A unique scheme that auctions power contracts to low-emissions technology companies could help Australia to transform its electricity sector and meet its long-term climate change targets at the lowest cost, according to Grattan Institute’s Energy Program Director, Tony Wood. [ + ]

The recent opening of the $20 million Mossman Gorge Centre, an Indigenous eco-tourism business north of Cairns, has also seen the unveiling of the first ground up built, electric safari-style bus in Australia. [ + ]

The second release of Geoscience Australia’s database and map of waste-related infrastructure is now available. [ + ]

Australia should take a lead in tackling the emerging global crisis in groundwater, according to Professor Craig Simmons, Director of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT). [ + ]

Australian tissue and paper supplier Solaris Paper and Paper Force has welcomed the latest announcement by its affiliate, Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), of a 4th SVLK certification. It has been awarded to APP’s PT Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Mill in Serang, Java. [ + ]

Tetra Tech has been awarded two contracts to support the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its efforts to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas and potential source of clean energy. [ + ]

Online mass spectrometry specialist Ionicon Analytik and environmental monitoring instruments and services company Ecotech are teaming up in Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]

Energy prices will be higher and investment will be lost without continued binding targets, policy stability and bipartisan support for clean energy, according to new Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green. [ + ]

New grants from the $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Programs will help four Western Australian-based manufacturers become more efficient and reduce their power bills. [ + ]

A grant worth almost $300,000 from Commercialisation Australia is set to help a South Australian company to commercialise an innovative technology to inform crop irrigation scheduling. The technology responds to the need for farmers to have sophisticated measurement tools to help them optimise their total water usage. [ + ]

Having a smaller board that meets more frequently is just one of a number of governance changes made to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) to ensure its ongoing strength and influence. [ + ]

The impact of climate change on the quality of water and the ecosystems that depend on it is the focus of a collaborative research project led by the University of Canberra. [ + ]

The International RiverFoundation has announced the finalists for the 2012 Australian Riverprize. This year’s finalists represent a diverse group of river restoration and river protection projects from across Australia. [ + ]

Wurrumiyanga residents on Bathurst Island now have a secure water supply, with the opening of a new water production and storage project last week. The Australian Government is providing $2.7 million in funding for this project - one of eight in the Northern Territory receiving a total of $20.25 million under the National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns. [ + ]

Adding nutrients to belts of mallee trees integrated into paddocks with pasture or crops can significantly increase mallee growth, according to the latest research from the Future Farm Industries Cooperative Research Centre’s Woody Crops Program. [ + ]