Mixed Greens: Vic green commissioner quits, slams climate policy

Victoria’s environment commissioner has resigned, taking a swipe at the Liberal Napthine government on her way out for its lack of leadership on climate change. Kate Auty, the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability since 2008, told Fairfax newspapers that the government’s lack of leadership on the issue she describes as “urgent” was illustrated by the party-wide use of the phrase “climate variability” in place of “climate change.”

Professor Auty told Fairfax she had heard that public servants had been directed to refer to ”climate variability” and not climate change. She also claims to have viewed state government documents headed “climate variability,” when they were clearly about the impacts of climate change. “The reason for my concerns is that as long as we keep telling people it is about natural variability we allay their desire to act themselves or want their elected representatives to do something about climate change,” Professor Auty said. “We need leadership on this issue, we need it now. It is urgent.”

Perth wave energy project pipelines installed

ASX-listed Carnegie Wave Energy has announced that the pipeline works for its Perth Wave Energy Project in Western Australia have been completed, with the installation of a shore crossing conduit which will transmit the high pressure water between the offshore and onshore project sites, and another conduit to hold the communications cable and desalination pipe. Remaining offshore work is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, says the company.

Mt Mercer wind farm gets a new customer

Community-based Ballarat not-for profit UFS Dispensaries has signed up to source its electricity from renewable energy generated by the nearby Mount Mercer Wind Farm. The deal, being offered to locals by energy provider Powershop, will see all 29 of the UFS’s pharmacies and medical centres, as well as their HQ in Ballarat, powered by the 64 turbine wind farm. The Meridian Energy Australia project, once completed, is expected to generate enough energy to power almost 100,000 homes. Currently operating at half its capacity, it is expected to be completed by mid-2014. Powershop, a parent compant of Meridian and a newcomer in the world of energy providers, hopes to sign up more than 5000 Ballarat customers over the next 12 months.