Coastal erosion mapping tool now available

Countdown to climate change vote begins
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/minister/combet/media/mr15072009.html
SNIPPET: Department of Climate Change. Today starts Australia's countdown to the vote on climate change. The simple fact is the Coalition does not have a clear position on climate change and they are preventing the Government from taking action.'.

Environment and water to Hong Kong
http://www.austrade.gov.au/default.aspx?ArticleID=3847
Hong Kong Business Environment Council. Hong Kong SAR Government.

World's best environmental practice for new mine - media release 14 July 2009
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20090714b.html
Highlighting the Australian Government's commitment to world best practice environmental standards, a uranium mine in South Australia has been approved subject to strict approval conditions which will ensure no credible risk to the environment. The Government is committed to world best practice environmental standards in uranium mining and in protecting the environment for the benefit of future generations, Minister Garrett said.

New policy statement for wind farm industry - media release 14 July 2009
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20090714a.html
Mr Garrett said the Wind Farm Industry Policy Statement will help wind farm operators decide whether to refer wind farm proposals for assessment and approval under national environment law. This policy statement is the first of two key documents that will help assess wind farm developments through improved guidance and consistent advice.

Green Precincts funding for high-profile Victorian projects - media release 14 July 2009
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20090714.html
Two Victorian Green Precincts projects demonstrating innovative water and energy-saving initiatives will share in more than $2.5 million in Rudd Government funding through the Green Precincts program. The Doncaster Hill Green Civic Precinct and CERES Zero Emissions by 2012 projects are funded from the Rudd Government's Green Precincts Fund , an initiative to prepare Australia for a future with less water and to encourage local communities to better manage their water and energy use.

MAV Climate Change Green Paper Consultation
The MAV is convening a series of facilitated discussions with member councils to inform the development of the MAV's submission to the Victorian Government?s Climate Change Green Paper. Eight sessions will be held across the State between 22 July to 14 August. Find out more> Register online> MAV Discussion Starter>
http://www.mav.asn.au/CA256C320013CB4B/Lookup/ccgpcons0709/$file/ClimateChangeGreenPaperConsultations.pdf

MAV Climate Change Green Paper Consultation
The MAV is convening a series of facilitated discussions with member councils to inform the development of the MAV?s submission to the Victorian Government?s Climate Change Green Paper. Eight sessions will be held across the State between 22 July to 14 August. Find out more> Register online>
http://www.mav.asn.au/CA256C320013CB4B/Lookup/ccgpcons0709/$file/ClimateChangeGreenPaperConsultations.pdf

NZ consults on 2020 target; energy efficiency agreement out; SA wind power; more
* New Zealand consults on 2020 target * Governments back national forum on local-level power generation * Growth in SA wind power must be backed by network investment, report says * Green Building Council releases new rating tool * Gore set to fly in for regional summit * Oxfam climate change report warns of food shortages » read the full story »

Victoria the worst state for wind farm approvals, inquiry told
Victoria is the ‘most difficult’ state for wind farm developers seeking project approval and it can cost a developer half a million dollars to obtain a preliminary grid connection offer, says a Clean Energy Council submission to a parliamentary inquiry. » read the full story »

APO Research

Environmental views and behaviour, 2007-08
Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Bureau of Statistics 22 June, 2009 This survey presents information on people's views and practices on environmental issues, for people aged 18 years and over.

Marine litter: a global challenge
United Nations23 June, 2009 From discarded fishing gear to plastic bags to cigarette butts, a growing tide of marine litter is harming oceans and beaches worldwide according to this UN report, the first-ever attempt to take stock of the marine litter situation in the 12 major regional seas around the world.

Victorian climate change green paper
Department of Sustainability and Environment20 June, 2009 The Green Paper outlines in detail the risks facing Victoria and the likely impacts of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and also proposes ways the state can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change and become a leading low carbon economy.

Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009
Senate Standing Committee on Economics Parliament of Australia 22 June, 2009 The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme bills have been introduced to the Senate and will be debated from 22 June 2009.

The US Waxman-Markey climate change bill
Julie Styles Information and Research Services, Parliamentary Library24 June, 2009 This paper outlines the main features of this major US bill, which wo

Australian Government Media Releases

Carbon capture power plant 'won't happen overnight'
'Victorian Energy Minister Peter Batchelor is predicting a coal-fired power station with carbon capture technology could be operating in Victoria within five years.

Green Car Innovation Fund revs up
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research - Media Statement - 24-04-2009

Strong IP growth for green innovations
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research - Media Statement - 24-04-2009
A 250 per cent jump in green trade marks in the energy sector over the past five years - compared to the previous five years - is one indicator showing strong growth in intellectual property (IP) applications for green technologies in Australia.

Climate change, sea level rise, and coastal subsidence

Climate change, sea level rise, and coastal subsidence along the Gippsland coast
Eric Sjerp and Allan Charteris / Gippsland Coastal Board

The impacts of climate change are complex, difficult to predict, yet too far-reaching to ignore. This 2008 report outlines potential threats to assets and infrastructure in Gippsland and address issues like erosion and sand transport. When storms wash away our beaches where does the sand go? The authors describe, among other things, how the highly erodible Gippsland coast can be shaped by storms and other events.