From Waste Streams - Apr/May 2006
www.WasteStreams.com.au
Converting wastewater salt into cleaning compound
Dairy companies are closing the recycling
Researchers involved with the Dairy Australia-funded project at Food Science Australia in Sydney are only months away from discovering a way to recycle the salty water that forms in waste milk after the solids have separated from the liquid.
According to Dairy Australia's head of resource management and technology, Neil van Buuren, the researchers are exploring a simple concept that could deliver significant environmental benefits.
"As well as being environmentally responsible, dairy manufacturers would save thousands of dollars by recycling wastewater and reducing the amount of salt in effluent," Mr van Buuren said.
"The salt would be used to make alkaline and acidic cleaning compounds, which would also reduce the need to purchase concentrated cleaners.
"While this discovery would have immediate benefits for dairy manufacturers, dairy farmers should be able to use the same technology on their farms and get the same benefits," Mr van Buuren said.
Researchers in the US have also discovered a new way to clean and disinfect milking equipment using electrolysed oxidising water.
This water is created when the electric current flowing through two electrodes - immersed in a weak salt solution and separated by a membrane - produces an alkaline and an acidic solution.
"The US researchers and Australian researchers have used the same science, but with a different raw produce," Mr van Buuren said.
"The Australian researchers are trying to recycle a waste product, not create a new salt solution," he said.
This project is part of the Closing the Loop initiative which is funded by Dairy Australia and The Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation. It aims to cut the environmental footprint of Australia's dairy factories. The third research partner is the Department of Primary Industries.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Water reclamation plant unveiled in Noosa
From Waste Streams - Apr/May 2006
www.WasteStreams.com.au
Water reclamation plant unveiled in Noosa
Econova techology treats water like gold
Petrac has unveiled its Queensland designed water reclaimation plant on the Noosa North Shore. With the message that water can be treated like gold, the plant takes good care of delicate environments tht exist in the lowlands of the Noosa North Shore, using the latest membrane technology.
Fewer nutrients and pollutants will flow from the site with the wastewater treatment plant turning out a previously unreachable Grade A + standard.
Petrac's director of development, John /campbell said the $1.2 million installation represented a significant improvement on the wastewater system that the company inherited when it bought the site.
"We worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and our environmental engineers Cardno to identify how we could sustainably reuse wastewater while meeting stringent environmental standards," he said.
The contract involves EcoNova providing the technology that can reclaim wastewater and treat it to a standard surpassing EPA guidelines.
Cardno's project engineer, Michael
chessells, said potable water consumption will be reduced by 10-15% by watering lawns with reclaimed water and because the sewage treatment plant was replaced with the water reclamation plant.
www.WasteStreams.com.au
Water reclamation plant unveiled in Noosa
Econova techology treats water like gold
Petrac has unveiled its Queensland designed water reclaimation plant on the Noosa North Shore. With the message that water can be treated like gold, the plant takes good care of delicate environments tht exist in the lowlands of the Noosa North Shore, using the latest membrane technology.
Fewer nutrients and pollutants will flow from the site with the wastewater treatment plant turning out a previously unreachable Grade A + standard.
Petrac's director of development, John /campbell said the $1.2 million installation represented a significant improvement on the wastewater system that the company inherited when it bought the site.
"We worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and our environmental engineers Cardno to identify how we could sustainably reuse wastewater while meeting stringent environmental standards," he said.
The contract involves EcoNova providing the technology that can reclaim wastewater and treat it to a standard surpassing EPA guidelines.
Cardno's project engineer, Michael
chessells, said potable water consumption will be reduced by 10-15% by watering lawns with reclaimed water and because the sewage treatment plant was replaced with the water reclamation plant.
Friday, April 28, 2006
New dams proposed (Media Release)
From: statements@qld.gov.au [mailto:statements@qld.gov.au]
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 12:37 PM
Subject: BILLION DOLLAR FUND TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
Premier of Queensland
The Honourable Peter Beattie
26/04/2006
BILLION DOLLAR FUND TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
Two new dams and two new weir projects will be built under a new fund worth more than
$1 Billion to be established by the Queensland Government.
Premier Peter Beattie and Deputy Premier and Treasurer Anna Bligh today announced the State Government would legislate to create the Queensland Future Growth Fund to help meet the challenges of climate change and the continued economic development of the SmartState.
Mr Beattie said the fund would be financed from the sale of Sun Retail - comprising the retail business arm of Energex - and the contestable elements of Ergon Retail.
"This massive new fund will position the SmartState to tackle the challenges of climate change through a raft of new innovative technology and infrastructure projects," Mr Beattie said.
"Climate change is a worldwide issue but the impacts can be felt right here in our own backyard.
"Queensland will get drier and hotter. Changes in weather patterns have affected our environment - most notably our water supplies.
"In addition, we must tackle issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and their role in climate change."
Mr Beattie said all details of the new Fund will be released when the sale of the retail business had been concluded and the final price determined over the next twelve months.
He said this was expected to be in excess of $1 Billion.
"As a priority under the Fund we will allocate approximately $200 - $300 million to help accelerate the building of two new dams and two new weir projects," Mr Beattie said.
"Subject to Commonwealth cooperation we now expect these projects to be completed by the end of 2011.
"Together they are expected to deliver up to an extra 235,000 megalitres per annum - this is equivalent to the approximate capacity of more than three new Hinze Dams.
"We will build a major new dam on the Mary River in the Gympie region and bring forward the construction of the promised new dam proposed for the upper reaches of the Logan River to help support burgeoning population growth in south east Queensland
"As part of this process we will re-examine the existing proposal for the Wyaralong Dam site as compared to a new site which has been identified at TilleysBridge near Rathdowney. A detailed investigation, including geotechnical works will be carried out to determine which site will deliver the best yield.
"On the FitzroyRiver in Central Queensland we will raise the Eden Bann weir and build a new weir at Rookwood.
"These two projects alone are expected to deliver up to 86,000 megalitres per annum for future growth in Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Gladstone as well as help fuel our booming coal export and minerals industries."
Ms Bligh said $300 million from the Queensland Future Growth Fund would be allocated to support the continued sustainable development of clean coal technology.
"The rapid shifts in our climate are a clear warning Queensland must work to actively manage our strong position in the global economy while at the same time minimising the impact on the environment," Ms Bligh said.
"Already our Government is involved in a world leading program of research, development and promotion of alternative energy sources.
"We are focused on ensuring our levels of greenhouse gas emissions are kept to an absolute minimum while still meeting the growing demand for energy from our booming economy and population.
"Under the Fund we will allocate $300 million to help this program take a giant leap forward.
"The money will be dedicated to the future development of clean coal technology.
"It will complement a $300 million industry fund set up by consortium Coal21 which includes BHP Billition, Rio Tinto, XStrata and Anglo as well the $500 million Low Emission Technology Demonstration Fund established by the Commonwealth Government.
"We will work together on clean coal technology that will help guarantee the viability of the coal industry into the future while cutting pollution and emissions associated for the use of this resource in power generation."
Ms Bligh said other projects in the Fund would be determined once the sale process had been completed, however sufficient proceeds would be reinvested in GOC commercial infrastructure projects to ensure the State suffers no net loss of the income presently derived from the two assets.
She said that while other States had applied the proceeds of similar sales to paying off debt, the Government's history of prudent financial management and unique net debt position meant it was able to invest the funds in the future growth of the State.
Media contact: 3224 4500
==============================================================
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 12:37 PM
Subject: BILLION DOLLAR FUND TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
Premier of Queensland
The Honourable Peter Beattie
26/04/2006
BILLION DOLLAR FUND TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
Two new dams and two new weir projects will be built under a new fund worth more than
$1 Billion to be established by the Queensland Government.
Premier Peter Beattie and Deputy Premier and Treasurer Anna Bligh today announced the State Government would legislate to create the Queensland Future Growth Fund to help meet the challenges of climate change and the continued economic development of the SmartState.
Mr Beattie said the fund would be financed from the sale of Sun Retail - comprising the retail business arm of Energex - and the contestable elements of Ergon Retail.
"This massive new fund will position the SmartState to tackle the challenges of climate change through a raft of new innovative technology and infrastructure projects," Mr Beattie said.
"Climate change is a worldwide issue but the impacts can be felt right here in our own backyard.
"Queensland will get drier and hotter. Changes in weather patterns have affected our environment - most notably our water supplies.
"In addition, we must tackle issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and their role in climate change."
Mr Beattie said all details of the new Fund will be released when the sale of the retail business had been concluded and the final price determined over the next twelve months.
He said this was expected to be in excess of $1 Billion.
"As a priority under the Fund we will allocate approximately $200 - $300 million to help accelerate the building of two new dams and two new weir projects," Mr Beattie said.
"Subject to Commonwealth cooperation we now expect these projects to be completed by the end of 2011.
"Together they are expected to deliver up to an extra 235,000 megalitres per annum - this is equivalent to the approximate capacity of more than three new Hinze Dams.
"We will build a major new dam on the Mary River in the Gympie region and bring forward the construction of the promised new dam proposed for the upper reaches of the Logan River to help support burgeoning population growth in south east Queensland
"As part of this process we will re-examine the existing proposal for the Wyaralong Dam site as compared to a new site which has been identified at TilleysBridge near Rathdowney. A detailed investigation, including geotechnical works will be carried out to determine which site will deliver the best yield.
"On the FitzroyRiver in Central Queensland we will raise the Eden Bann weir and build a new weir at Rookwood.
"These two projects alone are expected to deliver up to 86,000 megalitres per annum for future growth in Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Gladstone as well as help fuel our booming coal export and minerals industries."
Ms Bligh said $300 million from the Queensland Future Growth Fund would be allocated to support the continued sustainable development of clean coal technology.
"The rapid shifts in our climate are a clear warning Queensland must work to actively manage our strong position in the global economy while at the same time minimising the impact on the environment," Ms Bligh said.
"Already our Government is involved in a world leading program of research, development and promotion of alternative energy sources.
"We are focused on ensuring our levels of greenhouse gas emissions are kept to an absolute minimum while still meeting the growing demand for energy from our booming economy and population.
"Under the Fund we will allocate $300 million to help this program take a giant leap forward.
"The money will be dedicated to the future development of clean coal technology.
"It will complement a $300 million industry fund set up by consortium Coal21 which includes BHP Billition, Rio Tinto, XStrata and Anglo as well the $500 million Low Emission Technology Demonstration Fund established by the Commonwealth Government.
"We will work together on clean coal technology that will help guarantee the viability of the coal industry into the future while cutting pollution and emissions associated for the use of this resource in power generation."
Ms Bligh said other projects in the Fund would be determined once the sale process had been completed, however sufficient proceeds would be reinvested in GOC commercial infrastructure projects to ensure the State suffers no net loss of the income presently derived from the two assets.
She said that while other States had applied the proceeds of similar sales to paying off debt, the Government's history of prudent financial management and unique net debt position meant it was able to invest the funds in the future growth of the State.
Media contact: 3224 4500
==============================================================
Monday, April 10, 2006
Miriam Vale Toadbusters
Year 2/3 Toadbusters – We did it!!
(Kathryn Apel)
The Year 2/3 Toadbusters night was a resounding success. Conservative estimates put the number of toads 'froze' at 1000.
After a social sausage sizzle, the Year 2/3 students made an entertaining and informative rendition of the poem, ‘Bufo Marinus – What Is It?’ A superb effort!
We then welcomed Anna Hitchcock who joined us from the Gladstone Toadbusters group. Anna shared her expertise - and a lot of safety equipment. She also bagged quite a few Bufos!
The competitive side of the evening was fraught with difficulties, but this didn’t dint enthusiasm. The Browning/Lavia team bagged the ‘Loads of Toads’ award, producing 9 bags full! ‘ Catch of the Day’ was also awarded to this group – mainly because other competitors were reluctant to delve into bags and produce their whoppers. All in fun! Michelle Dahl convincingly won the ‘Warts and Wails’ award for the most shrieks and squeaks.
Though parental expectations for a ‘fun’ night perhaps weren’t that high, wide smiles and shared laughter confirmed the success of the evening. A huge thank-you to all families who turned up in support! Thanks also to Paul and Felix for wielding the BBQ tongs so proficiently.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
The Ten Thousandth Toad!
These are pictures of the ten thousandth (10 000) toad caught at the Duckponds. It has taken Toadbusters five years and many volunteer hours to reach this amazing total. This little star has gone to the big duckpond in the sky like his 9 999 friends.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Senate Inquiry into Water Policy initiatives
From: Qld Mini Spini - http://www.qccqld.org.au/minispini/110106.htm
Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee
Inquiry into Water Policy Initiatives
The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee is conducting an inquiry into the impact on rural water usage of recent water policy initiatives and the possible role for Commonwealth agencies. The terms of reference are:
the development of water property titles;
methods of protection for rivers and aquifers;
farming innovation;
monitoring drought and predicting farm water demand; and
the implications for agriculture of predicted changes in patterns of precipitation and temperature.
The Committee is interested in exploring the state and territories policies underpinning the National Water Initiative, any assistance that can be provided by Commonwealth government agencies to develop and roll out these policies and the implications for rural land use of these policies. In this context it will also examine the potential for farming innovation. The Committee will also consider work being conducted on monitoring drought and the state of aquifers, the development of farm water assessment systems and any implications for agriculture of predicted changes in rainfall patterns and temperature.
The Committee invites you to make a submission addressing all or some of these matters, and would appreciate submissions to be sent by 1 February 2006. If you know of someone else who maybe interested in making a submission to the committee, please pass this letter on.
Information on this inquiry can be found at http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/rrat_ctte/rural_water/index.htm
Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee
Inquiry into Water Policy Initiatives
The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee is conducting an inquiry into the impact on rural water usage of recent water policy initiatives and the possible role for Commonwealth agencies. The terms of reference are:
the development of water property titles;
methods of protection for rivers and aquifers;
farming innovation;
monitoring drought and predicting farm water demand; and
the implications for agriculture of predicted changes in patterns of precipitation and temperature.
The Committee is interested in exploring the state and territories policies underpinning the National Water Initiative, any assistance that can be provided by Commonwealth government agencies to develop and roll out these policies and the implications for rural land use of these policies. In this context it will also examine the potential for farming innovation. The Committee will also consider work being conducted on monitoring drought and the state of aquifers, the development of farm water assessment systems and any implications for agriculture of predicted changes in rainfall patterns and temperature.
The Committee invites you to make a submission addressing all or some of these matters, and would appreciate submissions to be sent by 1 February 2006. If you know of someone else who maybe interested in making a submission to the committee, please pass this letter on.
Information on this inquiry can be found at http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/rrat_ctte/rural_water/index.htm
Friday, January 06, 2006
Bushland-friendly gardens
From Weedwatch, Vol 2 November 2005
Newsletter of the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management
"Bushland-friendly gardens: weed-free wonderlands
The Weeds CRC has developed a new website area, named Bushland-friendly gardens, that suggests which plants should be avoided in our gardens.While there are many organisations that currently present weed information in a myriad of formats, we felt that it was just too difficult for many gardeners and landscapers to find out this information on a regional basis. Our website provides a 'one-stop shop' in the form of a 'clickable' map that will generate two lists of commonly available garden plants that should be avoided in your chosen region.We have started at a relatively broad scale by subdividing the states into a total of 22 regions based on a classification of climatic zones already widely used in the horticultural industry. Reviewing more than 100 lists of problem plants prepared by a range of groups and bodies around Australia, we made the assumption that the more lists on which a plant appears, the more it is likely to cause impact within any region. Therefore, when clicking on a particular region of the map provided, two prioritised lists are generated. Where a plant species appeared three or more times in lists for a region, it was placed into the 'serious environmental weeds' list. We recommend that plants on this list are removed as soon as possible. If a plant species appeared twice, it was placed on the 'environmental weeds to avoid' list, in which case it should not be planted, or at least should be managed with great care.We believe that the final weeds lists for each region are a fair representation of the potential and actual impacts for each species.While the site does not suggets alternative species to plant, it will point (again on a regional basis) to reference documents and web information that includes such advice.To give your feedback please use the facility provided on the website.
Jackie Watts"
http://www.weeds.crc.org.au/bushlandfriendlygardens
Newsletter of the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management
"Bushland-friendly gardens: weed-free wonderlands
The Weeds CRC has developed a new website area, named Bushland-friendly gardens, that suggests which plants should be avoided in our gardens.While there are many organisations that currently present weed information in a myriad of formats, we felt that it was just too difficult for many gardeners and landscapers to find out this information on a regional basis. Our website provides a 'one-stop shop' in the form of a 'clickable' map that will generate two lists of commonly available garden plants that should be avoided in your chosen region.We have started at a relatively broad scale by subdividing the states into a total of 22 regions based on a classification of climatic zones already widely used in the horticultural industry. Reviewing more than 100 lists of problem plants prepared by a range of groups and bodies around Australia, we made the assumption that the more lists on which a plant appears, the more it is likely to cause impact within any region. Therefore, when clicking on a particular region of the map provided, two prioritised lists are generated. Where a plant species appeared three or more times in lists for a region, it was placed into the 'serious environmental weeds' list. We recommend that plants on this list are removed as soon as possible. If a plant species appeared twice, it was placed on the 'environmental weeds to avoid' list, in which case it should not be planted, or at least should be managed with great care.We believe that the final weeds lists for each region are a fair representation of the potential and actual impacts for each species.While the site does not suggets alternative species to plant, it will point (again on a regional basis) to reference documents and web information that includes such advice.To give your feedback please use the facility provided on the website.
Jackie Watts"
http://www.weeds.crc.org.au/bushlandfriendlygardens
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