The final stage of the plan to repatriate 41.4 ha of former Defence land at Headland Park, Mosman to community uses is nearing completion, Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, said today. Announcing the proposed rejuvenation of a disused former transport depot and army training and accommodation facility at Middle Head, Senator Birmingham…
The Australian and New South Wales Governments today announced a $350 million package of new irrigation efficiency projects across New South Wales. “The Australian Government is contributing an extra $125 million of funding to the revised package, bringing total Australian Government funding for New South Wales to nearly $1.5 billion,” said Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary…
The Bureau of Meteorology today released a new online groundwater data tool, providing a comprehensive picture of Australia’s groundwater resources. “The Australian Groundwater Explorer presents a uniform approach to groundwater information to support a range of sustainable water resource management decisions at both local and national levels,” said Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary Secretary for the…
The Australian National Botanic Gardens is developing a 20-year Master Plan that will provide a blueprint for its future development. “I’m excited to announce that a consortium of architects and landscape architects, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Taylor Cullity Lethlean, have been selected to develop a 20- year Master Plan for the Australian National Botanic Gardens,”…
The National Water Commission’s final comprehensive review of the National Water Initiative (Triennial Assessment) will be launched in Canberra today. The Triennial National Water Reform Assessment provides an independent analysis of the progress of Australian governments in implementing national water reforms, particularly the National Water Initiative. “Since the National Water Initiative was agreed to by…
Senator Simon Birmingham today welcomed delegates to the Murray Darling Association’s 70th anniversary conference in Tumut. “The founding of the Murray Darling Association in 1944 established one of the most significant local government groups in the country,” said Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment. “The Murray Darling Association has actively worked with the…
Murray-Darling Basin Authority chairman Craig Knowles has advised he will finish in the role when his four-year term expires in January 2015. Federal Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Senator Simon Birmingham, said that Mr Knowles had played an extremely valuable role in working towards a balanced and consultative approach in the development of the Basin…
Remote communities will benefit from the Australian Government’s announcement of $15.9 million to extend the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI) for a further three years. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the program provides funding support to repair uncontrolled bores that threaten the long-term viability of the…
The unknown microorganisms in our water table will be under the microscope this week, as the Bush Blitz team surveys Bush Heritage’s Carnarvon Station Reserve in central Queensland. “A dozen scientists from around the country have descended on Carnarvon, 200 kilometres south of Emerald. The reserve includes a river valley flanked by steep escarpments and…
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…