Archived Industry News for Water Professionals - March, 2012
The Federal Government has announced $8.56 million in funding from the Urban Waterways Renewal project to assist in improving water quality of the Swan and Canning Rivers.
"These projects will refurbish existing drainage lines and restore natural drainage features to improve water quality and environmental flows," Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water Senator Don Farrell said.
The construction phase will include the realignment of stream banks and riffle construction to reduce water velocity.
Dow and UQ to establish Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation
The Dow Chemical Company and The University of Queensland have unveiled a strategic partnership that will establish the Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation.
Funded through a Dow contribution worth $10 million over the next six years, the newl Centre will pursue a program of research and collaboration aimed at harnessing solutions to the sustainability challenges of the 21st Century.
“This is a lighthouse initiative - hot-housing innovation at the urban energy, water and carbon nexus, which will attract international attention to the issues of sustainability and position Dow and UQ as leaders, achievers and contributors to society,” Dow Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Liveris said.
Low energy desalination technology trialled
A pilot trial of the membrane distillation process demonstrated treatment of industry wastewater producing high quality water using minimal electricity.
Vale reappointed as GMW chairman
The Victorian Government has announced the reappointment of Llew Vale as chairman of Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) for another two years.
NWC releases reports
The National Water Commission has released three separate reports under its 2011 Assessment of the National Water Initiative, arguing for targeted investment in new knowledge and ongoing monitoring to support sustainable water management.
MDBA urged to rethink draft
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has been urged to review its draft basin plan following the breaking of drought conditions in much of the area.
WA announces Kojonup water upgrade
The Western Australian Government has announced a $2 million major upgrade of Kojonup’s water supply pipeline, with over two kilometres of pipe being replaced along the Albany Highway.
Chilean water delegation seeks Australian advice
A delegation of Chilean officials has visited Australia to seek advice on water resource management best practice.
Victoria suspends allocation trade
The Victorian Government has announced a temporary suspension of some of the state’s allocation trade in a bid to protect next season’s allocations to Victorian water entitlement holders.
No changes for northern Victorian irrigators
Victorian Water Minister Peter Walsh has announced that carryover rules for irrigators in northern Victoria will remain unchanged for the coming 2012-13 season.
Federal Government to extend NWC
The Federal Government has proposed to extend the National Water Commission and its ‘ongoing provision of robust and transparent oversight of COAG water reform through the National Water Initiative.”
Government pledges irrigation support
Federal Water Minister Tony Burke has announced his department is working on providing vital funding to South Australian irrigators for key infrastructure upgrades.
Morpeth system upgrade completed
The New South Wales Government has announced the completion of the $15 million upgrade to the Morpeth wastewater facility, which has significantly improved system improvement.
Climate report warns of more droughts
Australia’s land and oceans have continued to warm at unprecedented rates in response to the highest levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in the past 800,000 years.
Feedback sought on travelling irrigation systems
Irrigators using centre pivot (CP) and lateral move (LM) irrigation systems are being urged to participate in a review aimed at identifying the benefits and limitations of their irrigation systems.
Tasmania contemplates water export
The Tasmanian Water Minister Bryan Green has said his government is considering a proposal by Victorian company Docklands Science Park to construct a pipeline to export surplus water across the Bass Strait.
UN hits water Millennium Development Goal
The United Nations (UN) has announced it has met its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing by half the number of people without access to safe drinking water has been met three years ahead of its 2015 deadline.
Perth’s water consumption ‘unsustainable’
An American water expert has warned of a looming water crisis in Perth if the city’s water use doesn’t drastically change.
Coalition to move on closure of Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme
The Coalition has announced it will introduce a Private Member’s Bill into Parliament in the next sitting fortnight that will require the Gillard Government to commit to the remaining funding allocated for the Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme ($64.5 million in 2011-12).
In a statement, the Coalition said the Gillard Government has had a consistent disregard for business, shutting down programs and industries without notice or consultation.
"The sudden closure of the Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme has put the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of Australians at risk. Families across Australia that were considering installing a solar hot water system were also given no notice of the closure of the program."
"Solar hot water is a real and practical way that families can reduce their greenhouse emissions and cut their power bills ahead of the carbon tax on 1 July. Now they will be hit with a double whammy. The carbon tax will immediately increase electricity prices by 10 per cent and gas prices by nine per cent."
"The Coalition is committed to the solar industry and our Direct Action Plan includes rebates for the installation of solar hot water systems."
New chairman for Swan River Trust board
Western Australian Environment Minister Bill Marmion has paid tribute to outgoing Swan River Trust chairman Jim Freemantle, praising him for his dedication and professionalism.
Water expert warns against vegetation clearing
University of Melbourne water expert, Professor Andrew Western, has warned against proposals to clear waterways of vegetation, saying they will have a negative effect on the environment without solving flooding problems.