Announcing November 24 as election day, PM John Howard has promised a re-elected Coalition would deliver environment policies that “tackle in a balanced way the great challenges of climate change and water security”.
South East Queensland Councils will conduct random audits of up to 15% of the region’s largest water users under proposed ‘level 6’ water restrictions that will enter into force in mid-November.
A program that will require about 280 Victorian facilities to develop plans to better manage energy, water and waste is likely to deliver a net economic benefit of about $65.4 million over 10 years, says a regulatory impact statement for the proposal.
A water efficiency labelling scheme administered by the federal government is not well enforced and about 10% of the products authorised to use the label carry a ‘zero stars’ version that means they don’t meet basic water efficiency standards.
Despite reports of serious misconduct by water brokers and some legal proceedings pending in NSW, a report for the National Water Commission released today says the claims of misconduct are not widespread and there is no need to introduce a licensing scheme for brokers or for substantial new regulatory measures.
NSW allows application of bauxite processing waste to farms; Garrett takes Downer to task for climate targets comment; NSW approves new coal mine; WA waste oil crisis; and SA and Federal governments to extend water recycling scheme