World rallies for Earth Hour - Saturday 29 March

Earth Hour is to be held on Saturday 29 March 8-9pm – Turn off your lights and see the difference you can make in the fight against global warming. More than ten of the world’s major cities have pledged their support for Earth Hour 2008, the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) led climate change initiative that is gaining worldwide momentum. Go to the Earth Hour website for more information.

Australian solar technology shines

Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, welcomed the launch of a major new joint venture to build what is expected to be the biggest and most efficient solar power plant in the world. Australian company Solar Systems and TRUenergy will construct the $420 million photovoltaic solar plant in northern Victoria. TRUenergy is a subsidiary of the China Light and Power Group, one of the largest power utilities in Asia. Senator Wong said the project would use world-leading technology developed by Solar Systems, drawing on high performance solar cells originally developed to power satellites. When completed it is expected to produce enough clean energy to power up to 45,000 homes. The Australian Government will contribute up to $79.5 million towards the project, with the Victorian Government also providing $50 million to help make it happen. See http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/pubs/mr20080225a.pdf

Latest Sydney "Mambara" newsletter now available

The latest new-look Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Mambara newsletter is now available. In this issue, find out about Wetlands for wildlife, Sydney's bird watcher groups, Flying-fox management and much more!

To download a copy visit the Sydney Metropolitan CMA website.

Councils to identify risks from rising seas

All councils around the Australian coastline will be required review their town plans against a detailed assessment of risks posed by rising sea levels under an Australian Government blueprint to prepare for coastal inundation. Work has already begun on the risk assessment through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) amid fears that councils could be approving development in areas at risk of future inundation. Climate Change Minister Penny Wong confirmed the plan recently saying "Although this is an area for which the states have primary responsibility, it is nationally important because of the potentially significant economic impacts." The Government has also confirmed that it is organising a national summit on the risks posed by rising sea levels, as well as establishing a $2 million fund to help councils identify and prioritise climate change risks and develop management plans. The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has stated that councils need better quality information to assess the level of risk to their communities and to deal with applications for property development in areas at risk of future inundation. ALGA, as part of COAG, is working with the other spheres of Government to address the issues associated with climate change, such as risk assessment and an adaptation framework.

First council emissions trading scheme set for launch

Eight councils have committed to participate in the trial of an Australian-first greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme for Local Government, which is on track to begin in March this year. The New South Wales metropolitan councils of Randwick, Lane Cove, Auburn, Ashfield and Leichhardt have so far confirmed they will participate in the trial, along with the regional councils of Cootamundra, Cowra and Kiama. The ‘Local Government Emissions Trading Scheme’, will be a five-year trial that aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of participating councils by 4% each year. Kiama Shire Council's Mayor, Sandra McCarthy, says the scheme will encourage new and innovative ways for regional and urban councils to work together to help reduce greenhouse gases. It is also hoped the trial will promote the exchange of information about greenhouse gas-saving initiatives between councils from different regions. Councils will be able to earn carbon credits by investing in energy efficiency, solar and wind power, hybrid and LNG cars or tree planting. NSW councils are still able to join the trial and have until March 1, 2008 to register. For more information or to join the emissions trading trial, contact Randwick City Council’s Manager of Sustainability, Peter Maganov, on (02) 9399 0554 or by email at peter.maganov@randwick.nsw.gov.au.