EPA Victoria issues draft guidance on preparing mandatory efficiency plans

EPA Victoria has issued draft guidelines for businesses required to develop environment and resource efficiency plans (EREPs).

The Victorian Government amended the state's Environment Protection Act last year to require sites using large amounts of energy or water to participate in the EREP program. All businesses using more than 100 terajoules of energy a year or more than 120 megalitres of water must register to participate by March 2008.

They must then develop an EREP which includes baseline data on water and energy use and waste generation and prioritises resource efficiency actions based on a payback analysis. Sites must submit their initial EREP to the EPA for assessment by the end of 2008 and must report annually on progress.

Sites will be required to submit a new EREP for approval before their existing one expires.

Companies with multiple sites will not be able to submit a representative EREP for their various sites but will be able to submit a consolidated EREP separately detailing actions for all sites.

Inquiry into environmental impact reporting seeks submissions

A NSW parliamentary committee inquiring into public sector environmental reporting has issued a call for public submissions. Terms of reference for the inquiry by the Legislative Assembly's Public Bodies Review Committee include:

• the efficiency and effectiveness of current practices;
• the adequacy of the existing policy and legislative framework; and
• significant developments elsewhere.

Submissions must be received by November 12.

Queensland Biodiesel signs in-principle agreement for Australia's largest biodiesel plant

Queensland Biodiesel Pty Ltd has signed an in-principle agreement with Mackay Port Authority to lease land from the port for a 180 million litre biodiesel plant. The $50 million plant would be the largest so far built in Australia and would initially rely on vegetable oil imports for feedstock. Subject to environmental approvals the plant could be commissioned next year, initially producing 60 million litres a year.

"Eventually crops will be sourced throughout the region creating new opportunities and revenue streams for farmers, particularly canegrowers," Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said. "Soybean could emerge as a viable alternative 'cash crop for canegrowers."