Citizen scientists to help monitor marine pollution Fishers and surfers will become citizen scientists in a major new science project to monitor the impact of sewage on Australia’s marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Together with researchers, recreational water users will contribute to a National Outfall Database, to be developed in consultation with the states and Northern…
As we countdown to the second Emissions Reduction Fund auction next month, the Australian Government is today announcing plans to develop new methodologies that will create additional opportunities to participate in future auctions. This work will build on the success to date of the Emissions Reduction Fund in helping to meet and beat Australia’s 2020…
More than 500 volunteers from across Queensland took part in the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up during October, collecting almost 4,000 kilograms of debris. Over two weekends and 12 sites from Cape York to Bundaberg, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority worked in partnership with the Australian Marine Debris Initiative, Tangaroa Blue Foundation, Eco Barge…
The Australian Government is allocating up to $5 million in grants under the $140 million Reef Trust to reduce and manage the impact of soil erosion in gullies surrounding the Great Barrier Reef catchments. Groups in these regions interested in carrying out the on-ground work are invited to apply by 26 November 2015. This is…
The Australian and Tasmanian governments today reaffirmed their support for the state’s successful carp management program with an additional $1.37 million in funding over the next two years. The Tasmanian Carp Management program has been running since 1995 following the discovery of European carp in Lake Crescent and soon after in Lake Sorell. Over the…
Research designed to lower the risk of human-shark encounters and better understand the threats to marine species and their habitats will be carried out as part of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Programme. Conducted by the Marine Biodiversity Hub based in Hobart, the research will take place in Australia’s temperate marine waters and lead…
I was delighted to welcome more than 80 guests including friends, family and supporters to the Rosebud RSL on Monday where Flinders Seniors Awards were presented to 15 worthy recipients. The awards recognise the significant contribution our older residents make in the community, whether it is through helping with school breakfast programs, volunteering with the…
The Government is providing cutting-edge facilities and equipment to local young people with the opening of the Southern Peninsula Trade Training Centre at Rosebud and Somerville. Funded by the Australian Government, the $5.4 million Southern Peninsula Trade Training Centre will deliver training in plumbing, carpentry, electrotechnology and allied health. I am committed to ensuring local…
I would like to personally congratulate Dr Jane Elith on winning a Prime Minister’s Prize for Science today. For her contributions to environmental management worldwide Dr Jane Elith receives the 2015 Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year. The species distribution models developed by Dr Elith have been used by all Australian governments,…
Australia has already met with the Japanese Government to discuss Japan’s attempt to exclude itself from the International Court of Justice in matters relating to future whaling activities. Australia has successfully brought action in the International Court of Justice to stop Japan’s whaling programme. Japan has previously said it would abide by the ruling. We…
