Energy Efficiency

Over the last 20 years or so, various bureaucrats under different federal governments have surveyed and even drilled for oil on the Great Barrier Reef; one could suggest that the data – relevant only to oil companies – could form part of a ‘dowry’ to oil companies when said public servant/s jump ship for a better paying position and the barrier Reef be dammed … so it poses the question/s as to who and whys, the federal government secretly wound back a critical environmental protection for the Great Barrier Reef against shipping accidents in order to avoid a diplomatic stoush with the United States and Singapore.

Leaked US embassy cables published by WikiLeaks have revealed that the government has “weakened” the compulsory pilotage regime for large vessels, including oil tankers, chemical tankers and liquefied gas carriers, sailing through the sensitive maritime environment of the Torres Strait. Owners and masters of vessels that fail to use a pilot to navigate the narrow and hazardous channel will not face any penalty if they do not subsequently call at an Australian port.

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The State Government today announced a plan to attract private sector investment to deliver two new major projects and further boost the growing coal industry.

Premer Anna Bligh said Queensland Treasury had been tasked with investigating investment opportunities to fund the Connors River Dam and proposed Multi-Cargo Facility at Abbot Point.

A report examining funding models and options is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the Government possibly in a position to approach the market in early 2012.

“Queensland taxpayers stand to benefit from the increased royalties the infrastructure investment will reap from enhanced export potential without having to foot the bill,” Mr Bligh said.

“The government’s plan is unashamedly to create opportunities for private sector investment that results in increased benefits for Queenslanders – be it through increased royalty revenues, new jobs or growth in our regional centres.

“Money speaks and business investment is flowing in Queensland, creating export capacity, developing our natural wealth and securing future prosperity.”

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When the Yanks dropped a couple of nuclear bombs to supposedly end the Second War, many were sickened by the carnage seen and aware of the unseen radioactivity issues to come; they were guinea pigs tested by a super-power.

In the never ending greed of corporations the world over, we have seen cultures and civilisations all but wiped out in the quest to maximise the use of every energy source known to man. Climate change, global warming and environmental damage to regions that these energy sources were wrested from have now been joined by the ‘self inflicted’ terminal wound of the Japanese nation. A government that aided and abetted the nuclear energy industry that now has repercussions we can only imagine. Hari-kari - a ritual suicide by disembowelment practiced by the Japanese samurai – is too good and above the honour of government officials and the nuclear power industry heads; perhaps better they be buried up to their shoulders and a slow death by passers by with the blunt saw will also be too quick when compared to what will now follow.

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Spin-King Andrew Fraser (Qld Labor government – Aug 8th)) claims ’Jobs growth continues despite tough conditions; recorded over two-thirds of the nation’s jobs growth in July, taking another step towards the Bligh Government’s 100,000 jobs target, ABS employment data revealed today; Fraser said momentum had been maintained in tough times with 2,200 of Australia’s 3,000 jobs being created in Queensland. ‘In the midst of global economic uncertainty, this is a strong result that should boost business confidence’ and ‘the Queensland Government remains as committed as ever to creating 100,000 jobs this term now with 21,500 to go’ and ‘so while we have seen jobs growth continue, we have seen even more people looking for work’

However, in the SMH (Aug 8th) the story suggests another direction to the spin ‘The unemployment rate in flood-affected Queensland rose to 5.6 per cent in July from 5.2 per cent in June’.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/jobless-rate-jumps-in-july-20110811-1inr9.html

Premier Anna Bligh has welcomed the biggest breakthrough in vaccine delivery since the invention of the syringe in 1853; a $15million investment in Vaxxas Pty Ltd was announced today at UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. ‘a new product designed to delivery – vaccines – without breaking the skin like a needle’ said the Premier.

‘Early stage testing in animals has shown that a Nanopatch delivered – flu vaccine – was effective at a lower dose and can combat needle phobia, needle injuries and cross contamination and it doesn’t need refrigeration, which makes transport to developing nations easier’. The Premier said the exciting new develop showed how the State Government’s investment in the Smart State Strategy was resulting in new and exciting commercial biotech ventures.

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