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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Nuclear power obsolete and unnecessary – Victorian Labor and Liberal agree
Nuclear power is not needed in Victoria because it is expensive, dangerous and obsolete given the state’s abundance of energy options, say Premier John Brumby and Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu.
Parties agree Victoria will remain nuclear-free state, The Age, RICHARD WILLINGHAM, October 20, 2010 VICTORIA will remain a nuclear-free state, regardless of who wins next month’s state election. Continue reading
Powerful union rubbishes Committee of Melbourne’s push for nuclear energy
One of the state’s most powerful unions, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), on Tuesday slammed a push from the Committee of Melbourne for nuclear energy to be on the agenda.
Nuclear too risky and costly: Brumby, Sydney Morning Herald, Melissa Jenkins and Catherine Best, October 19, 2010 – Nuclear power is too risky and expensive to be an energy option for Victoria, Premier John Brumby says Continue reading
Expansion plans for Olympic Dam uranium mine need public scrutiny
BHP upgrades Olympic Dam forecasts | Adelaide Now SARAH MARTIN,The Advertiser October 15, 2010 “ …..Greens MLC Mark Parnell said the company’s plans to double expansion should require it to submit a revised EIS allowing further public consultation.”This has major implications for BHP Billiton and its shareholders,” Mr Parnell said.
“The State Government and BHP Billiton need to come clean with the South Australian people and reveal the full extent of this project, before any approvals are given,” he said…….BHP upgrades Olympic Dam forecasts | Adelaide Now
Western Australian govt’s Aboriginal land grab opposed by Greens
Greens slam compulsory WA land grab, Sydney Morning Herald, October 14, 2010 AAP Australian Greens leader Bob Brown has slammed West Australian Premier Colin Barnett’s decision to compulsorily acquire land in the Kimberley for a gas hub
Senator Brown on Wednesday toured James Price Point, the site chosen for the $30 billion Woodside Petroleum-led project, 60km north of Broome.The Greens leader told a public meeting that night in Broome he would work hard to put the issue on the national agenda……Greens slam compulsory WA land grab
















