Fresh approach for Kakadu’s threatened species

The Australian Government is ramping up action to bring threatened species back from the brink of extinction in Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu. As thousands gather in Sydney ahead of World Parks Congress, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Senator Simon Birmingham released Kakadu’s Threatened Species Strategy today, a major change in Kakadu’s approach to threatened…

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New parklands, more public access and spectacular Harbour walkways in final stage of Headland Park

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…

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Bureau releases new national groundwater data tool

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…

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Improving water reform outcomes in New South Wales

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…

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Release of the National Water Reform Assessment 2014

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…

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Triennial Assessment Release

Speech to CEDA Triennial Assessment Launch Monday 20 October 2014, Parliament House, Canberra Thank you to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and National Water Commission for inviting me to introduce the latest triennial assessment of the National Water Initiative. It's great to be here, announcing the latest triennial assessment and talking to you…

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Renewed funding continues work on bores

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…

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