by Komoneed | Jun 10, 2024
Western Australia’s Cook government has doubled the size of grants for horticulture and viticulture growers who rely on the Gnangara groundwater system — Perth’s largest natural water source for drinking water and private supply.
The increased funding is intended to drive sustainability in the sector and protect this valuable water resource.
As part of the $1.19 million Gnangara Horticulture Water Use Efficiency Grants Program, up to $100,000 will be made available to growers, and grower co-contribution requirements will be reduced.
“This government has listened to growers who depend on Gnangara groundwater and we’ve adapted this important program to help commercial horticulture and viticulture growers adopt more efficient irrigation strategies for the future,” said Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis.
The grants will help Gnangara growers to install water use efficiency infrastructure, including irrigation system design, soil and crop sensor technology, permanent protected cropping and soil amelioration.
Vouchers of up to $5000 are also available for professional advice to help develop efficient irrigation systems and to adopt new technology and sustainable cropping strategies.
“These grants will drive more sustainable use of groundwater for horticulture and viticulture from the Gnangara groundwater system, so the area can continue to provide fresh produce and employment opportunities close to Perth,” said Water Minister Simone McGurk.
“The program will assist the horticulture sector with the transition to reduced groundwater use before lower water entitlements come into effect from 2028 as part of the Gnangara Groundwater Allocation Plan.”
For more information and to apply for a Gnangara Horticultural Water Use Efficiency Grant or voucher, visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/horticulture-water-use-efficiency-grants. Applications close 30 June 2025.
Image credit: iStock.com/BeyondImages
by Komoneed | Jun 10, 2024
Feminine deities intertwine with nature in Mary Maka’s digital illustrations. Depicting the deep connection between humans and the environment, the artist (previously) questions the prospect of maintaining a harmonious bond with other living creatures. Though holistic coexistence pervaded mythological narratives, can that type of kinship still exist today?
Simultaneously emanating an aura of gentleness and power, each figure almost completely melds into the lush environments they find themselves in. More
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Mary Maka’s Digital Illustrations Evoke the Tender Coexistence of Humans and Nature appeared first on Colossal.
by Komoneed | Jun 10, 2024
There are five oceans and five first-place winners of the 11th annual Photo Competition for United Nations World Oceans Day (UN WOD). The winners were announced at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Friday, June 7.
The post Meet the Winners of the 11th Annual UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition appeared first on EcoWatch.
by Komoneed | Jun 6, 2024
New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns; Steven Worrall, MD of Microsoft ANZ; Rob Gell AM, Chief Sustainability Officer of Solar Recovery Corporation (also the President of Royal Society of Victoria and a member of the Order of Australia); Hanno Blankenstein, Co-founder and CEO of AI powered video and sensor platform Unleash live have joined a stellar line-up of global and local leaders to speak at Siemens’ Beyond 1% Summit in Sydney on 3rd and 4th July.
The newly announced speakers will join CSIRO Chief Scientist Bronwyn Fox; Stephan May, global CEO of Electrification and Automation, Siemens; and Florence Lindhaus, head of the Hydrogen Cluster at German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce to discuss how digitalisation and new technology can accelerate sustainability outcomes for Australia, grow the economy and drive business success.
Also confirming their commitment to progressing the discussions around technology and sustainability are APS Industrial who have joined as a master distributor partner, Swinburne University of Technology, SAGE Group and Ampcontrol, who have joined as gold sponsors, and Australian Industry Group, Energy Efficiency Council, European Australian Business Council and the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce who have joined as industry partners of the Summit.
Themed Beyond 1%, the Summit will look at how Australia can embrace key technologies and innovate to do more for long-term sustainability than just address reducing the 1% of global emissions the country is responsible for.
Welcoming the opportunity to speak at the Summit, David Chuter, Executive Director, Industry Growth AusIndustry, Department of Industry Science and Resources said, “Why do design and manufacturing innovation matter? I can’t think of a more important answer than helping to address our net zero sustainability commitments — while at the same time growing Australian capability, business competitiveness and economic strength and complexity. Digitalisation is a key driver for innovation and therefore critical in addressing our ambitious sustainability targets. We have the opportunity to create impact both in Australia and also to help benefit the world.”
Agenda overview
The recently released Summit agenda outlines how these speakers and other industry leaders will discuss critical technology topics that impact sustainability including AI, hydrogen, renewable energy transition, grid resilience, energy efficiency in the built environment, industry funding, mandatory climate reporting and more.
Through a range of plenary discussions and breakout sessions, topics will include:
The Built Environment – Embracing energy efficiency to ease the burden on BIG decarbonisation targets
Energy efficiency plays an increasingly important role in nations achieving their decarbonisation commitments. What does this look like? Where are the greatest opportunities? And what roles do digitalisation and technology play as the key enablers?
Accelerating industrial innovation for global sustainability impact
With the right net zero lens, many innovations have broad sustainability benefits across entire sectors and supply chains. Reducing raw materials. Eliminating waste. Designing decarbonisation from the start. Product life cycle and its relation to circular economy. Digital twins through to AI and more. This session will look at the potential role of Australian industry on decarbonising the world and share real examples of what good looks like today.
Circular economy avoiding environmental disasters by turning waste streams into resource streams
This plenary session will look at real examples and innovations to turn pending environmental and embedded carbon disasters into high-value opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, building and construction and even the renewables industry itself.
Workshop – Practical Guide to Sustainability – Transforming your business for success
This workshop is designed to help individuals and organisations understand their sustainability objectives and will outline practical sustainability steps that businesses can take to reduce their operating costs and improve their bottom line. Doyen of practical sustainability and change, Jon Dee, will share the key tools, steps and secrets to making big changes happen.
There’s more to hydrogen than electrolysers
This session will explore opportunities for hydrogen applications in Australia and provide a summary update and progress report from the latest global hydrogen summits.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI gives industry unparalleled opportunities in digitalisation, data driven decision-making and innovation. It can play a significant role in sustainability. But where do we stand on testing, transparency and secure future-planning with AI and what are practical applications that are inspiring and already changing the world?
What does cybersecurity have to do with sustainability?
This session will look at cybersecurity of critical infrastructure and the very real connection between cybersecurity, digitalisation and the impact on achieving decarbonisation targets.
Event details
Date: Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th July 2024
Location: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
The two-day Summit also includes a gala event to recognise some of the prime Australian examples who already represent the ideals and opportunities of ‘Beyond 1%’.
For registration and more details go to: https://www.siemens.com/au/en/company/fairs-events/beyond-summit.html.
