The state government needs to provide more funding and guidance to councils to help them prepare for the impacts of climate change, according to the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW.

Murdoch University scientists have combined engineering and modern biotechnology in a process that will combat offending industry odours — particularly wastewater treatment and secondary waste processing.

Germany’s Roth & Rau AG, an international supplier for the solar power industry, will set up a silicon solar cell production line at the University of New South Wales. The pilot line will be the backbone of the $20 m Solar Industrial Research Facility (SIRF) at UNSW.

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has signed a memorandum of understanding for energy efficiency, with a commitment to consider signing an Intergovernmental Agreement on the National Strategy.

The Rudd government has announced a $4.5 billion investment for clean energy initiatives in its 2009/10 budget.

Outdated government procurement polices are stalling opportunities to stimulate the growth of green jobs and protect Australia’s environment, according to a report released by the Total Environment Centre (TEC).

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued its draft water planning and management charge rules and draft advice to the Minister for Climate Change and Water, for public consultation.

Event professionals across Australia can begin preparing their entries for the Australian Event Awards, with guidelines and judging criteria now announced.

The Alice Solar City Consortium is seeking proposals from solar technology providers to develop iconic projects at Ilparpa (south of Alice Springs) and the Alice Springs Airport.

The savewater! Alliance is calling for all regional and rural businesses around Australia to enter the national 2009 savewater! awards.

The Ministry of Transport is offering motorists in Christchurch and Wellington instant rewards when they scrap unwanted vehicles. Participating vehicle recyclers will also be giving these motorists the chance to win a brand new Toyota Corolla.

An agreement which has the potential to increase recycling of computer equipment from Australian households, and create many jobs, has been announced by The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) and the Total Environment Centre (TEC).

The Australian Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) was changed yesterday in response to pressure from businesses affected by the recession. It will now be delayed by one year to be phased in from July 2011. Other changes included: improved compensation for heavy polluters and trade-exposed industries; the price of carbon will now be fixed at $10, reduced from $20; and the rate of greenhouse gas reduction required will be 25% of 2000 levels by 2020, if the world agrees.

Curtin University of Technology has opened its multimillion-dollar Australian Sustainable Development Institute (ASDI), which combines the resources and brain power of 16 research centres.

The Minister for Water, Tim Holding, has announced $5 million in funding for 21 water conservation projects across Victoria through Round 6 of the Smart Water Fund.