Secretive Victorian government sets up toothless freedom of information watchdog
Federal government figures say the calculations in the press release overestimate the expected costs [of Australia’s carbon tax] and ignore compensation to be offered to some.
Using freedom of information laws, the state [Labor] opposition asked Mr O’Brien’s Department of Primary Industries for all modelling and briefings behind the press release.
Four months later the department wrote back, denying access to all documents
The Baillieu government this year will put in place a freedom of information watchdog. It will not have powers over ministers or department heads, will be unable to review decisions relating to secret cabinet documents, and could ultimately result in longer delays.
Baillieu hides carbon tax documents, The Age, Clay Lucas, January 10, 2012 THE Baillieu government has been accused of using ”laughable” excuses to block the release of economic modelling it used to attack the Gillard government’s carbon tax.
The government cited public interest and privacy issues as reasons it will not hand over calculations behind a media release by state Energy Minister Michael O’Brien last July. The press release, titled Julia Gillard duds Victorians again, lashed the federal Labor government over its carbon tax plans. Continue reading
New report shows steady growth of renewable energy in Victoria, despite Baillieu govt
Sustainability Victoria reports wind generation from the existing 432MW of installed capacity has increased to 1,280GWh on a 12 month rolling basis to September 2011. Another 537 MW of capacity is under construction at three locations and due to be on line by 2013. Unfortunately these projects are likely to be the last to make it out of the planning pipeline due to the draconian new rules introduced by the Baillieu government to give a veto to any resident within 2km of a proposed wind project.
The whole story on Victorian renewables Climate Spectator, Andrew Herington, 22 Dec 11 In April 2011, the Victorian Auditor-General tabled a report Facilitating Renewable Energy Development which took a dim view of the potential of renewable energy.
There was widespread media coverage of this report, which focussed heavily on his finding that the proportion of electricity from renewable sources has only increased from 3.6 per cent in 2002 to 3.9 per cent in 2009. This was widely taken as proof that attempts to expand renewable energy had failed and is now often quoted by renewable opponents.
A new Clean Energy Australia 2011 report from the Clean Energy Council demonstrates the Auditor General’s conclusions were flawed and that renewable energy is strongly growing and is now providing around 11 per cent of Victoria’s electricity consumption. Continue reading
Bendigo calls on Victorian government to reverse its anti wind energy legislation
Bendigo joins wind farm planning fight, ABC News, December 02, 2011 The State Government is coming under further pressure from central Victoria to overturn its controversial changes to wind farm planning rules. The Victorian Government moved in August to establish no-go zones for turbines in selected areas across the state, including land around Bendigo.
The decision upset several local environment groups and the Mt Alexander Shire at Castlemaine was among the first councils to voice opposition to the move. Bendigo Mayor Rod Fyffe says his council has also voted to ask the Government to reverse the decision…..”On balance, we feel that it was a decision that we would like to see reversed so that communities can look at what they want, work out what they want and plan for what they want.” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-02/bendigo-joins-wind-farm-planning-changes-fight/3708280
A pioneer wave energy project for Port Fairy, Victoria
Wave energy to power homes, The Age, December 2, 2011 – A world-first wave energy project which mimics the movement of seaweed and kelp through the water will power hundreds of homes in Victoria’s south-west. The $14 million BioWAVE project is a single wave energy unit that will be anchored to the sea floor 30 metres underwater and about 800 metres from the shore at a site four kilometres west of Port Fairy.
The 450kW unit will be connected to the energy grid and power 300 homes by early 2013. The project is an example of biomimicry, in which biological traits are used in engineered systems. The Victorian government has put $5 million towards the project and other partners include AGL Energy Bluescope Steel, Lend Lease, Swinburne University, the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney. Energy and Resources Minister Michael O’Brien said the project would also support the local economy and jobs. http://www.theage.com.au/environment/energy-smart/wave-energy-to-power–homes-20111202-1ob24.html#ixzz1fW5uImjT
Danish visitors puzzled by Victoria’s laws against wind farms
Wind turbine rules mystify Danes, The Age, Adam MortoNovember 26, 2011 The head of the world’s largest wind energy company has questioned the Baillieu government’s rationale for giving households veto rights over turbines within two kilometres of their homes.
Ditlev Engel, chief executive of Danish company Vestas, said he had ”no idea” where the policy had come from. Mr Engel, who is visiting Victoria with Crown Prince Frederik and Tasmanian-born Crown Princess Mary, said no one had explained the motivation for Victoria’s most restrictive regulations on turbines.
Mr Engel backed opening wind farms to the public to dispel myths about wind power. Denmark generates a quarter of its energy from wind power. Vestas had turbine blade manufacturing plants in Victoria and Tasmania, but they closed in 2007 over policy uncertainty… http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wind-turbine-rules-mystify-danes-20111125-1nzb0.html#ixzz1eqqTjYpA
Victorian govt leads the way from renewable energy, towards brown coal, then nuclear
the massive 3,700 sq km lease EL4416 to Dr. John White’s Ignite Energy Resources. Cutting a swathe right across southern Gippsland’s prime coastal and tourism region, it runs the entire length of the spectacular 90 Mile Beach from the top of Wilsons Promontory to the Gippsland Lakes, half circling the towns of Bairnsdale, Sale and Traralgon.
when action on global warming can no longer be delayed, what will the Victorian government’s exit strategy be for brown coal? How will it placate community concern over food security and energy in a warming planet? In the absence of any willing investors left for wind or solar, are Victorians the first to be softened up for the nuclear debate we’re yet to have?
White is more than just a valued friend of the Liberal Party and former head of Prime Minister John Howard’s Uranium Industry Framework. White is a serious player in the international nuclear stakes and was the brainchild behind the “cradle to grave” business plan for President George Bush’s Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.
Victoria goes dirty brown, Independent Australia, 25 Nov 11 IA INVESTIGATION: The new Victorian Government has abandoned any concerns for the environment in a rush to turn Victoria into a big, dirty, brown coal mine. Environment editorSandi Keane reports “…. Under recent legislation, new coal-fired power stations can be built 1km from the nearest residence (or just over 1km in the case of the Anglesea Primary School) – but not for a windfarm, which needs to be at least 2km away from the nearest complaining resident….the grab for arable land is on…..Over 40 per cent of Victoria is now under licence — a “ticking time bomb” according to Environment Victoria’s Make Wakeham. Its new website, CoalWatch, allows users to see at a glance which areas of Victorian have been leased to mining companies for the mining of brown coal….. Continue reading
The legal facts on who owns the minerals under your land
Why miners have a right to what’s under your land, Beef Central, By Samantha Hepburn Associate Professor, School of Law at Deakin University18 Nov 2011 All over Australia, landowners are fighting to keep mining companies off their property.
From the Darling Downs to the Liverpool Plains, farmers have been locking out coal seam gas extraction companies. In Victoria, exploratory licences have been granted to the Queensland based mining company, Mantle Mining Pty Ltd, to investigate private land situated in and around the rural Victorian areas of Bacchus Marsh, Darley, Myrniong and Ballan.
Landowners are worried about the effects that exploratory drilling may have upon their the land as well as the possibility that an open cut coal mine may be developed.
Who owns the minerals under your land? Continue reading
Hepburn Community Wind farm – a first for Australia
Its dream is for Australia to build dozens of community wind farms and solar parks over the next several years. One of the key measures in Australia’s new carbon price package is the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), which has AU$10 billion for renewable energy and “clean” energy finance. Community energy projects should have access to funds from the CEFC, which will rapidly accelerate the growth of the sector.
Community owned energy is the one of the most powerful ways to build the social licence of renewables and counter the extremists. This makes Hepburn Wind an achievement not just for the locals and others directly involved, but for the entire country.
Australia’s Carbon Price Should Support the New Community Energy Sector, Renewable Energy World, By Dan Cass , November 14, 2011 Australia is in the global spotlight for passing its new renewable energy package. A few days before the new measures passed, the senate saw a historic moment for community energy with the opening of Australia’s first citizen-funded wind farm.
(Watch the ABC TV story.) Continue reading
Community owned, community funded, renewable energy getting a boost in Bendigo
Bendigo to host sustainability conference, Bendigo Advertiser, ROSA ELLEN, 14 Nov, 2011 COMMUNITY-owned energy projects from across Australia will meet in Bendigo today as part of a two-day national conference. Community Power Conference convener Professor John Martin said representatives would show what could be achieved despite a lack of political leadership on renewable energy.
“Bendigo needs to know that renewable energy driven by community is possible,” Professor Martin said. Hepburn Wind, whose chairman Simon Holmes a Court will be one of the presenters at the event, is a “clear example” of what could be achieved by community owned and invested projects, he said.
“For me it’s a no-brainer. The hurt will come as electricity prices go up and people will say ‘why didn’t we do anything about it?’” he said.
“All governments can worry about is the bloody carbon tax. There’s lots of news around on community action and we see no action from the government.
All we see them doing is banning wind farms.”
Professor Martin said it appeared politicians were more likely to follow the campaign for clean energy once it gained ground, rather than lead the way.
“There’s great enthusiasm from communities across Australia who want to do something,” he said. Among the projects presenting at the conference is the Warbuton Micro-Hydro project, a small hydro electric system set to power 50 to 60 homes when it starts in about three weeks.
Warburton Micro-Hydro project leader Luke Whiteside will be speaking about the financing of the project, which has its community bank as a major shareholder. Mr Whiteside said he would be interested to learn from other community run projects during the two-day event.
The conference at The Capital theatre is being held by La Trobe University’s Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, and the Central Victoria Solar City project with the City of Greater Bendigo. It will also address managing peak energy demands and developing local renewable energy generators for the national distribution network.
A breakthrough wind turbine design in Victoria, Australia
VIDEO
http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=15749 Australian Company Launches World’s Quietest Wind Turbine, AZO CleanTech October 26, 2011 Australian renewable energy
innovation continues to lead the way with the launch of the worlds’ quietest wind turbine, released to market this week. The cutting edge turbine stands 21 metres high and features a unique, intuitive blade design that is virtually silent.
The Eco Whisper Turbine is set to revolutionise delivery of renewable electricity supply for urban and rural applications, and is now in operation at a leading Australian manufacturer for viewing by industry, and energy sectors.
Renewable Energy Solutions Australia Holdings Ltd (RESA) an Australian Renewable Energy company and member of the Clean Energy Council of Australia, has unveiled the Eco Whisper Turbine the world’s quietest 20kW wind turbine in Geelong, Victoria.
The new Eco Whisper Turbine is an innovative 20 kW electricity-producing wind turbine that is virtually silent due to a unique cowl/ring that prevents air from spilling off the blades.
The Eco Whisper’s silent operation, and its ability to operate in a range of wind conditions, makes it ideal for urban developments, commercial sites and agricultural applications.
Currently on showcase at AUSTENG Engineering in Geelong, the Australian designed and manufactured wind turbine, has a number of advantages compared to comparable 3 blade designs, including: Continue reading
Silex solar project loss, and laser uranium enrichment problems
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been happy about Silex Systems getting government backing for its solar project. I know that these nuclear-related companies like to have a bet each way – in case the nuclear industry goes pear-shaped.
But it seems to me that there’s not much incentive for them to develop renewable energy, when their real stuff is in the nuclear industry. As with Silex’s dangerous laser enrichment technology – now being used by GE Hitachi in America. And there are questions there – with the American facility having 45 security violations! -Christina Macpherson
Silex downplays $30 million loss, A,BC News, 25 Oct 11 A company developing a major solar project in north-west Victoria says it is in a strong financial position, despite posting a $30 million loss in the past year.
Silex is developing power stations near Mildura using photovoltaic technology. The company has posted its annual report, including a net loss of $31.5 million….. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-24/silex-posts-30m-loss/3597688
Victoria’s Baillieu government hands out coal mining leases on coastal and agricultural land
So who is benefiting from the Baillieu government’s assault on the environment?
Big Mining. In spades….
Hundreds of brown coal mining leases have now been issued by this government for the very areas out of bounds to wind farms — coastal regions and areas of significant environment value….Oh, and Victoria’s prime agricultural land,
.. The overriding advantage of wind farms is that agricultural production or grazing can continue unimpeded. Open-cut coal mines can never be converted to agricultural land and coal seam gas wells are notorious for leaking toxic chemicals into aquifers…..
How ‘Red’ Ted Baillieu hoodwinked Victorian voters, Independent Australia, Sandi Keane, 7 Oct 11 It’s hard to know where to start on the transformation of Ted Baillieu from the champion of small-l liberalism to the worst environment Premier on record. Conservative politics these days displays little conscience about robbing future generations of their heritage…..
cattle are OK in National Parks but not so wind farms. Draconian new legislation, Amendment VC82, prohibits wind farms from being constructed in National Parks, near the coast or any area thought to have “environmental value”.
The earlier Amendment VC78 by the Baillieu government already gave local councils the power to reject wind farms. Interestingly, if you read through the legislation, you’ll see that the designated “no go” zones for wind farms are the very same areas of the state singled out by the Landscape Guardians whose agenda appears to be stopping wind farms from replacing coal fired power. For more facts on the Guardian’s phony health claims, their links to the mining industry and the climate skeptics in the Liberal Party, read here. Continue reading
Vixctoria’s State Library saves $60,000 a year through energy efficiency
VICTORIA’S STATE LIBRARY REAPS THE BENEFITS OF ENERGY EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY
PACE, By Hartley Henderson 6 October 2011, Over the last ten years the push for energy efficiency has been rapidly gathering momentum, particularly in relation to productivity improvement and reduction of carbon emissions.
During a recent visit to Australia from Low Voltage Drives headquarters in Finland, ABB group vice president, Pekka Tiitinen, pointed out that 65 percent of all energy consumption at industrial sites goes through motors, and that the biggest challenge is ignorance of the scope for savings…. “Some 50 percent of carbon reduction comes from energy efficiency improvement from renewable energy and other non-fossil, plus carbon capture storage,” he said.
“Australia is a front runner in legislating for energy efficiency and recognising the benefits of energy appraisals for industry and large buildings.
In industry, cost/benefit analysis demonstrates that big savings of up to 50 percent can be achieved, with payback typically in one to two years and sometimes even five to eight months. “The easiest way to add more electricity capacity, is to improve the energy efficiency that would release existing capture in new consumption. Nowadays, more and more systems are playing a key vital role in that.”…
The State Library of Victoria was founded in 1854 and is a reference and research library for over one million visitors a year.
It holds more than two million books and occupies an entire city block of two hectares, comprising reading rooms, galleries, exhibition spaces, conference centre and cafe. Jussi says that an energy appraisal carried out at the library concluded that significant energy savings could be made by replacing the existing HVAC flow control, which used throttling valves, with variable speed drives..
Jussi advises that by using 15 ABB standard drives for HVAC, from 5.5 kW to 55 kW, energy savings of between 30 to 60 percent were achieved across the various applications. “With combined motor ratings of 400 kW and 24/7 plant operation, the total energy consumption was reduced by 1,800 MWh annually, saving the library nearly $60,000 per year. Payback, including maintenance savings, was achieved in just 14 months,” he said…. http://www.pacetoday.com.au/news/victoria-s-state-library-reaps-the-benefits-of-ene
Victorian country town – 90% of households want action for renewable energy
Residents plan for renewable energy, Stawell Times News 23 Sep, 2011 STAWELL REGION – Stawell Climate Action Group has handed over the results of a survey about renewable energy to Federal Member for Mallee, John Forrest.
Group spokesperson, Julie Andrew said of the 105 Stawell households that were surveyed, 91 percent wanted strong policies to support new jobs and investment in renewable energy. She said a remarkable 90 percent of those surveyed wanted Australia to develop a plan to move to 100 percent renewable energy.
“We found when we talked with people and shared information, people in our region overwhelmingly want to talk about solutions,” Ms Andrew said. “They want to get behind a positive vision. They are tired of the negativity and bickering by politicians and just want our elected representatives to get on and do something.”
Ms Andrew said Stawell Climate Action Group asked Mr Forrest to tell the group his plan for how it could get serious renewable energy investment flowing into the Stawell area and making renewable energy more affordable for all Australians……. It’s time we got on with it and unlocked the potential of renewable energy like solar and wind in our area and we will keep working to see that happen.” http://www.stawelltimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-plan-for-renewable-energy/2301627.aspx
Victoria’s Baillieu Liberal government kills off community wind farm plans
As of last month, the project is on hold, possibly dead, after the Baillieu government introduced Australia’s most restrictive wind farm regulations.
Libs sweep wind from turbine sails, The Age, Adam Morton. September 24, 2011 — Nearly four years ago, a small group of Woodend residents hatched a plan to power the historic town entirely on renewable energy. Three wind turbines would be built in a pine forest six kilometres south of the town to generate enough energy to run not only Woodend, but also nearby Macedon, Mount Macedon and Newham.
Wind speeds were modelled to determine the best location, community forums held, more than 500 signatures collected in support, and initial steps taken to start raising the $14 million needed. A smaller number of people expressed objections. Continue reading
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