Archived Industry News for Water Professionals - August, 2012
The Western Australian Government has announced new petroleum environment regulations which mandate public disclosure of any chemicals introduced into a well or formation.
State Mines and Petroleum Minister, Norman Moore, said the Petroleum Environment Regulations would be introduced under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act.
“The regulations aim to ensure petroleum and geothermal operations are conducted in accordance with best industry practice and ecologically sustainable development,” Mr Moore said.
Water scarcity could hit food supply
Current trends in food production and consumption could lead to catastrophic water shortages, a report authored by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) has found.
MDBA plan inches closer
Federal Minister for Water, Tony Burke, has announced that his office will continue to work closely with the Murray Darling Basin Authority in releasing its final plan following an agreement with all Basin States.
Rainwater tank usage increases in Victoria
The number of Victorian households with rainwater tanks increased to 707,000 in 2011 from 600,000 in 2009, according to a report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Victoria announces fraccing moratorium
The Victorian Government has announced a moratorium on all hydraulic fracturing as part of a suite of reforms aimed at providing greater certainty on the impacts of the coal seam gas industry’s effects on the environment.
WA outlines Hardy Inlet water quality plan
The Western Australian Government has launched a plan to improve and maintain long-term water quality in the Hardy Inlet.
UQ to research CSG water impact
The University of Queensland has announced a research project measuring the impact of the coal seam gas (GSG) industry on Australia’s underground water supplies.
WA passes key water reform
The Western Australian Government has passed two bills aimed at improving the governing of water services before State Parliament.
EPA satisfied over Yallourn Mine discharge
The Victorian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has found that discharges from the Yallourn Mine are having no serious effects on the surrounding lakes and waterways.
Sydney wastewater work starts
Work has begun on $6 million in wastewater improvements across Sydney, with piping work at the Concord Submain beginning after work was completed on the Thornleigh, Waverley-Woollahra and East Hills Submains recently.
Volcanic rocks could hold key for irrigation
Research being undertaken by the Central Queensland University (CQU) is using volcanic rocks to make salty and brackish water a viable source of water for for irrigators.
Sydney Water wins global award
The International Water Association (IWA) has awarded a Global Honour Award to Sydney Water for its Critical Water Mains Strategy and Implementation Project, the award to be officially presented at the IWA World Water Congress in Korea in September.
Victoria holds Rural Water Innovation Awards
A consortium of water corporations have held the inaugural Rural Water Innovation Awards, with Victorian Water Minister praising the four winners innovation and productivity gains.
Wivenhoe Dam engineers cleared of wrongdoing
The Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has cleared the engineers who operated the Wivenhoe Dam during the Queensland floods of 2010 of any wrongdoing.
Victoria moves on western water supply
The Victorian Government has announced the formation of the West Werribee Dual Water Supply Project, aimed at ensuring that water supply for Melbourne’s fastest growth area is secured.
ANU documents drought's devastating impacts
New research conducted by the Australian National University (ANU) has found that drought significantly increases the risk of suicide among rural males aged 30-49 years.
NCGRT urges action on groundwater depletion
The director of National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) has urged Australia to take a leading role in tackling the emerging global crisis in groundwater management.
Queensland announces new Water Management Plan
The Queensland Government has announced a new Water Management Plan for the Upper Condamine Alluvium area, aimed at benefitting groundwater users in the Upper Condamine Alluvium area of the Darling Downs.
SA opens new NRM centre
The South Australian Government has announced the opening of the new SA Arid Lands Natural Resource Centre in Port Augusta.
University of Melbourne examines new water attitudes
The University of Melbourne has released a review that investigates new methods of water conservation and the need to transform policies and attitudes surrounding the vital resource.
WA acts on Manjimup supply
The Western Australian Government has announced a suite of measures to help secure reliable water supply for the South-West town of Manjimup, following months of poor rainfall.