How much carbon tax will Brisbane City Council pay?

Captain Quirk is blaming the Carbon Tax for Brisbane City Council rate rises.... He has said: "rise could have been kept to 2.6 per cent, or $31.48 a year, if not for costs associated with the carbon tax, including landfill charges."

I am trying to work out how much Carbon Tax we will pay.


Brisbane City Council's NGER's data.

Registered Corporation	Total scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions(t CO2-e)	Total scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions(t CO2-e)	Total energy consumption (GJ)
Brisbane City Council1	263,920	18,271	2,504,217

So we are looking at:

282,191 t CO2-e

At $23 a tonne:

$6,490,393.00

1: Brisbane City Council has voluntarily provided information to the Greenhouse Energy Data Office (GEDO) concerning GreenPower renewable energy purchases, voluntarily surrendered Renewable Energy Certificates or offset scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions totals. This information has been published on the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website – www.climatechange.gov.au/reporting.

Councilor Victoria Newton (‏@VictoriaNewton) directed my attention to information about capture of methane emissions from landfill: http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/emissions-from-landfill-facilities-2/ Apparently there is no charge in 2012/13 2 help deal with the changes...

Divesting of Coal Fired Power

Divesting of Coal Fired Power

The Qld Government has withdrawn its financial support for the Cloncurry Photo Voltaic Solar Farm to achieve savings for the state’s taxpayers about $5.6 million.  In it Media statement, the Government noted that large-scale solar farms are proven technology & the Qld State Government believes it is up to the private sector to decide whether to invest in, build & operate such projects in Qld.

Should Premier Newman sell Stanwell Corporation & CS Energy to the private sector, for the same reasons that AGL has bought Loy Yang A in Victoria?

The purchase of Loy Yang A will make AGL the equal largest generator of electricity in the Australia.  Up until recently, AGL have pursued a strategy of developing the nation’s lowest carbon intensity in its energy assets, this purchase nearly triples its intensity.

Loy Yang A will act as a “cash cow” for the company, despite the introduction of a carbon price.  AGL propose to use the substantial cash flows to help fund its renewables investment, which it estimates at around $4-$5 billion to meet its share of the renewable energy target. It expects to meet 60-80% that capital cost itself. 

When one considers the transition from fossil fuels to renewables – taking the cash from an older asset like Stanwell & Tarong Power Stations & reinvesting it in renewable certainly makes sense.

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

Following is the Media Statement from the Qld State Government:

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Cloncurry Solar Farm closure

24 May 2012

Government withdraws its funding from Cloncurry Solar Farm

The Queensland Government today withdrew its financial support for the Cloncurry Solar Farm as part of its campaign to achieve savings for the state’s taxpayers.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle said the Cloncurry Solar Farm was at a very early stage and withdrawing from the project now would save Queenslanders about $5.6 million.

“These are savings which will benefit all Queenslanders rather than localised climate initiatives,” Mr McArdle said.

“The government’s withdrawal from the project now minimises the cost to taxpayers.

“I want to stress that the Queensland Government’s decision to exit the Cloncurry Solar Farm is not due to concerns about the proponent or their ability to deliver. This is about getting the state’s finances back on track.

“Large-scale solar farms are proven technology and it is up to the private sector to decide whether to invest in, build and operate such projects in Queensland.

“The government is working to establish a stronger renewable and alternative energy sector with a targeted focus on practical research and development of Queensland’s abundant renewable energy resources.

“We are also supporting Queensland businesses to access funding from Commonwealth programs to develop Queensland-based clean energy projects.”

Mr McArdle said the government had informed Ingenero Pty Ltd, which was named preferred tenderer in December 2011 to design, build and operate the 2.128 megawatt solar farm, and the Cloncurry Shire Council.

“The Queensland Government had an option in its contract with Ingenero to cancel the contract at any time for any reason. The government has chosen to exercise this option to save money for Queensland taxpayers.”

Mr McArdle said most of the funds would have been spent on the purchase of photovoltaic panels and racking, but these costs would be saved because the project was at such an early stage.

The government’s financial withdrawal from the solar farm will have no impact on the reliability of electricity supply in Cloncurry as the project’s main aim was to test the performance of a solar farm in north-west Queensland.

ENDS

the sky is falling

The following press release is Qld Government sponsored scaremongering about the imminent introduction of the Carbon Tax.

Nothing creates greater business uncertainty, than State Government Ministers and the Leader of the Federal opposition, repetitively telling us that the Carbon Tax is going to shut down industries, impoverish families and increase greenhouse gas emissions.

So I went online to see if I could find a calculator to work out how much Carbon Tax I am going to pay:

I have not found a definitive answer.  It turns out, to be swings and round abouts.

Instead I found a calculator telling me how much compensation I might get in a Household assistance package.

The Australian Federal Government released Liable Entities Public Information Database: the official list of the 248 carbon liable companies.  There is no ranking of scale of emissions, but it does provide a who’s who in paying for carbon emissions.

The Federal Government will spend that revenue on household assistance packages and a whole bunch of Programs and Initiatives.

The closer I look, the better off I seem to be. I wonder why this message is not getting through!!???

How does this appease my irrational sense of guilt, at how good my life in Australia is?

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

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

Monday, May 21, 2012

carbon tax will cost jobs, raise greenhouse emissions

Key investor says carbon tax costs jobs, raises greenhouse emissions

One of Australia’s key alumina industry investors, Russian giant Rusal, a 20% partner in Rio Tinto’s multi-billion dollar Boyne Island refinery at Gladstone, has backed criticism of the carbon tax by Queensland Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle, saying the tax will leave industry “confused and aggrieved”, cost jobs and reverse its intended result by raising global greenhouse emissions instead of lowering them.

Minister McArdle raised Federal Labor hackles last week when he quoted a leading Australian advisor at an international energy forum in Canada who predicted the tax would have “unexpected and undesirable consequences”.

Federal energy advisor John Pierce told the Canadian forum the global market was also spooked by Labor uncertainty about its carbon tax position which gave the policy an “uncertain future”.

Federal Energy Minister Greg Combet responded that the Queensland Minister’s criticism was a “distortion” but has not responded to parallel criticism of the tax from Rusal’s Australian Chairman, John Hannagan who echoed the Minister’s concerns about its fall out.

Mr Hannagan told The Australian today that Australian producers and investors were right in feeling “confused and aggrieved” by the carbon tax which overturned “forty years of government policy” and would actually cause global greenhouse gas emissions to rise.

He said the carbon tax jeopardized our “unrivalled comparative advantage that drove Australia from new entrant to world leader,” but said the tax will actually increase global emissions by undermining Australia’s efforts to curb emissions over the next decade as “new capacity is added in competitor countries and Australia’s share of global production falls.”

Directly contradicting Greg Combet, the Rusal Chairman said Australia already led the world in carbon emission reductions. “Australia has led the world on research into alumina refining over the past four decades and has long been regarded as the world’s most efficient producer. Despite this world-leading performance, the federal government has determined that the industry must sacrifice its position as the world’s most competitive and energy efficient producer to our global competitors.”

Mark McArdle said the Rusal Chairman’s comments showed Federal Labor was delusional. “When you have not just a world authority but now also the Chairman of a key investor in Queensland’s billion dollar alumina industry contradicting you, you know you’re in trouble. Is Greg Combet going to dismiss it all as distortion? Who does he believe, apart from his Prime Minister?

Public consultation opens for Arrow Energy EIS

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Public consultation opens for Arrow Energy EIS

The public is invited to have its say on the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed multi-billion dollar Arrow liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Gladstone.

Arrow CSG (Australia) Pty Ltd is proposing to build a 300-hectare LNG facility on Curtis Island, in the Port of Gladstone.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the release of the EIS was a major milestone for the project, and if approved, would provide a jobs bonanza for Gladstone.

“The Arrow Energy plant would provide huge economic benefits to the state, and employ up to 3715 people during construction and 450 people during operation,” Mr Seeney said.

“And it would stimulate further investment in the expanding coal seam gas industry, which is steadily increasing its share of the Australian energy market.

“The project’s assessment will be managed by the Coordinator-General who will look at all issues and associated impacts on behalf of the state government.

“If approved, operation of the plant could begin as early as 2017.”

Coordinator-General Barry Broe said it was a large, complex project involving local, state and federal government approval processes and one which would potentially impact on a number of environmental values.

“Consequently, in June 2009 the Coordinator-General declared it a ‘significant project’ for which an EIS is required,” Mr Broe said.

The Curtis Island facility is expected to have a capacity of up to 18 million tonnes of LNG per annum, through a staged development.

A nine kilometre-long feed gas pipeline would be needed from the Gladstone City Gate, traversing Port Curtis via a tunnel under the seabed.

Dredging of the sea bed of Port Curtis and the riverbed at the mouth of the Calliope River is also required to provide access to marine facilities on Curtis Island, and the mainland.

Coordinator-General Barry Broe said he encouraged members of the community to have their say on the EIS.

“The EIS will be available for public comment for six weeks from Monday 16 April 2012.

“For a copy of the EIS, people can download the document from www.arrowenergy.com .

“Alternatively, people can obtain a free copy on DVD or purchase a printed copy by calling 1800 038856 or emailing: arrowlng@arrowenergy.com.au .”

The EIS will also be on public display (subject to local opening hours) between 16 April and 28 May 2012, at:

• Agnes Water Library: 3 Captain Cook Drive, Agnes Water
• Boyne Island Library: Cnr Wyndham and Hampton Drives, Boyne Island
• Calliope Library : Don Cameron Drive, Calliope
• Gladstone Regional Council, 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone
• Gladstone Regional Library: 39 Goondoon Street, Gladstone
• Miriam Vale Library: 34 Roe Street, Miriam Vale
• National Library: Parkes Place, Canberra
• State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane

All public submissions must be in writing and received by the Coordinator-General via by 5pm on Monday 28 May, 2012.

Post: The Coordinator-General
c/o EIS Project Manager – Arrow LNG plant
Significant Projects Coordination
Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
PO Box 15009
City East Qld 4002

-ENDS-

Media contact: John Wiseman – 0409 791 281

Draft Sustainable Business Weekly - Qld Edition

A State of Flux

Environmental Law in Qld (& Australia is in a tremendous State of flux.

This week, the Qld Government had its first Cabinet meeting, since the recent State elections.

The newly elected Premier of Qld: Mr Campbell Newman was also in Canberra this week meeting with in the lead up to a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).. One of the topics of discussion was the reduction of Environmental Regulation.

Green Tape

The Federal Government hosted discussions with the COAG Business Advisory Forum in Canberra with alleged business Leaders & State Governments.

The red (& green) tape reduction reform process was a key topic of the inaugural meeting.

State & territory governments would get a bigger say in environmental approvals to fast-track major projects under a deal to go to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) this week.

The commonwealth will retain responsibility for World Heritage and "high-risk projects". Currently any company proposing a major development such as a mine, port, rail line or tourist project must meet state & federal environmental rules, which can tie up the project for years.

The former Qld Government’s Green Tape Reduction program has been sent back to square one. The newly elected Government is setting out to “streamline environmental protections”

Mr Newman said the new Queensland position was one of “competitive federalism” but again no one seems to know what the implications are for Environment Protection.

Premier Campbell Newman has rejected suggestions that widening the gap between regulatory systems in different states would actually make it more expensive for businesses to operate across borders.

While the Premier supports a harmonised approach to various forms of regulation, he is advocating that Qld stand up & decide to out-compete other states.

As for cutting "green tape", Mr Newman believed discussions in the pre-COAG business forum did not go far enough.

The Premier wants the Federal Government to delegate the powers of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to the states.

He complained that the Federal Government kept "coming over the top" of the Queensland Government to delay major resource and tourism projects.

Carbon Tax - High Court Challenge

Mr Newman is seeking legal advice on whether it can fight the carbon tax as unconstitutional.

He expects to get that in the next few weeks. He had spoken to at least one other premier about possibly joining together in a High Court challenge.

Mr Newman said Cabinet also looked at some options to address the issue of high electricity costs for Queenslanders.

As a first action, the LNP government will legislate to ensure carbon tax costs can be displayed on Queenslanders’ electricity bills by 1 July to coincide with the introduction of the Carbon Tax.

Repealing the Waste Levy

Repealing the former Qld Government’s Waste levy was on the agenda of the first Cabinet Meeting of the new Government.

The Waste Levy introduced in December 2011 is being repealed by 1 July 2012 as part of the action plan to deliver the LNP’s Lower Cost of Living for Families Package for Queenslanders.

Premier Campbell Newman said cost of living in Queensland had skyrocketed under Labor and the LNP Government’s focus was to act immediately to start addressing cost of living issues.

Campbell Newman described the former Government’s waste levy, as a huge slug on businesses, families & councils.

His Government will be looking at alternative funding streams to deliver an industry driven waste strategy as part of the budget process.

Bulk Water Prices

Following Cabinet consideration, the Queensland Water Commission & Treasury have been asked for an accelerated review of bulk water prices, with options for a new price path to be brought back to Cabinet by 31 May 2012.

Gladstone Harbour

Gladstone Harbour seems to be the test case for the new Qld State Government’s approach to Environmental regulation in Qld.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney expressed his desire to annex Gladstone Harbour from the Great Barrier Reef marine Park.

Sustainable Business Weekly QLD Edition [Carbon Tax, Carbon Disclosure, Zero Carbon, Carbon Economy, Green tape]

Carbon Tax

This week the minority Labor Federal Government passed its Carbon Tax legislation through the Senate: 36 to 32 with the support of the Greens. The most unfortunate part about the Federal Opposition’s approach is that the legislation passed without amendments or real scrutiny.

Carbon Disclosure Project

One might like to see this report released last week by Deloitte for the Carbon Disclosure Project in Australia for the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).

Obviously, the report is more relevant to publicly listed companies but others will also have to go down this path at some point. One may also need to consider the costs and implications of Carbon in one’s supply chains.

Transitioning to a low carbon economy

One may also be interested in reading a 2010 e-doc from the OECD about Transition to a low carbon economy.

A summary and download details are available here.

One can also browse the book online for free though it's not free to download as a pdf.

Zero Carbon Australia

All are welcome to attend a briefing by –Brad Schultz from Beyond Zero Emissions on Wednesday 16 November 2011 12:30 - 13:30 at the Wet Tropics Room, Level 3, 400 George Street

Zero Carbon Australia 2020 (ZCA) is an exciting initiative of Beyond Zero Emissions & the University of Melbourne's Energy Research Institute and is supported by Climate Emergency Network, (CEN), Climate Positive and generous Australians from all walks of life.

The ZCA project:

· Is a roadmap to repower the Australian economy with 100% renewable energy in 10 years

· Uses only existing, commercially available technologies that are already powering China, Spain, Germany and the United States.

· Recommends baseload solar thermal, wind power, and an upgraded transmission network.

· Is fully costed and affordable.

· Is jobs rich, providing over 150,000 direct jobs in construction, manufacturing and ongoing operation and maintenance.

Brad Schultz is a Mechatronic Engineer who works as an Energy Specialist improving energy efficiencies in large buildings. He has recently returned from working as a volunteer in the small scale renewable energy field in Nepal. He is also one of over 100 volunteers around Australia sharing their vision of 100% renewable energy by 2020.

Beyond Zero Emissions works with volunteer technical experts to demonstrate how Australia can act now for a safe, healthy, zero emissions future.

Take this link for a copy of Zero Carbon Australia 2020 & more about Beyond Zero Emissions

http://beyondzeroemissions.org/

Another Green Tape Update

The Environmental Protection (Greentape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 (Greentape Reduction Bill) is a key component of the Greentape Reduction project. It was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 26 October 2011.

ASBG has made submissions to the consultation process & has lobbied for & supported the reform. Consultation has been a key part of the Greentape Reduction project.

Feedback received during consultation on the discussion paper and regulatory assessment has been used to inform the development of the Greentape Reduction Bill. It will also be used to inform:

· implementation of the proposed legislative framework

· the non-legislative aspects of the Greentape Reduction project such as the development of guidance material.

The consultation report provides responses to the key issues raised on the discussion paper and Regulatory Assessment Statement (RAS). An updated RAS also outlines the final costs and estimates of the savings proposed in the Greentape Reduction Bill.

The Qld Government believes that the Greentape Reduction Bill will result in savings of $12.5 million per year. Some of the changes in the Greentape Reduction Bill include:

· an integrated approval process for all environmental authorities

· a more proportionate licensing framework, including standard applications

· a simpler and quicker process for amending approvals

· corporate licenses that allow an operator to have one approval for multiple activities

· removal of the need for an environmental management plan for resource activities.

Further information about the benefits of the Greentape Reduction Bill, including updated frequently asked questions, can be found on the DERM website.

The Greentape Reduction Bill makes the licensing framework easier and more flexible by adopting simpler administrative processes. The amendments in the Greentape Reduction Bill represent process improvements, and do not affect the outcomes which are sought by the Environmental Protection Act