Tony Abbott says “NO” to UN plan to help Pacific climate change victims
Tony Abbott rejects Commonwealth climate change risk fund SMH, November 18, 2013 Ben Doherty South Asia correspondent for Fairfax Media Colombo, Sri Lanka: Prime Minister Tony Abbott has rejected a proposal from the 53-nation Commonwealth to establish a new fund to help poor and island countries to combat climate change.
As an extraordinary Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting concluded in Colombo, Mr Abbott joined with Canada in rejecting a decision by the summit to push for a Green Capital Fund to help vulnerable island states and poor African countries address the effects of rising sea levels, prolonged droughts, or catastrophic weather incidents, caused by climate change.
The proposal is for Commonwealth countries to work within the UN climate change network to build the fund for small and poor countries to access.
One of the key themes of the summit was the plight of low-lying, and poor states who are especially vulnerable to climate change, but don’t have the money for adaptation.: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-rejects-commonwealth-climate-change-risk-fund-20131118-2xplc.html#ixzz2l9bFQGcM
Queensland, not the National government could control uranium and environment decisions
Qld uranium mines could become state issue, news.com.au 19 Nov 13 THE Queensland government could be given power to assess the impact of uranium mines in the state under proposed federal changes to environmental approvals.
The revelation emerged on Monday as the environment department was grilled by opposition and Greens senators about the federal government’s plan to create a “one-stop-shop” for environmental approvals.
The Queensland and NSW governments have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abbott government over the plan, which aims to deliver faster approvals and eliminate regulatory duplication.
Opposition to the policy has been fierce, with critics claiming it will erode crucial environmental protections by handing federal powers to the states.
Australian Greens senator Larissa Waters on Monday quizzed officials from the environment department about whether the Commonwealth would retain power over nuclear activity under the proposed changes.
She said Environment Minister Greg Hunt had previously indicated nuclear activity would be “quarantined” under the changes, and asked if this was still the case.
Newly appointed department secretary Gordon de Brouwer told a Senate estimates committee that nuclear activity was “approved by the Commonwealth minister, and assessed under this agreement by the state”.
“So this does give away the assessment of uranium mining to Queensland?” Senator Waters asked about the proposed agreements.
“Yes, it allows the state to undertake those assessments, subject to the agreement,” Mr de Brouwer replied……http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/qld-uranium-mines-could-become-state-issue/story-e6frfku9-1226762510990
New, less safe, nuclear deal between Australia and India?
Nuclear deal: Australia’s uranium deal with India may include weaker monitoring safeguards ABC News, 19 Nov 13, By Stephanie March Australia’s agreement to sell uranium to India could include weaker monitoring safeguards than the nuclear deals Australia has with other countries.
A third round of nuclear cooperation agreement talks are due to take place later this month and both governments say they want the deal settled quickly.
In the past, Australia has required countries to which it sells uranium to track the material more closely than is required by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Andrew Davies from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute says the IAEA tracks aggregate quantities of uranium but does not monitor exactly where uranium sent to India from Australia ends up. “For example, if 100 tonnes goes into a civilian nuclear program and 90 tonnes of product comes out, they don’t know where the missing product was diverted from,” he said.
The ABC understands India says it does not have the capacity to provide additional monitoring beyond what is required by the IAEA.
Speaking in New Delhi, Australia’s Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, told the ABC she was reluctant to comment on the talks while they were underway.
“I am not going to get ahead of the negotiations and consider hypotheticals,” she said…… India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and only in recent years started taking steps to separate its military and civilian nuclear programs.
Last year, a report from the Indian auditor-general found the country’s nuclear safety regulator was weak and unable to properly monitor the industry.
Ms Bishop says Australia will support India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-19/australia27s-nuclear-deal-with-india/5101030
Australia backs India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group
Australia supports India’s NSG membership, Live Mint 19 Nov 13 Julie Bishop says Australia’s decision acknowledges India’s emergence as a major producer and potential exporter of nuclear energy and technology Elizabeth Roche New Delhi: In a sign that Australia’s new Liberal Party government headed by Prime Minister Tony Abbott intends to deepen a strategic partnership with India, Australia on Monday announced its support for India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the global cartel that controls the sale of nuclear materials, Continue reading
Water shortage problem for Australia’s uranium miners in Africa
Rio Tinto, Paladin Uranium Mines in Namibia Face Water Shortage, Bloomberg News By Felix Njini November 18, 2013 Uranium mines operated by companies including Rio Tinto Plc (RIO) and Paladin Energy Ltd. in Namibia face a water shortage as a drought in the southwest African nation curbs supply to the operations and three coastal towns. Continue reading
No price relief in sight for Australia’s troubles uranum miners
Tough times ahead for uranium miners ABC Rural By Tara de Landgrafft 19 Nov 13, “……With a number of Japanese reactors still offline after the 2011 earthquake, there is an oversupply of uranium in the marketplace…..it will be a tough two years ahead for current producers, with one Australian miner already going into care and maintenance.
“You could have up to 40 to 50 per cent of producers who are actually operating at a loss at present,” he said.
“We’ve got a shorter term surplus in the market where you’ve got reactors offline and material that would have been entering into term contracts, those have been deferred, and that’s finding its way probably more into the short, medium-term market.” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-19/nrn-uranium/5101704
Renewable energy project for Perth
Power station plan promises ‘renewable energy to the south-west’ ABC News, Mon 18 Nov 2013, A private company is proposing to build a renewable energy station in Perth that would add power to the south-west energy grid using recycled waste.
A six-week public consultation period is open for New Energy Corporation’s proposal for the gas-fired power station in east Rockingham. Gas produced from waste material will be burnt to produce electricity for the grid.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has already approved the technology for the company at a similar facility in Port Hedland.
New Energy’s Jason Pugh says renewable energy is a sustainable option considering the struggles of the south-west coal industry.”Certainly with some of the issues that the coal industry is going through and also the price of energy in the market at the moment, this project represents a real opportunity to get renewable energy to the south-west,” he said.
He says renewable energy is becoming vital considering the struggles faced by the coal-fired energy industry in Collie. “The technology that we’re employing has already been approved by the EPA in our Port Hedland facility at Boodarie but we acknowledge that the community is the major stakeholder in this project, so we’re working really hard to inform the community through this process, firstly through the six-week period,” he said…….http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-18/power-station-plan-promises-renewable-energy-to/5099426
Hundreds of towns across Australia come out for climate change action
Climate change rallies held around Australia, with calls for Coalition to keep carbon tax (Go to this ABC website to see terrific pictures of the climate cation rallies around Australia) http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-17/thousands-rally-across-australia-for-national-day-climate-action/5097536 Tens of thousand of Australians have turned out for climate change rallies across the nation, calling on the Abbott Government to keep the carbon tax. The National Day of Climate Action was organised by activist groups including GetUp!, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Organisers say about 60,000 participated at the rallies, which were held in capital cities and more than 130 towns and regional centres. Emergency workers played a significant role in warning about the dangers of unchecked global warming, while Labor and Greens politicians, along with climate scientists, also participated.
The Climate Council’s Tim Flannery told 30,000 people in Melbourne that Australians must make their voices heard. “The simple truth is this: that we cannot leave a matter as important as climate change to the fickleness and whim of Australia’s politicians,” he said.
“We must stand up and be counted [and take] every effort to speed the uptake of renewable energy.” Greens deputy leader Adam Bandt evoked the memory of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, while firefighters spoke of their fears of increasingly hotter days.
“There is no sceptic at the end of a fire hose,” said Peter Marshall, secretary of the United Firefighters Union. In Brisbane, where an estimated 4,000 people came together, firefighter Dean McNulty spoke of the huge concern climate change posed to his colleagues, who battle natural disasters from the front line.
Mr McNulty says scientists were clear that global warming would make extreme weather events more frequent and severe. “To firefighters, it is not just numbers and statistics, it is very real,” he said.
Queensland uranium sales would bring radioactive waste importing to Australia
Uranium Mines More Dangerous Than Nuclear Power Confirms Japanese Atomic Expert At Brisbane Forum http://www.mysunshinecoast.com.au/articles/article-display/uranium-mines-more-dangerous-than-nuclear-power-confirms-japanese-atomic-expert-at-brisbane-forum,32305#.UofD39Jwo7o 16 Nov 13, Fears for worker safety at future uranium mines in Queensland were confirmed by a top Japanese atomic expert at this week’s Australia-Japan Dialogue Forum in Brisbane.
Japan Atomic Energy Commission vice chairman Dr Tatsujiro Suzuki said at the forum “Mining actually poses larger risks than reactors, even when there are not accidents. Uranium miners are regularly exposed, there’s high exposure in areas around mines and the potential for atmospheric contamination.”
Anti-Nuclear Campaign Coordinator, Mark Bailey said Mr Suzuki’s comments showed why uranium mines were not worth the risk in Queensland. “The Ranger mine in the Northern Territory, in a similar wet season climate as North Queensland, has an appalling safety record with more than 150 documented mishaps including workers drinking and bathing in radioactive water.”
“The latest reported mishap occurred only last week. The safety of workers and nearby communities cannot be guaranteed by the uranium industry given their very poor record.” Dr Suzuki also confirmed that Japan is set to run out of nuclear waste storage capacity within six years and is looking to sign deals with uranium suppliers who are prepared to help it dispose of radioactive waste. Mr Bailey warned “Once we allow uranium mines in Queensland it is inevitable that nuclear waste storage and nuclear power will soon be on the agenda. Uranium mines are the thin edge of the nuclear wedge in Queensland.” “Once the nuclear industry has their radioactive foot in Queensland’s door, they will want to move in and take over the whole house.”
“Queensland doesn’t need uranium mining, nuclear waste dumps or nuclear power and we should re-instate the ban on uranium mining promised before the last election before it’s too late,” said Mr Bailey. “The Newman government has no mandate from the people of Queensland to allow uranium mining as they explicitly ruled it out before the election.”
Wind energy in Australia – a good investment
Investing in Australian wind energy http://ecogeneration.com.au/news/investing_in_australian_wind_energy/084291/, 15 November 2013 In this exclusive excerpt from the December 2013 edition of EcoGeneration, newly appointed Managing Director of OneWind Australia Michael Toke discusses the company’s investment strategy for Australian wind energy.
In May 2013, Denham Capital announced a planned investment of $US75 million ($A78.8 million) equity in a 1 gigawatt portfolio of Australian wind energy projects currently under development.As part of the deal, Denham partnered with Enersis Australia, National Power and Kato Capital to create a new entity called OneWind Australia.
OneWind Australia will initially focus on the late-stage development and financing of several Australian projects, including:
- Glen Innes, a 100 megawatt (MW) project in New South Wales
- Lincoln Gap, a 250 MW project in South Australia
- Cattle Hill, a 240 MW project in Tasmania
.
Denham said that its investment is aimed at accelerating development of these projects, with a goal of achieving financial close on several phases in the first half of 2014.
Why does OneWind Australia see Australia as a good market for investment in wind farms? Continue reading
New Senator, Nova Peris, speaks out against Muckaty nuclear waste dump plan
Senator Nova Peris OAM. Maiden speech, 13 November 2013 CRIKEY, BOB GOSFORD | NOV 13, 2013 “……….. Aboriginal Australians are symbolic of triumph over adversity. We represent knowledge and wisdom held in land and country.
Because in our hearts we know that we do not own Mother Earth, the Earth owns us……..
I acknowledge I am a Senator elected to represent all Territorians— and I fully intend to discharge this duty to the best of my ability and I will always put our concerns – the concerns of Territorians first and foremost.
I believe it is my duty and the duty of all members elected to the Parliament to answer questions and deal with issues honestly and openly.
One such matter that is a very contentious issue is the location of Australia’s proposed nuclear waste facility. Recently my Larrakia uncle Eric Fejo who is also here today spoke about the previous Government’s decision to locate the proposed nuclear waste facility on Muckaty Station in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory.
He reminded a public forum that during the Apology to the Stolen Generations it was stated that Governments were wrong to make laws and policies that inflict profound grief, suffering and loss on Aboriginal people.
That is what the Muckaty decision is currently doing. It is dividing a community of traditional owners. This policy is inflicting grief.
I strongly urge my fellow parliamentary colleagues to reconsider their support for the current location of this facility.
Of course Australia needs a nuclear waste management facility. But its location must be based on science not politics……..
I acknowledge I am a Senator elected to represent all Territorians— and I fully intend to discharge this duty to the best of my ability and I will always put our concerns – the concerns of Territorians first and foremost.
I believe it is my duty and the duty of all members elected to the Parliament to answer questions and deal with issues honestly and openly.
One such matter that is a very contentious issue is the location of Australia’s proposed nuclear waste facility. Recently my Larrakia uncle Eric Fejo who is also here today spoke about the previous Government’s decision to locate the proposed nuclear waste facility on Muckaty Station in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory.
He reminded a public forum that during the Apology to the Stolen Generations it was stated that Governments were wrong to make laws and policies that inflict profound grief, suffering and loss on Aboriginal people.
That is what the Muckaty decision is currently doing. It is dividing a community of traditional owners. This policy is inflicting grief.
I strongly urge my fellow parliamentary colleagues to reconsider their support for the current location of this facility.
Of course Australia needs a nuclear waste management facility. But its location must be based on science not politics….
I also particularly thank former Prime Minister Julia Gillard from the bottom of my heart for her faith in me and for giving me the chance to become involved – my duty now is to work hard and make a real difference….http://blogs.crikey.com.au/northern/2013/11/13/senator-nova-peris-oam-maiden-speech-13-november-2013/
Australian uranium miner Paladin: last ditch battle for survival?
Weak uranium price hurts Paladin http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/national/19838677/weak-uranium-price-hurts-paladin/ Nick Sas, The West AustralianNovember 15, 2013, Paladin Energy has underscored the enormity of its battle for survival, admitting its African uranium mines lost $US14.9 million ($15.9 million) in the September quarter despite record production.
As shareholders prepare to quiz long-standing managing director John Borshoff at the company’s annual meeting in Perth next week, Paladin last night released its financial and operating report for the three months to September 30 detailing the pain caused by the depressed uranium price.
The gross loss on operations was the result of a 17 per cent slump in quarter-on-quarter uranium price and a resulting impairment of uranium inventory at the Kayelekera mine in Namibia, more than offsetting a 37 per cent jump in sales volumes.
It was the first time in more than five years that Paladin has not reported a gross profit for the September quarter, despite a period that included bringing the company’s second mine, Kayelekera, into production to add to output from Langer Heinrich in Namibia.
The weak September quarter came despite record production at Langer Heinrich – leading to a record group output – and continued cash cost reductions.
Production at Kayelekera fell by 9 per cent. Although Paladin receives a premium over the market-traded spot price courtesy of long-standing contracts with suppliers, a yellowcake price sitting at historical lows has now pushed it over the brink of profitability.
Over the quarter Paladin received an average of $US41.38 a pound U _{-3} _
O{-8} – down from $46.22/lb in the June quarter. The average spot price over the quarter was $US36/lb – a historical low.
The gross loss for the quarter including impairments was $US40 million. It adds to the $US420.9 million loss reported during the 2012-13 financial year, largely because of big writedowns on the value of its assets.
Paladin celebrated its 20-year anniversary earlier this year but the pressures surrounding the uranium price, mounting debt and a free-falling share price have been no cause for celebration. Paladin’s shares, at 40¢, are worth less than half of the 91.5¢ they commanded on the eve of last year’s annual meeting.
Paladin has $US276 million in unsecured convertible bonds maturing in late 2015, and a further $US236.6 million falling due 18 months later, fanning fears about its ability to generate cash to repay its debt.
Shareholders are likely to vent their disappointment at Thursday’s meeting. The Australian Shareholders’ Association wants chairman Rick Crabb to retire.
Most extreme warming for any country has hit Australia
Australia suffers most extreme warming http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2013/s3890466.htm Reporter: Jake Sturmer
The UN’s World Meteorological Agency has found that this year Australia has had the most extreme warming of any country.
Transcrip:t EMMA ALBERICI, PRESENTER: The UN’s World Meteorological Agency has found that climate change is increasing the impact of storms like Typhoon Haiyan. And closer to home, in findings released tonight, the WMO says that Australia this year has experienced the world’s biggest increase in average temperatures. This report from Jake Sturmer. Continue reading
Australia’s clean energy companies may go overseas, due to Abbott’s cuts to renewable energy
Abbot’s Cuts to Clean Energy Could Push Companies Abroad – Sourceable, 15 Nov 13 Prime Minister Tony Abbot has flagged massive cuts to funding for renewable energy which the sector’s peak body says could spur an exodus of companies overseas. – The Clean Energy Council (CCEC), Australia’s peak body for the renewable energy sector, said that the Abbot government’s proposed legislation for the repeal of the carbon tax contains a provision which will reduce funding for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) by $435 million over the next three years.
In an official statement Kane Thornton, CEC’s deputy chief executive, said that the cuts to ARENA funding threaten to roll back the tremendous progressive achieved by Australia’s clean energy sector over recent years, in areas including large-scale solar, marine, geothermal and energy storage.
“It is disappointing that the agency is now facing a significant budget reduction,” Thornton said.
According to Thornton the slated changes to funding for ARENA could spur many renewable energy companies to relocate abroad, to jurisdictions where government support for renewable energy is more clear-cut and consistent.
“This unstable policy environment has had a clear impact on major technology innovators, developers and financiers, who will understandably be questioning their future in Australia,” said Thornton.-………. http://sourceable.net/abbots-cuts-to-clean-energy-could-push-companies-abroad/#sthash.QHz36p6r.dpuf
Polluting industries uranium and coal make themselves look good, in with Minerals Council
Australian Uranium Association joins forces with the Minerals Council of Australia Australian Mining 14 November, 2013 Vicky Validakis The Australian Uranium Association will be integrated into the Minerals Council of Australia in a merger agreed upon by member companies of both organisations.
Departing chief of the AUA Michael Angwin said the move will enhance the uranium sector’s advocacy, reinforcing its position in the mining industry as a whole.
AUA chairman Darryl Cuzzubbo said the integration is set to secure the uranium sector stays well positioned…….The AUA has been the main advocacy body for the nation’s uranium industry, lobbying for policy changes and aiming to educate the public on the advantages of using uranium as an energy source.……
Earlier this year the Australian Coal Association was dismantled and integrated with the MCA. http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/australian-uranium-association-joins-forces-with-t
1 This month.
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PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
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