Archived Industry News for Water Professionals - February, 2013
Goulburn-Murray Water has announced it has started Phase 2 of its business transformation process, which will focus on optimising staffing levels in internal support services.
ICRC moves to reduce water costs
The ACT’s water prices are set to fall by as much as 16.9 per cent if the key recommendations of the draft report released by the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission.
New project to examine WA's blue carbon sink potential
A new collaborative research project will see the CSIRO and the eight tertiary education institutions explore the role of Australia’s coastal and marine environments in storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Burke scuppers super trawler plans
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has signed the interim declaration to prevent the super trawler until the Government determines the environmental impacts of the proposed operations.
ACCC greenlights collective water bargaining for coal producers
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given the go ahead for central Queensland coal producers to begin collective bargaining for water supply with SunWater.
CSIRO cracks the mystery behind marine heatwave
The CSIRO has cracked the mystery behind the abnormal climatic conditions in the Indian and Pacific Oceans during the 2010-2011 La Nina event which contributed to the extreme marine heatwave off the Western Australia coast.
Government releases final terms for Gladstone review
The Federal Government has released the final terms of reference for the Independent Review of the Port of Gladstone.
NSW announces new CSG rules
The New South wales Government has announced ‘tough new measures’ to bolster the regulation of the coal seam gas industry in the State.
Sydney Water to get smart technology
National ICT Australia (NICTA) and Sydney Water have teamed up to install smart technology throughout the city’s water pipes that will forecast potential breakgages in the system.
Marine Park consultation period ends
The Federal Government has announced that the consultation period on the draft management plans for the recently proclaimed Commonwealth marine reserves has closed.
Victoria releases water quality trial
A new water quality information service is being trialed by the Victorian EPA and Life Saving Victoria that will deliver new water quality forecasting at four bayside beaches over the next four years.
Healthy Harbour panel announced
The Queensland Government has announced the formation of the new science panel tasked with providing independent expert advice on the long term management of water quality in Gladstone Harbour, with the panel preparing for its first meeting on 5 March.
Government outlines new irrigation program
The Federal Government has announced a new irrigation support program it says will provide better ways for irrigators to mange their networks.
Queensland approves oil shale industry
The Queensland Government has announced that it will allow the development of a commercial oil shale industry under ‘strict environmental conditions’.
Queensland scraps tanks law
The Queensland Government has introduced new laws which scrap the requirement for new properties to be built with rainwater tanks and energy efficient hot water systems.
Ozone hole effects deep ocean currents finds research
New international research has found that the formation of the Antarctic ozone hole has caused significant changes to the way waters in the southern oceans mix, potentially impacting on future climate change.
Queensland names more Shires to receive support
The Queensland Government has announced a number of new Shires that will receive funding under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
'Historic' Murray-Darling legislation passes Parliament
Legislation that locks in the additional 450 gigalitres of environmental flow for the Murray-Darling Basin has passed the Lower House, meaning that the $1.77 billion in additional funding is set to flow through to the river.
SA releases draft water price determination
The Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) has released its draft determination paper on water revenues in South Australia for the 2013-14 year, which the Commission claims would see a significant drop in household water prices.
Feds to recruit local staff to return Murray to health
The Federal Government has announced a new initiative that will see specialised local staff to work with the community to ‘restore the Murray-Darling Basin to health’.
Government calls for interest in waterway funding
The Federal Government has called on community groups around the nation to apply for Government investment in urban rivers and waterways.