Tony Burke

Environmental go-ahead for WA uranium mine

21 May 2012 | Luke Forrestal

PRINT: 22 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Environmental go-ahead for WA uranium mine

WA’s Environmental Protection Authority on Monday recommended approval of what could become the state’s first uranium mine, the $300 million Wiluna project owned by Toro Energy.

LNG projects drive QLD jobs growth

11 May 2012 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 43 | LNG projects drive Qld jobs growth

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman yesterday welcomed Australia Pacific LNG’s decision to award an $800 million contract to Leighton Contractors to build gas and water infrastructure in the state’s south-west.

Queensland pleads for harmony on projects

10 May 2012 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Qld pleads for harmony

Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has called on the Gillard government to ensure federal regulations do not impede the Liberal National Party’s vow to slash approval times for projects.

Water, pest management and health

09 May 2012 | Joanna Mather

Rural Australia will benefit from spending on water saving measures, biosecurity and grants to support relocating healthcare professionals.

The mark of the covenant

05 May 2012 | Nick Lenaghan

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 2 | The mark of the covenant

A hefty tax break will distinguish investment in conservation properties held with an environmental covenant.

Labor outdoes Howard on welfare cuts

04 May 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 04 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Labor outdoes Howard on welfare cuts

The federal government has been accused of planning budget cuts to single-parent payments that will be harsher than changes Labor strongly opposed when the Coalition was in power.

Budget gains as water buyback slows

03 May 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 03 May 2012 | PAGE 12 | Revenue gain as buyback slows

A dramatic slowdown in water buybacks will help the government deliver its budget surplus as it defers future purchases of irrigation licences, saving hundreds of millions of dollars this year and next.

Developers face more koala protection hurdles

01 May 2012 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Developers face more koala protection hurdles

Developers with tracts of bushland slated for housing development will have to consider new protections for the koala.

Rio Tinto pulls out of port

21 April 2012 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 21 April 2012 | PAGE 7 | Rio pulls out of port

Mining giant Rio Tinto has pulled out of the $6.2 billion expansion of Abbot Point coal terminal, blaming rising costs and delays in environmental approvals.

Abbott plays catch-up: PM

21 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 21 April 2012 | PAGE 5 | Abbott plays catch-up: PM

The federal government said Coalition leader Tony Abbott was mimicking Labor moves to slash green tape by proposing a one-stop-shop, leaving environmental approvals to the states.

Abbott goes green to undercut Milne

20 April 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 20 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Abbott goes green to undercut Milne

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott will on Friday flag he is prepared to do a deal with the government to slash “green tape” amid ALP fears that it will be harder to deal with the Greens under new leader Christine Milne.

Current affairs

19 April 2012 |

PRINT: 19 April 2012 | PAGE 61 | CANBERRA HAS FINAL SAY

For all the predictable posturing of state governments, the fate of the Murray-Darling Basin reforms will ultimately rest with the federal parliament.

Murray plan plumbs depth of feeling

19 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 19 April 2012 | PAGE 61 | Murray plan plumbs depth of feeling

Opinion remains divided over the best approach to protecting the river. The only area of agreement seems to be that drought will return – as nature intended.

Murray-Darling basing plan on the skids: Joyce

18 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 18 April 2012 | PAGE 9 | Murray plan on the skids: Joyce

The Coalition’s water spokesman, Barnaby Joyce, said the Murray-Darling basin reforms appeared to be doomed after three states rejected proposals to shift 2750 gigalitres of water to the environment.

Last-minute submissions flood Murray-Darling plan

17 April 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 17 April 2012 | PAGE 12 | Rush for the Murray-Darling

More than 500 last-minute submissions were received on Monday by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority for its draft plan, the final day of public input.

Large residential developers slam green tape

17 April 2012 | Ben Hurley

PRINT: 17 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Large residential developers slam green tape

Some of the country’s largest developers say “green tape” from the Gillard government is adding millions of dollars to crucial housing projects.

Haggling persists on Murray-Darling water quotas

16 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 16 April 2012 | PAGE 6 | Haggling persists on Murray quotas

Victoria and NSW are resisting calls for more water for the Murray-Darling Basin and South Australia claims the upstream states will try to flout the rules.

Overlap in environmental legislation continues

14 April 2012 | Ben Hurley

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 8 | Overlap in legislation persists

Western Australia’s LandCorp won a Federal Court case against the office of Environment Minister Tony Burke recently over a big property project. This uncomfortable overlap between state and federal environmental legislation was one of many factors compelling Prime Minister Julia Gillard to address development assessments at COAG meetings this week.

Green tape shackles tower

14 April 2012 | Robert Harley

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 3 | Green tape ties down tower

The federal government could block an apartment tower project in the heart of Parramatta because the top of the tower would be seen from a World Heritage listed site almost a kilometre away.

Katter accuses LNP of reef seachange

13 April 2012 |

The Queensland government's apparent support for changes to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area contradicts statements made during the election campaign, Katter's Australian Party says.

Green groups reeling from reef redraw push

13 April 2012 |

Environmentalists are still reeling from the Queensland government's support for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to be redrawn.

Govt not bleeding mining dry: minister

13 April 2012 |

Environment Minister Tony Burke says the closure of a BHP mine in Queensland isn't a sign the federal government is bleeding too much money from miners.

For some, water plan won’t wash

13 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 13 April 2012 | PAGE 5 | For some, water plan won’t wash

Murray-Darling Basin Authority chairman Craig Knowles says that some towns and houses might need to be moved if the volumes of water needed for the river system are delivered to wetlands and floodplains.

Gillard to reach out to business

12 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 12 April 2012 | PAGE 4 | Gillard to reach out to business

Prime Minister Julia Gillard will on Thursday unveil plans to streamline ­federal and state environmental approvals that have been urged by business at an historic COAG advisory forum.

WA reefs under oil and gas threat: WWF

11 April 2012 |

One of the world's healthiest marine environments will be threatened by a major oil and gas drilling program just 10 kilometres off Western Australia's pristine Rowley Shoals, conservationists say.

Demographics point to Labor bloodbath

10 April 2012 | John Black

PRINT: 10 April 2012 | PAGE 53 | Demographics point to Labor bloodbath

If the result of the Queensland state election is any guide, the first week or so after the next federal election should provide some interesting lessons in life for Labor’s caucus members.

Crowd numbers sink at last Murray Darling meeting

03 April 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 03 April 2012 | PAGE 10 | Canberra expects river writs

Crowd numbers were down at Tuesday’s Murray Darling Basin Authority meeting in Adelaide – the last public gathering to discuss how much water to return to the river system.

Last chance for word on Murray Darling

03 April 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 03 April 2012 | PAGE 7 | Last chance for word on Murray Darling

Hundreds of people are expected to fill the Adelaide Convention Centre on Tuesday for the last Murray Darling Basin Authority draft plan public meeting before submissions close on April 16.

Hazzard takes on massive rebuilding exercise

27 March 2012 | Robert Harley

PRINT: 27 March 2012 | PAGE 53 | Hazzard takes on massive rebuilding exercise

NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard says becoming minister one year ago was like stepping into “ground zero” of a system that was “corrupt from top to bottom”.

Rio’s bauxite approval shipwrecked

23 March 2012 | Matthew Stevens

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 42 | Bauxite approval shipwrecked

Protecting the Barrier Reef from the ravages of modernity is a quest hard to fault, but you need to get your facts right.

Coal seam gas experts get to work in July

22 March 2012 |

An expert panel to advise governments on coal seam gas and coal mining projects will be formally established by July 1 to provide advice on the coal seam gas industry and undertake bioregional assessments.

Rio at mercy of reef reminder

22 March 2012 | Jamie Freed

PRINT: 22 March 2012 | PAGE 30 | Rio at mercy of reef reminder

Rio Tinto will have “only [itself] to blame” if construction at its $US1.5 billion South of Embley project is delayed due to a longer approvals process than anticipated, says federal Environment Minister Tony Burke.

Rio at mercy of reef reminder

22 March 2012 | Jamie Freed

PRINT: 22 March 2012 | PAGE 25 | Rio at mercy of reef reminder

Rio Tinto will have “only [itself] to blame” if construction at its $US1.5 billion South of Embley bauxite project is delayed due to a longer approvals process than it initially anticipated, says federal Environment Minister Tony Burke.

Mining industry right to feel nervous

19 March 2012 | Perry Williams

PRINT: 19 March 2012 | PAGE 19 | Mining industry right to be feeling nervous

If threats to disrupt coal expansion seemed far fetched, the decision to back-track on Rio Tinto’s proposed bauxite mine will ring alarm bells.

Rio Tinto rocked by shipping review decision

17 March 2012 | Jamie Freed

PRINT: 17 March 2012 | PAGE 8 | Rio Tinto rocked by shipping review decision

Rio Tinto is seeking an urgent meeting with Environment Minister Tony Burke over his decision to consider the potential shipping impact on the Great Barrier Reef of its plan to build a $US1.5 billion ($1.4 billion) bauxite mine in northern Queensland.

Rio’s Cape York mine expansion reassessed

16 March 2012 |

Updated | Resources giant Rio Tinto says it is frustrated and disappointed by the federal government’s decision to reassess its approval of a Cape York bauxite mine expansion.

Australians oppose dumping on reef: Greens

14 March 2012 |

More than 90 per cent of Australians oppose federal government plans to dump dredge spoil in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the Greens say.

Burke delays decision on Abbot Point port

12 March 2012 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

Environment minister Tony Burke has deferred a decision on the controversial expansion of the Abbot Point coal port until the year end, but environmental groups remain concerned.

National briefs

12 March 2012 |

PRINT: 12 March 2012 | PAGE 11 |

Environment minister Tony Burke has deferred a decision on the controversial expansion of the Abbot Point coal port in northern Queensland until the end of the year.

Swan slams coal threat

07 March 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 07 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | Swan slams coal threat

Mining companies are investigating legal options to hit green groups with claims for millions of dollars over plans to use litigation to delay coalmines and infrastructure projects.

Business outraged by anti-coal campaign

06 March 2012 | Marcus Priest

Major business groups have reacted angrily to revelations green groups are planning a massive co-ordinated campaign against proposed coal projects.

Burke defends reef protection

05 March 2012 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 05 March 2012 | PAGE 7 | Burke backs reef protection

A delegation from UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee is to visit the export ports of Gladstone and Mackay this week.

Gillard wins out on Carr move

03 March 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 03 March 2012 | PAGE 5 | PM wins out with Carr move

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has asserted her authority over her government by appointing former NSW premier Bob Carr as her Foreign Minister and rewarding her closest supporters in a reshuffle which eschewed major retribution to backers of Kevin Rudd in the interests of government stability.

PM not in control of cabinet: Hockey

02 March 2012 |

The "games" behind the current cabinet reshuffle show Prime Minister Julia Gillard is not in control of her cabinet, the opposition says.

Gillard under attack over reshuffle

29 February 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 5 | Gillard under attack over reshuffle

Prime Minister Julia Gillard was on Wednesday forced to defend her authority over the party amid messy manoeuvring around a cabinet reshuffle that might have involved former NSW premier Bob Carr.

Ministers, not faceless men, driving this campaign

25 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 25 February 2012 | PAGE 6 | Ministers not faceless men

Wayne Swan is leading a small group of cabinet ministers co-ordinating Julia Gillard’s campaign to retain the prime ministership, while Kevin Rudd is relying on advice from long-time Labor strategist Bruce Hawker.

Staying on the sidelines no option

24 February 2012 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 6 | Staying on the sidelines no option

Team Rudd will try to win over the Labor caucus by convincing them of their man’s popularity with the electorate, while Team Gillard is confident it will win Monday’s ballot on the basis of her popularity with her colleagues.

Gillard seeks to bury Rudd

24 February 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Gillard seeks to bury Rudd

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and outgoing foreign minister Kevin Rudd have deployed markedly different tactics as they barrel towards a leadership challenge on Monday that threatens to further shake business confidence and undermine Labor’s standing with voters.

Minister reject return to ‘chaotic’ Rudd

24 February 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Ministers reject return to ‘chaotic’ era

The government led by former Prime ­Minister Kevin Rudd was dysfunctional – fraught with tantrums, indecision and erratic behaviour, according to at least eight Labor ministers who are determined not to return to the old regime.

A bird’s-eye view from the backbench

23 February 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 7 | A bird’s-eye view from the sidelines

It was a day of high farce and much confusion. The first many Labor backbenchers heard of Kevin Rudd’s decision to resign as foreign minister and go to the backbench was from journalists calling for their reaction.

Caucus shows support for PM

23 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Caucus shows support for PM

Many of Julia Gillard’s supporters in the Labor caucus adopted a conciliatory tone towards Kevin Rudd , praising his work as foreign minister but vowing to vote against him.

Treasurer attacks ‘selfish’ Rudd

23 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Treasurer attacks ‘selfish’ Rudd

Treasurer Wayne Swan launched a blistering attack against his Queensland colleague Kevin Rudd, accusing him of “dysfunctional” decision making, demeaning colleagues, sabotaging the government and undermining Julia Gillard at “every turn”.

‘Tiny voice’ challenges Olympic Dam approval

22 February 2012 | Luke Forrestal

PRINT: 22 February 2012 | PAGE 11 | ‘Tiny voice’ challenges dam approval

Aboriginal elder Kevin Buzzacott has filed an application in the Federal Court in a bid to block the giant expansion of BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia.

National briefs

01 February 2012 |

PRINT: 01 February 2012 | PAGE 8 |

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has rejected a plan by the Victorian government to graze 400 cattle in the Alpine National Park as part of an investigation of fuel and bushfire risk management.

Cattle banned from Alpine National Park

31 January 2012 |

The federal government isn't concerned about any legal challenge the Victorian government might pursue after it banned cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park.

Group seeks protection for Cape from mining

31 January 2012 |

An environmental group is pleading with the federal government to put an emergency heritage listing on parts of Cape York Peninsula subject to mining proposals.

Get over Rudd, Crean tells MPs

31 January 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 31 January 2012 | PAGE 3 | Get over Rudd, Crean tells MPs

Updated | Senior cabinet minister Simon Crean has sounded the clearest warning yet to fellow Labor MPs not to return to the leadership of Kevin Rudd, saying that as prime minister he was not a team player.

Independents want priority in gas probe

28 January 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 28 January 2012 | PAGE 4 | Independents want priority in gas probe

Projects proposed by AGL, Shenhua and BHP Billiton might be hit by new assessments of how coal and coal seam gas projects affect water reserves.

Cost recovery upset

13 January 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 13 January 2012 | PAGE 6 | Cost recovery attacked

Property developers and the resources sector are unhappy with a plan to charge for projects that have to be approved under federal environment laws, despite widespread concern about assessment timeframes.

Labor ploy to sideline Greens

12 January 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 12 January 2012 | PAGE 4 | Labor ploy to sideline Greens

Labor has sought a deal with the ­Coalition to overhaul national environment laws to cut approval times and duplication with the states, a move that will sideline the Greens as the Gillard government distances itself from its alliance partner.

Water entitlement prices fall 15pc on basin plan

20 December 2011 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 20 December 2011 | PAGE 7 | Water entitlement prices fall 15pc on basin plan

The price of water entitlements has dropped 15 per cent in some regions after the release of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s draft plan for the river system and the government’s plan to scale back purchases.

Rejecting Murray-Darling plan no solution: Knowles

15 December 2011 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 16 December 2011 | PAGE 5 | Griffith hostile to water plan

Irrigation communities have been told their rejection of a draft plan for the Murray-Darling Basin will not solve the problems of Australia’s largest river system.

National briefs

13 December 2011 |

PRINT: 13 December 2011 | PAGE 13 |

More than 7000 public servants in WA will share in regional allowances of $65.7 million, WA Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls said yesterday.

Community keen to execute Murray-Darling plan

08 December 2011 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 08 December 2011 | PAGE 9 | Community keen to execute Murray-Darling plan

Irrigators and community members from St George district have grilled Water Minister Tony Burke and Murray-Darling Basin Authority chairman Craig Knowles .

Basin plan satisfies no one

06 December 2011 | Josephine Kelly

PRINT: 06 December 2011 | PAGE 55 | Basin plan satisfies

The release of the draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan is likely to cause Water Minister Tony Burke and the Gillard government serious pain.

Taken for ride on rivers of gold

03 December 2011 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 03 December 2011 | PAGE 53 | Taken for a ride on the rivers of gold

Since former prime minister John Howard vowed to save the Murray River in 2007, billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on water to little use.

Labor dons dunce cap in rent plan

01 December 2011 | Robert Harley

PRINT: 01 December 2011 | PAGE 47 | Labor dons dunce cap in draft rent platform

The Labor Party is poised to make rent control part of its national platform.

Murray-Darling moaners

30 November 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 30 November 2011 | PAGE 62 | Murray-Darling moaners

As Tony Abbott says, there are billions of dollars in waste embedded in the federal budget.

Coalition keeps options open, on Murray-Darling

30 November 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 30 November 2011 | PAGE 6 | Libs keep minds open

Federal Coalition members in seats in the Murray-Darling basin are critical of the plan to return water to the river system but have not ruled out supporting it next year.

Farmers and environmentalists hit back at water scheme

29 November 2011 | Jason Murphy

Water Minister Tony Burke got a suspicious reaction from farmers and environmentalists in rural Victoria as he began the tough job of selling the government’s plan to revitalise the Murray River system.

River plan no real fix

29 November 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 29 November 2011 | PAGE 1 | River plan no real fix

Proposed water reductions for the Murray-Darling basin are highly unlikely to meet environmental targets set for the river system but could have a significant impact on small towns in the region.

Call to mend divisions over river plan

28 November 2011 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 28 November 2011 | PAGE 1 | Call to mend divisions over river plan

Murray-Darling Basin Authority chairman Craig Knowles has urged state governments to end the tug-of-war over the river system.

Water, water everywhere

26 November 2011 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 26 November 2011 | PAGE 1 | Plenty of water, some to spare

After spending $1.7 billion building up water reserves for the environment, the federal government is considering selling it back to farmers at cheap prices.

Murray-Darling plan switches to irrigation

25 November 2011 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 25 November 2011 | PAGE 24 | Murray plan switches to irrigation

The focus of the $9 billion Murray-Darling water reforms will shift from water buybacks to upgrading irrigation infrastructure.

Gillard digs in to push mining tax through

23 November 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 23 November 2011 | PAGE 13 | PM digs in to push levy through

The Gillard government reached agreement with the Greens late on Tuesday night to push the mining tax through the House of Representatives.

Murray-Darling Basin water: green target ‘impossible’

22 November 2011 |

PRINT: 22 November 2011 | PAGE 12 | Basin water: green target

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority warns it is physically impossible to deliver the water volumes down the system that green groups say are required.

Coalition towns may be hung out to dry

19 November 2011 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 19 November 2011 | PAGE 4 | Coalition towns may be hung out to dry

Towns in Coalition-held seats are most vulnerable to proposed reductions in water for farming that will be detailed soon by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.

CSG hurdles halt resource tax progress

18 November 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 18 November 2011 | PAGE 13 | CSG hurdles halt resource tax progress

Tougher regulation of coal seam gas and coal have emerged as the focus of intense negotiations to secure crossbench support for the government’s mining tax.

Power sector seeks carbon certainty

14 November 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 14 November 2011 | PAGE 8 | Power industry seeks certainty

The power industry is pressing for investment certainty in the energy sector following the passage of Labor’s carbon scheme.

In Brief

05 November 2011 |

PRINT: 05 November 2011 | PAGE 8 |

Federal Water Minister Tony Burke has warned all interested parties that none of them is likely to get all they want in the Murray-Darling Basin draft plan.

In brief

22 October 2011 |

PRINT: 22 October 2011 | PAGE 6 |

The Australian Taxation Office is appealing a court loss against Macquarie Group over a $95 million tax bill.

No savings rise by halving tax

18 October 2011 | Katie Walsh

PRINT: 18 October 2011 | PAGE 4 | No savings rise by halving tax

The proposed 50 per cent tax discount on interest income is capped at such a low level it is unlikely to dramatically increase savings, banks have warned, signalling a likely increase in compliance costs.

Pokies industry precommits $40m to see MPs lose

14 October 2011 | Pamela Williams

PRINT: 14 October 2011 | PAGE 1 | Pokies industry precommits $40m to see MPs lose

The powerful triumvirate of clubs, casinos and hotels campaigning against poker machine reforms has more than doubled its spending power as it prepares to escalate hostilities.

Green light for Olympic Dam

11 October 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 11 October 2011 | PAGE 1 | Green light for Olympic Dam

BHP Billiton has received environmental approvals for the world’s biggest mining expansion at the Olympic Dam copper and uranium mine in South Australia.

BHP’s Olympian strategy

11 October 2011 | Tony Boyd

PRINT: 11 October 2011 | PAGE 64 | BHP’s Olympian strategy

BHP Billiton chief executive Marius Kloppers now has within his sights the $27 billion expansion of the world’s fourth largest ore body at Olympic Dam.

BHP gets Olympic Dam nod

10 October 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

BHP Billiton’s $US20 billion expansion of Olympic Dam has passed a major milestone after receiving key state and federal environmental approvals.

National briefs

10 October 2011 |

PRINT: 10 October 2011 | PAGE 7 |

Victims of the Queensland floods and other natural disasters are set for a tax reprieve under changes proposed by Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten.

Rental scheme nears dwelling target

05 October 2011 | Nick Lenaghan

PRINT: 05 October 2011 | PAGE 53 | Rental scheme nears dwelling target

The federal government is closing in on its target to create 50,000 privately-owned dwellings that will be leased out at below-market rents.

Priority put on affordable rents

04 October 2011 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 04 October 2011 | PAGE 11 | Priority put on affordable rents

The federal government will build 17,000 more properties, mainly in flood-ravaged Queensland, as part of a $15 billion investment to boost rental affordability.

Chevron approves $29bn LNG project

26 September 2011 | Peter Kerr

PRINT: 27 September 2011 | PAGE 16 | Chevron approves $29bn LNG project

US energy major Chevron has sanctioned a $29 billion investment in its Wheatstone liquefied natural gas project in Western Australia.

Cowley’s cunning: How he got $9m out of Canberra

24 September 2011 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 24 September 2011 | PAGE 47 | Cowley’s cunning

It’s hard to believe. A company owned by News Ltd gets a big grant from the government and plans the biggest carbon farm in the world.

Valuer says he can’t see the rainfall for the trees

24 September 2011 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 24 September 2011 | PAGE 7 | Valuer says he can’t see the rainfall for the trees

Property valuers have questioned whether the federal government paid too much when it gave $9 million to a company, whose single largest shareholder is a News Corp subsidiary, to buy a cattle station.

ACCC chief defends link to Murdoch

23 September 2011 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 23 September 2011 | PAGE 20 | ACCC chief defends link to Murdoch

Competition regulator Rod Sims has a stake of about $1 million in a carbon farming company whose largest single shareholder is a News Corp subsidiary.

Canberra approves Chevron’s $25bn LNG project

22 September 2011 | Perry Williams

PRINT: 23 September 2011 | PAGE 51 | Canberra approves Chevron’s $25bn LNG project

US energy major Chevron is set to sanction investment in its $25 billion Wheatstone LNG project after the federal government gave environmental approval.

Woodside ‘listening’ on Browse LNG

19 September 2011 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

PRINT: 19 September 2011 | PAGE 16 | Woodside ‘listening’ on Browse LNG

Doubts have emerged about the commitment of Woodside Petroleum’s new CEO to pursue the Kimberley processing option for the Browse LNG project.

Murray-Darling water plans open to change

16 September 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 16 September 2011 | PAGE 11 | Water plans are flexible

A preliminary plan by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to buy about 2800 gigalitres a year of water has upset conservation groups.

Gunns will get more for logging rights

07 September 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 07 September 2011 | PAGE 18 | Gunns will get more for logging rights

The Tasmanian government is preparing to lift the cap on compensation for Gunns to hand back its native forest logging rights after the timber company refused to accept the original offer.

Gillard: I’m not going anywhere

03 September 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 03 September 2011 | PAGE 3 | Gillard: I’m not going anywhere

Cabinet ministers say a Labor leadership challenge is not imminent, but there are signs MPs fear they may have to choose a new leader early next year to prevent an electoral rout.

Housing shortage will turn dire by 2020

01 September 2011 | Scott Elliott

PRINT: 01 September 2011 | PAGE 6 | Housing shortage will turn dire by 2020

Australia faces a critical housing shortage of more than 500,000 dwellings by the end of this decade, prompting industry groups to call for major reforms to the sector.

Environmentalists target financiers

01 September 2011 | Peter Kerr

PRINT: 01 September 2011 | PAGE 16 | Environmentalists target financiers

Environmental groups are targeting Woodside’s financiers and its potential customers in a bid to derail the $35 billion James Price Point LNG venture.

Browse LNG site escapes Kimberley listing

31 August 2011 | Peter Kerr

Woodside Petroleum’s planned $35 billion liquefied natural gas project in Western Australia remains on regulatory track, after the federal government excluded the coastline near the contentious project from a heritage listing.

Arrests as protesters block Woodside convoy

26 August 2011 |

Protesters have clashed with police and at least one person has been arrested at the site of a proposed gas hub near Broome.

Miners, developers welcome environment law changes

25 August 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 25 August 2011 | PAGE 5 | Red tape cut in new green law

Industry could be forced to pay for federal environmental approvals but has been promised less red tape under reforms announced by the Environment Minister.

Kimberley heritage listing in firing line

24 August 2011 | Peter Kerr

PRINT: 24 August 2011 | PAGE 10 | Kimberley heritage listing in firing line

WA’s mining industry will make a last ditch plea for the federal government to delay a decision on a heritage listing for the Kimberley region.

Federal environment law overhaul

22 August 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 22 August 2011 | PAGE 6 | Shake-up for federal environment laws

Commonwealth environment laws will be amended to cut duplication and make it easier to delegate federal power to approve developments to state authorities.

National briefs

15 August 2011 |

PRINT: 15 August 2011 | PAGE 8 |

The federal government is facing calls to extend Medicare benefits to thousands of community-based asylum seekers.

Cockatoos give builders the bird

13 August 2011 | Jonathan Barrett

PRINT: PAGE 55 | Cockatoos give builders the bird

Developers are frustrated with the slow-moving bureaucracy associated with protecting wildlife habitats.

War in the Kimberley covers classic ground

06 August 2011 | Peter Kerr

PRINT: 06 August 2011 | PAGE 51 | Tony Burke in the centre of this argument

Big Oil v green: Environmental push is fast coming to developmental shove at James Price Point and decisions will soon have to be made.

Inspectors allowed to visit reef after UN rebuke

05 August 2011 |

Updated | The Gillard government will allow an international monitoring team to inspect conservation standards on the Great Barrier Reef after receiving an embarrassing rebuke from the United Nations’ environmental arm.

Canberra wades in with Murray-Darling buyback

04 August 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 04 August 2011 | PAGE 9 | Canberra wades in with Murray-Darling buyback

The federal government will resume buying water from farmers amid concern at the time taken by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to finalise a plan.

Coal seam gas: follow the money

23 July 2011 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 23 July 2011 | PAGE 10 | Coal seam gas: follow the money

Maverick Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce asked a question at the Senate coal seam gas inquiry this week that went to the heart of the heart of the issue.

Axe falls on Gunns payout

22 July 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 22 July 2011 | PAGE 44 | Axe falls

Gunns, which less than a year ago looked likely to get $200 million for quitting native forest logging in Tasmania, could end up with less than half that.

Briefs

29 June 2011 |

PRINT: 29 June 2011 | PAGE 4 |

Perth will get a new multi-purpose stadium on the Burswood Peninsula with the capacity to seat 60,000 people. It will be the home ground for the state’s two AFL teams.

Inpex gets approval for Ichthys LNG project

28 June 2011 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

Japan’s Inpex secured government environmental approval for its $US25 billion Ichthys liquefied natural gas project in northern Australia, shortly after signing sales agreements for more than half the output.

Inpex locks in gas buyers for Ichthys

25 June 2011 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

PRINT: 25 June 2011 | PAGE 14 | Inpex locks in gas buyers for Ichthys

Inpex has removed one of the major uncertainties hanging over its planned $25 billion Ichthys liquefied natural gas venture in northern Australia.

Logging deal near but not yet

25 June 2011 | John Kerin

PRINT: 25 June 2011 | PAGE 11 | Deal on logging near but not yet

A draft industry and green group deal to end nearly all old growth logging in Tasmanian forests was sent out to the media in error.

Milestone for Ichthys project

25 June 2011 |

PRINT: 25 June 2011 | PAGE 3 | Milestone for Ichthys project

Japanese oil producer Inpex has agreed to sell about $70 billion of liquefied natural gas from its proposed Ichthys project in Darwin.

Unions, green groups in forestry peace deal

23 June 2011 |

The signatories to Tasmania's historic forestry peace deal have struck an agreement to end decades of dispute between environmentalists and loggers.

Burke sinks Hummock Hill development

23 June 2011 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 23 June 2011 | PAGE 12 | Barrier Reef

The federal government has knocked back a $950 million development within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area that had been approved at state level.

Comeback Kev has time on his side

20 June 2011 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 20 June 2011 | PAGE 55 | Comeback Kev has time on his side

Latham | Have no doubt: former PM Kevin Rudd is waging a comeback campaign with a direct appeal to Australian voters.

Gunns’ mill awaits forests breakthrough

17 June 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 17 June 2011 | PAGE 47 | Gunns mill awaits forests breakthrough

The 30-year-long conflict over logging old growth forests in Tasmania is on the verge of being resolved, with Canberra poised to commit to the deal early next week.

Companies briefs

08 June 2011 |

PRINT: 08 June 2011 | PAGE 50 |

Gold junior Troy Resources has declared a fully franked interim dividend of 4¢ as it reaps pre-tax margins from its Casposo mine in Argentina.

Burke delays decision on Ichthys LNG approval

07 June 2011 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has delayed a ruling on the final environmental clearance for Inpex’s $US25 billion Ichthys liquefied natural gas project, which was due to be released on Wednesday.

Murray water project given $86.7m

06 June 2011 |

PRINT: 06 June 2011 | PAGE 9 | Murray water project given $86.7m

The South Australian and federal governments will spend $86.7 million to cut evaporative losses from the River Murray in an area from the Victorian border to Wellington.

Water Act flawed irrigators tell Senate inquiry

18 May 2011 |

Law governing water management in the Murray-Darling Basin is constitutionally flawed, irrigators have told a Senate inquiry.

Companies briefs

18 May 2011 |

PRINT: 18 May 2011 | PAGE 50 |

ConocoPhillips and partner Karoon Gas have been forced to modify their planned two-year drilling campaign off the far northwest coast.

Population plan fails the test

17 May 2011 |

PRINT: 17 May 2011 | PAGE 54 | Population plan

The sustainable population report, which was released last week, is a mishmash of happy snaps, modest but vague programs, and woolly rhetoric.

Property briefs

16 May 2011 |

PRINT: 16 May 2011 | PAGE 49 |

RW Stidwill Constructions has snared the 2011 Housing Industry Association/CSR Australian Home of the Year award with a waterfront home on Scotland Island, NSW.

Don’t mention the money

14 May 2011 |

PRINT: 14 May 2011 | PAGE 12 | Don’t mention the money

The Prince has always believed that the critical point, when making a budget speech, is to avoid any reference to finance.

Population strategy slammed

14 May 2011 | John Kerin

PRINT: 14 May 2011 | PAGE 11 | Population strategy slammed

The opposition has slammed the Gillard government’s new population policy as little more than a “cut and paste” of previous announcements.

Departure could split Murray-Darling policy

13 May 2011 |

PRINT: 13 May 2011 | PAGE 7 | departure could split murray-darling policy

The embattled chief executive of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority stepped down yesterday, which could affect the shape of its water use plan.

Migration intake to spark rows

10 May 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 10 May 2011 | PAGE 8 | Migration

The federal budget looks set to re-ignite arguments over migration as the government prepares to accept more overseas workers to support the resources boom.

Long-term jobless forced back to work

10 May 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 10 May 2011 | PAGE 6 | Budget to force long-term jobless back to work

Treasurer Wayne Swan is to force the long-term jobless to re-engage with employers or lose their benefits, as Labor braces for a fight over its budget deficits.

Woodside hails landmark native title deal

07 May 2011 | Natalie Gerritsen

PRINT: 07 May 2011 | PAGE 8 | Woodside hails major native title deal

Aboriginal people in the Kimberley have approved Woodside’s $30 billion Browse gas hub after securing a significant increase in benefits from the project.

Woodside gets Browse native title approval

06 May 2011 | Natalie Gerritsen

Outgoing Woodside chief executive Don Voelte has called the landmark native title approval of the $30 billion Browse gas hub the highlight of his career.

Green groups concerned about oil spills off WA

06 May 2011 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

Areas close to the southwest coast of Australia will still be at risk of damage from oil spills under the federal government’s latest proposals for marine sanctuaries, according to environmental groups.

Full steam ahead for giant projects

13 April 2011 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

PRINT: 12 April 2011 | PAGE 44 | Full steam ahead for giant projects

Momentum is building behind the next wave of LNG projects in the north-west, with Japan’s Inpex aiming to get environmental clearance for its Ichthys venture.

Gunns not fazed by mill review

06 April 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 06 April 2011 | PAGE 44 | Gunns not fazed by mill review

Gunns chief executive Greg L’Estrange has brushed off concerns that a proposed review of the Bell Bay pulp mill could delay his plans to find a development partner and start building by August 31.

Chance for new leaders to trust in planning

31 March 2011 | Robert Harley

PRINT: 31 March 2011 | PAGE 45 | Chance for new leaders to develop trust in planning

The new Liberal premiers, Ted Baillieu and Barry O’Farrell, could revolutionise property development.

Skills suffer as migrant intake dives

30 March 2011 | Adrian Rollins

PRINT: 30 March 2011 | PAGE 1 | Skills suffer as migrant intake dives

A record slump in migration has caused the nation’s population growth to slow to its weakest pace in four years, exacerbating labour shortage concerns.

Developers push for bigger cities

29 March 2011 | Ben Hurley

PRINT: 29 March 2011 | PAGE 48 | Developers push for bigger cities

The federal government has been urged to embrace bigger cities in a report that warns that house prices could fall by almost 20 per cent in some capitals if population caps were imposed.

Labor in a Right mess

23 March 2011 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 23 March 2011 | PAGE 53 | Labor in a Right mess

As NSW Labor has descended into the mire, in Canberra, the party’s federal counterparts are doing their upmost to rise above the muck.

Labor on the endangered species list

22 March 2011 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 22 March 2011 | PAGE 1 | Labor on the endangered species list

NSW Labor is set for a historic defeat, but beyond the inevitability of an ALP shellacking lies the bigger question of whether the party has entered a period of long-term decline.

Company briefs

19 March 2011 |

PRINT: 19 March 2011 | PAGE 18 |

Rio Tinto has boosted its stake in takeover target Riversdale Mining to 33.04 per cent from 30.59 per cent. The offer for the Mozambique coal developer is set to expire on April 1, unless extended, while a bump in the offer price to $16.50 from $16 is contingent on Rio gaining majority control by March 23.Jamie Freed

A feast for saints and winners

18 March 2011 |

PRINT: 18 March 2011 | PAGE 38 | A feast for saints and winners

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott indulged in their annual St Patricks day comedy fest yesterday at a Sydney lunch.

Julia stumbles at home

12 March 2011 | David Crowe Chief political correspondent

PRINT: 12 March 2011 | PAGE 27 | . . . but stumblES at HOME

The campaign to sell Julia Gillard’s carbon tax has reached such a low that even members of the sales team are voicing doubts about their strategy.

Ministers defend taking policy public

11 March 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 11 March 2011 | PAGE 17 | Ministers defend taking policy public

Federal Labor ministers have hit back at criticism of their political strategy on climate change by insisting that their mission to impose a price on carbon would have been much harder if they had waited to finalise more details before announcing their plans.

Carbon raids to raise heat on business

11 March 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 11 March 2011 | PAGE 1 | Carbon raids to raise heat on business

Businesses will be hit with random audits by the federal government as it tries to verify their greenhouse gas emissions before it introduces a carbon price next year.

Gunns gets green light for $2.3bn pulp mill

10 March 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 11 March 2011 | PAGE 47 | Gunns gets green light for $2.3bn mill

Updated | Gunns will step up negotiations with a possible equity partner in hopes of securing finance as soon as possible for its planned $2.3 billion pulp mill in Bell Bay after gaining its final environmental permits.

Gunns still seeking investors; UPM reportedly out

10 March 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

Updated | Timber company Gunns has come out of trading halt, saying it remains in talks with possible equity investors in its proposed Tasmanian pulp mill project after winning final environmental approvals.