10/03/2005 - The successful
partnership between the Australian Government
and industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
was strengthened today with the launch of
Greenhouse Challenge Plus by the Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell.
The programme provides new opportunities for
businesses that have not yet taken up the
challenge against global warming.
"For the first time, businesses that
publicly disclose more information about their
greenhouse gas emissions management strategies,
their targets for emissions reductions and
their progress towards them can be recognised
as Greenhouse Challenge Plus leaders,"
Senator Campbell said.
"Businesses will also be able to certify
products and services that do not contribute
to global warming as Greenhouse Friendly.
The programme will continue to help businesses
collect and monitor emissions data and provide
information about where to find emissions
reduction opportunities. The new programme
will also introduce an online reporting system
to simplify reporting requirements.
"Actions that businesses can take include
reducing energy use, cutting down waste and
switching to low emissions energy sources
such as renewable electricity," Senator
Campbell said.
"Greenhouse Challenge Plus is expected
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more
than 15 million tonnes a year during the target
period 2008-12. This is a significant contribution.
"Well over 1000 operating facilities
are already covered by agreements with businesses
that have taken up the climate change challenge.
"The programme responds to the international
trend towards greater transparency in companies'
reporting of greenhouse gas emissions."
More than 100 businesses that have been working
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for a minimum
of five years will be recognised today with
a certificate of appreciation from the Minister.
A list of these companies will be available
on the website. (link below)
Businesses in the program have consistently
reported that actions to reduce their emissions
have also saved them money.
Replacement of the Kareeya to Innisfail transmission
line approved with conditions
The Queensland Government's preferred option
for the Kareeya to Innisfail High Voltage
Transmission Line has received approval under
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.
The Queensland Government submitted the coastal
route for environmental assessment under the
federal environmental law, Minister for the
Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell,
said today.
Assessment under the EPBC Act was required
because of potential effects on the Wet Tropics
World Heritage Area and listed threatened
species and ecological communities.
"I am aware of community concerns about
the Queensland Government's proposal which
is why I have made further community consultation
a condition of this approval before the final
easement is determined," Senator Campbell
said.
"This conditional approval will allow
Powerlink to proceed and ensure that North
Queensland gets a secure and reliable supply
of electricity into the future.
Senator Campbell said the Queensland Government
had made it clear that it would not allow
the powerline to be constructed on the existing
alignment under any circumstances.
Senator Campbell said he had also required
construction and maintenance plans as well
as a plan for decommissioning the current
line to ensure the world heritage values of
the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area were protected
and enhanced.
A copy of the approval and conditions can
be viewed on the Australian Government Department
of the Environment and Heritage website at
http://www.deh.gov.au/epbc/publicnotices/index.html.
