Court finds climate change relevant to coal mine approval
A Newcastle environmentalist says a court ruling today means the New South Wales Government must take climate change into account when considering whether to approve new coal mines.
Peter Gray went to the New South Wales Land and Environment Court to challenge the environmental assessment for the proposed Anvill Hill coal mine in the Hunter Valley.
He argued the assessment was inadequate, because it did not take into account the impact that burning the coal would have on climate change.
The court voided the Government’s decision that the environmental assessment was adequate.
Mr Gray is claiming victory, but says the ruling will not stop the mine from going ahead.
“It’s certainly a setback for the process, I think it means a fresh look has to be taken at the mine,” he said.”The Government needs to consider the impacts that it will have on climate change so I do think it’s a strong strike against Centennial Coal.’
Court finds climate change relevant to coal mine approval. 27/11/2006. ABC News Online
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Getting Political Part IV
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
AUSTRALIA JOINS NEW ASIA-PACIFIC,PARTNERSHIP ON CLEAN DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE
THE HON JOHN HOWARD MP, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA
THE HON ALEXANDER DOWNER MP, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
THE HON IAN MACFARLANE MP, MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY, TOURISM
SENATOR THE HON IAN CAMPBELL, MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE
Australia Joins new Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate - 28 July 2005
Unfortunately the Liberal Party does not have a comprehensive policy which is easy to link to.
Maybe we need to tackle our local Federal representatives for more information.
The CLP?
Well, these guys don’t seem to have comprehensive opinions on this topic if you judge them by the CLP website
Dave Tollner can be found here:
and Nigel Scullion here:
Both are clearly pro-nuclear if that gives any indication of anything.
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Getting Political Part III
The Democrats have an entire page on climate change which is encouraging. The basic summary is as follows, but have a look around the whole page and tell us what you think.
Democrats Action Agenda
1. Ratify the Kyoto Protocol and ensure Australia plays an active and positive role in developing a multilateral response to climate change through the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), including binding commitments and measures to enable all nations to adapt to the effects of climate Establish a Sustainable Energy Commissioner
2. Amend the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth) to increase the mandatory renewable energy target to an additional 20% by 2020 and 50% by 2050;
3. Amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to include triggers ensuring: > all new and substantially redeveloped power stations require Commonwealth approval; national emission standards for all power stations; and > all Commonwealth government grants are subject to an environmental assessment and approval;
4. Introduce legislation that incorporates Australia’s obligations under the FCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, including: > mandating specified emissions reduction targets; > a national greenhouse strategy outlining how targets will be met; > annual statements to the Parliament on emission levels; and, > emission reduction targets for all Commonwealth agencies;
5. Develop an AusAid greenhouse program to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, particularly Pacific island states, to assist with emission reduction and climate change adaptation;
6. Introduce a carbon levy, and an emissions trading marketplace framework;
7. Keep exercise off alternative fuels and phase in the mandate on 10% ethanol fuels. Remove the 10% cap on ethanol blends
8. Invest in compressed natural gas refuelling stations;
9. Provide incentives to motorists and auto manufacturers to take-up fuel efficient cars
10. Invest in better public transport, bike/walk ways and freight rail.
11. Mandatory energy performance standards within the Building Code of Australia for all new and substantially refurbished commercial and residential buildings;
12. Establish a national Voluntary Code of Practice on Building Efficiency to encourage “best practice” for all new and substantially refurbished commercial and residential buildings, backed by tax incentives;
13. Continue indefinitely the photovoltaic rebate scheme;
14. Re-fund renewable energy Cooperative Research Centres;
15. Set greenpower targets for electricity retailers; and,
16. Profide renewable energy industry assistance for Australian companies to capture at least 5% of the global market by 2015.(see Fuel and Transport for more)
Australian DemocratsClimate Change
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Getting Political Part II
Time for the Greens…
These are the policies of the Australian Greens, within which state/territory and local policies fit.
Policy implementation is the responsibility of all spheres of government and the community.
This 24-page booklet provides an overview of the policies of the Australian Greens. Covering topics as diverse as Health, National Security and Democracy, it powerfully articulates the Greens’ optimistic vision for Australia.
Download (PDF, 1.52MB)See below for links to the detailed policy documents.
Care for the Earth
Welcome to the Australian Greens Online - Policies
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Getting political…Part I
Over the next few days I will be publishing posts on the major political parties stances on climate change. Read them for yourselves and see what you think. Try not to bang your head on the wall too much!
First up…
The Australian Labor Party…
Climate Change Blueprint - Protecting Australia from the Long-term Threat
This Blueprint outlines Labor’s practical measures to tackle climate change. Only a nation-building Beazley Labor Government will act to save Australian icons like the Great Barrier Reef and Kakadu which experts predict will soon be devastated by the ravages of climate change.
Just as importantly, protecting Australia from the threat of climate change also protects Australia’s future prosperity.
The Prime Minister’s failure of leadership means a failure to address the threat to our economy posed by climate change.Protecting Australia from the threat of climate change.
Blueprint no.6.Download Protecting Australia from the threat of climate change Protecting Australia from the threat of climate change - 83 Kbytes
Australian Labor Party: Kim Beazley’s policy blueprints
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