Caring for our Country - better land management, less red tape
The Federal Government will invest $2.25 billion over five years on a new program to restore the health of Australia’s environment and build on improved land management practices. The Caring for our Country program will deliver funding to local communities through a simple, ‘one-stop shop’ covering the Natural Heritage Trust and the National Landcare, Environmental Stewardship and Working on Country programs. The $2.25 billion package represents a new, coordinated approach to environmental management in Australia built on transparent and consistent national targets. It recognises that the previous system was not working efficiently, with funding scattered across the country to individual projects, often working in isolation from each other.
For more information see www.nrm.gov.au – or ring the hotline on 1800 552 008.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/pubs/mr20080314.pdf
Solar power stations for indigenous communities
Three remote Indigenous communities will soon be powered from cleaner energy sources, with help from the Australian and Northern Territory Governments. Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett and Northern Territory Chief Minister, Paul Henderson announced funding of $10.8 million to help bring cleaner energy in the isolated Northern Territory Indigenous communities of Alekerange, Ti Tree and Kalkarindji. “The Australian Government will provide $6.6 million under the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program to build a total of 40 new solar dish concentrators which will reduce community reliance on diesel-powered generators,” Mr Garrett said.
For more information: www.environment.gov.au/renewable/rrpgp
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/pubs/mr20080310a.pdf
Building a green future for Australia’s red centre
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett launched the $37 million Alice Springs Solar City, which will help the local community save energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the launch Minister Garrett joined Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson to open the Alice Solar City Smart Living Centre. “This fantastic one-stop shop showcases solar hot water, photovoltaic systems, energy efficient lighting and smart metering technologies – with a host of solar and energy-saving offers,” Mr Garrett said. “For example, energy wise residents who cut their electricity use by between 10 to 20 per cent will receive a 10 per cent discount on their bill. If they cut their bill by even more they are rewarded with a 20 per cent discount.”
Renewable Remote Power Generation Program: www.environment.gov.au/renewable/rrpgp
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/pubs/mr20080310.pdf
Native tree planting certified to cut carbon
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong, congratulated forestry organisation, Greenfleet, for becoming the first not-for-profit ‘offset provider’ to be approved by the Australian Government. Greenfleet will help businesses and individuals reduce the impact of their vehicles on the environment by planting native trees to absorb carbon emissions. In the coming months Greenfleet’s customers will have the option of offsetting their emissions with Greenhouse Friendly™approved offsets. “Greenfleet have received Australian Government approval to provide offsets under the Greenhouse Friendly™ initiative,” Senator Wong said. “Carbon-based fuel emissions from cars and other vehicles contribute heavily to global warming.”
For more information: www.climatechange.gov.au/greenhousefriendly
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/pubs/mr20080311b.pdf
It’s official - Australia is now a part of the Kyoto protocol
Australia ’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol came into force, officially making Australia a full party to the Kyoto Protocol. “ Australia is officially part of the global solution on climate change,” Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signed Australia’s instrument of ratification in December as the first act of the new Government. However, under Kyoto rules, it takes 90 days before the ratification ‘comes into force’.
Australia’s Initial Report under the Kyoto Protocol: www.climatechange.gov.au/inventory/publications/unfccc-report.html
Tracking to the Kyoto Target www.climatechange.gov.au/projections/index.html
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change www.unfccc.int
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/pubs/mr20080311.pdf
Plastic Bags
Reports that the Federal Government will introduce a levy of up to $1 per plastic bag are incorrect. While the Federal Government is committed to the objective of phasing out single use, light weight, plastic shopping bags by 1 January 2009, under no circumstances will the Federal Government introduce a new levy to achieve this. All environment ministers - state, territory and commonwealth - will meet in April to consider a range of options in the phasing out of plastic bags. The Federal Government will not support or promote any option for a Federal Government levy to achieve this objective.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/pubs/mr20080309.pdf
