The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority today granted a permit to dispose of three million tonnes of dredge spoil at a location about 25 kilometres from Abbot Point, but says a better site can be found.
Emissions of particulate from factories, mines and other facilities are increasing, but those of other common air pollutants are generally either steady or slowly decreasing, the latest NPI data shows.
Oil and gas companies operating in Commonwealth waters will for the first time be subject to an explicit 'polluter pays' obligation if the Gillard Government secures passage of a new bill.
The Federal Government is set to introduce new penalties and strengthen the enforcement powers of the offshore oil and gas industry regulator, as part of its final round of reforms to implement the remaining recommendations of the Montara oil spill commission of inquiry.