Antinuclear

Australian news, and some related international items

Labor MPs speak out against nuclear power for Australia

“We’ve got untapped supplies of wind and solar energy so I think the economics of developing those sorts of energy sources are going to far outweigh the benefits and the costs of developing a nuclear industry.”…….”I don’t think that the end result, which is the whole expense and difficulties of decommissioning and dealing with the waste, have been addressed.”

llawarra MPs oppose nuclear power proposal – ABC Illawarra NSW – Australian Broadcasting Corporation December 2, 2010 Illawarra Labor MPs have voiced their opposition to nuclear power amid talks of a debate on the agenda for next year’s national conference. Continue reading

December 2, 2010 Posted by | climate change - global warming, New South Wales, politics, uranium | , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nuclear power makes no economic or environmental sense for Australia

The Australian Greens have strongly reminded the Government that nuclear power is not the solution to climate change.The Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues, Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam, said nuclear power made no economic or environmental sense. Continue reading

December 1, 2010 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, politics | Leave a comment

Nuclear energy not economic for Australia, says Gillard

“The Labor Party has got a very clear policy here and it’s a really long standing policy of opposition to nuclear power,” she told 3AW……Ms Gillard said that in Australia “nuclear power doesn’t stack up as an economically efficient source of power”….We are very focused on our record investment in solar and renewable technologies. We’ve got abundant energy from those sources.”

Julia Gillard plays down nuclear power push   Joe Kelly and Lauren Wilson    The Australian * December 01, 2010 JULIA Gillard has played down a push by senior Labor MPs for an inquiry into nuclear power, saying it’s not an economically efficient source of energy. Continue reading

December 1, 2010 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, politics | , , | Leave a comment

Victorian election – not a good result for Climate Change action

Mr Baillieu has said he will abandon Labor’s plan for a staged closure of the Hazelwood coal power station….and introducing tougher planning regulations that would prevent wind turbines being erected in tourist areas…..

Coalition has explaining to do on climate targets, The Age, Adam Morton, November 30, 2010“……….Environment Victoria, the state’s main green lobby group, said there were many gaps in the new government’s environment and climate policy stance as it had not outlined its full plans before the election as promised. Continue reading

November 30, 2010 Posted by | climate change - global warming, energy, politics, Victoria, wind | , , , , , , | Leave a comment

World must face the truth on Climate Change

As the world discusses mitigating climate change at the UN climate conference in Cancun, starting today, what is really needed is for the world to face the truth, which may then foster our capacity to act……

Do we have the mindset to save the planet? UN Climate Change Conference In Cancun, The Age Lyn Bender, November 29, 2010 Where were you when you first realised that climate change was happening? Were you caught up in the horror of the worst bushfires in Victoria’s history on Black Saturday 2009?
Or moved by images of distraught parents in the aftermath of record monsoons that had flooded Pakistan? Continue reading

November 30, 2010 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, climate change - global warming, energy, politics | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Australia’s and New South Wales govts – big subsidies for coal, not for solar

In NSW during the last nine years coal and coal-fired power together have received an annual subsidy of $1 billion. The subsidy for the renewable energy sector for the same time frame is a paltry $67 million a year. Coal-fired power receives 15 times the amount of subsidy compared with the renewable energy industry.

Carbon – the more you emit the greater the subsidy! – On Line Opinion –  By Ged McCarthy –  25 November 2010 Recently the Gillard Government warned it might remove solar energy subsidies and review the value of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS). Continue reading

November 25, 2010 Posted by | energy, New South Wales, politics, solar | , , , | 1 Comment

Northern Territory govt explains its opposition to Alice Springs uranium mine

“We’re 20 kilometres from Alice Springs in an arid environment and an environment well known for dust storms,” he said.

“I think it’s enough evidence for us to oppose it…the reasons behind our opposition to establish a mine so close to Alice Springs

Vatskalis defends Alice uranium mine opposition ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation),  Nov 18, 2010 The Northern Territory Resources Minister says a decision to oppose any application to mine for uranium at a site near Alice Springs was not just based on public opinion. Continue reading

November 18, 2010 Posted by | Northern Territory, politics, uranium | , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Victorian Greens will promote transition from coal to renewable energy

Renewable energy has become a hot topic in the lead up to Victoria’s November 27 election, with the Clean Energy Council of Australia predicting a $9 billion cash windfall for the state from renewable energy projects.

Greens Pledge To Divert Millions From Coal Into Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy News : by Energy Matters, 19 Nov 10, The Victorian Greens say they will redirect $150 million away from a proposed coal-fired power station in the Latrobe Valley and put the money into renewable energy projects instead. Continue reading

November 18, 2010 Posted by | climate change - global warming, energy, politics, solar, Victoria, water, wind | , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Victorian election – Labor better for renewable energy

an estimated 650 new jobs would be created each year through to 2016 in the construction and operation of renewable energy facilities……

Clean Energy Council Backs Brumby Renewable Energy News :by Energy Matters, 17 Nov 10, The Clean Energy Council (CEC) of Australia has thrown its support behind the Brumby Labor Government ahead of this month’s state election, after an independent report found Victoria would benefit by up to $9 billion in renewable energy investment under current State Government policies. Continue reading

November 17, 2010 Posted by | climate change - global warming, energy, politics, solar, Victoria | , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Victorian election: renewable energy lost if Liberals win

“There’s no doubt that substantial wind farm investment and jobs will immediately leave Victoria if the Coalition’s current policies were adopted. This could effectively cripple the wind industry.”

A$9bn renewable energy windfall at stake in Victoria, Renewable Energy Focus 12 November 2010 Victoria, Australia, could benefit by up to A$9 billion in renewable energy investment under current State Government policies, according to a Clean Energy Council report.The report found that this would increase clean energy capacity by 3 GW by 2016. Continue reading

November 15, 2010 Posted by | climate change - global warming, energy, politics, solar, Victoria, wind | , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Australian uranium sales to Russia, a backward step for peace and global safety

The Australian Greens have condemned the Federal Government for striking a deal to sell uranium to Russia’s power industry.Greens nuclear issues spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam said the deal announced today was environmentally irresponsible and a drastic step backwards for nuclear disarmament.

“Russia has a nuclear energy sector known for low safety and environmental standards, the world’s largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, is a key part of the Iranian nuclear programme and has not been visited by IAEA inspectors since 2001,” he said. “The case against selling uranium to Russia is undeniable.” Continue reading

November 12, 2010 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, politics, uranium | , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Martin Ferguson can over-ride Northern Territory Govt on Cameco uranium mine

The Mining Act (NT) requires the relevant Northern Territory Minister to exercise his or her powers in accordance with, and give effect to, the advice of the relevant Federal Minister in relation to uranium …… The Federal Minister’s position is not known.- [oh yeah!]

Nt government opposes uranium mine  Lexology Margaret Michaels   November 3 2010 The Northern Territory Government is opposed to a uranium mine at Angela Pamela, but the decision is up to the Federal Government. Continue reading

November 9, 2010 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, politics, uranium | , , , , | Leave a comment

Western Australia’s Greens will maintain anti-nuclear policy

The WA Greens say the party would be concerned if the Labor Party reneged on its long held opposition to uranium mining, when it reopens the debate at next year’s state conference.

Greens concern on Labor’s uranium stance – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), 29 Oct 10, Greens MP Robin Chapple  is concerned WA could have two major parties with a pro-nuclear, pro-uranium stance. Continue reading

October 29, 2010 Posted by | politics, uranium, Western Australia | , , , | Leave a comment

Australian Liberal MP wants “An Inconvenient Truth’ not shown in schools

The 2006 documentary, about former US vice-president Al Gore’s campaign to educate citizens about global warming, was a box-office success and won two Academy Awards.But Liberal MP Dennis Jensen, a well-known climate sceptic, is unhappy about its possible inclusion in the curriculum.”It’s a very popular work of fiction,”  – Dr Jensen

MPs at odds over An Inconvenient Truth in school curriculum THE AUSTRALIAN,  AAP * October 27, 2010 11:50AM  FEDERAL MPs are divided over the proposal that a controversial climate change documentary be included in the national school curriculum.The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority reportedly has said An Inconvenient Truth had a place in modern history studies and English. Continue reading

October 27, 2010 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, climate change - global warming, energy, politics | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Greens welcome new committee study on nuclear waste dump

“Labor abused the Senate oversight process by whitewashing a committee report earlier this year. This represents the first test of the committee system under the new parliament.”

Opportunity for new approach on nuclear waste dump  Scott Ludlam, Adam Bandt,  21st October 2010, The Australian Greens welcome the referral of the Federal Government’s controversial bill to establish Australia’s national radioactive waste dump to a House of Representatives parliamentary committee. Continue reading

October 24, 2010 Posted by | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, politics | , , , | 2 Comments