Australian Government: Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities media releases 2013

Title of the release.

Brief description of the release, first sentence of the release is normally good

Study to help identify cultural values in Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

19 Jun 2013 10:24:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today announced funding for a study to help identify cultural values in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

UNESCO decision on Great Barier Reef

18 Jun 2013 15:47:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, today welcomed the decision by the World Heritage Committee which recognised the Australian Government’s commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

Extra eyes to monitor the Great Barier Reef

17 Jun 2013 08:34:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today launched a powerful Reef monitoring program – Eye on the Reef – that will engage an army of volunteers to help protect the iconic Great Barrier Reef.

Industry recognised for fluoro-light recycling

14 Jun 2013 12:30:00 +1000

A number of Victorian organisations were today recognised for their commitment to keeping harmful mercury out of our environment, through their participation in a fluoro-light recycling program.

80 MCGs to be planted in Coorong Lower Lakes Murray Mouth vegetation program

11 Jun 2013 11:39:00 +1000

An area almost 80 times the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be planted with native seedlings, shrubs, and grasses in one of Australia's most important wetlands during the next three months.

Victoria signs up to implement historic basin reform

06 Jun 2013 11:42:00 +1000

Minister for Water Tony Burke said Victoria has become the first state to sign up to the agreement which pays to implement the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Liberal Party threatens the future of our oceans

03 Jun 2013 17:37:00 +1000

The Liberals today moved to disallow the management plans for the world's largest network of Marine Parks, putting our precious oceans at risk.

Greg Hunt all at sea on marine reserves

02 Jun 2013 13:27:00 +1000

Claims that recreational fishers will be locked out of the ocean as a result of Commonwealth marine reserves are just another step in the Coalition's baseless scaremongering.

Harvey Norman switched on to National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme

31 May 2013 12:35:00 +1000

Major electronics retailer Harvey Norman is providing free recycling drop-off points for televisions at 140 of its stores as part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. .

Bight Petroleum to be subject to strict environment assessment

30 May 2013 14:10:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, has determined that the Bight Petroleum Pty Ltd proposed three-dimensional marine seismic survey in the Bight Basin will need a full federal environmental assessment.

New appointment to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

29 May 2013 15:15:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, today announced the appointment of Margie McKenzie as a member of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

World Indigenous Network takes to the international stage

27 May 2013 10:23:00 +1000

The international network of Indigenous and local community land and sea managers will become an official part of the United Nations after the Australian Government handed its management to the Equator Initiative.

Traditional owners lead collaborative marine management

26 May 2013 15:34:00 +1000

The Australian government today welcomed the decision by Yolngu Traditional Owners from north-east Arnhem Land to dedicate an additional area of culturally significant sea country in Northern Territory and Commonwealth waters as part of the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area.

World Indigenous Network Conference to tackle big environment issues

25 May 2013 11:32:00 +1000

More than 1,200 delegates from over 50 countries are attending the four day World Indigenous Network conference in Darwin, which starts on Sunday 26 May 2013.

Free TV and Computer Recycling now available nationally

23 May 2013 11:00:00 +1000

Australians across the country can recycle their unwanted e-waste for free, now the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme is available in every state and territory.

Indigenous Rangers of the world visit Australia

22 May 2013 12:21:00 +1000

Indigenous Rangers from Mexico, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa and New Zealand have arrived in Australia to participate in World Indigenous Network exchanges with rangers from communities across Australia.

Supporting Traditional Owners to protect turtles and dugongs

22 May 2013 10:54:00 +1000

The Australian and Queensland governments are providing support for Traditional Owners to managing marine turtles, dugongs and sea-country in Queensland.

MidCoast now an award-winning Water Recycling and Reuse Program

17 May 2013 15:03:00 +1000

The Australian Government congratulates MidCoast Water on winning the 2013 Recovering, Recycling and Reusing category at the annual Institute of Public Works Engineers Australia, NSW Division, Excellence Awards.

Anketell Point Port Project approved

16 May 2013 12:35:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, today approved the Anketell Point Iron Ore Processing and Export Port project in Western Australia, subject to 45 strict conditions.

Australia working to protect the international marine environment

16 May 2013 07:43:00 +1000

Australia is acting on the international stage to address ocean fertilisation, an emerging technology that presents a significant risk to the international marine environment.

Strict conditions for South of Embley bauxite mining project

15 May 2013 12:13:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, today approved Rio Tinto Alcan's South of Embley bauxite mine and port development project in western Cape York under national environmental law subject to 76 strict conditions.

Restoring the Murray-Darling Basin to health

14 May 2013 19:31:00 +1000

The Gillard Government has locked in its commitment to the historic Murray-Darling Basin reform through the budget today.

Australian Government commits to Antarctica

13 May 2013 07:39:00 +1000

Australia's presence in Antarctica has been bolstered by extra funding in this year's Budget to broaden Antarctic climate change research and extend the working life of the research and resupply ship, Aurora Australis.

Sir Richard Branson Launches Australian Government's Oceans Video

10 May 2013 09:20:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today joined Sir Richard Branson to launch the Australian Government's oceans video celebrating the creation of the world's largest network of Marine Parks.

Government welcomes first Sustainable Australia Report

09 May 2013 11:02:00 +1000

Tony Burke, Minister for the Environment, today welcomed the first Sustainable Australia Report as a major contribution to the government's efforts to achieve a sustainable Australia.

$2.5m boost to the City of Unley's water security

08 May 2013 11:21:00 +1000

The City of Unley will save up to 98 million litres of drinkable water per year and have more secure, safe and sustainable water supply for the local community, thanks to an Australian Government funded stormwater harvesting project launched today.

Working together to protect the Daintree

08 May 2013 10:42:00 +1000

Environment Minister Tony Burke today joined traditional owners at Queensland's Cape Tribulation to dedicate 70,000 hectares of Australia's famous Wet Tropics rainforest as the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Indigenous Protected Area.

Public consultation on regulation amendments to water market trading

07 May 2013 11:21:00 +1000

Financial Services Minister Bill Shorten and Water Minister Tony Burke today invited public comment on a draft amendment to the Corporations Regulations 2001.

Super trawler stopped again

26 Apr 2013 16:38:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today made a final declaration stopping large capacity commercial fishing vessels from operating in the area of the Small Pelagic Fishery for two years.

Government supports the work of indigenous rangers

26 Apr 2013 14:02:00 +1000

The Australian Government today reaffirmed its commitment to the network of indigenous rangers by supporting the important program for a further five years.

'Lost' Australian World War Two shipwreck now protected under Australian Law

25 Apr 2013 16:21:00 +1000

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke, today declared the World War Two Merchant Navy vessel the MV Limerick, sunk off the east coast of Australia on 26 April 1943, as a protected historic shipwreck.

Successful Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund projects announced

24 Apr 2013 14:09:00 +1000

Environment Minister Tony Burke and Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation Yvette D'Ath today announced the 44 successful applications under the Australian Government's Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund Capacity Building and Business Support stream.

Creating a refuge along the famous Canning Stock Route

23 Apr 2013 14:17:00 +1000

More than six million hectares of Western Australia's striking desert country straddling the famous Canning Stock Route will be protected from today with the dedication of the Birriliburu Indigenous Protected Area.

Gillard Government supports groups to protect Australia's natural resources

23 Apr 2013 11:31:00 +1000

The Gillard Government will continue its support for organisations that protect and manage Australia's natural resources.

Sharing stories of the sea: from Torres Strait to the Solomon Islands

18 Apr 2013 12:42:00 +1000

Five Torres Strait Island rangers and traditional owners are setting out today on the journey of a lifetime to meet and work with their colleagues in the Solomon Islands.

New bio-secure hub for Antarctic gateway

17 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +1000

A new state-of-the-art Australian Antarctic Division cargo and quarantine hub opened on Hobart's waterfront today, aims to banish bugs, rats and other 'alien' hitch-hikers from boarding ships travelling south.

Amendments to National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme released for public comment

17 Apr 2013 11:02:00 +1000

The Australian Government today released a discussion paper which proposes amendments to the regulations governing the administration of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.

Australian Government welcomes ACCC decision on industry's Tyre Stewardship Scheme

12 Apr 2013 08:42:00 +1000

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water Services, Amanda Rishworth MP, has congratulated the tyre industry on receiving the green light for a national Tyre Stewardship Scheme.

Leading e-waste recycler to boost national TV and computer recycling scheme

11 Apr 2013 15:47:00 +1000

The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme has received a major boost with one of Australia’s largest e-waste recyclers signing up to deliver services.

Grants to help communities help the environment

09 Apr 2013 14:34:00 +1000

The Australian Government is supporting local community groups to continue their work protecting our precious environment.

Wiluna Uranium Project Approved

02 Apr 2013 14:34:00 +1100

Federal environment minister Tony Burke has approved, with 36 strict conditions, the Wiluna uranium project in Western Australia.

Tarkine Forest Drive project to go ahead

27 Mar 2013 15:09:00 +1100

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today approved the upgrade of existing roads in north west Tasmania for the Tarkine Forest Drive project, subject to 24 strict conditions.

Australia's successful Antarctic blue whale voyage

27 Mar 2013 09:31:00 +1100

In a world first, acoustic technology has been used to successfully find, track and study the biggest creature on Earth, the Antarctic blue whale.

Science provides a new understanding of Great Artesian Basin

27 Mar 2013 09:20:00 +1100

Management of the Great Artesian Basin will benefit from an increased understanding of how this nationally-important water resource functions.

World Meteorological Day commemorated

22 Mar 2013 17:26:00 +1100

World Meteorological Day celebrations at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's Melbourne head office today focused on a global theme of Watching the weather to protect life and property.

Gillard Government protects rare Western Sydney natural environment

18 Mar 2013 14:52:00 +1100

The Western Sydney dry rainforest and moist woodland on shale will be protected under national environment law by the Gillard Government.

Water industry steps up performance and secures supplies

21 Mar 2013 11:52:00 +1100

Australia's water industry is surging ahead in its efforts to secure safe and reliable water for consumers, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell said today.

Strategic purchase program to offer options for irrigators

17 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +1100

The Victorian and Commonwealth Governments have today announced a voluntary strategic purchase program for eligible irrigators under the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project.

Koongarra protected at last

14 Mar 2013 15:32:00 +1100

Legislation to protect Koongarra - now part of Kakadu National Park - passed Federal Parliament today.

Marine Park Management Plans finalised

12 Mar 2013 16:11:00 +1100

The Gillard Government today tabled the management plans for the world's largest marine reserve network that will protect more than 2.7 million square kilometres of our precious ocean environment.

Greater protection for water resources

12 Mar 2013 11:41:00 +1100

The Gillard Government is implementing greater environmental protection for water resources impacted by coal seam gas and large coal mining developments.

60,000 crown-of-thorns starfish culled to protect the Great Barrier Reef

7 Mar 2013 09:38:00 +1100

More than 60,000 crown-of-thorns starfish have been culled in a Gillard Government project to protect precious coral on the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Keppel Island tourism and marina development recieves federal approval

5 Mar 2013 12:47:00 +1100

Federal environment minister Tony Burke today approved the Great Keppel Island tourism and marina development, subject to 96 strict conditions to minimise its potential environmental impact.

World Indigenous Network Conference kicks off

1 Mar 2013 14:30:00 +1100

Environment Minister Tony Burke today announced the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples James Anaya as the keynote speaker for the World Indigenous Network Conference in Darwin from 26 to 31 May 2013.

Indigenous Heritage Program grants

1 Mar 2013 10:30:00 +1100

Federal Heritage Minister Tony Burke today announced the successful applicants for the Gillard Government's Indigenous Heritage program.

Tasmanian Forests Agreement to save more than 500 forestry jobs

27 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +1100

A new socio-economic impacts study has found the Tasmanian Forests Agreement would prevent substantial job losses in Tasmania's forestry industry.

Grants for Your Community Heritage open today

27 Feb 2013 11:59:00 +1100

The Gillard Government is supporting community heritage across Australia through the Your Community Heritage program.

Super trawler stopped again

25 Feb 2013 15:29:00 +1100

Environment Minister, Tony Burke, has today signed the interim declaration to prevent the super trawler until the environmental impacts of the proposed operation are better understood.

Free TV and computer recycling events this weekend

21 Feb 2013 13:14:00 +1100

Australians will have more options for recycling their unwanted electronic waste this weekend, with a number of special recycling events to be held across the country.

Terms of Reference Finalised for Independent Review of the Port of Gladstone

19 Feb 2013 15:33:00 +1100

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, today announced the Terms of Reference for the Independent Review of the Port of Gladstone.

Uluru wins top tourism award

18 Feb 2013 16:03:00 +1100

The iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has taken out the top prize at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, being named the country’s best major tourist attraction.

Celebrating multicultural Australia

15 Feb 2013 10:43:00 +1100

The Gillard Government is celebrating multicultural Australia with a new heritage theme for 2013 looking at the stories and contribution of migrants.

Consultation closes on Marine Park draft Management Plans at midnight tonight

14 Feb 2013 08:18:00 +1100

Environment Minister Tony Burke said the close of this consultation marks the end of one of the Government's most extensive public engagement processes.

Gillard Government supports irrigators

13 Feb 2013 11:24:00 +1100

The Gillard Government will support irrigators and irrigation providers to better manage their networks into the future under a new program announced by Water Minister Tony Burke today.

Conditional approvals granted for Maules Creek, Boggabri and Gloucester projects

11 Feb 2013 16:15:00 +1100

Environment Minister, Tony Burke, has given conditional approval to the Maules Creek and Boggabri mine proposals, and the Gloucester coal seam methane gas project, subject to strict conditions and further work to minimise their potential environmental impacts.

Applications open for sustainable environment funding

11 Feb 2013 13:40:00 +1100

Community groups across Australia will be supported by the Gillard Government to continue their work protecting our precious environment.

Press Conference - Tarkine National Heritage Listing

08 Feb 2013 15:48:00 +1100

Press Conference - Tarkine National Heritage Listing

Tarkine added to National Heritage List

08 Feb 2013 09:13:00 +1100

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, today announced that the indigenous values of the Tarkine in Tasmania's North West will be included on the National Heritage List.

Historic Murray-Darling Basin legislation passes parliament

07 Feb 2013 15:56:00 +1100

The Gillard Government's plan to deliver an additional 450GL of water to the Murray-Darling Basin today became law with the passage of legislation through parliament.

Press Conference - Koongarra added to Kakadu National Park

06 Feb 2013 20:15:00 +1100

Press Conference - Koongarra added to Kakadu National Park.

Local engagement officers for environmental watering

06 Feb 2013 14:19:00 +1100

The Gillard Government will recruit specialised local staff to work with the community to help restore the Murray-Darling Basin to health.

Expert panel appointed to assess environmental impacts of the super trawler

06 Feb 2013 12:44:00 +1100

Environment Minister, Tony Burke, today announced that Mary Lack will chair the expert panel to assess the environmental impacts of the super trawler.

Koongarra: Fulfilling a promise to traditional owners

06 Feb 2013 10:30:00 +1100

After 34 years, Kakadu traditional owner Jeffery Lee sat in the House of Representatives to watch his ancestral lands be protected forever.

Investing to help improve our urban waterways

05 Feb 2013 14:55:00 +1100

Environment Minister, Tony Burke, today called for community groups across Australia to make an application for Government investment in urban rivers and waterways.

Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year awards open today

04 Feb 2013 11:23:00 +1100

Nominations for the Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year and Young Environmentalist of the Year awards open today.

Gillard Government welcomes WA marine parks

01 Feb 2013 16:50:00 +1100

The Gillard Government welcomes the Western Australian Government's creation of the Horizontal Falls and Eighty Mile Beach marine parks.

Tennant Creek weather radar stays on the air

01 Feb 2013 15:26:00 +1100

The Gillard Government has committed to continuing the operation of the Tennant Creek weather radar to provide ongoing observations for residents of the town and the broader Barkly Region.

More support to fight crown of thorns starfish

01 Feb 2013 7:15:00 +1100

The Gillard Government will provide a boost to the Great Barrier Reef, with increased funding to fight the crown-of-thorns starfish.

Labor protects the Great Barrier Reef

01 Feb 2013 7:01:00 +1100

The Gillard Labor Government renewed its commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for the future with the State Party Report on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area released today.

Japanese whaling vessels nearing Macquarie Island

31 Jan 2013 20:08:00 +1100

The Australian Government has received confirmation that a Japanese whaling support vessel, the Shonan Maru No 2, has entered our exclusive economic zone near Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean.

Supporting the Tasmanian Forestry Agreement

31 Jan 2013 14:58:00 +1100

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today reiterated his commitment to provide certainty for Tasmania forestry industry, support local jobs and communities and protect the state iconic forests.

International recognition for South Australia's Piccaninnie Ponds

25 Jan 2013 10:50:00 +1100

The remarkable Piccaninnie Ponds Karst Wetlands in South Australia have been added to the Ramsar list as a wetland of international importance.

Timely Reminder about Free TV & Computer Recycling Services

23 Jan 2013 13:20:00 +1100

South Australian householders and small businesses now have access to 10 free recycling points for televisions and computers under the National TV and Computer Recycling Scheme.

Australian voyage in search of the world's largest creature

22 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +1100

A team of international whale researchers leaves Hobart today in search of the biggest creature on Earth, the Antarctic blue whale.

Lindsay Island Environmental Works Project

09 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +1100

Lindsay Island in the Murray Sunset National Park will be Victoria's first project to recover water for the environment using the Murray Darling-Basin Plan adjustment mechanism.

Dawn breaks on a new Antarctic era

09 Jan 2013 13:40:00 +1100

The Gillard Government is today taking initial steps towards a new Antarctic icebreaker to replace the ageing Research and Supply Vessel Aurora Australis.

Australian Government welcomes South Korea whaling announcement

09 Jan 2013 12:40:00 +1100

The Gillard Government welcomes the official confirmation by the Republic of Korea that it will not go ahead with a lethal so called "scientific" whaling program.

Working together to learn more about Southern Ocean whales

03 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +1100

Environment Minister Tony Burke today announced a new international collaboration to share information on the rare Antarctic blue and killer whales.