SMH: Uranium change blows in the west

THE mining industry was yesterday cautiously optimistic that the likely change in government in Western Australia would lead to the development of the state's first uranium mines, proving a boon for long-suffering investors.

The Age: Emission trading won't hit jobs: union

It is unlikely the coal industry will suffer major job losses under an emissions trading scheme, trade unions say. The federal government's top climate adviser, Professor Ross Garnaut, has proposed a $20 price tag on carbon permits in 2010. This would add about five cents a litre to petrol and 40 per cent on electricity prices.

National secretary of the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU), John Sutton, said the scheme would not necessarily impact on jobs.

Business Spectator: Conoco to pay up to $9.6bn for half of Origin gas venture

Takeover target Origin Energy Ltd says US-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) developer ConocoPhillips will invest up to $9.6 billion for a 50 per cent stake in its Queensland coal seam gas (CSG) project. Shares in Origin were up 13.41 per cent to $17.75 at 1109 AEST, after surging up to 27.7 per cent in early trade.

Origin, which has been looking at how best to exploit its CSG reserves while fending off a hostile takeover bid from the UK's BG Group plc, said on Monday it would act as the upstream coal seam gas provider to the project, while ConocoPhillips would be the downstream LNG operator, with the joint-venture company to market the LNG.

News.com.au: Easing hip-pocket pain for motorists

OH NO, the fuel light is blinking again, and it only feels like yesterday that you filled the tank for about $75, the price for an average 50-litres. People who drive a lot have been smacked hard by soaring petrol prices and are holding out hopes of lower prices as the world crude oil price drops down to $US107/barrel.

CommSec chief equities economist Craig James said recently that he expected petrol to drop to $1.40-$1.45 a litre, from close to $1.70, saving the average family about $30 a month. But outside forces aside, there are simple steps motorists can take to lower their fuel bill.

The Australian: Premier talks up mining interest

APPLICATIONS to explore Queensland for potential mine sites have doubled. potential investors. This is according to figures released by Premier Anna Bligh in response to claims her Government's policy decisions have turned away

Ms Bligh and Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson yesterday released a statement showing the number of applications for mining exploration permits had jumped from 650 in 2005-06 to more than 1300 in the year to last April.

Maitland: Grants program to include petrol bills

Maitland community groups can apply for some relief from skyrocketing petrol prices. The Federal Government has recognised the biting cost of oil by expanding the $21 million Volunteer Grants Program to include petrol.

Under the program, not-for-profit organisations can receive up to $2500 to help pay for their volunteers’ fuel bills. Organisations including Maitland Meals on Wheels and Maitland Community Care Service, which runs a community bus, are eligible to apply.

Herald Sun: Peter Batchelor won't deny power stations may close

ENERGY minister Peter Batchelor won't deny speculation that Yallourn and Hazelwood power stations may close in the next 18 months. Asked by BusinessDaily if the rumours circulating among employees at the Latrobe Valley's Yallourn and Hazelwood were true, Mr Batchelor responded: "That is a question you have to direct to the power stations". "We want them to keep operating but we don't know," he said in an exclusive interview.

Herald Sun: Credibility on the line, arrival late

COMMUTERS battling Melbourne's public transport crush would be well advised to adopt a philosophical stance. For the latest Department of Transport statistics point to life getting a whole lot tougher before the light starts shining at the end of the Flinders St tunnels.

With more than half a billion trips forecast next financial year in Melbourne, the growth that has undermined a city's lifestyle is showing no signs of abating.

Scoop NZ: Train Drivers Save 2.7 Million Litres Of Fuel

Energy Minister Hon David Parker this morning congratulated KiwRail train drivers for the savings they have achieved relating to the company’s KiwiRail’s Fuel Saver scheme.

Since the scheme was introduced 2 years ago the company has saved 2.7 million litres of fuel per annum, which he described as an outstanding achievement for all involved. The initiative has included a fuel saving competition supported by Shell NZ amongst train drivers to encourage them to change their driving styles such as avoiding rapid acceleration, going easy on the brakes and avoiding unnecessary idling.

Scoop NZ: City transport Plan lacks courage

“The just released final draft transport Plan for Wellington City lacks courage and is riddled with inconsistencies,” says Wellington City Councillor and Greens’spokesperson Iona Pannett.

The final draft Ngauranga to Airport Corridor Plan has been released ahead of deliberations this week by Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council. The Plan can be found on the City Council’s website (link below). Feedback will then be forwarded on to the Regional Land Transport Committee for a final decision on 28 October.

Wanganui Chronicle: Crown backs wind farm plan

The proposed Central Wind project has attracted a powerful supporter . the Crown. Environment Minister Trevor Mallard has submitted a 10-page submission in support of the controversial northern Rangitikei project.

Meridian Energy wants to erect 52 turbines on the border of the Rangitikei and Ruapehu districts. A committee made up of Horizons, Rangitikei, and Ruapehu representatives and independent members is considering the resource consent application.