The Australian Government is providing incentives for Australians to purchase low emissions vehicles, as part of a new $50 million programme funded through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The programme is targeting corporate and government fleet buyers, as well as not-for-profit organisations. With an estimated 450,000 fleet vehicles on the road today, this represents a…
Australia has played a key role in achieving major progress towards the global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). I am delighted that there has been a strong commitment to work towards an HFC phase-down agreement under the Montreal Protocol in 2016. This week’s international meeting in Dubai agreed that HFCs should be controlled and phased down.…
A new residential development north of Sydney could set an exciting precedent with the possibility of the entire community being built off the power grid. Huntlee will be the first new town in the Hunter Valley in 50 years and will house 20,000 new residents in 7,500 homes. Brookfield Energy Australia (Brookfield) is examining the…
Montreal Protocol meeting to tackle climate change by cutting HFC emissions Today I will lead Australia’s delegation at the 27th Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Dubai, where the focus of global talks will be on working towards a phase down of hydrofluorocarbons. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used as a substitute for ozone-depleting gases.…
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…