Online Opinion - (R)evolving coal workers

Many Australians associate our coal industry with a vibrant economy, vital jobs, and affordable electricity. Coal provides significant revenue for Australia and a cheap source of energy for domestic consumption. Although we are becoming uncomfortably aware that the price of coal is in fact artificially cheap, because in addition to being heavily subsided it doesn't account for the cost to the climate, we are reluctant to turn our backs on the industry we feel indebted to for strengthening our economy and supporting working families.

A report released this week by Greenpeace and the Centre of Full Employment and Equity shows just how mistaken Australians are in believing we can't get along without coal-fired power. The Just Transition report is the first of its kind to model the economic and employment effects of restructuring a region heavily reliant on the coal industry to become a hub of renewable energy, and the results put paid to any notion that tackling climate change is a case of jobs versus the environment.

The report focuses on the Hunter Valley area of New South Wales, home to six of the state's eight coal-fired power stations. It finds that a shift from coal-fired power generation to a renewable technology "Silicon Valley" in the Hunter region would enable the region to become a major source of renewable energy for NSW, providing up to 40 per cent of the state's electricity from renewable technologies. ...

However, the tide is turning even within coal affected communities. Two coal miners supported Greenpeace's action at Earing whilst a poll last week by the Newcastle Herald found nearly 85 per cent of voters wanted to see the Hunter turn its focus from coal to renewables and gas.

goldcoast.com.au - 'Coast could become economic backwater'

TOWN planner Roger Brewster has slammed the Federal Government's climate change report for avoiding the oil crisis. The former president of the Royal Planning Institute said the report by Professor Ross Garnaut had ignored the long-term effect on food prices and overcrowded cities, which could have a flow-on effect on the Gold Coast economy.

Mr Brewster said the Gold Coast was in serious danger of becoming an economic backwater. "The coming global economic turmoil could take care of a lot of growth pressure, as many people rediscover the value of living in self-sustaining regional communities -- a move to coastal regional towns such as Bundaberg," said Mr Brewster.

ABC - Gas crisis starting to ease: Carpenter

The 110 megawatt Kwinana Unit One has been closed for three months, but will begin running on coal later today. Mr Carpenter says that should free up about five terajoules of gas a day, which is needed after an explosion at Apache Energy's gas processing plant on Varanus Island on June 3 cut Western Australia's gas supply by 30 per cent. Mr Carpenter says a 340 megawatt power station at Collie should also resume operations within a fortnight.

SMH - Government rejects second pipeline plan

West Australian Energy Minister Fran Logan has attacked a major plank of the Liberal opposition's energy plan, labelling the plans ridiculous and ill-conceived. Liberal leader Troy Buswell unveiled the opposition's strategic energy plan for WA as the state deals with a 30 per cent cut to its gas supply arising from the June 3 Varanus Island explosion. The policy includes the development of natural gas reserves, interconnection or duplication of the pipeline network, diversification of gas supply and the use of LNG tankers to ship gas from the north.

SMH - Emissions trading is the new GST

There's a paradox at the heart of Kevin Rudd's efforts to halt climate change. At one level, global warming is the biggest social and economic threat to face humankind since time immemorial. Our need to convert the global economy to one that doesn't rely on fossil fuels is a remarkably tall order. As Professor Ross Garnaut says, it's a "diabolical" policy problem.

At another level, however, the emissions trading scheme the Rudd Government has promised to introduce in two years' time isn't the big deal many people imagine.

SMH - Garnaut attacks Howard over climate inaction

The government's chief climate change adviser has attacked former prime minister John Howard over his backing for the coalition's cautious approach towards a proposed emissions trading scheme.

The Australian - Qld coal exports to double to 370m tonnes by 2030

COAL exports from Queensland could nearly double to 370 million metric tonnes by 2030, according to the State Government. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh made the comments at the opening of a $780 million expansion at the Gladstone coal port terminal. “Growth has been impressive - rising from 200,000 tonnes in 1960 to now where export capacity is about 200 million tonnes a year,” Ms Bligh said.

Australia is the world's largest exporter of seaborne coal, and the commodity is one of the biggest export earners for the country.

The Australian - Transurban profits flow despite fuel cost

RECORD petrol prices have not damaged Australian toll-road revenue after figures from operator Transurban revealed a jump in coffers for the June quarter.

The Australian - AGL acquires 9.99pc stake in Torrens

AGL Energy has acquired a 9.99 per cent stake in Torrens Energy and will commercialise geothermal projects with the company.

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