The Federal Minister for Sustainability, Tony Burke, has released the final national heritage assessment of the West Kimberly region by the Australian Heritage Council (AHC).

The Australian Heritage Council found that there are a number of potential natural and cultural heritage values in the west Kimberley, including significant sites of Indigenous heritage and natural beauty.

The Indigenous sites include Wanjina creator beings, ancestors, plants and animals in rock shelters and caves - considered one of the longest and most complex 'rock art' sequences anywhere in the world.

Public sector skills shortage grows

Global recruitment agency Hays has published a research white paper into the skills shortage in Australia, finding that the public sector is suffering the largest shortage in the country.

Final investment decision made for Queensland APLNG project

Proponents for the Australia Pacific Liquefied Natural Gas (APLNG) project have made their final investment decision.

The US $20 billion Final Investment Decision for an initial train and common facilities of a two train 9.0 million tonnes per annum coal seam gas to LNG project will secure 6000 jobs in the state.

The APLNG project comprises the development of coal seam gas fields in the Surat and Bowen Basins, a 450 km transmission pipeline to Gladstone and a LNG facility on Curtis Island, near Gladstone.

The APLNG project has already invested $2.4 billion in Queensland in its first two and a half years as a joint venture project.

Agreement on $228 million funding for Adelaide Desalination Plant

The Australian and South Australian Governments have finalised an agreement for Australian Government funding of $228 million towards the expansion of the Adelaide Desalination Plant to 100 gigalitres, as part of its total commitment of $328 million towards the plant.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell and South Australian Minister for Water and the River Murray Paul Caica, said the funding will provide a substantial benefit for South Australia's security of domestic supply while also supplying environmental benefits.

"The agreement ensures a six gigalitre environmental water entitlement for the River Murray every year, and will also provide between 12 and 24 gigalitres as an environmental allocation during favourable years—capped at 120 gigalitres over a 10 year rolling period," Senator Farrell said.

"It's a landmark step in creating a sustainable future for Adelaide—balancing the needs of a growing population and the need to secure environmental flows for the iconic River Murray.

"This investment illustrates the government's commitment to water security in Adelaide, along with the more than $230 million already committed to a range of urban water projects in South Australia such as stormwater harvesting and water recycling."

Environmental water delivery and use will be confirmed by the Murray Darling Basin Authority and will be open and publicly reported. Once an appropriate accounting methodology has been agreed with the MDBA, the environmental water will be available to offset any sustainable diversion limit that may be established by the Basin Plan for South Australia.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Bill introduced in Queensland

The Queensland State Government has pledged to half the amount of landfill currently being produced while generating ‘thousands of green jobs’ through investing in recycling and resource recovery.

Tasmanian Government details health spending cuts

The Tasmanian Minister for Health, Michelle O’Byrne has outlined a number of spending cuts to the state’s health sector, following the recent state budget that called for over $100 million to be pulled from state’s health system.

NSW Committee appointed to develop Health and Medical Research Strategy

The NSW Government has appointed a Health and Medical Research Strategic Review Committee to develop a 10-year plan for medical research in the state.

Reform paper outlines state tax changes

The Federal Government has released its first discussion paper for its planned tax reform, described the move as the first step in ‘an ambitious tax reform agenda’.

SA leadership spill looms

The South Australian Legislative Council Bob Sneath has said that there might be enough support in the Labour Party to push through a leadership spill that would see Premier Mike Rann removed from power.

High-speed rail study released

The Federal Government has released its feasibility study into the development of a high-speed rail network to connect eastern seaboard cities, finding that such a network could transport passengers from Sydney to Brisbane in under 3 hours for an estimated $75.

Queensland announces $45 million package for Council infrastructure

The Queensland Government has announced a new $45 million pool of funding to provide essential infrastructure works.

WA digs heals in over tax reform

The Western Australian Government has reiterated its opposition to the planned Minerals Resource Rent Tax and Carbon Tax with the State Treasurer Christian Porter expressing his disappointment over the Federal Government’s refusal to discuss the taxes in the October Tax forum.

Archived News for Professionals in State Government

Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Program

Archived News