Australian Labor Party strongly opposes nuclear power
Labor ‘not split on nuclear’. ABC News, July 13, 2011 , A South Australian Federal Minister says the Labor Party is strongly opposed to nuclear energy in Australia despite the pro-nuclear stance of some of its members.
In March, the state’s former Deputy Premier Kevin Foley backed a suggestion by Mineral Resources Minister Tom Koutsantonis that uranium be enriched in Australia.
But Federal Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, says advocates of nuclear energy within the party should consider whether they would like to live near a reactor.
“I would ask that of anyone who floats nuclear energy, whether they’re members of the South Australian Labor Party or the South Australian Liberal Party,” he said. “The national platform is crystal clear. We do not support nuclear energy as an option for Australia.” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-13/labor-nuclear/2793474
ERA uranium miner’s share loss, new project now unlikely
Like the rest of the uranium producers and explorers, ERA’s sharemarket rating has been hit by the fallout for uranium demand expectations from the Fukushima nuclear-power meltdown in March……..Analysts believe that ERA is unlikely to commit to the heap-leach project while Ranger continues to struggle with water-handling issues. The mine is surrounded by Kakadu National Park.
Rio Tinto on fire despite drenched Ranger, Sydney Morning Herald, Barry Fitzgerald, July 14, 2011“…….Water-handling issues at ERA’s Ranger mine in the Northern Territory have savaged the operation’s production levels. In the June half, production collapsed by 65 per cent to 601 tonnes of the radioactive material….
ERA is still a fraction of the company it was in October last year when it shares were selling at $14.78. The value hit stands at more than $2 billion, most of which is worn by Rio as ERA’s 68 per cent shareholder. Continue reading
Radiation danger in unnecessary CT scans
Warning to avoid needless CT scans, Canberra Times, BY HENRIETTA COOK, 13 Jul, 2011 , A growing number of Australians are receiving unnecessary computerised tomography scans at hospitals and clinics.
Last year there was a 40 per cent increase in the number of diagnostic radiation incidents reported to government authorities, with unnecessary and unplanned CT scans making up the bulk of cases. Sixty diagnostic radiology incidents were reported to the Australian Radiation Incident Register in 2010, up from 43 in 2009. There were 29 incidents where patients were given unnecessary or unplanned CT scans and six reported occasions where patients received CT scans and later found out they were pregnant…..
”CT scans are 100 times more powerful than a conventional X-ray. You have to try and avoid that sort of radiation unless absolutely necessary.”
Dr Deb said many doctors were ordering patients to have CT scans when their conditions could easily be diagnosed with conventional X-ray machines, which emit much lower doses of radiation……http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/warning-to-avoid-needless-ct-scans/2224657.aspx
Resistance growing to Martin Ferguson’s Nuclear Waste Bill
There are serious and unresolved problems in the proposed National Radioactive Waste Management Bill (2010) currently before the Parliament that fail the test when it comes to reflecting international best practise in radioactive waste management ….
Traditional owners opposed to a dump at Muckaty are taking legal action, travelling widely to address forums and exploring international avenues as part of their efforts to build awareness and halt the plan – and their supporters are growing.
An out of sight, out of mind approach to nuclear waste management, The Drum, David Sweeney, 12 July 11 The unassuming
town of Tennant Creek hugs the Stuart Highway 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory…… if Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson gets his way – Australia’s first national radioactive waste dump.
And, like the waste itself, the politics of how to manage radioactive waste are getting hotter and dirtier.
Mr Ferguson has consistently refused to meet with traditional owners or others affected by the dump plan, or to explore other management options. Continue reading
Australia to get carbon tax, despite powerful pressure from polluters’ lobby
Australia’s right-wing Liberal Party speaks for the polluter community,…
The individual risks to those who bucked Australia’s huge coal industry are great, but borne with equanimity.”It’s not about me being re-elected, or who’s going to be the prime minister,” one Independent MP, Tony Windsor, told the BBC. “This is about the history of people, most of whom haven’t even been born yet. And if I’m sacked from politics because of that, well, I’ll remove myself with a smile on my face.”
Australia’s Climate Legislation Meets a Surprise Success, Clean Technica, Susan Kraemer, 12 July 11 After months of Tea Party-type astroturf attacks by the Australian coal industry, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has prevailed in introducing a comprehensive carbon tax on the top 500 polluters in the country to move the heavily coal-dependent Australian economy to a more sustainable future based on clean renewable energy, in the country’s most comprehensive economic reforms in a century. The support of the Green Party turned the tide, according to the Canberra Times. Continue reading
More about Australia’s new carbon tax plan
Gillard says energy secure under carbon tax, ABC News, 12 July 11, Prime Minister Julia Gillard is adamant her plan to close coal-fired power stations will not threaten Australia’s energy supply. The Government says it wants to close some power stations, with Hazelwood in Victoria thought to be at the top of the list…..
And she says the transition to renewable energy “will be done in a measured way so that we have continuity of electricity supply so the lights stay on”.
“We’ll work with the regulators to make sure this is got absolutely right, so it will take some time,” she said……..
Why this is better than Rudd’s scheme, Sydney Morning Herald, Sarah Hanson-Young, a Greens Senator, July 12, 2011
There are more than 13 billion reasons why the climate package unveiled on Sunday is better at putting a price on pollution than its predecessor. For starters, there’s $10 billion for renewable energy projects. Unlike the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) proposed by the former Rudd government, this package lays the basis for science-based climate action.
The old scheme locked in weak targets for 15 years which could not be strengthened. There was no money for investment in renewable energy and next to nothing for energy efficiency measures……
Once this package passes Federal Parliament, it will send a signal to the world that Australia is serious about reducing its share of pollution. In addition to taking local action, Australia can continue working with other countries and the UN toward achieving global co-operation.
Until now, each state and territory has operated separate schemes that encourage households to use renewable energy such as by installing solar panels. The multiparty committee agreed to create the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. This will for the first time create a systemic, whole-of-government approach to renewable energy, from R&D to roll-out and planning, at arm’s length from the government.
There will also be an independent Climate Change Authority which will recommend targets and caps for when the scheme moves to flexible pricing….http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/blogs/gengreens/why-this-is-better-than-rudds-scheme-20110711-1haep.html#poll
Woodchips no longer a renewable energy fuel The Drum, by Dan Cass, 12 July 11, One of the most telling and historic parts of the carbon price deal was a tiny announcement, barely noticed in the media coverage. Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Greens announced yesterday that the carbon price package prevents native forest woodchips being counted as a renewable energy fuel.
This Greens initiative has saved Australia’s native forests from being burned as a renewable energy source, which is good news for conservation and also for the solar and wind industries……http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/2790222.html
Carbon storage seeks recognition as clean energy, ABC Rural News, By Babs McHugh, 12/07/2011 The research body behind the development of Carbon Capture and Storage in Australia wants the technology recognised as ‘clean power’ under the Clean Energy Future package.
A spokesman for the Minister for Climate change says the Federal Government ‘is retaining existing funding for CCS initiatives’ which is support for the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute and other projects.. ..http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201107/s3267531.htm
New solar technology based on Australian design
The Pluto design is based on the PERL (passivated emitter with rear locally diffused) technology developed at Australia’s University of New South Wales, where efficiencies of 25 percent have been achieved in the laboratory. Unique texturing technology with lower reflectivity ensures more sunlight can be absorbed throughout the day even without direct solar radiation.
Suntech Unveils Pluto and Mono/Multi Hybrid Modules, Two new products show the innovation coming from China’s solar firms. GreenTechSolar, Eric Wesoff, 12 July 11, Suntech (NYSE: STP), the world’s largest solar module manufacturer just launched two new products. Continue reading
Carbon tax plan welcomed by Independents, Aboriginals, Western Australia, South Australia
“There is an enormous opportunity, particularly for rural Australia, that will lead to a cleaner environment,” Mr Windsor said….”It’s not about us, it’s not about the next election, it’s about the next generation,”
Independents hail carbon win for regional Australia, ABC News 11 July 11, Key independents Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor have praised fellow members of the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee for arriving at the carbon tax plan.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard day confirmed Australian households will be handed more than $15 billion in compensation to offset the impact of the new carbon tax, …http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/07/10/3265812.html
“The carbon market is the next big opportunity for Aboriginal people and puts us on a path to economic independence.”
Carbon tax vital reform – conservationists, 9 News Western Australia, 11 July“………..Kimberley Land Council (KLC) acting chief executive Nolan Hunter said the carbon package would also benefit indigenous Australians by giving Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley a chance to be involved in the carbon economy.
“This provides Aboriginal people with a real opportunity to stay on country, to utilise our knowledge of looking after the environment while benefiting economically through the creation of carbon businesses and jobs,”….http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/newsbusiness/aap/8271510/carbon-tax-vital-reform-conservationists
Greens say carbon plan a win for SA, 9 News, 11 July 11— The Greens say South Australia will benefit from the $10 billion allocated to renewable energy projects as part of the federal government’s carbon pricing scheme….
“South Australia is already ahead of the rest of the country in renewable energy and this package will give industries the security and certainty they need to continue their investments in solar, wind and geothermal projects.
..state Greens MP Mark Parnell said ….. it was not a question of the “bulldozers coming in tomorrow”.
“What we’re talking about is a package of measures to transition Australia away from dirty fossil fuels that lead to climate change, that pollute the atmosphere, towards renewable energy,” he said…http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8271653/greens-say-carbon-plan-a-win-for-sa
renewable energy is set for a very bright future and WA is well placed to make the most of those opportunities.”…..WA-based wave, wind and solar power companies can now progress with confidence.
Carbon tax puts the heat on to shift to renewables, ABC News 11 July 11, A Federal Minister Chris Evans says Western Australia’s renewable energy sector is well placed to benefit from the carbon tax. The Federal Government plans to source 20 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Senator Evans says he expects to see a flurry of investment as a result.
“We’ve got enormous potential in solar and wind and wave which has been largely untapped and the impact of the carbon price will make them more competitive,” he said……
“I think renewable energy is set for a very bright future and WA is well placed to make the most of those opportunities.”….. Carnegie Wave Energy’s Michael Ottaviano says emerging WA-based wave, wind and solar power companies can now progress with confidence…..http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/07/11/3266920.htm
Australian company to mine uranium in World Heritage Wildlife Sanctuary
Australians open Uranium mine in the Selous Game Reserve, Work World 11 July 11, Mantra Resources will begin uranium mining in the Selous Game Reserve at the end of next year. The Australian mining company will be operating in the south of Tanzania on a UNESCO heritage site, the second largest wildlife sanctuary in the African continent……..http://www.worktheworld.co.uk/blog/australians-open-uranium-mine-in-the-selous-game-reserve_2550
Julia Gillard delivers the goods for Australia’s renewable energy and carbon tax fairness
That need to unblock investment in emerging technologies seems to be the underlying reason behind the push by the Greens and environmental groups for two new statutory bodies, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
Both bodies will be independent and will sit beyond ministerial interference.
Green light for renewables. Climate Spectator, Giles Parkinson 10 July 11, At a recent discussion in Sydney
about the prospect of nuclear energy in this country, Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson reflected that Australia may have no choice but to go nuclear if it was unable to find a clean energy alternative.
It was a valid point. The trouble was that few in the renewable energy industry
were confident that Ferguson would want to invest enough money, and early enough, to give them the best chance of developing new technologies and getting the scale of deployment needed to reduce costs. Continue reading
Australia’s latest high powered pro nuclear propaganda
With all this emphasis on safety, radiation effects are never discussed.
The same argument could be used to show how safe the asbestos industry is – : just a few deaths from falls in the mine and you don’t count the mesothelioma that comes on years later. Same with tobacco and lung cancer.
The renewed push for a nuclear Australia Pro-nuclear campaigners are, beyond all reason, using the Fukushima nuclear disaster to push the case for an atomic Australia. Independent Australia , 7 July 11, Noel Wauchope reports.
Perhaps because of its geographical isolation, Australia is, in some ways, off the culture map. This might be why Dr. Ziggy Switkowski,Professor Barry Brook,Dr Adi Paterson and the rest of the nuclear propagandists seem to be able to get away with statements on the Fukushima nuclear disaster – now described as the world’s worst industrial disaster – that range from the dubiously absurd, to the downright untrue. Continue reading
Nuclear and fossil fuel industries losing their power to stall renewables
….soon enough it will become clear that there is an underlying technological inevitability at work. It is the failure of Minister Ferguson to accept that inevitability that led to his renewables programs being taken off him by Senator Christine Milne and the Greens..
… Minister Ferguson chooses to instead use data put out by a US electricity industry think tank. This think tank, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is mostly funded by coal and nuclear firms.
Growing a healthy Australian renewables industry, The Drum, Dan Cass, 8 July 11“……….For many years the solar and wind industries have allowed themselves to be given the run around by successive governments. Ministers would ‘freeze out’ renewables companies that advocated publicly, yet give the coal industry everything it wanted.
Guy Pearce, a former Liberal advisor, blew the whistle on this political corruption, whereby the fossil fuel industry had improper influence over both major parties and the public service…..
ARENA [ the new Australian Renewable Energy Agency] will have an independent structure and this should give it the ability to work constructively with the solar and wind and other renewable sectors. Continue reading
ANSTO’s all too cosy relationship with its nuclear regulator
Nuclear regulator ‘too close’ to ANSTO, ABC News 7 July 11, A review of Australia’s nuclear industry regulator, ARPANSA, has found an improper relationship with the main agency it monitors.
The Health Department’s audit and fraud control branch has been investigating how ARPANSA handled allegations of safety breaches and bullying at the nation’s only nuclear reactor in Sydney.
Whistleblowers had alleged ARPANSA was too close to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), which runs the Lucas Heights research facility.
The whistleblowers claimed that safety reports were being compromised.
The Health Department review also questioned ARPANSA’s impartiality.
Greens Senator Scott Ludlam told ABC1’s Lateline the review vindicates the whistleblowers.
“The whistleblowers were right and the people who have been raising concerns about practices with these hazardous materials were right to raise their concerns,” he said. “It also tells us the regulator and the regulated were too close.”
The Federal Government is now reviewing ARPANSA’s regulatory powers, with Thursday’s report recommending they be strengthened if necessary.
New ! Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
The agency will be managed by an independent board of investment, business and energy experts appointed by cabinet. It will therefore take away the responsibility for AUD$3.2 billion (€2.4 billion) of
renewable energy funding from the department of the Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson, which supporters of the move say will mean less political red tape and more action.
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott also showed support for ARENA, saying that it provides an opportunity for solar to develop into a reliable base-load option in Australia.
“Geothermal, solar and hydro are all proving themselves up as real option for peak loads and increasingly for base-load. A finance scheme the size of ARENA will help Australia transition in a competitive way in regard our renewable strategy,”
Australia: New renewable energy agency announced at Canberra solar roundtable, PV Magazine 08. JULY 2011 BY: NICHOLAS STONE A gathering of solar industry heavyweights held in Canberra today has prompted the early release of details about a new body to oversee the future of renewable energy projects in Australia. Continue reading
World Heritage Parks not necessarily immune from uranium mining
Don’t let’s get too complacent about UNESCO naming Koongarra as a World Heritage
National Park. The French nuclear company AREVA is still ruthlessly pursuing its goal of mining uranium there. And look what an Australian uranium company is doing in a UNESCO Heritage Park in the magnificent Tanzanian ecology.
Aust firm mines uranium in game reserve, Sydney Morning Herald, July 5, 2011, Australia’s Mantra Resources will start mining in late 2012 in the southern part of the 54,600-square kilometre park estimated to have 24.4 million kilogrammes) of uranium oxide deposits……
Tanzania will begin uranium mining in its southern Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s second-largest wildlife sanctuary and a UNESCO heritage site, the energy minister said……
he voiced optimism about getting clearance from the national environmental authorities and added that a UNESCO team would visit Tanzania for verification…..Environmentalists argue that the road project will endanger wildlife and disrupt the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in neighbouring Kenya….http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/aust-firm-mines-uranium-in-game-reserve-20110705-1h0w9.html
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