In the lead-up to this week's critical ministerial meeting set to discuss container deposit legislation, a consultation report on Queensland's proposed revamp of waste legislation and policy indicates local government authorities in the state are mostly opposed to South Australian-style CDL, although state government departments support it.
The consultation summary says forums with government, industry and environment groups and submissions to government found strong support for stand-alone waste legislation and fairly widespread support for mandatory business waste management plans.
But stakeholders were strongly of the view that introducing a waste levy and then raking most of the money into consolidated revenue – as NSW is doing – would be a 'deal breaker'.
An OECD review of Australia's environmental performance says serious breaches are 'inadequately prosecuted' in some jurisdictions and recommends that enforcement be strengthened, especially against big polluters.
The OECD also says voluntary measures often don't have 'meaningful' monitoring and compliance mechanisms and recommends greater use of economic instruments.
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
