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01.03.11 12:00 am
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Politics | MediaPublic housing contract boosts Tasmanian employment opportunities
Richard Benedict, Lake Maintenance General Manager Operations
20.05.13 7:42 pm
Tasmania’s skilled trades industry will receive a much-needed employment boost through a new five-year
contract awarded to housing maintenance company Lake Maintenance, to provide services to over 12,000
public housing properties across the State.
The contract, signed by the company with the Minister for Human Services Cassy O’Connor, will employ 20
Tasmanians directly, with the potential to provide a further 380 employment opportunities.
For the past five years Lake Maintenance has maintained 6,000 public housing properties in the North and
North-West of the State, employing 11 Tasmanians directly and around 200 sub-contractors indirectly.
Lake Maintenance CEO Rob Bradford said the new contract was testament to the company’s commitment
to providing local employment across the country as well as the Tasmanian Government’s ongoing
objective to boost the State’s employment opportunities.
“We have long-standing relationships with most of the sub-contractors in the North and North-West
regions and we look forward to forging equally strong relationships in the South,” Mr Bradford said.
“By using local companies we are able to deliver high quality maintenance services from the first day of
the new contract, with little disruption to Housing Tasmania, tenants or sub-contractors.”
State Manager for Lake Maintenance, Dennis Schultz, said the new contract would require an additional
office in Hobart, directly employing eight Tasmanians in operational roles.
“Additional to this direct employment, we will be looking at increasing our sub-contractor numbers by
approximately 180, with a lot of interest coming through already,” Mr Schultz said.
“As part of the service agreement, we will be engaging a large number of apprentices and trainees through
our sub-contractors, assisting in the future development of our trade professionals.”
Managing Director of Tasmanian Precision Brett Free said the new contract gave local companies hope
and security in what has been a difficult time in Tasmania.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Lake Maintenance in the North and North-West of the State and I
look forward to further strengthening our ties through the new contract,” Mr Free said.
“It is organisations such as this that keep my business going and ensure my 18 staff have ongoing
employment and career development opportunities.”
The contract with Lake Maintenance will ensure that all public housing maintenance will be undertaken by
Tasmanians.
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader Monday, 20 May 2013
20.05.13 5:48 pm
The Tasmanian Greens Leader Nick McKim MP today reiterated the Greens’ position on political opinion polling.
“Our decisions are not driven by polls, but by strong core values that put people and the environment first,” Mr McKim said.
“We don’t place a great deal of emphasis on the result of this or any other political opinion poll.”
“Our focus remains on delivering stable government, achieving Green policy outcomes through the Parliament, and on helping drive Tasmania’s economic transformation.”
Lara Giddings Premier Monday 20th May 2013
20.05.13 3:49 pm
The Premier, Lara Giddings, today acknowleged the release of the latest EMRS poll.
“My primary focus is on handing down the State Budget this Thursday, which will deliver on the government’s agenda of Jobs, People and Opportunities,” Ms Giddings said.
“The EMRS poll shows a large proportion of voters remain undecided with 10 months to go before the next state election.
“This shows that people are starting to see through the shallow spin, hollow rhetoric and destructive negativity of Will Hodgman and the Liberal Party.
“Tasmanians are demanding more from the Liberal Opposition and this year’s alternative Budget will be a major test of their credibility.
“That is contrasted with a Government that is tackling Tasmania’s challenges head-on and has a clear plan to create jobs and opportunities for the future.
“We have delivered support and certainty to regional communities through the Tasmanian Forest Agreement and we are diversifying the economy and capitalising on our natural strengths through initiatives like irrigation and our innovation and investment fund.
“And we are fostering a stronger and more compassionate society by looking after Tasmanians in need and delivering landmark reforms like the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Meanwhile Mr Hodgman contuines to believe the state ‘need not and could not afford to look after everyone’.”
RBF BOARD ELECTIONS A CHANCE TO END TOBACCO INVESTMENTS
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Health Spokesperson Monday, 20 May 2013
20.05.13 11:32 am
The Tasmanian Greens today called on candidates in the Retirement Benefit Fund’s board elections to declare up front whether they support continued investment of public servants’ superannuation in tobacco companies.
Greens Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said that the RBF currently has about $27 million invested in companies like Philip Morris, British-American Tobacco and Imperial Tobacco.
“There are eight candidates in the running, and only one of those candidates has made any reference in their statement to RBF investing in tobacco products, and even that was only advocating for a review,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“What I am calling for is a clear statement about what prospective board members will do in the event they are elected, so that voters can make an informed choice.”
“Every fund member can use their influence to bring about positive change, by voting for candidates who support an end to tobacco investments.”
“I would urge all candidates should to go a step further, and promise to actively support investment in ethical healthcare stocks that deliver both health and financial returns.”
“We believe that very few fund members would support this type of investment and that, with enough positive pressure, the board will take action.”
“The superannuation of government employees should not be used to prop up tobacco industry interests, whose products cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars.”
“Other public superannuation entities around the country are winding up their investments in these unsavoury companies, and it’s disappointing for Tasmania to be lagging.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Health Spokesperson Monday, 20 May 2013
20.05.13 11:18 am
Greens Health spokesperson and Member for Braddon Paul O’Halloran MP said the Greens would seek further answers this week on the presence of elevated lead levels in the water supply at Rosebery.
“The discovery of elevated levels of lead in Rosebery’s residential water supply is a matter of serious concern for residents, and must be addressed as quickly as possible,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“We will be doing everything in our power to make sure that the source of this pollutant is identified and addressed, and support is offered to those affected.”
“It appears too early to say whether it is related to previous concerns over environmental lead levels at Rosebery, but the concerns of residents at this point are entirely understandable.”
“The Greens will be closely monitoring the response to this contamination, because we believe residents and families at Rosebery are entitled to expect a safe and reliable water supply.”
Amateur video of freeport landslide
Jo Collins and Anne Noonan, Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)
20.05.13 8:59 am
1) Amateur video of freeport landslide.
A google translate of article in Jubi. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Otiginal bahasa at
http://tabloidjubi.com/2013/05/19/video-amatir-longsor-freeport-beredar-di-facebook/
Amateur LANDSLIDES FREEPORT OUTSTANDING VIDEO ON FACEBOOK
Author: Victor Mambor | 00:27
May 19, 2013 | 0
Amateur LANDSLIDES FREEPORT OUTSTANDING VIDEO ON FACEBOOK
Evacuation efforts of PTFI rescue team carried on the right side of the scene of the incident (Freeport Indonesia)
Jayapura, 18/05 (Jubi) - An amateur video that recorded the panic group of employees of Freeport, which is probably the evacuation team uploaded to facebook by facebook account Najwa Jayapura.
Video duration of 3:44 minutes shows the situation in the classroom shortly after the landslide occurred at Big Gossan. Apparently, this video was recorded using Mobile because of the position of the image is inverted. Seen in the video, a group of Freeport employees were in one room, while from the other room came the cry for help. Employees who were in the room, looked frantically looking for ways to reach people who were screaming for help from the other room terihat heavily damaged.
From observation Jubi, this video was broadcast by several TV stations, but not fully, because the last part of the video, does not look the picture, only sound alone.
This video was uploaded on May 18, at 23:55. Najwa Jayapura account owner, it seems only last week made faceboknya account. (Jubi / Victor Mambor)
View Video
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=120761044796876&set=vb.100005889424693&type=2&theater
http://tabloidjubi.com/2013/05/19/video-amatir-longsor-freeport-beredar-di-facebook/
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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/88889/freeport-to-conduct-investigation-on-papuas-landslide
2) Freeport to conduct investigation on Papua’s landslide
Sat, May 18 2013 16:02 | 111 Views
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - PT Freeport Indonesia is to conduct investigation on the collapse of its underground training facility Big Gossan in Tembagapura, Papua province, last Tuesday (May 14), President Director Rozik B Soetjipto said here on Saturday.
“We will investigate this incident and make sure that it will never happen again in the future. The safety of workers is our main concern,” he said.
Earlier Vice President Corporate Communications of PT Freeport Indonesia Daisy Primayanti said about 23 employees of PT Freeport Indonesia are still being trapped in a landslide occurring in underground mining area in Tembagapura, Papua Province.
“There is a misunderstanding regarding the number of victims. Earlier it was reported there were 39 workers trapped in the landslide area but later we found out a worker has managed to get out from the location. So the total number of people trapped inside was 38,” she said.
She explained of the total of 38 workers, 10 survive, five were dead, while the condition of the rest are still unknown. Up till now rescue team from PT Freeport Indonesia has managed to open access to the landslide location.
Reporting by Hendrina Dian Kandipi
Translating and Editing by Amie Fenia Arimbi
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/88891/freeport-uses-vibrant-detector-to-find-landslide-victims
3) Freeport uses vibrant detector to find landslide victims
Sat, May 18 2013 16:17 | 123 Views
Timika, Papua (ANTARA News) - PT Freeport Indonesia has used a vibrant detector named “Lifepak 3” to detect any survivors in the landslide area of underground training facility Big Gossan in May 14.
Mining General Manager of PT Freeport Nurhadi Sabirin who also leads the evacuation team said here on Saturday that Lifepak 3 was able to detect vibration that likely human`s heartbeats. However, they are still not sure whether there would be more survivors since there are possibilities that those vibrations were caused by other factors.
“We could not detect other potential vibrations yet during the last 72 hours ago,” he said.
According to Sabirin, the evacuation team has been working 24 hours non-stops to look for about 23 miners who are suspected still buried in the Big Gossan since the landslide on Tuesday, May 14. Nevertheless, the more time wasted, the smaller chances to find any survivor, he said.
Sabirin added PT Freeport has mobilized all experts and all best equipments to help the victims.
Since the landslide last week, the stone material are still falling, hence hampering the evacuation process.
On the other hand, President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia Rozik B Soetjipto said that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to find the cause of this tragedy.
“We will provide some international expertise and involve the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry during the investigation,” he said.
Soetjipto added PT Freeport would give all out efforts to ensure similar accident not happen again in the future.
Up to now, five of the fifteen evacuated victims were dead. While, five survivors have been boarded to Jakarta for further examination and five others still treated at Tembagapura Hospital, Papua. The company believes there are still 23 victims being trapped in the Big Gossan mining facility.
(A060/F001)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/88893/23-workers-still-trapped-in-underground-tunnel
4) 23 workers still trapped in underground tunnel
Sat, May 18 2013 17:43 | 124 Views
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - Twenty-three mining workers of PT Freeport in Papua are still trapped in the company`s underground training facility that collapsed on May 15.
The company`s mining technique chief, Nurhadi Sabirin, said in a press statement to ANTARA here on Saturday that efforts had been slow because rocks continued to fall from the tunnel roof hindering the rescue team`s move to reach the location of the workers.
“We will continue exerting every effort and resources available for the rescue mission at the Big Gossan training area,” he said.
Nurhadi who led the rescue team also said that the company had deployed world-class experts and equipment in its efforts to finish the rescue operation as quickly as possible.
“One of the equipment used for the rescue efforts is an instrument to detect vibration called `Lifepak 3`”, he said.
He said the instrument had detected vibration like heart beat but this could not as yet be confirmed as vibration could also come from other sources.
“We have not identified any other sign in the past 72 hours,” he added.
Nurhadi said his team had kept working 24 hours non-stop and very quickly and in a safest way possible to rescue the workers.
“The more time it takes however the slimmer the possibility of the workers to be found save would be. So, we ask for prayers and support from all parties concerned for them and their families,” he said.
A total of 38 workers were trapped in an underground training facility following a landslide in the area on May 15. Ten of them had been saved but five others had died.
reporting by hendrina dian kandipi
(H-YH/A014)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
ABBOTT UNDER GAY MARRIAGE PRESSURE LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome
19.05.13 7:32 am
MANLY RALLY AND SIGNING OF FRENCH BILL INTO LAW HIGHLIGHT ABBOTT’S OBSTRUCTION
Tony Abbott is under pressure, locally and internationally, to allow a conscience vote on marriage equality.
A rally in Mr Abbott’s electorate, at the same time as the signing of marriage equality into law by the French President, have highlighted the fact that Mr Abbott’s failure to allow a conscience vote is the main obstacle to reform in Australia.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said,
“The fact that today’s marriage equality rally in Tony Abbott’s electorate occurred at the same time as the signing of marriage equality into French law exposes the fact that Mr Abbott is holding up marriage equality in Australia.”
“If Australia is to move forward on this issue it is vital Mr Abbott lives up to Liberal Party values of individual freedom and allows his MPs a conscience vote.”
Today’s marriage equality rally in Mr Abbott’s electorate of Warringah, which was attended by more than 120 people, called on the Opposition Leader to allow his party a conscience vote.
At the same time as the rally, the French President, Francois Hollande, signed his country’s marriage equality bill into law.
Mr Croome said he expects many Australian same-sex couples will travel to France to wed.
“Many Australian couples will be drawn by Paris’s reputation as the city of love, only to find their marriages won’t be recognised when they return home.”
The first marriages between same-sex partners under the new French law are expected to take place in ten days.
Hobart today (Sun): Election issues discussion
Eyal Halamish Chief Executive Officer, OurSay
18.05.13 2:19 pm
An election issues discussion will be held in Hobart on Sunday for the Citizens’ Agenda which launched two weeks ago.
Andrew Wilkie, Jane Austen and other political candidates will be responding to the three most popular questions in a town-hall style event one week before the election.
This means citizens of Hobart and the wider Denison electorate will get the opportunity to set the agenda for this electorate over the next few months.
Our event on Sunday May 19, 2012 will be from 12pm to 4pm in the Hobart CBD.
Event invite on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/336746059785707/?notif_t=plan_edited
Background on the project:
University of Melbourne’s associated research: http://caj.unimelb.edu.au/research/citizens-agenda
An article on why the project is important: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/voters-tune-out-in-droves-with-4-months-to-go-20130505-2j1fd.html
Anyone interested can RSVP to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Politics | National | What's OnMove to stimulate the property industry by the Liberals welcomed
Property Council Tasmania Executive Director Mary Massina
18.05.13 2:07 pm
A move by the Liberals to waive water and sewerage head work charges for two years, if
elected to office, has been welcomed by the Property Council of Australia.
Tasmanian Executive Director, Mary Massina said members had been reporting dramatic
increases in water and sewerage headwork charges in recent times and this initiative would
free up millions of dollars of investment.
“The move to waive water and sewerage head works charges for developments for two
years will mean many tens of millions of dollars of investment, bringing with it the creation
of much needed jobs,” Ms Massina said.
“As most people are aware, Tasmania has been doing it tough in recent times especially
the property and construction industry.
“The State Government’s Jobs Package Initiative of the First Home Builders Boost of $8,000
was a welcome move however, it appears that it has been swallowed up by dramatically
increased headwork charges for utilities such as water and sewerage.
“In one example we are aware of an investor being quoted $8,000 per block for water and
sewerage, as well as, being required to upgrade existing infrastructure at their own cost.
“These increasing charges push up housing prices and act as a barrier to entry for young
Tasmanians seeking to get their first step on the housing ladder.”
Ms Massina said the decision to waive headwork charges for some two years would go a
significant way to stimulating the property and construction sector.
JULIA GILLARD SHOULD STOP TELLING LIES TO THE PEOPLE OF TASMANIA
Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition
17.05.13 4:10 pm
Julia Gillard made more dishonest statements in Hobart today about the GST.
The Coalition’s position on the distribution of the GST to the states is clear: we will not support or implement any proposal that disadvantages Tasmania.
In respect of GST allocations, neither Tasmania nor South Australia will be worse off under any future Coalition government.
Despite the Prime Minister’s falsehoods that she repeated today, the government still hasn’t announced its response to the Greiner-Brumby report.
Why is the government refusing to respond to its own review?
What is Julia Gillard’s secret plan for the GST?
Julia Gillard cannot be trusted on this or any other issue.
Whatever Julia Gillard says on the GST is as credible as her pre-election statement that “there will be no carbon tax under the government I lead”.
The importance of the Australian Public Service
CPSU Tasmania Regional Secretary Paul Blake
17.05.13 2:44 pm
The CPSU welcomed the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the Tasmanian Jobs and Growth forum.
CPSU Tasmania Regional Secretary Paul Blake welcomed the opportunity to highlight the importance of the Australian Public Service to the Tasmanian economy.
“I congratulated the Prime Minister on the budget announcements of money for the Antarctic CRC and the Vodafone Call centre as these jobs are crucial for the Tasmanian economy” Mr Blake said.
“This is in stark contrast to Mr Abbots announcement on Thursday night to removed at least 12000 jobs from the Australian Public service which pro rata would result in the loss of some 800 jobs.
“With Tasmania already having the highest unemployment in the country these cuts would have a devastating effect on individual workers, services to the community and to the overall Tasmanian economy”.
More red tape threatens farm viability
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis
17.05.13 1:24 pm
The federal government is planning to introduce a new and potentially devastating regulatory regime for agricultural and veterinary chemicals, according to the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association.
This week, the House of Representatives passed an amendment to agricultural and veterinary chemicals legislation that, among other things, will make it mandatory for chemical companies to re-register existing products as well as having new products tested and registered and the existing rigorous process for chemical review which actually targets higher-risk chemicals
“We have been told that this amendment is supposed to improve efficiency - but it will have exactly the opposite effect. These unnecessary and hugely costly requirements will inevitably result in loss of registered chemicals available to farmers to produce food and fibre,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said today.
“The government consistently told us that this package of reforms, most of which we agree with, would not result in significant costs. That is clearly not the case. Industry told them that this approach would cause problems. They clearly have not listened.
“We need a system of regulation that ensures new products are thoroughly tested, approved and allowed onto the Australian market quickly and efficiently. Existing products have already been through extensive risk-based testing processes that ensure chemicals are safe and effective for human and environmental health. Forcing companies to put these products back through the hoops is a costly and unnecessary regulatory burden.”
“Australia is a very small market on a global scale. Forcing companies to re-register existing approved products will add an additional cost burden that may well result in them deciding not to bother and withdrawing approved products. And that will leave our farmers behind the game, unable to be competitive in either domestic or export markets.”
“It is about time that governments started walking the talk we consistently hear about opportunities for agriculture. Farmers simply cannot continue to carry the cost of unchecked growth in red and green tape,” she said.
The Senate has yet to approve the amendment.
DIRECT ACTION A BUDGET BLACK HOLE
Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne
17.05.13 1:11 pm
Today we have proof that Tony Abbott’s polluter pays ‘direct action’ plan is a budget black hole, Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said.
“His decision to exclude ‘direct action’ from his commission of audit shows how economically unsound it is,” Senator Milne said.
“‘Direct action’ is totally a government funded and administered program. It will need large numbers of public servants to design it, administer it and to oversee compliance. There is no excuse for its exclusion from any audit of government programs.
“Far from being upfront, honest and open, this is a sneaky move from Tony Abbott designed to ensure his economically illiterate polluter pays carbon plan faces no scrutiny.
“Direct action with its big government handouts to polluters makes a lie of Tony Abbott’s claim of being for “small government”.”
Will Briggs
17.05.13 12:57 pm
THE CHOICE TO CARE
Support for women and families impacted by abortion
Speaker: Anne Sherston
May 24, 1pm-2pm
Born in Malta 1959. Came to Australia in 1963 at the age of 3 and settled in Sydney. Anne is married with two adult daughters and has lived in Tasmania since 2002.
Anne started Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats, (Healing After Abortion) Tasmania in 2005 and became New Site Coordinator for Catholic sites within Australia and nearby countries in 2009. She writes:
Due to a personal experience I attended a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat in Sydney in 2004. This turned into such a powerful experience I felt the need to bring Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats, (Healing after Abortion) to Tasmania. Since 2005 I have continually seen the need for our ministry in aiding those hurt by abortion. Experiencing the blessings that I witness on these weekends motivates me to continue working in this field. My commitment to assisting women and men who are hurting after an abortion experience through Rachel’s Vineyard retreats has become a passion for me that is indescribable.
More detail on the website: http://saintdavids.org.au/friday-forum/
Abbott’s budget reply foreshadows harder, tougher life
Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne
17.05.13 12:49 pm
The Australian Greens will work to defend Australia against Abbott’s reckless and cruel budget cuts.
“Abbott’s budget is irresponsible, sneaky and cruel,” Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said.
“It is sneaky because Tony Abbot is hiding behind an endless mountain of white paper and commissioning a review into spending to disguise his real agenda.
“His budget is all about taking more and more from the poor while giving mining companies, banks and big polluters a free ride.
“Cutting the dole will drive the unemployed deeper and deeper into poverty, not to mention removing superannuation tax breaks for low income earners.
“Then there’s the double whammy of slashing funding for universities while refusing to support the Gonski school reforms - leaving thousands of disadvantaged children with poor educational outcomes.
“If Tony Abbott wins in September, the Greens will defend the community against his extreme and dangerous budget cuts and policies.
“Any attempt to slug the unemployed will face fierce opposition from the Greens in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
“We will not allow Tony Abbott to cut funding to universities or repeal the Gonski school reforms.
“His hit to the superannuation accounts for Australia’s most vulnerable will also be strongly opposed.
“His plan to abandon action on climate change by ripping up the carbon price will be fought tooth and nail by the Greens.
“Where is the logic in scrapping the mining tax and everything it would fund, while abolishing the carbon price but keeping the compensation?
“As for the cut to Australia’s humanitarian intake this is just cruel and disastrous for the nation’s international standing.
“Abbott’s announcement to abandon every 2013 Budget initiative - unless directly specified - will create massive uncertainty across Australia from spending on critical infrastructure projects like Melbourne and Perth metro rail to funding for the ABC and SBS.
“The Greens are needed more than ever to stop the excesses of Tony Abbott if he wins the September election.”
Issue of Marine Phosphate Mining raised in Namibia’s National Assembly
Swakopmund Matters
17.05.13 12:47 pm
SWAKOPMUND MATTERS (4 - 2013)
• Issue of Marine Phosphate Mining raised in Namibia’s National Assembly
• Article in MINING WEEKLY of 17 May 2013
Issue of Marine Phosphate Mining raised in Namibia’s National Assembly
The Namibian Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bernhard Esau, expressed in the National Assembly on 19 April 2013 his strong opinion on marine phosphate mining as he was “concerned about the impact on the fisheries sector”.
The Speaker, Theo-Ben Gurirab, also made his standpoint very clear: “I am against the idea that phosphate is mined from the seabed.” He reminded members of the recent SWAPO Party Congress and the strategy it adopted: “Fish is a renewable resource – phosphate is not”.
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Article in MINING WEEKLY of 17 May 2013
Mining Weekly is South Africa’s premier source of weekly news on global mining developments and provides in-depth coverage of mining projects and the personalities reshaping the mining industry.
Its circulation is 10 500 copies a week and its readership totals 45 350 a week. It has over 1 100 weekly readers outside of South Africa who are spread throughout various countries.
This magazine and its website provide an unique forum where readers can find news and comment critical to business success in an increasingly innovative knowledge-based global economy.
http://www.miningweekly.com
Text of the Article is entitled: “Environmental group says marine phosphate mining cannot be sustained by Namibia”.
Begin:
The Namibian marine environment cannot accommodate a viable fishing industry and the disruptive exercise of marine phosphate mining, says environmental lobby group Swakopmund Matters.
“Either one or the other can thrive – not both,” says the group, which was formed in 2011 to raise awareness of the potential damage that marine phosphate mining can cause to the Namibian environment, particularly the marine ecosystem and rich fishing resources.
Currently, there are four marine phosphate-mining projects in various phases of development planned for the Namibian coastal region at four different points in the Atlantic Ocean.
These are being carried out by Namibian and international mining companies.
“The Namibian fishing industry represents the sustainable use of a renewable resource, whereas seabed mining has a destructive impact on the marine ecosystem. It represents finite exploitation of a non-renewable resource at the expense of the fishing resources, which are of cardinal importance to the Namibian economy,” says Swakopmund Matters.
The Namibian fishing industry earns about $580-million in foreign earnings through export and directly employs more than 13 000 people offshore and 8 800 on shore, says Swakopmund Matters.
“This kind of marine phosphate mining has never been undertaken anywhere else in the world. It is highly controversial, as the Namibian coast and the Benguela region of the ocean are the most productive and biologically beneficial areas for the country,” the group notes.
Swakopmund Matters notes that Article 95(1) of Namibia’s supreme law proclaims: “The State shall actively promote and maintain the welfare of the people by adopting, inter alia, policies aimed at the. . . maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia and [use] of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future. . . ”
“Over the years, the marine environment has been subjected to familiar threats, such as pollution, but the marine mining of phosphates is far more serious and poses a new challenge,” says the group.
It notes that many marine biologists and other experts are aware of the serious consequences of this kind of mining activity and have voiced their concerns.
“Marine phosphate mining has never been done anywhere else in the world and Namibian coastal waters are now facing the threat of being the testing ground. These concerns have not yet been adequately considered in Namibia,” says environmental group Earth Organisation Namibia director Marcia Stanton.
Swakopmund Matters says that many environmental impacts stemming from marine phosphate mining have to be assessed. These include concentrations of hydrogen sulphide in sediment and the effect of these sulphides when released, such as low oxygen levels in the water. Most notable perhaps is the effect of possible hydrogen sulphide release into the benthic layer of the ocean, as oxygen levels are critical in these oxygen minimum zones, which include the central Benguela region.
Further assessments that need to be made include the number of dissolved nutrient inputs from sediment; trace metals and other potential noxious compounds that could be released into the water, as these could have serious effects on the marketing of fish products, such as hake, monk and shellfish; information on Thio-bacteria; and changes in the Redfield ratio in surface waters.
More information on spawning activities in the mining area also needs to be made available.
Former head of the Marine Chemistry & Biology Division of the Stellenbosch-based National Research Foundation for Oceanology Professor Michael Orren, notes that offshore mining of phosphate-rich sediments poses environmental challenges, as it releases toxic matter, such as hydrogen sulphide and reduced phosphorous compounds, such as phosphine, a killer gas used in warfare.
“The offshore currents of Namibia’s coast are weak, with slow reversing and dispersion, so anything put into the sea tends to stay there,” he notes.
On World Ocean Day last year, Namibian Hake Fishing Industry Association chairperson Matti Amukwa voiced his concerns to an audience in Swakopmund.
“Many of the fish we catch are high-end earners such as hake, monkfish, rock lobster and deep-sea crab. These are mostly exported to countries with higher incomes; however, Namibian horse mackerel is also contributing to food security in Africa. A fishing concessionaire with a 15 000 t quota is producing 135-million tons a year of fish. This equates to feeding 370 000 people in Africa every day.
“Namibia is ranked in the top ten countries in the world for its ability to effectively manage its fishery resources, but the international fishing industry is becoming increasingly competitive. Overseas buyers are becoming more demanding – the fish they buy must have an eco-label, showing that the fishery is responsibly managed,” he said.
He noted that the United Nations Food and Agriculture organisation had developed rigorous international guidelines for eco-labelling, which require fisheries to reduce their catch levels if fish stock was declining.
“Namibia is currently in a good position to benefit from eco-labelling, and the hake industry, which employs 8 950 people, is seriously considering it. This will enable us to move into new markets, which are currently unavailable to us. Consequently, we cannot afford to have marine phosphate mining negatively disrupting the environment, as this will reduce our fish-stock populations,” he added.
Former head of environmental group the World Wildlife Fund South Africa Dr Allan Heydorn has also expressed concerns around marine phosphate mining, says Swakopmund Matters.
He notes that the likelihood of marine phosphate mining being deleterious to Namibia’s fishing industry was substantial and the environmental impacts would be serious, particularly in an area characterised by the powerful Benguela current system.
“The principle of seabed mining needs to be subjected to a detailed environmental-impact assessment, with public participation. Infrastructure requirements, such as harbour facilities, for offloading large volumes of sediments, need to be fully disclosed,” he says.
In October 2012, Namibia received an award at the eleventh United Nations Biodiveristy Summit, held in Hyderabad, India, for its landmark Marine Resources Act of 2000, which provides the framework for a sustainable fishing industry.
“By accepting the award, Namibia is reassuring the world that it is capable of looking after and protecting its marine assets with great responsibility,” says Swakopmund Matters.
The environmental lobby group notes that, given the uncertainty associated with this kind of phosphate mining, it is not possible to predict the impacts of any of these projects with complete accuracy.
“All the uncertainties arise because of a lack of knowledge and experience about the technologies and processes underpinning the mining system, the biodiversity and the ecosystem of the deep ocean. What is certain is that impacts will be associated with each step of the mining process.
“The geographic footprint of each of these seabed mining operations is likely to be significant. The interactions among currents, the weather and oceanic events will mean that the spread of pollution and impacts cannot be contained or readily predicted,” says Swakopmund Matters, noting that a comprehensive policy is needed for this activity.
Swakopmund Matters
17 May 2013
(For Swakopmund Matters the environment of the Namibian coastline and its ocean matters)
SUM OF TARKINE MINES IS BIGGER THAN ITS PARTS
Paul O’Halloran MP Member for Braddon Friday, 17 May 2013
17.05.13 12:39 pm
The Tasmanian Greens today urged Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to refrain from signing off on the Venture Minerals Limited Riley Creek iron ore mine in the Tarkine region until proper assessment had been undertaken into the cumulative impact of having a series of mines all operating in the same area.
Greens Member for Braddon Paul O’Halloran MP said that currently only one mine has been submitted for assessment, which makes it impossible to determine the combined effect that the three proposed Venture mines will have on the local environment.
“Mr Burke has an opportunity here to prove he is a competent environment minister by not bowing to blinkered mining companies and applying a proper assessment process,” said Mr O’Halloran.
“It is known that the collective impacts of numerous mines, creates further issues that need to be taken into consideration. Currently Mr Burke is in no position to properly determine how serious these issues will be.”
“Currently only one of the Venture mines has been submitted for assessment, this makes it impossible to know what the cumulative effects of the three Venture mines will be on the region’s environment.”
“The Greens have been consistent and clear about our opposition to mining in the Tarkine, and we will continue to advocate for a smarter, cleaner future for Tasmania that leverages our natural assets for long-term gain for local communities, rather than trashing them for short-term profit,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Riley Creek mine. Forest deal undermined
Tarkine National Coalition Campaign Coordinator, Scott Jordan
17.05.13 12:30 pm
Just a fortnight after the amended forests agreement passed state parliament, the southern Tarkine protected area at Riley Creek has had a strip mine approved. The Venture Minerals’ mine will remove all the vegetation at the site, rainforest included.
Bob Brown, Patron of Save the Tarkine, says that the go-ahead for the Tarkine mining operation within the yet-to-be gazetted reserve has been given by the so-called Environment Protection Authority.
“Some protected area, some protection authority!”, he said.
“The Tasmanian public had a right to think that the forests protected under the ‘peace deal’ would be environmentally safe.This shatters that illusion,” Brown said.
“It is now up to the Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, to put a halt to this invasion of the Tarkine forest peace zone.”
“Minister Burke excused his refusal to grant heritage protection to the Tarkine by claiming that the Tasmanian Forests Agreement would protect the Tarkine. Well what is that protection worth if it allows open cut and strip mining?”
National Families Week: spending quality time together
JULIE COLLINS MP, SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK
17.05.13 9:37 am
JULIE COLLINS MP
Minister for Community Services
Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development
Minister for the Status of Women
Federal Member for Franklin
SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK
Senator for Tasmania
Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
MEDIA RELEASE
National Families Week: spending quality time together
The importance of Australians spending quality time with their families is being highlighted during National Families Week.
Running from 15 to 21 May, Families Week was officially launched by Senator Catryna Bilyk today at a pyjama reading party at a dads’ playgroup in Hobart hosted by early learning centre Good Beginnings Tasmania.
The Minister for Community for Services, Julie Collins, said this year’s National Families Week was about highlighting the importance of getting the right balance between work and family life.
“Striking the right balance between work and family is vital for modern families in our busy world,” Ms Collins said.
“As a working mother with three children I know it can be a real struggle sometimes to get the balance right.
“But it’s encouraging to know that there are so many resources out there to help.
“The top 10 tips being promoted this week by National Families Week are full of good, sound, common-sense advice, such as sharing daily events with one another, healthy eating and exploring the outdoors.
“My favourite though is No 7 – Read and tell stories together regularly - something the Good Beginnings dads playgroup in Hobart does well.”
Senator Catryna Bilyk, representing Ms Collins at the Hobart launch, said research shows that young children who are read to regularly by family members develop literacy skills long before they are able to read and also experience emotional and mental benefits.
”As a National Ambassador for the 2012National Year of Reading as well as being a National Ambassador for the Love2Read Campaign and a strong supporter of The Reading Hour 2013, I feel that reading to, and with, children is one of the most important things we can do”. Senator Bilyk said.
“Playgroups like Good Beginnings Tasmania provide a great learning environment for kids to start their development and get ready for school and are a valuable backup for those who don’t have a wide or close family network.
“They offer families a great and supportive place in which to bond with their children through fun activities like singing, dancing, art, and reading.
“The Australian Government has invested $4 million each year for free or low-cost community playgroups in our cities, regions and rural towns across Australia.
“This includes close to $1.5 million to 2014 for Good Beginnings Tasmania,” Senator Bilyk said.
Funding playgroups is part of the Government’s investment of more than $1 billion over three years under the Family Support Program providing vital support to families and children.
This year the Australian Government provided more than $680,000 to support Families Australia, including $102,200 to manage National Families Week celebrations across the country.
For more information on National Families Week, including the top 10 tips to ‘get the balance right’, and activities in your local area,see http://www.familiesaustralia.org.au
Victor Yeimo Still Detained, 6 Activists Removed
Jo Collins and Anne Noonan, Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)
17.05.13 9:35 am
A google translate of article in Bintang papua. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic. Original bahasa at
Victor Yeimo Still Detained, 6 Activists Removed
Alfred Papare: Police Will not Allow Demo Again
Six activists Jayapura-West Papua National Committee (KNPB), finally liberated. They are the chief West Papua National Authority (WPNA) Marthen Manggaprouw (35), Yongky Ulimpa (23), Elly Selek (19), Napoleon Asso (22), Nius Hiluka (22) and Melly Gombo (22). While Chairman KNPB victor Yeimo not included in the participating name released. Victor Yeimo remain detained in Abepura LP on its status as a DPO. The activists were released from police custody Jayapura City, Tuesday (14/5) sekitarpukul 21:00 CET. They were arrested after a demonstration held to protest alleged human rights violations in the District Aimas, Sorong, West Papua province in the Office of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) on Monday (13/5).
Jayapura Police Chief Alfred City Commissioner Papare, SIK when confirmed in his office, Wednesday (15/5) confirmed it has freed six activists KNPB. Because, after testing unproven anarchist action as a demonstration protesting alleged human rights violations in the District Aimas, Sorong, West Papua province in the Office of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) on Monday (13/5). While KNPB Chairman Victor Yeimo arrested sidelines demonstrations, direct Abepura herded into prison because he is still existed List People Search (DPO) Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Papua, since fled from Abepura Prison after being involved cases in 2009 were convicted of sedition during three years, but the new menjalami sentenced to nine months.
However, the police chief said, it still will call the three activists KNPB each Marthen Manggaprouw, Yongky Ulimpa and Elly Selek to re-questioning stoning case that led to two members of the Police Jayapura City, respectively Head of Ops Jayapura Police, Commissioner Kiki Kurnia and Brigadier Afandi who suffered injuries during a demonstration in securing Circle Housing III, Waena.
Related to this, the police chief said, the police would not give consent when activists held a demonstration KNPB back in the city of Jayapura. “This event will serve as a lesson for the future, KNPB will not be allowed to rally in Jayapura,” tundasnya.
KNPB Question Reason Demo Space Restrictions Peace
While the Allies KNPB, Suhun Ones said, arrests and forcible dissolution conducted by the police on peaceful demonstrations on 13 January is a trick to cover up the violations committed by the military and police.
According to him, the peaceful protests carried out on a few days ago that aims to require clarity and accountability for the shooting incident that occurred in several places in Papua, segaja covered with a way to break up the mass of the reasons mass beating and throwing against the police officers.
“Papua Police sengajah whitewashing it was yesterday, yesterday’s incident Papua regional police divert the real issue and the next we see the media, his opinion was different from the action that we did,” he said accompanied Spokesperson (Spokesperson) KNPB, Wim Rokcy Medlama, coriander Guard -P, Bovit Bofra and AMP in Java and Bali, Wenas Kobaga, when it held a press conference, at Café Prima Garden Abepura, yesterday afternoon on Wednesday (15/5).
It was very evident because when there is a conflict in a peaceful demonstration, and a day later in the media that there appears only victims of the security forces, while the victims of past demonstrations not included in the media, independent media should be able to load the casualties on both sides. He said, it has the x-ray of the victim of police persecution which broke the jaw members and also seorangnya demo again fractured hand.
“The police say they were injured, we ask for evidence that it is true. We had a mass action, there is evidence that the victim, “he said as he showed her the results of the second x-ray told reporters.
He also added that so far it look KNPB always led to criminal. In fact, he said the struggle KNPB pure struggle.
“Action yesterday was not only done by KNPB, performed by all the solidarity, but that appeared in the media in the name of this well KNPBnya we see no scenario KNPB built to destroy,” he said.
He said police chief immediately responsible for the shooting that occurred on May 1, yesterday, and the jug against future peaceful demonstration on December 1 yesterday. “If he felt there was not a human rights violation, why should obstructed? There are what,? “He said. (Mdc/mir/don/l03)
The Biggest Environmental Event in Australia
StudentsOfSustainability.org
17.05.13 8:50 am
John Thirgood Managing Director Jessups 139 York street launceston
16.05.13 6:52 pm
A large proportion are low income earner families, retirees and pensioners that all invested to contain ever increasing power bills and protect against the cost of living
will un-necessarily be exposed to financial pain with Bryan Green’s plan.
The feed-in tariff is not over generous at 1-1; in fact until recently the worst in the nation.
The future of the vibrant solar industry and jobs is bleak.
Aurora has counted lost retail sales of power as a cost on their business; this is wrong.
The Green plan means uncertainty for the solar industry ... and you can’t sell anything in uncertainty
How can the Minister honestly think that this decision supports solar owners? It abandons them not halfway through their investment.
Download:
Sample_2013_buyer_three_years_fixed_1-1_then_8_cents.pdf
Chris Simcox, AACT spokesperson
16.05.13 3:39 pm
With the opening of the Brown Quail killing season only days away, Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT) again condemns the Tasmanian Government for allowing the killing to continue. The open season begins on 18 May 2013.
“We are appalled that Minister Brian Wightman has again given minority interests the opportunity to slaughter Tasmanian wildlife.” said Chris Simcox, spokesperson for AACT, “This should come as no real surprise for a state that appears to pride itself on leading the country with organised, government-sanctioned slaughter of native wildlife. What is surprising is that they use shooters to survey quail numbers by killing them, and then the department makes management decisions based on these ‘killing surveys’.”
The decision to open the season in the south of state was done by way of these ‘killing surveys’ several years ago. There is now a decision to extend the length of the season, again using the ‘killing surveys’.
“We are amazed that Mr Wightman’s department makes decisions based on kill figures from shooters. It clearly shows they bow to shooters and are keen to give them more opportunities to kill native birds by lengthening the season.” said Mr Simcox, “Why is it that the values of a community opposed to shooting mean nothing to this government? They should recognise the sentience of quail, and accord them the right not to be exploited by humans.”
Greens call for Australian-made honesty on food labels
Christine Milne Australian Greens Leader
16.05.13 3:38 pm
The days of puzzling over Australian-made claims in the aisles of the supermarket would be over if a bill introduced today by Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne is passed in the Senate.
The Greens’ new Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Country of Origin Food Labelling) Bill extends country of origin labelling to all food for retail sale and simplifies labelling to just three allowable claims:
• Product of or Grown in Australia;
• Manufactured in Australia; and
• Packaged in Australia.
“We know consumers want to support Australian farmers and producers but the current food labelling rules are just too confusing,” Senator Milne said.
“The changes would mean consumers will be able to identify whether products are Australian grown or manufactured, and the misleading claims like “made from local and imported ingredients” would be prohibited.
“The changes would also encourage companies to highlight local ingredients in their labels.
“My labelling proposals are the result of extensive consultation with consumer groups, manufacturers and farmers. I particularly want to thank CHOICE for their input which is strongly reflected in the bill,” Senator Milne said.
Cheap is not always cheerful in the trade debate
Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, national spokesperson on Trade
16.05.13 3:36 pm
In the wake of the tragic Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh the Australian Greens have today successfully moved that the Senate call on Australian companies to ensure the safety and fair treatment of workers in developing countries.
“The Greens have always called for ‘fair trade’ not ‘free trade’ and this horrific example in Bangladesh shows why it is not a throwaway line, it is a very real and important debate for our country to be having,” said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, national spokesperson on trade.
“It is not fair trade to have thousands of workers in a single, dangerous building, often operating under appalling conditions, creating cheap, ‘throw-away’ products.
“We need to recognise the risk that our fashion and retail industries are directly tied to these terrible tragedies and inequities.
“The Greens will seek to help develop and support supply chain certification for clothing products sourced from developing countries and will continue to highlight the importance of social, environmental and ethical issues in trade.
“The fashion industry can take a leadership role to help fix this problem and this will help drive consumer awareness on the issue and how consumers can help avoid being part of the problem.
“The Greens had a big win late last year when the Australian Government agreed to analyse and state upfront all costs involved in future trade agreements, so we can and should consider ethical and social considerations in our decision making on trade,” he concluded.
From a domestic perspective organisations like Ethical Clothing Australia provide ethical brands and clothing manufacturers with a way to help ensure legal obligations and standards are met throughout the Australian supply chain and the Australian Greens would like to see similar international coverage.(1)
(1) http://www.ethicalclothingaustralia.org.au/
Senate Motion 1250 – May 16th, 2013
Senator Whish-Wilson : To move:
That the Senate—
(a) notes:
(i) the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh that killed 1 127 garment workers, many of whom were sewing clothes for international brands in unsafe conditions,
(ii) the significant protests and riots by garment workers in Bangladesh in response to the building collapse, and
(iii) that in response, some international clothing brands have signalled their intention to sign an accord committing to improve fire and building standards for their workers in Bangladesh; and
(b) calls on:
(i) Australian companies to ensure the safety of their workers in developing countries through improving standards and conditions and providing for independent inspections of factories,
(ii) Australian clothing companies to join the accord committing to improve fire and building standards for workers in Bangladesh, and
(iii) the Australian clothing industry to consider moves towards supply chain accreditation for products from developing countries.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST SAVE NATIONAL PARKS FROM PREMIER NEWMAN
Senator Larissa Waters Senator for Queensland
16.05.13 3:35 pm
The federal Environment Minister must stop the Newman Government from allowing cattle grazing and logging in national parks, rather than simply expressing his concern to media, as he has today.
“Instead of opening up national parks for grazing, the Queensland and federal governments need to work together to get fodder to drought-stricken cattle immediately to address this animal welfare crisis,” Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens environment spokesperson, said.
“This is the latest in a long list of environmental attacks by Campbell Newman, who is also allowing logging in national parks and letting hundreds of hectares of native vegetation be cleared.
“The government now needs to come clean on whether they are still contemplating handing off their environment protection powers to environmental vandals like Premier Newman, or whether they will vote for my amendment to keep federal environment powers in federal hands.
“Campbell Newman is a sign of what would be to come under Tony Abbott and Labor is running out of time to leave behind a shred of environmental legacy.
“In 2011, Minister Burke publicly pledged he would protect our national parks, which despite their name are only protected under state law, from threats such as logging and grazing.
“I’ve repeatedly called on Minister Burke to act on his promise, through correspondence and in the Senate, but he’s been all talk and no action.
“Minister Burke still has time to give national parks the protection of national environment law and to safeguard that protection from Tony Abbott’s plan to hand national environment law to the states to administer.
“It’s time the Environment Minister started acting like one by protecting our threatened species and national parks, which are too precious to lose,” Senator Waters said.
At the Press Club on 24 August 2011, Minister Burke said: “I intend to add as a matter of national environmental significance areas that have been protected, the classic examples are national parks, where they are under some form of new threat, whether that new threat be grazing, mining, logging or large scale land clearing.”
White Pages. Yellow Pages
16.05.13 2:46 pm
Today we are happy to announce the inspiring local to grace the cover of this year’s Burnie White and Yellow Pages, which commences distribution on Saturday.
Judy King has been selected for the cover under the theme Keeping Our Communities Healthy.
In 2006, after surviving breast cancer and watching other friends battle the disease, Judy established support group Circular Head Bosom Buddies to fill a gap in cancer support networks in north-west Tasmania.
To raise awareness, funds and show there is life after cancer, in the group’s first year Judy and 11 other breast cancer survivors undertook a 10-day, 500 kilometre walk from Smithton to Hobart. Along the way, the group raised more than $150,000, contributing essential funds to cancer research and patient support programs.
Not one to rest on her laurels, in 2008 Judy introduced Cancer Council Australia’s Relay For Life to the region. More than 1000 residents in the 8000-strong community participated in the inaugural event, which has raised $360,000 since its inception. The funds raised have allowed Judy to realise her dream of establishing a free community transport service, connecting local cancer patients to oncology services across Tasmania on a daily basis and reducing the stress of travel.
GREENS TO EXAMINE MINISTER’S FEED-IN-TARIFF PROPOSALS
Kim Booth MP Greens Energy Thursday, 16 May 2013
16.05.13 2:40 pm
The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the release of an Issues Paper by the Energy Minister Bryan Green MP containing Labor’s proposals for determining future energy feed-in tariffs in Tasmania.
Greens Energy spokesperson Kim Booth MP said that the Greens Party Room would carefully examine the Minister’s proposals, and pay close attention to public feedback.
“The Greens already have sophisticated position on a mechanism for determining feed-in-tariffs, which has received strong support, and which we remain committed to,” Mr Booth said.
“We do, however, look forward to hearing community feedback on what the Minister is proposing.”
“The industry and consumers now have a chance to meaningfully compare what Labor and the Greens have put forward as long-term arrangements for feed-in-tariffs.”
“Unfortunately nobody yet knows what the Liberal Party would do about feed-in-tariffs, because they are too busy playing political games by refusing to outline a position.”
“The issue of long-term sustainable power prices is too important to the Tasmanian community and the economy to play political games and I am calling on the Liberal Party to release their position.”
“The Greens’ policy position is about achieving a fair price based on environmental, social and economical considerations.”
“Our position proposes that, as a transitional arrangement, the current one-to-one feed-in-tariff provisions are maintained for new and existing customers for a period of two years.”
“After this a fair minimum tariff will be determined by an expert panel, with a sliding scale ensuring that the real value to the grid, depending where and when the transmission is made, is realised”
Tasmanian Greens MPs’ Position on Feed-in-Tariffs:
The Tasmanian Greens’ policy on feed-in-tariffs for small scale generators (below 10 Kw):
1. No feed-in-tariff or connection to a grid will be allowed unless it is from 100% renewable generation.
2. For the removal of doubt, Bio mass generation from native forest is specifically excluded.*
3. Retailers will be required to purchase power from small-scale renewable generators.
4. As a transitional arrangement, current 1:1 feed-in-tariff provisions to be maintained for new and existing customers for two years following proclamation of legislation relating to feed-in-tariffs. The price difference between the combined cost of wholesale power price and distribution charges, and the feed-in-tariff, to be met from the Consolidated Fund.
5. That an independent advisory panel be established with appropriate representation from a range of relevant stakeholders to consult widely on feed-in-tariff/distributed generation incentives, including the potential for a sliding feed-in-tariff scale based on the type of system, and to provide greater incentives in areas, for example, of supply constraint, and;
The Panel is to:
a) Taking into account social, economic and environmental considerations, provide advice to the Minister and Parliament on a fair and reasonable feed-in-tariff for the first two years after the expiry of transitional arrangements;
b) Recommend an ongoing process to determine the mechanism for setting a fair and reasonable feed-in-tariff into the future.
*Except for genuine by-product generated on site from operations which have a primary purpose that is not electricity generation, ie a country sawmill.
EPA’s half baked assessment farcical. Burke must recall the assessment.
Tarkine National Coalition Campaign Coordinator, Scott Jordan
16.05.13 1:24 pm
Save the Tarkine has expressed disbelief that the EPA has today ticked off on Venture Minerals Riley Creek strip mine in the Tarkine despite the proponent’s documentation clearly failing to meet the requirements outline in the assessment guidelines.
The assessment guidelines clearly required the Riley Creek strip mine proposal’s impacts to be considered against the cumulative impact of Venture Minerals’ three proposed mines in the southern Tarkine.
So far only the Riley Creek documentation has been submitted for assessment, making the proper assessment of cumulative impacts impossible.
“This is laughable and the EPA has lost all credibility as a body to assess the impacts of major projects,” said Save the Tarkine Campaign Coordinator, Scott Jordan.
“The proposed permit conditions place no requirements to protect the Tasmanian devil, other than submitting a report on how many have been killed”.
“And as with the previous Nelson Bay River approval, the company has been asked to submit a Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan after the mining has commenced,”
“Federal Minister Tony Burke must now admit that trusting the Tasmanian Government to conduct assessments in his stead was a mistake, and recall the Venture Minerals projects for a proper federally managed assessment”.
Save the Tarkine will continue to campaign against the Venture Minerals proposed mines.
