Final report of the Prime Minister’s Task Group on Emissions Trading
On 31 May 2007, the joint government-business Task Group on Emissions Trading (Task Group) released its final report on the nature and design of a global Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for Australia. A summary of the key issues raised by the Task Group and its recommended scheme design, as well as some comments about the implications of the report, are provided below.
General issues
Climate change is a global challenge and a long-term economic solution is required. However, Australia should not wait until a genuine global agreement is negotiated as it will be difficult to reach international consensus in the near future. Significantly reducing carbon emissions will impose a cost on society (eg higher energy and fuel prices). However, benefits such as investment certainty in adopting an appropriate emissions constraint early would outweigh these costs. While an ETS should be as comprehensive as possible, it should not prejudice the competitiveness of our trade-exposed, emissions-intensive industries. An ETS should be combined with other measures such as new, low-emissions technologies.
Scheme design
An ETS should be based on a ‘cap and trade’ model. Key aspects of the proposed design include:
- maximum coverage of all sources and sinks, and of all greenhouse gases
- initial exclusion of agriculture and land use
- a mixture of free allocation and auctioning of single-year dated emissions permits
- capacity, over time, to link to other comparable national and regional schemes
- incentives for firms to undertake abatement in the lead-up to the commencement of the scheme, and
- revenue from permits and fees to be used, in the first instance, to support emergence of low-emissions technologies and energy efficiency initiatives.
Timetable
It will take about four years for Australia to begin full-scale emissions trading. If planning commences now, it should be possible to announce a long-term aspirational goal and establish an emissions reporting and verification system in 2008, finalise the key design features and establish the legislative basis of the scheme by 2009, establish the first set of shirt-term caps and allocate permits in 2010, and commence trading by 2011/2012.
Implications
The publication of the report is perhaps one of the most important events in Australia’s economic development in the 21st century. The report signals that Australia must begin to prepare itself, now, for a long-term carbon-constrained future, and spells out a credible pathway towards meeting that future. The Task Group proposes a more comprehensive emissions control system than any existing regime and aims to avoid the sectoral skewing that has been a feature of, for example, the European Union’s system.
The special provisions for ‘trade-exposed, emissions-intensive’ industries, which will be given free permits (including for new projects) for as long as relevant competitors do not themselves face an emissions constraint, go a long way to meeting the concern that Australia would be handicapping itself internationally by adopting an emissions target. Most companies will applaud the report’s suggestion that the current patchwork of federal and state-based arrangements can be abolished with a comprehensive national, ‘all sources, all sinks’ system in place.
However, the major disappointment for many companies will be the lack of any recommended target in the report. The report recommends that a long-term aspirational target should be set in 2007 or 2008, with a definite set of short-term caps not announced until approximately 2011 to commence after 2012. The danger is that long-term infrastructure investment, for example in baseload electricity generation, will be deferred until those targets and caps are announced. By contrast, what many companies want is to know the targets and the rules of the system as early as possible, even if the system itself does not come into operation for some time.
Environmental Protection and Heritage Council Communiqué released
The Environmental Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) has released a communiqué from its 15th meeting held on 2 June 2007.
At the meeting, the state and federal environment ministers agreed to pursue a national strategy for reducing transport associated greenhouse gas and air pollution levels, and to encourage purchase of more fuel efficient vehicles. The EPHC also undertook to lead the development of national guidelines for carbon capture and storage.
Other commitments made at the 15th meeting included:
- approving a set of draft guidelines on the use of recycled water for drinking, to be released to a three month consultation period
- agreeing to finalise the National Environment Protection Measure for tyres as a priority
- releasing a for public consultation a discussion paper on the Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Review
- signing an agreement committing to safe and sustainable production and use of chemicals in Australia and also agreed to a Chemicals Action
- Plan to help people respond to chemical issues into the future, and
- agreeing to pursue a World Heritage Tentative List, to identify Australian places to be considered for nomination to the World Heritage Committee over the next 10 years.
Federal Government discussion paper on recycled water
The Federal Government has released a discussion paper entitled ‘Using Recycled Water for Drinking Purposes’ which explores the use of recycled water to supplement drinking water supplies in Australian towns and cities. This concept involves introducing highly treated recycled water to blend with the source water of an existing water supply. The paper states that recycled water is an important part of the country’s long-term water future as it will help to reduce water shortages and make water supplies less vulnerable to climate change.
The paper can be downloaded from the National Water Commission website.
Restructure of NSW government agencies
A number of changes have been made to the structure of NSW Government agencies. The former NSW Department of Environment and Conservation is now the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and will house the secretariat for work by states and territories on a national emissions trading scheme. The secretariat will move from the NSW Cabinet Office, as will Greenhouse Office staff. In addition, the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability and the Department of Natural Resources will be merged into a new Department of Water and Energy (DWE). Responsibility for the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme will reside with DWE. Phil Koperberg MP is the new Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water.
Guidelines to the bilateral agreement under EPBC Act
Guidelines have been prepared to assist councils, government agencies, proponents and the general public to understand the processes involved in the bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and New South Wales under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). In January 2007, the Commonwealth and NSW governments signed a bilateral agreement which allows the assessment regimes under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to be automatically accredited under the EPBC Act, and removes the requirement for Commonwealth assessment processes. The bilateral agreement only covers matters that are determined to be ‘controlled actions’ by the Commonwealth Government. The guidelines are available on the NSW Department of Planning website.
NSW Government establishing climate change fund
The NSW Government is currently developing a Climate Change Fund, incorporating the Water and Energy Savings Funds, the Climate Action Grants Program and some funding from the Environmental Trust. The fund will total $310 million over five years and include:
- $100 million for energy and water efficient appliance rebates
- $100 million recycling and stormwater harvesting program to assist in implementing the Sydney recycled water grid
- $40 million renewable energy development fund for pilot and demonstration projects, such as solar and geothermal power stations
- $20 million School Energy Efficiency program, to upgrade lighting and implement student-based energy efficiency projects
- $30 million Public Facilities Program, a competitive grants fund for state and local government, educational and other community facilities to seek support for energy and water savings projects, and
- $20 million Rainwater Tanks in Schools Program.
The fund will need to be formally created through legislation before administrative arrangements are established.
Interstate water supply study released
The Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Resources has released the National Water Commission’s (NWC) study titled ‘Integrated Water Supply Options for north-east NSW and south-east Queensland’ (study), which examines the possibility of piping water from the rivers of north-east NSW to south-east Queensland. The study was specifically set up to determine if 50,000ML of water could be moved interstate annually, while protecting or enhancing environmental and riverine ecology and water security of north-east NSW consumers. The study considered the Tweed, Brunswick, Clarence, Richmond and Wilson River catchments and distilled its findings to five options for various volumes of water to be transferred at prices ranging from $1.42/kL to $2.42/kL. The NWC emphasised that the study’s findings are only preliminary and require a more detailed environmental and social assessment. The findings of the study were also limited by the fact that no NSW Government agency contributed.
Urban water security research alliance formed
The Queensland Government, CSIRO, the University of Queensland and Griffith University have established the Urban Water Security Research Alliance (alliance), which aims to more than double the water recycling capacity of Australia’s capital cities. The alliance’s main focus will be best-practice engagement and management of water recycling, but it will also be working to develop a coordinated system of water management for south-east Queensland.
Level 5 water restrictions commence in south-east Queensland
Level 5 water restrictions were implemented in south-east Queensland on 10 April 2007. The Queensland Water Commission’s restrictions affect residents, business and industry with a range of requirements including the following:
- businesses using more than 10 million litres annually must prepare, submit and comply with a Water Efficiency Management Plan, and
- businesses consuming more than one million litres must install water efficient appliances.
There are also a number of industry specific targets and guidelines for industries with high water consumption.
The new restrictions will affect Beaudesert Shire, Brisbane City, Caboolture Shire, Shire of Esk, Gatton Shire, Gold Coast City, Ipswich City, Kilcoy Shire, Laidley Shire, Logan City, Pine Rivers Shire and Redcliffe City.
Further information on the restrictions is available here.
State water supply to undergo radical reform
The Queensland Government has announced that it will be taking ownership of all major water assets in south-east Queensland, following the release of a report by the Queensland Water Commission (QWC) that recommended such changes.
The QWC report titled ‘Our Water: urban water supply arrangements in South East Queensland’ is a consolidation of two draft reports released in March 2007. The QWC report incorporates more current information and public comments that were made in response to the draft reports.
While the state government will take ownership of the major assets, local governments will be compensated for the loss of bulk water assets, and will take control of retailing and distribution of water in the region as joint owners of a single distribution entity.
Further information on the restrictions is available via the QWC website.
Queensland climate change initiative announced
The premier has unveiled the state climate change strategy ‘Climate Smart 2050’, which allocates over $400 million to reduce Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Key features of the strategy include:
- the $300 million Queensland Climate Change Fund to fund the development of new energy technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells
- the $55 million Smart Energy Savings Program, which aims to help businesses reduce their greenhouse gas emissions
- $50 million for a Renewable Energy Fund to continue the development of renewable energy sources
- increasing the 13 per cent gas scheme to 18 per cent by 2020
- $10 million for the identification of suitable sites for long-term carbon capture and storage, and
- establishment of a feed-in tariff for solar power, such that homeowners will be paid for electricity generated in their homes.
Investigation into south-east Queensland water pipeline begins
The Queensland Premier has announced the commencement of investigations into the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector (EPI). The EPI will transport water between North Stradbroke Island and Logan City, connecting Redland Shire to Logan City and the south-east Queensland Water Grid.
The EPI has been classified as a ‘significant project’ under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (Qld) and will therefore require an environmental impact statement to be prepared. Construction is expected to begin in January and completion is forecast for December 2008.
Queensland EPA enforcement funding bolstered
The 2007–2008 budget has revealed that the Queensland Government will spend an extra $5 million in the coming financial year for improved inspection and enforcement activities in high-risk industry sectors, especially those involved in level 1 environmentally relevant activities. Among other things, the funding will be used to increase staffing in regional offices, implement a program of audits of Queensland industrial estates, and to begin the monitoring of ‘special agreement’ mines (such as Mt Isa) that were previously the responsibility of the Department of Mines and Energy.
Contaminated Sites Act update
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has provided the following update on the implementation of the Contaminated Sites Act 2003:
- the DEC was inundated with reports at the end of May
- the system is working as intended, and
- it will take some time to process the reports, however at the moment it is estimated that around 1,000 new known or suspected contaminated sites have been reported.
The DEC also announced the expected time for release of the following Contaminated Sites Management Series guidelines:
- Assessment Levels for Soil, Sediment and Water: final expected to be released June/July 2007
- Risk Assessment Technical guideline: draft to be released for public comment late 2007
- Asbestos Investigation guideline: draft to be released for public comment late 2007
- Asbestos Management guideline: draft to be released for public comment late 2007 or 2008, and
- Site (Remediation) Management guideline: draft to be released for public comment late 2007 or 2008.
Budget released
The 2007–08 Western Australian state budget has been released. The budget allocates $100 million towards combating climate change, which will be used to:
- establish the Office of Climate Change
- support the Low Emission Energy Development Fund and the Waterwise Rebate Scheme
- implement the Renewable Energy Target for the South-West Interconnected System, and
- help establish a National Emissions Trading Team to ensure the best outcome for Western Australia.
Draft 100-year Biodiversity Strategy
The Chamber of Mineral and Energy of Western Australia (CME) has commented on the draft 100 year Biodiversity Strategy for Western Australia (strategy)¸ discussed in previous editions of Environment Quarterly. CME’s main comment was that the strategy should ensure that the need for adequate protection of Western Australia’s biodiversity does not adversely impact on prospective resource developments. CME members have also commented on the need to collate a comprehensive database of baseline surveys regarding biodiversity in Western Australia with the DEC to obtain the full benefit of the surveys undertaken by industry.
In a related development, the DEC is progressively acquiring pastoral leases with the intention of converting them into conservation parks. The Department of Industry and Resources (DOIR) has commented on the challenge of protecting these areas whilst at the same time facilitating sustainable development of Western Australia’s assets. In particular, the DOIR has highlighted that holders of prospecting or exploration licences in conservation parks do not have automatic approval for the subsequent grant of a mining lease. This policy and plan is also related to the review outlined below.
Review of Environmentally Sensitive Areas
The Environmental Protection Act 1986 provides that the exemptions to the prohibition on clearing vegetation only apply if the clearing occurs outside an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). The current environmentally sensitive areas were declared in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005. As part of a review of clearing controls in Western Australia, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), with other groups, has undertaken to review the current environmentally sensitive areas. Three potential additions to the areas are:
- the critical habitat for specially protected fauna
- banded iron formations, and
- conservation areas.
The DEC has recommended that conservation areas be considered for environmentally sensitive areas and that considerations of critical habitats and banded iron formations be deferred until further information on their extent is obtained. The Chamber of Mineral and Energy has raised concerns about the effect that the proposed broadening of environmentally sensitive areas will have on industry.
Compliance costs to be covered by industry
Increases in licence and work approval fees have been announced by the environment minister. The fee increases will be introduced over a two year period, commencing on 1 July 2007. According to the environment minister, the increases are due to the high cost of regulating industry and the extra funds will ‘lead to a more stringent monitoring regime and ultimately help to speed up the approvals process’. The fees are expected, on average, to increase by 50 per cent over the next two years.
DOIR releases draft Mine Closure Planning Guidelines
The Department of Industry and Resources (DOIR) has released a working draft entitled ‘Mine Closure Planning Guidelines’ (draft guidelines). The draft guidelines have been provided to give information and guidance on the creation and submission of acceptable mine closure plans in Western Australia and specifically detail the contents and format of a closure plan. The draft guidelines will also assist in the development of a preliminary mine closure plan, which is required in new mining proposal applications.
Draft Environmental Noise Guideline released
A draft Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors Western Australia (in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986) No 8: Environmental Noise (draft guideline) has been released by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The draft guideline will assist in the assessment of environmental noise emissions under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 and other standards, including:
- explaining EPA policy on proposals that may emit noise, and
- EPA guidance on the assessment of noise and the presentation of information to the EPA.
The draft guideline is available via the EPA website.
Draft guidance for environmental offsets released
A Draft Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors (in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986): Environmental Offsets (draft guidance statement) has been released by the EPA for public comment. The draft guidance statement explains how proponents should deal with environmental offsets as part of the environmental impact assessment for development and planning projects. The guidance statement supports the EPA’s Position Statement No 9 – Environmental Offsets.
The draft guidance statement is available via the EPA website.
State Water Plan released
The State Water Plan 2007 has been released by the Minister for Water Resources. According to the minister’s media statement, the plan will set new water efficiency and re-use targets for Western Australia, and will therefore respond to the challenges of climate change.
Biofuels report released for public comment
The Western Australia Biofuels Taskforce’s report on the Biofuels industry has been accepted by the Agriculture Minister. The report outlines 24 recommendations to government regarding economic, environmental and social aspects of biofuels. The recommendation included lobbying the Federal Government to introduce obligations to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of transport fuels based on the full fuel cycle.
Container Deposit Levies Report released
The Stakeholder Advisory Group has prepared a report for the Western Australia Government recommending the introduction of container deposit levies. The recommendation was based on the South Australian experience, however the Packaging Council of Australia has questioned this comparison given that Western Australia does not have the same infrastructure to support the scheme as exists in South Australia.
Fertiliser Action Plan Public Comment
The Department of Environment and Conservation has released the ‘Fertiliser Action Plan: Phasing-out the use of Highly Soluble Phosphorus Fertilisers in Environmentally Sensitive Areas of South West, Western Australia’ (action plan). According to the Environment Minister’s media statement, the action plan proposes to introduce alternative, low water-soluble phosphorous fertilisers as well as trying to improve the way phosphorous fertilisers are used in environmentally sensitive areas and on the coastal plain.
Delegation under the Environmental Protection Act
The chief executive of the DEC has delegated certain powers and duties under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 to the office of Chief Executive Officer under the Local Government Act 1995.
Gnangara Underground Water Pollution Control Area
The Gnangara Underground Water Pollution Control Area has been abolished and reconstituted.
Heritage Planning Policy Released
The State Planning Policy 3.5 — Historic Heritage Conservation has been released by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). The planning policy aims to conserve sites of heritage significance and is available via the WAPC website.
NT EPA to be established
The Northern Territory will now have its own independent Environment Protection Agency (EPA). The Environment Minister announced the establishment after endorsing the interim EPA Board’s report and recommendations. The interim EPA Board’s recommendations included that the legislation to formally establish the body should guarantee its independent powers. The legislation to establish the EPA is expected to be introduced in August 2007.
Budget released
The Northern Territory 2007 State Budget has been released. According to Environment Minister, millions of dollars have been allocated to the environment. The objectives of the funding include:
- supporting 93 parks and the Indigenous Ranger program
- establishing the EPA, and
- reducing emissions from government vehicles and buildings in accordance with the NT Strategy for Greenhouse Action (2006).
Draft Cycad Management Program released
The draft Management Program for Cycads in the Northern Territory 2007–2012 has been released. The management program aims to maintain the wild populations of the plants and facilitate research into developing strategies for the ecologically sustainable use of cycads.
Injin Beach Wharf facility guidelines released
Draft guidelines for the preparation of the ‘Public Environmental Report for the Injin Beach Wharf Facility’ have been made available by the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts.
Fight to eradicate Cabomba
The Environment minister has announced $506,000 worth of funding towards the fight to eradicate the aquatic weed Cabomba.
Natural resources information online
Major natural resource data and information will now be available to the public through an online web-mapping service named NRETA maps. The service is available via the Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts website.
Mannum EIS released for public comment
Planning SA has released an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed marina and residential development at Mannum on the River Murray. The development will include over 550 residential allotments, 156 houseboat mooring sites, a commercial centre with a tavern, retail outlets, interpretive centre and tourist facilities. The public comment period for the EIS closed on 18 July 2007. The proponent is now required to produce a written response document which answers the issues raised in the public and agency submissions and at the public meeting. The EIS and the response document will then be assessed by Planning SA, and an assessment report will be issued prior to the governor making a decision on the final proposal.
Decision on temporary weir delayed
The Minister for Water Security has delayed the decision date on the building of a temporary weir below Wellington to ‘enable a full environmental assessment of the structure to be completed’. As a result of the new decision date, the government's application for an exemption under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) is no longer necessary. Instead, the state government has provided a referral to the Federal Government so that the appropriate level of environmental assessment for the proposed weir can be determined.
Guideline for environmental management of landfill released
The Environmental Protection Authority South Australia (EPA) has made available its ‘Landfill Guidelines’ (May 2007) (guideline). The guideline states ‘what it is that the EPA regards as a minimum requirement, ie a benchmark for the design, construction, operation and closure of landfills in South Australia’. The guideline covers site selection, development, design, construction, operation, closure and post-closure management of landfill facilities that accept municipal solid waste, and commercial and industrial general waste. It is intended to provide guidance for how landfill operators can meet the environmental protection objectives of the regulatory framework.
Guidelines made available
The EPA has released the following guidelines:
- odour assessment using odour source modelling
- bunding and spill management
- use of water treatment solids
- construction noise
- wastes containing asbestos—removal, transport and disposal (May 2007)
- section 7, Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994 and the role of the EPA
- waste tyres, and
- waste transport certificate.
The guidelines are aimed at assisting businesses and individuals in complying with their environmental responsibilities under various pieces of legislation.
Wakefield Waters declared a Major Development
Planning SA has announced that the Wakefield Waters development proposal has been declared a ‘Major Development’ for the purposes of the Development Act 1993. The development proposal involves the construction of a residential marina complex at Port Wakefield including 2700 houses, a commercial precinct, a bride and a waste water system. The effect of the declaration is that the project will now be subject to a detailed assessment process to determine whether or not it should go ahead, which is likely to include an Environmental Impact Statement. The development proposal also triggers the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).
Porter Scrub Conservation Park
Public comments on the minister for the Environment’s draft management plan for Port Scrub Conservation Park (park) closed on 1 May 2007. The park protects 104 hectares of remnant and woodland ecosystems in the Central Mount Lofty Ranges, about 30 kilometres north-east of Adelaide.
Environmental budget allocations released
The chief minister has released details of the 2007–08 Australian Capital Territory budget. As part of the budget, the ACT Government will allocate $7.4 million to:
- improve the water efficiency of government offices
- support the implementation of the soon-to-be-released ACT climate change strategy
- install green power sources in ACT Government buildings, and
- establish a perpetual 'Green Bank' to reduce energy use by ACT Government departments.
The ACT Government will also spend $350,000 to form a partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to ‘showcase low environmental impact development in the East Lake area’.
Premier announces the second phase of the ‘Our Water, Our Future,’ strategy
On 19 June the Victorian Premier announced a number of key projects as part of the Victorian Government’s water strategy ‘Our Water, Our Future,’ water strategy. The plan includes three major projects:
- a desalination plant to be located on the Bass Coast, to provide an extra 150 billion litres to Victoria’s water supply by 2011
- a major irrigation upgrade to capture up to 450 billion litres of water currently lost to irrigation inefficiencies in the Goulburn Murray Food Bowl region in North Victoria, including a 70km pipeline connecting the Goulburn to the Sugarloaf Reservoir in Melbourne, and
- an $80 million, 50 kilometre, pipeline to be built between Melbourne and Geelong and expected to boost Geelong’s water supplies by around 50 per cent by 2011, as part of a major expansion of the Victorian Water Grid.
The announcement by the state government has received mixed reactions from industry associations and the general community, with average water bills in Melbourne expected to double over the next five years in order to cover the cost of these new infrastructure projects.
More information on this second stage of the government’s strategy is available via the Our Water, Our Future website.
Government to review Waste Transfer Stations
The Minister for Planning has announced that the Victorian Government will review the planning scheme provisions that apply to waste transfer stations and materials recycling following requests from a number of municipal councils and community groups. The review will examine all waste transfer stations and consider their impact on local residents.
The review will help to clarify the criteria for deciding where waste transfer stations are located and will consider applicable planning scheme definitions, development controls and location criteria.
The review is to be conducted by an advisory committee, which will prepare an issues and options paper and call for public submissions at a later date prior to preparing a final report for government consideration.
2007–08 State Budget
The 2007-08 State Budget (budget) was handed down on 1 May 2005 by the Treasurer.
Among other things, the budget provides funding for infrastructure investment of $3.3 billion, to be allocated to projects including school rebuilding, hospital upgrades, housing and public transport infrastructure. The budget also provides $2.9 billion in unallocated capital, which the Treasurer has hinted could be used to fund the controversial Port Philip Bay channel deepening project and four potential major water infrastructure projects, subject to the outcome of independent studies on whether to commit to these projects.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment has stated that the environmental projects funded by the budget reflect the priorities set out in ‘Our Environment Our Future—Sustainability Action Statement 2006.’ In particular, the budget has set aside $136 million for water efficiency and recycling. It is anticipated that the measures will produce annual water savings of 80 billion litres.
Finally, the budget allocates $50 million to new initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of climate change. The investment will be spread over a number of separate initiatives, primarily aimed at helping households and small businesses increase their energy efficiency and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Bypass project requires full EES
The Minister for Planning has announced that the Frankston Bypass project will require a full Environmental Effects Statement (EES) under the Environment Effects Act 1978. The minister stated that ‘there are a significant number of flora and fauna species of national or state significance within the proposed Frankston Bypass corridor, particularly at the Boggy Creek wetlands and The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve,’ and this, together with a high level of community debate on the issue, warranted a full EES.
The EES will be placed on public exhibition, and members of the community will have the chance to make submissions on the EES. Once the EES is completed, an independent inquiry will be set up to consider the proposed Bypass. A draft document on the scope of the EES has been released for public comment.
‘Land and biodiversity at the time of climate change’ White Paper
The Victorian Government has launched its next major environmental initiative, the ‘Land and biodiversity at a time of climate change’ White Paper (White Paper). The White Paper will:
- set the direction for Victorian Government policy and investment priorities in natural resource management, land health and biodiversity for the next two decades
- consider how environment and natural resource management activity at the regional, catchment, local and farm scale, and on public land, is contributing to Victoria's overall environmental health, and
- make sure government policy and investment is responsive to new threats and opportunities.
A consultation paper has been released by the Department of Sustainability and Environment for public consultation and is available via the Department of Sustainability and Environment website. The consultation paper includes the terms of reference for the White Paper and a number of key policy questions that will need to be addressed by the White Paper.
State climate change report
The Victorian Government has released a report titled ‘Climate Change and Infrastructure – Planning Ahead’ (report). The report examines the potential risks of climate change to key infrastructure areas such as water, power, telecommunications, transport and buildings, including:
- increased frequency of extreme daily rainfall events, which may affect the capacity and maintenance of storm water drains and sewers
- increased ground movement and changes in groundwater, which may accelerate the degradation of materials and the structural integrity of power generation and refinery plants, and
- increased temperature and solar radiation, which could reduce the life of asphalt on road surfaces and airport tarmacs.
The Victorian Minister for Climate Change stated that the report’s findings highlighted the need for a National Emissions Trading Scheme.
Carbon capture full report released
The Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) has released the full version of the report ‘Review of Geological Storage Opportunities for Carbon Capture and Storage in Victoria’ (report). The report examines the potential for carbon capture and storage to decrease carbon emissions while still making use of Victoria’s large coal reserves, particularly in the Latrobe Valley region. The report concludes that ‘overall, the geographical settings of the state of Victoria and its adjacent waters show considerable potential for [carbon capture and storage] opportunities.’
$10 million ‘Carbon Down’ program announced
The Victorian Government has announced a joint initiative with the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry aimed at curbing carbon emissions. The ‘Carbon Down’ program will provide $10 million over three years to small and medium businesses, who will receive funding to explore specific technology, research or support activities that will allow carbon reduction initiatives in their processes. Businesses could also receive funding to initiate research and projects that will positively change their industry sector.
5-Star Energy Report released
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has made available its independent 5-Star Energy Report, which examines the effect of the state government's 5-Star Energy Rating system on climate change. The report found that new homes are at least 20 per cent more energy efficient than they would have been without the standard. The standard has now been adopted nationally.
The minister for Climate Change stated that the second generation of five-star standards, expected to be in place by 2009, will be performance based, including greenhouse benchmarks for new homes and provisions for fixed appliances such as heating and lighting.
Forest Audit Report released
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has released the findings and recommendations of its ‘Environmental Audit - Timber Production on Private Land 2006’ (audit). The primary objective of the Audit was to assess compliance with the Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production Revision No 2 1996 (code). The audit found that overall compliance with the code was 93 per cent, the best result of the four audits conducted since 2003. The findings of the Audit include recommendations that timber production companies:
- clarify management procedures regarding coupe marking
- review coupe burn planning and burning practices
- ensure drainage structures are effective and spaced appropriately, and
- implement operating procedures for boundary track construction.
First permits offered for geothermal energy exploration
The Energy and Resources Minister has announced the first offer of permits for geothermal energy exploration in Victoria. Six companies received permits, which allow exploration of the extent to which geothermal energy could provide sustainable electricity generation for Victoria.
Premier announces $9.43 million in clean coal grants
The Victorian Premier has announced $9.43 million of clean coal research grants. The grants will be allocated to brown coal generators, aiming to help generators keep greenhouse gas emissions to ‘near zero’ by capturing emissions and storing them underground.
Oil filters and drums to be banned from landfill
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has announced that disposal of used oil filters is now banned from landfill, effective from 1 July 2007. Large plastic and steel containers contaminated with prescribed industrial waste will also be banned.
Other EPA Activity
The EPA has released the following guidelines to the public:
- EPA Approved Vehicle Tester Programs (April 2007)
- EPA Approved Vehicle Emissions Systems Tester Program Information Pack (April 2007)
- Draft Soils Sampling Guideline (Off-Site Management and Acceptance)
- Accelerating Reductions in Hazardous Wastes Fact Sheet
- Response to Comments—Draft Publication 448 Classification of Wastes
- The Transport and Disposal of Waste Asbestos
- EPA Publication 448 Classification of Wastes, and
- Victorian domestic ballast water accreditation agreement guidelines for applicants.
All of the publications are available via the Environment Protection Authority, Victoria website.
Salinity management guidelines released
The Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW) has released the Tasmanian Salinity Strategy (strategy), which forms the basis for action on salinity management over the next 10 years.
The strategy’s goals are to ensure:
- critical land resources and their productive capacity are protected from salinisation
- sustainable production systems are developed and salinity management practices are put in place which prevent and manage salinity
- the quality of key surface and groundwater resources are protected
- the presence and condition of key natural environmental assets, (including priority flora, fauna and ecosystems) including those that are naturally salinity dependent, are not threatened by changes in salinity
- the threat from salinity to infrastructure and cultural heritage is avoided or minimised, and
- productive uses of natural resources degraded by salinity (where rehabilitation is not feasible) are developed and off-site impacts minimised.
The strategy is available on the DPIW website.
Tasmanian Government announces climate change funding
The Tasmanian Government has announced the allocation of $3 million for a Tasmanian climate change office that will coordinate climate change policy and implement a Tasmanian climate change strategy.
A Tasmania-specific climate change strategy has been circulated widely in draft form for public comment, and is expected to be finalised in the next couple of months. Tasmanian Labor MP Lisa Singh has stated that the first stage of the strategy will be ‘maintaining Tasmania's already low greenhouse gas emissions, based largely on renewable and clean energy from hydro and wind which supply virtually all Tasmania's energy needs.’
Tasmanian RFA to be reviewed
The second five-yearly review of the Tasmanian Regional Forestry Agreement (RFA) began on 28 May 2007. Mr John Ramsay has been appointed by ministers from both federal and state governments as the independent reviewer to head the process.
The review is designed to look at progress made in implementing the RFA, not at the RFA itself. The government has prepared two reports to aid the review; the Sustainability Indicators Report 2007 and a report on the Implementation of the Regional Forest Agreement 2007.
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For information regarding possible implications for your business, contact a member of the Environment & Planning team.