A major upgrade to Bureau of Meteorology forecast and warning services for the Northern Territory will see many locations receive 7-day weather forecasts for the first time from today. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Simon Birmingham said the Next Generation Forecast and Warning System (NexGenFWS) would see 96 locations in the Northern…
The findings of a review of tropical cyclone warnings will be announced in Brisbane today, with an increase to hourly updates for Category 2 tropical cyclones in the coming season, additional warnings as tropical cyclones approach and cross the coast and flash warnings for unexpected change in the forecast track or intensity of a tropical…
The Productivity Commission will take on the role of monitoring and auditing Australia’s progress in achieving water reform. “By allocating these roles to the Productivity Commission, industry and customers will benefit from the Commissions reputation for independence and expertise,” said Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment. “The Government is confident that the Productivity…
Today some Members of Parliament will sign a hollow union pledge promising to advocate for “all naval ships and submarines to be designed, built and maintained in Australia”. This pledge is meaningless because it ignores the involvement of international companies that has been essential for all of Australia's recent major shipbuilding projects. The Collins Class…
The Australian Government will commence a new water purchase initiative in the Queensland Condamine-Balonne catchment. “Interested license holders have until 5pm on Thursday 30 October 2014 to make an offer,” said Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment. “The Australian Government is committed to restoring the Murray-Darling Basin to health while ensuring the…
Lake Eyre Basin management was singled out as the winner of the 2014 Australian Riverprize amid a highly competitive list of outstanding projects around the country. “This award recognises the commitment and efforts of a coalition of diverse individuals, groups, organisations, institutions and governments who, over a long period of time, have worked to protect…
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Senator Simon Birmingham, and South Australian Minister for Water and the River Murray, Ian Hunter, officially launched a regulator at South Australia’s Lake Merreti, which is part of the Riverland site – a wetland of International importance under the Ramsar Convention. The regulator and other surface water infrastructure is…
A 2000km project designed to help native fish species travel up the River Murray has been launched at Waikerie today. Federal Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Senator Simon Birmingham, and South Australian Minister for Water and the River Murray, Ian Hunter, today officially launched the Sea to Hume fishway program near Waikerie in South Australia’s…
Communities throughout the Basin can look forward to being able to contribute to the decision making that occurs on the ground around environmental water use following the appointment of local engagement officers. “The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has selected six professionals who not only bring a wealth of experience to the role but who have…
A salt interception scheme designed to stop about 36,000 tonnes of salt from entering the River Murray has been launched in South Australia today. Federal Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Senator Simon Birmingham, and South Australian Minister for Water and the River Murray, Ian Hunter, today announced the completion of the Murtho Salt Interception Scheme,…