Issues related to the Environment, Climate Change, Water and Energy

Canberra Airport Master Plan approved: Aircraft noise a noted issue

ABC News Online and iPrime Canberra are reporting that today (28 August 2009) the Federal Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese, has approved the Canberra Airport’s Master Plan including the establishment of a 24 hour freight hub. However it has been clearly noted, that despite the Canberra Airport claims and protestations otherwise, noise remains a significant issue that needs to be addressed. The ABC article clearly articulates that the Minister’s position. The Minister has formally  has acknowledged that Aircraft noise remains a major issue and action will need to be taken to address the problem as it grows: The Infrastructure Minister …

ACT Government: Plastic Bag Consultation (August/September 2009)

Plastic bags are widely used in all communities but can pose a threat to the environment. The ACT Government wants to know whether Canberrans are concerned by their use and if so what should be done about it. Do you want to ban them? Introduce a levy? Or encourage the use of other types of bags? Please have your say on this issue and help us get the best policy in place. Telephone surveys have already commenced while there will also be the opportunity to have a say through consultation sessions taking place in shopping centres. [update: 31 August 2009] …

Voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award for the ACT Landcare Awards

For the first time, the public get to choose each state’s first winner of the People’s Choice Award category.  Decided by your votes, the inaugural ACT People’s Choice winner will be announced alongside the judged winners at the awards ceremony on the 10th September. It’s easy to vote. Visit http://act.landcareheroes.com/, have a look at the nominees, then choose the “vote now” option to cast your votes.

Install home insulation for FREE: The Energy Efficient Homes Package

The Australian Government’s Energy Efficient Homes Package will install ceiling insulation in up to 2.9 million homes across Australia. The Homeowner Insulation Program offers ceiling insulation worth up to $1,600 to owner-occupiers and the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters offers ceiling insulation worth up to $1,000 to renters and landlords.

ABC News: Bushfire Plan

On the 14 August 2009 ABC News reported that the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) in close liaison with the Department of Territory and Municipal Services and other key government and community stake-holders has reviewed the original ACT Strategic Bushfire Management Plan (SBMP) from January 2005 and is seeking community input on the next iteration of the plan – Version Two. The revised plan will provide an updated and clear guide on the management of bushfire risk in the Territory. Several residential areas including North Canberra have been included in a danger area referred to as the “Ember Zone” [youtube]hEV53P-D-a8&rel=0&showsearch=1[/youtube]

Invitation to comment: Draft ACT Strategic Bushfire Management Plan (SBMP v2) (closing 25 September 2009)

The Emergency Services Agency (ESA) released the first ACT Strategic Bushfire Management Plan (SBMP) in January 2005 to provide a clear guide on the management of bushfire risk in the Territory. The ESA, in close liaison with the Department of Territory and Municipal Services and other key government and community stakeholders, has now reviewed the SBMP. The formal draft of the SBMP version two is now available for final public comment prior to finalisation of the Plan.