As we head into the festive season, International Volunteer Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time, skills and other resources to the service of the community. There are more than 5000 rainfall observers, 2000 storm spotters, 300 river height observers and more than 70 ships in the…
DetailsOne of the nation’s biggest living treasures now houses a garden paying tribute to the heart of our country – the Red Centre. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Simon Birmingham today opened the Red Centre Garden at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. “This garden has been three years in the…
DetailsParliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Simon Birmingham welcomed State and Territory Ministers to Canberra today to discuss management of the Murray Darling and water reform matters at the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council meeting. The meeting was attended by Hon Peter Walsh MP (VIC), Hon Katrina Hodgkinson (NSW), Hon Andrew Cripps (QLD), Hon…
DetailsThe First Creek Wetland launched today will provide the Adelaide Botanic Garden with a new water supply, reducing reliance on the River Murray. At the wetland opening in Adelaide, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Senator Simon Birmingham said the project was a fantastic example of communities addressing water scarcity issues by…
DetailsSouth Australia's irrigation districts will receive a major investment in their future with $240 million of Federal Government funds to begin flowing into the these areas. Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment, today announced that he had approved the guidelines for key components of the South Australian River Murray Sustainability…
DetailsParliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Simon Birmingham today begins three days of meetings in the northern Murray-Darling Basin as part of a program of community engagement and consultation. Senator Birmingham will meet with community representatives in Moree, St George, Goondiwindi and Narromine on his first visit to the northern Basin since…
DetailsThe Australian Government is encouraging Australians to get involved in National Water Week. First marked in 1993, National Water Week from today until 26 October aims to cultivate increased community understanding of water issues in Australia. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment with specific portfolio responsibilities for water Simon Birmingham says…
DetailsThe Bureau of Meteorology has released its latest Australian Water Resources Assessment today. The report provides a high-quality, nationally consistent picture of Australia’s water resources. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Simon Birmingham said the Australian Water Resources Assessment 2012 clearly identifies trends and variability in Australian water resources, providing an essential…
DetailsThe Australian Government has today confirmed it will provide up to $850,000 (GST exclusive) towards the transfer to Australia of the hull of historic vessel City of Adelaide. The decision to provide funding follows serious consideration of the previous Government’s contractual commitment and will cover unpaid invoiced costs related to transporting the clipper ship’s…
DetailsThe Australian Government today confirmed funding of $19.5 million for a new irrigation scheme to increase horticultural, viticultural and farm productivity in south east Tasmania, creating up to 330 jobs. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Simon Birmingham said the South East Irrigation Scheme involves construction of a 200 megalitre dam, installation…
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