase the nation's savings pool by $500 billion by 2035. This will provide a 30-year-old worker on average earnings with an extra $108,000 in retirement savings.
Providing a much needed extra superannuation contribution for 3.6 million low-income-earners worth a total of $900 million each year.
Investing in roads, bridges and other infrastructure, particularly in our great mining regions.

.....but I am not convinced that Wayne Swan and/or Julia Gillard have got the balance right.

Resources can only be dug up and sold once.