Archive for September, 2011
International spotlight on dinosaur footprints
ABC
Palaeontologists from Canada and the United States have arrived to examine dinosaur footprints near the site of a proposed Kimberley gas plant.
Cousins responds to editorial in the Australian
Geoffrey Cousins (Kirsty Cockburn)
Last week saw a series of articles in the Australian about the gas hub, including an inflammatory editorial titled ‘Kimberley racism points to development tensions’.
Geoff Cousins is one of those who responded, arguing “None of us, and there are many, has ever put the argument that this project should be completely abandoned and benefits that might flow from it taken away, from anyone. All have said that the chosen location is the wrong site and that it is possible to develop this resource in an environmentally sensitive and economically rational way.”
Read the Australian editorial »»
Read the Geoff Cousins response »»
Gladstone Harbour fishing ban set to widen
Gladstone Harbour. Source: Fishing World
FISHING WORLD
A FISHING ban enforced in Queensland’s Gladstone Harbour appears likely to extend to cover waters within a 100km radius of the city a source has told Fishing World.
It has been reported that a contaminants plume is now visible from the air over Gladstone, the origins of which are believed to be dredging works underway for construction of a liquefied natural gas plant in the harbour.
Since initial reports of widespread dying barramundi and other species which led to fishing closures in the harbour and surrounding waters, (earlier report here) Fisho has been told of incidents of Spanish mackerel and reef fish outside the harbour also being affected by contaminants… For full article »
Woodside reconsidering WA gas plant: report
ABC News
A report by investment bank Merrill Lynch says Woodside’s enthusiasm is waning for a gas processing plant on Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast.
Merrill lists Browse LPG options for Woodside
The Australian
Andrew Burrell
Woodside rig. Source: The Australian (AFP)
WOODSIDE Petroleum has been urged to consider lower risk options for developing its contentious Browse gas project, including using a floating liquefied natural gas plant, as speculation mounts it may be forced to abandon its preferred remote Kimberley site.
Analysis by investment bank Merrill Lynch yesterday showed that Woodside could develop Browse in several other ways without sacrificing returns.
New chief executive Peter Coleman is believed to have ordered a thorough review of Woodside’s options for Browse after conflict within its joint venture and opposition from environmental groups over the James Price Point location… Click here for full article »
Mining not as important as we think
Photo credit: Jules Rau
A report released by econmic think tank The Australia Institute last week, argues that mining does not contribute as much to the economy as many Australians may believe.
Click here to read the report in full
“…Australians believe the mining industry employs 16 per cent of the workforce, whereas figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the actual figure is 1.9 per cent.”
“The survey also found that Australians believe mining accounts for 35 per cent of national economic activity, but ABS data showed the industry accounted for only 9.2 per cent of gross domestic product…” Click here for full article in The Australian
Other news coverage:
ABC News »»
Sydney Morning Herald »»
The World Today (listen or read) »