Green Tape Reduction Surgery

The Queensland Government is undergoing Green Tape reduction surgery.

Just how small is Campbell Newman's Green Tape?

As you may recall, the Environmental Protection (Greentape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 was introduced into parliament in October 2011. The Bill lapsed when the Queensland state election was called.

On 13 April the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) released a communiqué announcing its intention to implement changes to environmental laws across Australia. The changes are directed at both Federal and State laws with an emphasis on ‘streamlining’ environmental assessment processes.

The new LNP Queensland Government is also committed to reducing regulation and red tape by 20% and has adopted most of the initiatives that were proposed by the previous Labor Government.

While there is a strong case for reducing duplication and unnecessary paper work, many folks from the conservation and/or environment movement have grave concerns about the compromising on Environmental Protection and fast-tracking development.

The Newman Government's commitment includes the introduction of the Environmental Protection (Greentape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 into the 54^th parliament on 29 May 2012.

As well as contributing toward cutting red tape and regulation by 20%, the Government are claiming that the Greentape Reduction Bill will result in savings of $12.5 million per year, of which $11.7 million will be saved by business and industry.

Alleged benefits of the Bill include:

• an integrated approval process for all environmental authorities;
• a more proportionate licensing framework, including standard applications for alleged low environmental risk activities;
• a simpler and quicker process for amending and transferring licenses;
• corporate licences that allow an operator to have one approval for multiple activities across multiple sites;
• removal of the need for an environmental management plan for resource activities.

The introduction of standard applications alone has the potential to save each applicant an average of $20 000 in application preparation costs, 150 pages in application materials and 68 days in processing time. This will cut Queensland's green tape burden by approximately 62 000 pages per year.
Further information about the Greentape Reduction Bill, including updated frequently asked questions, can be found on the Greentape Reduction website.

Following machinery-of-government changes (chopping up of the Department of Environment & Resource Management), the Greentape Reduction project will now be managed and delivered by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

As the Greentape Reduction Bill is debated in parliament, the Green Tape Reduction Team will be working on the implementation phase of the Greentape Reduction project.

The three key components of the threatened wind back of Federal regulations are anticipated amendments to the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (possibly scheduled during the winter session of Federal Parliament this year), subsequent negotiations of bilateral arrangements between the Commonwealth and State Governments and thirdly changes to State and Territory laws.

This could all occur in the next 12 months.

To put it mildly, environment groups are alarmed at this attack on environmental protection laws. These laws protect our way of life.

Jobseekers taught to use Chainsaws

The new Qld Government seems to think environmental management is getting jobseekers to plant trees.  Jobseekers are also being trained to use chainsaws, This will help jobseekers get a job with Brisbane City Council - cutting down trees.


The new Qld LNP Government have picked up the former Qld ALP Government's Green Army   program to provide 3000 jobs to help get the economy growing again. As part of the Qld Government's response to the global downturn participants have been put to work on projects to enhance natural assets, strengthen the tourism industry and promote increased environmental awareness.

Jobseekers have been employed on environmental projects along local waterways since early this year, with funding through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. 

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the participants ranged in age from school leavers who were having difficulties breaking into the workforce through to mature-aged people looking for new skills to help them meet the needs of local employers. 

"The common theme was that these people all wanted jobs and were prepared to tackle projects that would give them appropriate skills for the current market,” Mr Langbroek said. 

“The projects they’ve been involved in are part of a larger initiative across the Sunshine Coast that has seen a collaboration of the State and Federal governments, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Maroochy Landcare and SEQ Catchments. 

“Skilling Queenslanders for Work provided more than $860,000 funding to four of the local network of Landcare organisations across the Sunshine Coast to help a total of 44 jobseekers earn an income while learning new skills. 

“Through this project the participants gain skills in horticulture, conservation, water and land management which equip them for a range of jobs with an environmental focus. 

“But, importantly, the experience also enables them to acquire skills in communication, teamwork, problem solving, planning and time management which are highly desired skills for a broader range of job opportunities.” 

The organisations funded through Skilling Queenslanders for Work for this project were Noosa and District Landcare Group, Barung Landcare Association, Mooloolah River Waterwatch and Landcare Inc and Maroochy Waterwatch Inc. 

Small groups of three to four have worked with each organisation on projects that focussed on either Kin Kin Creek and its tributaries, the eastern slopes of the Blackall Range that delivers to the Mooloolah River, the Upper Mooloolah River and its tributaries or the Maroochy River and its tributaries. 

“The accredited training component of the project includes a chainsaw operations certificate, Construction White Card and First Aid,” Mr Langbroek said. 

“The project has already led to two of tomorrow’s graduating group gaining new jobs and some others are awaiting the outcomes of applications or interviews. 

“They will all be supported in coming months to help them move into sustainable employment.” 

The organisations will take on final small groups for the project in coming weeks. Anyone interested in participating should contact the organisations for further information. 

solar panels at UQ

I will bite my tongue and NOT provide any editorial comment on the following:


















Energy and Water Utilities

The Honourable Stephen Robertson

15/07/2011

Australia's largest flat panel PV solar array up and running

Energy Minister Stephen Robertson officially opened Australia's largest flat panel photovoltaic (PV) solar array today, marking the start of a solar tour of Queensland.

Mr Robertson said the $7.75 million solar power system was providing clean energy for the St Lucia campus of The University of Queensland (UQ).

"I am pleased the Bligh Government has supported this innovative solar project by providing $1.5 million in funding," he said.

"It is the largest solar array of its type in Australia, covering four campus buildings with approximately 5000 polycrystalline silicon solar panels.

"This solar array will help UQ to reduce its carbon footprint and its reliance on the electricity grid.

"It will produce about 1750 megawatt hours of clean renewable solar energy each year and provide about five per cent of the university's peak demand power requirements.

"It will also help save an estimated 1770 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions each year - the equivalent of taking 335 cars off the road."

Mr Robertson said the university's solar project would also contribute to the development of future solar technologies.

"This solar power system also includes a ground-mounted, seven metre by six metre 8.4 kilowatt concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) array that tracks the sun as it moves across the sky," he said.

"The SolFocus CPV array has been donated by Brisbane company, Ingenero, and it will allow UQ researchers to undertake detailed comparisons with a different type of solar technology.

"It will deliver data that we expect to be crucial to the development of large scale commercial solar power projects in Queensland."

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said the university was focussing on reducing carbon emissions and increasing its use of renewable energy.

"As well as being part of the university's functional energy infrastructure, the solar array will underpin research in diverse fields including physics, engineering, economics and sustainability," he said.

"Moreover, we will share this knowledge asset with the community by giving school students, teachers and any other interested people free access to a website showing live and historical data about UQ's solar infrastructure.

"The project is enhanced by the partnerships with industry, including a number of Queensland businesses at the forefront of renewable power."

Mr Robertson said he would be touring Queensland over coming months to engage with industry stakeholders and make some significant solar announcements.

"I want to see first-hand some of the innovative projects that are helping to create a clean energy future for Queensland," he said.

"My solar tour will also help to promote existing Bligh Government initiatives that are encouraging the take up of solar technologies by households and small businesses, such as our Solar Hot Water Rebate and Solar Bonus Scheme.

"Last year we set a target to double Queensland's use of solar energy in five years.

"What we didn't anticipate was just how quickly Queenslanders would embrace the technology and we are currently on track to hit our target three years ahead of schedule.

"The uptake represents a total of 227,000 household solar hot water systems and the equivalent of 125,000 small scale solar panel systems."

Other innovative solar projects the Bligh Government is delivering include:
* Carrara Stadium, Australia's largest solar stadium with solar roof panels capable of producing 240 kilowatts
* The world's first utility scale (44Mw) integration of solar power into a coal-fired power station at CS Energy's Kogan Creek power station
* The 250 megawatt Solar Dawn solar thermal power station planned for Chinchilla. (UQ is a research partner in this project)
* Community solar farms at Hervey Bay and Cloncurry.

Opening the Green Door

Opening the Green Door for sustainable development projects

Deputy Premier and Local Government Minister Paul Lucas announced that the Green Door is now open and the Green Door Information Paper is now available.

Mr Lucas said the Green Door is a State Government initiative, developed in conjunction with local government and industry to accelerate the development assessment of exemplary sustainable 'green' developments in Queensland.

"Through the Green Door the State Government will work with the applicant, the relevant local government and other stakeholders to fast track the assessment of projects displaying the 'best of the best' in green credentials," he said.

"A truly first rate sustainable development should not only be environmentally green, but also have a demonstrable positive impact on amenity, the economy and community wellbeing.

"Features could include the delivery of planning and economic priorities in a particular region, a significant reduction of water, waste and energy, the creati on of permanent jobs or the provision of innovative and effective sustainable transport options.

"We welcome the development industry to knock on our 'green door' so that we can help them to deliver the most sustainable developments in Queensland," Mr Lucas said

Green Door aims to encourage leadership and innovation in sustainable developments by offering the 'fast track' opportunity to only the highest achieving projects.

"The State Government has dedicated case managers who will be able to deal with up to six of the most sustainable development proposals at a time across Queensland," Mr Lucas said.

"Case managers will work collaboratively with local governments and referral agencies to assist the applicant to make an application that minimises delays and the need for an information request once it is lodged.

"The Green Door will reduce the time taken in the information and referral stage with added certainty upfront that the project will proceed smoothly through the process, allowing the delivery of sustainable projects sooner. Local and state Government assessment teams will work with the applicant every step of the way and provide clear advice on what they can expect before their application is lodged,
"This will save the applicant both time and money in holding costs while their application is assessed," Mr Lucas said

The government has been working in great detail with key industry groups to develop the Green Door Information Paper.

"The Green Door program is a great opportunity to fast track projects aiming to deliver exemplary environmental outcomes, that because of their unique nature, can sometimes become bogged down in the approval process," Mike Roberts, Acting Executive Director of the Housing Institute of Australia, said.

Brian Stewart, Chief Executive of the UDIA said the UDIA has provided the strongest support for sustainable development for a number of years.

"The UDIA launched and delivered the EnviroDevelopment branding nationally, and this initiative by the Government will add value and opportunities to our members who are committed to providing for a sustainable future."

In March and April this year 10 Green Door workshops were held throughout the state involving 138 participants with 30 local government officers representing 19 local governments, 66 state government officers and 42 development industry representatives.

The Green Door is a strong example of local and state government working together to improve our processes and support the development industry deliver developments that will protect our environment, promote economic growth and improve liveability.

"I want to know of exemplary sustainable development proposals so that we will be focussing our energy and resources on the proposals that will deliver the biggest bang for our buck", Mr Lucas said.

For more information vis it the Green Door website www.dlgp.qld.gov.au/greendoor
Green Door Advisory Committee organisations:


* Property Council of Australia;
* UDIA;
* Green Building Council of Australia;
* Housing Industry Association;
* LGAQ;
* Centre for Subtropical Design, QUT;
* Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand;
* Planning Institute of Australia;

* Premier's Council on Climate Change (guest)

Media contact: Thea Phillips 0400 232 341