ESG Snapshot: 21 June test 1
Highlights in this issue include a new SA climate Bill, a proposed Victorian code for transmission companies, and a WA government green bond.
Events include a clean energy summit and a recycling expo. Jobs include posts with Investa and the City of Melbourne.
ESG Snapshot is a concise weekly update for C-suite executives and sustainability and climate professionals in Australia.
It is produced by the Business Council of Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA), which is the local network partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
News items are listed by jurisdiction. However, they can also be searched by relevant SDG category. To do this, go to the SDG key at the end of this issue and click on the SDG icon that is of interest to you.
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The NZ government has launched a review of the country's emissions trading scheme "to make sure it's fit for the job ahead", with submissions due by August 11.
A new International Energy Report on oil says that on current policies and trends global oil demand will rise by 6% between 2022 and 2028 – due mainly to robust demand from the petrochemical and aviation sectors. But annual demand growth is expected to gradually reduce, "putting a peak in demand in sight before the end of this decade".
The Science-based Targets Initiative has released draft materials for the financial sector, which will lead to a financial institutions net-zero standard.
The OECD has released a report on better housing policies in the post-COVID era, which says housing must play a greater role in achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced €300 million a year to support emissions reduction activities in the aeronautics industry (such as small electric and hydrogen aircraft), plus another €300 million to develop the sustainable aviation fuels sector.
Debate has started in the House of Representatives on the Nature Repair Market Bill.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Greg Combet will chair the new Net Zero Economy Agency, with members of the advisory board to include Ross Garnaut, Paul Simshauser (Powerlink), Anthea Harris (Australian Energy Regulator), Kellie Parker (Rio Tinto), Anna Skarbek (ClimateWorks), and Tony Maher (Mining and Energy Union).
The Senate Economics References Committee has launched a new inquiry into Australia's residential electrification efforts, which will report by the last sitting day of 2024.
The Clean Energy Regulator has published Carbon Estimation Area data, which provides new insight into the performance of landscape-based carbon projects.
ACCUs last traded on the spot market at $34.50, with spot Human-Induced Regeneration ACCUs trading at $36.50, according to broker Jarden.
CSIRO, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will appear before a 23 June hearing of a joint parliamentary inquiry into Australia's transition to a green energy superpower.
Sun Cable, SunDrive Solar and the Australian Steel Institute are among those scheduled to give evidence at a July 5 hearing in Sydney of the House of Representatives inquiry into developing advanced manufacturing in Australia.
The Australian Local Government Association has welcomed a federal commitment to establish a new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund that will co-fund energy upgrades at community facilities with councils.
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has released its Roadmap to the 2026 Basin Plan Review.
The reporting deadline for two inquiries by the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee have been extended from 30 June to 6 December – the inquiry into the Greens' Climate Trigger Bill and the inquiry into the Greens' Save the Koala Bill.
Grant opportunity:
Applications are open until 24 July for grants to land managers under the $17.5 million federal Carbon Farming Outreach program.
Consultation opportunity
The Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water invite comments by 31 July on a prototype dashboard to support environmental-economic accounting in Australia.
Consultation opportunity
Comments close 14 July on proposals to introduce regulatory controls on noxious emissions from non-road diesel engines.
Consultation opportunity
Comments are due by 30 June on the Climate Change Authority's inquiry into "setting, tracking and achieving Australia's emissions reduction targets".
Consultation opportunity
Consultation closes on 30 June on the 2023 offshore greenhouse gas storage acreage release.
The state Budget includes $7 million to help establish the Barcaldine renewable energy zone, which is being developed by Ross Garnaut's Sunshot Industries.
Statutory development: Consultation opportunity
The state government has released a draft Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill that would enshrine its renewable energy targets in law, establish a Job Security Fund, and facilitate construction of the Queensland "SuperGrid", and establish a Renewable Energy Jobs Advocate. Comment closes on 23 June.
Consultation opportunity
Comments on a state government discussion paper released following an independent review of the Electrical Safety Act are due by 27 June.
Consultation opportunity
The state government is seeking views on options to better protect the Queensland section of the Lake Eyre Basin, with comments due by 25 August.
Consultation opportunity
Comments are due by 28 June on Firm Power's proposal for a 170MW/340MWh battery energy storage facility at Beresfield, near Newcastle.
Consultation opportunity
The Essential Services Commission is seeking submissions by 27 July on a proposed enforceable code of practice for electricity transmission companies using their legal powers to access private land.
Tender opportunity
Agriculture Victoria is inviting applications from technical consultants to support farmers in improving their farm business and in managing drought and climate change.
The state government has launched its Clean Economy Workforce Development Strategy 2023-2033.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio has launched the Hazelwood Battery Energy Storage System (HBESS) – a collaboration between ENGIE, Eku Energy and Fluence, built on the site of the former Hazelwood power station, which can power about 75,000 homes for one hour during the evening peak.
The state government has signed an MoU with Nexsphere and Equinor joint venture that aims to progress development of the Bass Offshore Wind Energy project.
The state government has released the latest Tasmanian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report.
The state government has released a Tasmanian Renewable Energy Supply Chain Directory.
The state government has released a new Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2025.
Comments closed June 14 on the state's draft Container Refund Scheme Regulations.
The state's Business Energy Efficiency Scheme (BEES) is now accepting applications for financial assistance.
Statutory development
The Legislative Assembly has passed the Environment Protection (Objects of Act and Board Attributes) Amendment Bill, which inserts references to climate change into the objects of the state's main environment law, paving the way for the development of an environment protection policy on climate change.
The state Budget provides funding to establish BioData SA, which will overhaul data held by the state and guide decision-making on biodiversity protection and restoration programs.
The state government has issued a $1.9 billion green bond, with the proceeds to be used for government projects that deliver positive environmental outcomes.
Tender opportunity
The state government is inviting tenders for the development of a supplier engagement and education program for stage 2 of the WA Plan for Plastics.
Consultation opportunity
Comment closes on June 23 on the draft state waste infrastructure plan, and on 11 July on its waste strategy review.
Consultation opportunity
The EPA has invited comments by 4 September on K plus S Salt Australia Pty Ltd's proposed Ashburton salt project.
The Territory government has released its first whole-of-government strategic plan for water.
The Monash Sustainable Development Institute is running a two-day course on climate change and business risk, on July 19 and 20 ($2,970).
LRQA is offering training courses on the ISO50001 standard on energy management.
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