Browsing: <a href="/tag/au">Federal</a> <i class="grey">•</i> <a href="/tag/grants-finance">Grants, finance</a>

According to Greens leader Bob Brown, the Rudd government's first Budget is just 'Howard-Costello lite'.



The Greens and Greenpeace have delivered scathing assessments of the Budget's climate and environment initiatives, though other appraisals have generally been more favourable.

It's Labor's first commitment period – with the Rudd government last night setting out where its climate change and environment cash will be spent over 2008-2012. New Budget climate measures will get $341.6 million in 2008-09 and a total of $2.3 billion over 2007-08 to 2011-12.



Meanwhile, Treasurer Wayne Swan says the review of the tax system – due to report by the end of 2009 – will 'look at the role to be played by environmental taxes'.

CE Daily looks at where the money will go and guides you through the maze of Budget papers.

• National Water Commission to scrutinise water use by mines
  
• Federal energy program issues detailed efficiency guide
  
• NSW issues exemptions for land-applied wastes
  
• Shipping company fined $35,000
  
• Queensland council fined $40,000
  
• National Pollutant Inventory offers training on new reporting system
  
• Queensland EPA offers sustainability grants
  
• GM crops a boon for regional economies, ABARE says

The Victorian government says payments under the federal $500 million Green Car Fund could be linked to the abatement potential of funded projects. And it wants cash from the fund to be offered to component suppliers, as well as car makers.



The Brumby government's submission to the Steve Bracks-led review of the automotive industry also calls for measures to boost market demand for greener car technology.

EPA Victoria trading scheme to start by mid-year (with audio) * NPI releases new fuel tank emissions handbook, Queensland releases stormwater best practice guide * Defence seeks site remediation companies * Petrol vapour project awarded $480,000 federal grant * 'Don't focus on the green consumer' (audio link)

Five Australian companies feature in global 'top 100' sustainability listing * TV sector warned of 'strong political will' to act on energy efficiency * ACTU chief to speak at Davos sustainability forum * Tasmania to draft contamination audit regulations * Environment chiefs to Garnaut – don't give us the third degree



* Australian Industry Group urges fund for water projects * SA Cabinet looks to Greenhouse Friendly scheme in carbon neutral push * ANU professor sets out health challenges of environmental degradation * Victoria seeks advisory council nominees * Ecolabel scheme proposes new draft standard

Energy ministers approve 'stage two' energy efficiency package * Magistrate fines construction company $95,000 * Carbon risk – more than 40 ASX200 companies could suffer material losses * National Pollutant Inventory releases new guidance * NSW offers renewables funding * Sydney Water issues water conservation guidelines * SA approves $40 million foundry expansion

Queensland court fines two for obstructing EPA officer; Export of nuclear waste gets EPBC Act clearance; NSW’s 2% ethanol obligation kicks in; Iluka Resources wins appeal against WA EPA ruling; Victorian Water Smart funding on offer; Victoria invites award nominations