Goodness! A bright burst of inspiration this week.

Geraldton’s annual Festival of science, sustainability and innovation will bring a burst of inspiration this week. Each day this week there are fascinating opportunities for all ages to participate, with tickets still available for most events. The best value way to participate in Goodness is through a Festival Ticket which are $50.

Events for the whole family include the Geraldton AstroFest on Wednesday night and CoderDojo coding training for kidsat the Geraldton Universities Centre on Saturday the 22nd, and the Leaning Tree Spring Fair on Sunday.

Here are some highlights…with full details at the Goodness Festival website.

Wednesday 19th August

AstroFest
Geraldton AstroFest at Geraldton Grammar School and Geraldton Astronomy Group invite families to an evening of awe and wonder, gazing at the stars and learning more about our universe from local gurus and international experts. RSVP here.

Thursday 20th August

Future of Funding
In one place at one time funders, philanthropists and futurists will help NFPs and community organisations be more strategic and creative about their fundraising.There is no better investment for NFPs funding future than attending this forum. Book now.

Friday 21st August

Future of Nature What's the Future of Nature? This THURSDAY join academics and conservationists to discuss trends in biodiversity, fisheries, business and philanthropy in Geraldton. Book now.

Digital Education This event will be relevant to any professionals in education or training and will highlight the big picture and lessons learned from international programs, as well as showcase local initiatives and opportunities to develop digital content and skills, especially for young people and students. Book Now.

GeroSoup In one night you will hear 6 presentations and 6 pitches from inspirational locals and visiting experts. Join passionate people, contribute to inspired conversations, and drink a the ‘Star Bar’ with all proceeds going directly to more ‘Goodness’ in our community. Book Now.

Goodness Festival is proudly supported by City of Greater Geraldton Community Grants Program and Inspiring Australia as part of National Science Week.

Apply for new aged care places

Applications for the Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) opened today, with existing and prospective providers of Australian Government-funded aged care across Durack encouraged to apply.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said there will be 10,940 residential aged care places and 6,045 home care places allocated across Australian through the 2015 ACAR.

This includes 1,260 residential aged care places and 438 home care places across WA.

“The ACAR will deliver more residential aged care places and home care places to help further meet demand for aged care,” Ms Price said.

“This round continues to expand the Home Care Packages Programme, giving people more options to live independently in their home, with more choice and flexibility over the services they receive.

“In recognition of community need for home care places for people with more complex care needs, the Australian Government is releasing 1,729 more Level 3 and Level 4 home care places than the 2014 ACAR—an increase of 45 per cent.

“Up to $67 million in capital grants will also be offered as part of the 2015 ACAR, under the Rural, Regional and Other Special Needs Building Fund.

“These grants encourage greater investment in areas of high need, with $11.5 million allocated to support access to residential aged care for older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.”

For more information on the 2015 ACAR, including information on how to apply, please visit dss.gov.au/2015ACAR.

All applications must be received by 11:59pm (AEST) Friday 25 September 2015.

Leaning Tree Community School Spring Fair

In its third year, the Leaning Tree Community School Spring Fair is a celebration of the student's creativity, community, and fun.  From 10am to 2pm on Sunday 23 August, the grounds of Leaning Tree will be full of creative activities and homemade treats. Join in at the make-your-own bunting stall or decorate a gingerbread man. Enjoy fresh made lemonade, devonshire tea, soups, juices and other tasty goods. Try your luck in the raffles with hundreds of dollars worth of prizes donated by the generous Geraldton community. Find a bargain at the white elephant stall and enjoy entertainment including the annual maypole dance.

The school offers guided tours and as an official open day, staff will be available to answer any questions about the school's ethos and quality curriculum.Leaning Tree Community School is a co-educational, independent school, with children attending from Kindergarten to Year 6.  The early years of childhood and parenting are supported with Rainbow Playgroup for children from birth to 4 and their families.

The core value of Leaning Tree Community School is to nurture the whole child.  This means that the school community focuses on the overall well-being of the child including literacy and numeracy, problem solving, friendships, environmental consciousness, nutrition, creativity, nature play and respect and care for self and others.

Shogun Court Promises Spellbinding Kalbarri Performance

Japanese drumming outfit Taiko On will set audience’s hearts racing at the Kalbarri Zest Festival Chamber of Rhetoric performance.

The Kalbarri foreshore is set to transform into the court of a Japanese Shogun during the Kalbarri Zest Festival’s ‘Chamber of Rhetoric’ evening performance on Saturday September 19.

The beach will come alive with music, dance, puppetry and acting as the story of a Shogun unfolds under night skies at the mouth of the Murchison River.

Attendees can bring a gift to pay tribute to the Shogun and proceed from ‘Sally’s Tree’ on the Kalbarri foreshore park at 5.30pm, to Chinaman’s Beach for the free Chamber of Rhetoric performance.

As in previous festivals, the Chamber of Rhetoric will be held by a giant signal fire, lit to remember the Zuytdorp shipwreck that the Zest Festival commemorates, as well the Nhanda country where the shipwreck survivors found themselves stranded.

Kalbarri Zest Festival director Rebecca Millar said the performance was shaping up to be particularly spellbinding.

“This year we have created a court of a Japanese Shogun where everyone has been invited to pay tribute,” she said.

“We’ll have a community procession of objectschosen and created by the community to honour the shogun, which will converge at the mouth of the mighty Murchison River.”

“Here the audience will hold court with the powerful Shogun believed to be the direct descendant from heaven. The performance will tell the story of how the exchange of culture with Europeans and the appreciation of beautiful objects will test the Shogun’s most loyal court officials and change the destinies of two brothers.” 

The performance will also feature Japanese taiko drumming led by musician Simon Vanyai.

Mr Vanyai will conduct taiko drumming workshops for Kalbarri youth in the lead up to the festival, as well as a workshop for everyone on the Zest Festival weekend. Then, during the Saturday night Chamber performance, Mr Vanyai’s musical ensemble Taiko On will set the audience’s hearts racing with the sound of drumming.

This year’s Zest Festival focuses on the cultures of China and Japan in the fourth year of a five-year festival commemorating the 300th anniversary of the sinking of the Dutch East India merchant ship the Zuytdorp on the cliffs north of Kalbarri. It brings together food, art, history, dance, and performance in a two-day celebration of culture.

Zest Festival is funded by the Community Arts Network WA, Catalyst Community Arts Fund and sponsored by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme, which is jointly funded by Royalties for Regions.

The Zest Festival is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

For more information visit the website www.zestfest.com.au.

Shane Van Styn announces he is running for Mayor

Another candidate has announce he is running for the office of Mayor. Current councillor Shane Van Styn has released a letter announcing his candidacy, and he states several reasons for running. 

The full release follows:

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After talking with many people in the last few months I have been encouraged to run for Mayor.

People tell me they are tired of the City not listening to their demands, tired of buck passing and the never ending requests for more rates to cover increasing costs especially for services not seen as the core business of the City. People want someone who will not only listen and talk but also act.

Sure the City is not responsible for law and order but we can advocate harder for increased Police and tougher sentences, even curfews and not just stay out of the law and order debate claiming simply “it is not our responsibility”.

Sure the City is bearing large cost increases but we can work harder in lowering our overall costs and driving economic efficiencies to keep rate rises low. In my businesses I make these decisions every day as I cannot simply keep lifting my prices.

The current field of candidates, have over a long time, either led our City through heavily opposed amalgamation or the subsequent obscene large rates rises or both. The blow out in current City costs results from these decisions made over the years.

I have been working hard as a Councillor to resolve the difficulties we now face and have been a vocal campaigner against the rate rises and costs excesses of the City, but supported worthwhile projects as required.

We need to get back to basics and fix our roads and footpaths, improve street lighting, support our clubs, protect our environment and heritage, support new businesses and provide quality day to day services expected of a large regional City.

We must also not neglect Mullewa and Greenough; areas that are important parts of our City.

I will work tirelessly to restore confidence in the City by continuing the current drive to be a safer, more economically responsible and more commercially attractive City that listens to its residents. I will be a strong advocate for Geraldton even if in areas traditionally not our responsibility.

I ask voters to elect me as their Mayor to set a fresh direction for our City by restoring the community’s confidence in it.

Shane Van Styn

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3 die in car crash on Chapman Rd - driver flees

At around 2.05am this morning, police were called to attend a two car crash on Chapman Road in Glenfield involving a Holden Commodore and Ford Futura.

Both cars were on fire when emergency services officers attended the scene.

Three people were found deceased at the scene. Police say these people are yet to be identified.

It is believed that the crash occurred when the Ford Futura collided with the rear of the Holden Commodore.

The male driver of the Ford Futura and sole occupant of the vehicle left the scene after the crash, but was apprehended by police a short distance away.

He has been conveyed to Geraldton Hospital with unknown injuries.

Major Crash officers will arrive from Perth this morning to carry out further examination of the scene.

Chapman Road is closed between Macedonia Drive and Hagan Road until further notice and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

The Design Studio a Geraldton first

On Monday 17 August, The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes will open its doors in the Moorings Building, offering people a creative, relaxed, fun new space to meet with designers and draftsmen and custom design a new home.

A Geraldton first, The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes is a hub of inspiration for potential home buyers, allowing visitors to take a quiz determining their unique interior style and then giving them the opportunity to flick through sophisticated coffee table books which reflect that style and provide inspiring and unique ideas for the home.

Managing Director Shane Crothers says The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes was a concept the company had been wanting to pursue for a couple of years.

“We wanted to create a space where people felt instantly comfortable and at ease and inspired about building their home,” he said.

“We want people to know we’re excited about helping them put their ideas down on paper, that we’re excited about creating something in their home they haven’t even thought about yet but now can’t imagine living without,” Mr Crothers said.

“Our draftsmen and designers can’t wait for people to bring in their shoebox of newspaper and magazine clippings or see all the Pinterest pins they’ve saved on their phone or iPad.”

Continuing the outstanding level of customer service the largest locally owned and operated home builder has built up over the past 18 years, The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes will be offering its clients a 48 hour turnaround on all plans and quotes – meaning clients will have a sketched plan and a cost estimate back on their custom home within 2 days of meeting with our draftsmen and designers.

The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes will be open from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 12pm on Saturday. Just walk in and say hi to our friendly team today.

Man on the run following fiery crash

Geraldton Police are on the lookout for a man who fled from this wreckage following a pursuit. 

They tweeted a moment ago: 

"Police on the hunt for a man who fled the scene after a pursuit #luckytobealive #6monthsjail #whenwefindhim "

According to witnesses the crash occurred on the corner of Horwood and Edward Rd.  

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

RIVERS

With the recent rains the chapman has had a good flush of fresh water which has washed a lot of big Black Bream from the upper reaches down river and has provided some good sport fishing with fish to the magic 40cm mark taking lures 

THIS 40CM BLUE LIP SMASHED THIS CRANKA CRAB

DAMO PULLED THIS 38ER OUT OF A NICE SNAG CLOSE TO THE BANK

THE FUZE TRIPLETAIL WORKING A TREAT ON ANOTHER SOLID BREAM

ON OF 4 BREAM TAKEN ON THE CRANKA CRAB

ZEREK 70M FLASH MINOWS IRRESISTIBLE TO BREAM

TESTING OUT THE NEW BOOM BOOM BAITS FROM SAMAKI THERE THE REAL DEAL

ANOTHER FLASH MINOW VICTOM

THIS BREAM SMASHED THIS ZEREK FLASH MINOR BEFORE IT COULD HIT THE BOTTOM

DAMO WITH ANOTHER IMPRESIVE BREAM ON THE CRANKA CRAB

TIDES AND WIND

OFFSHORE

Off shore has been quite with the wild weather but those who have braved the element have picked up Dhu fish To 6kg around African and Pensioners bank while Snapper are getting caught 12 mile  NW of town 

BEACHES

Tailor are on the move at the moment with good reports of fish coming from most reef breaks from west bank, South Gates and Separation point, closer to town try Explosives and Dean Street. Whiting have provided anglers with a good feed in recent times with fish coming from the sand gutters from south of Greenough Separation Point and Drummonds 

Mulloway have been reported from Drummonds Buller and Coronations

PATRICK WITH A LOVELY TAILOR CAUGHT ON THE HALCO CIGAR

ANOTHER GREAT FISH FROM PATRICK THIS TIME CAUGHT ON THE HALCO ROOSTER POPPER 26-13-404

THE BREWSTAR GOT A NICE FEED OF WITHTING AND HERRING THE OTHER NIGHT 

FISHERMANS WHARF

Blue Manna Crabs and Squid have been the move in the Harbor.
Big black bream and Cod can be found around the pylons 

Seasport Charters Kalbarri
Specialising in Jigging, Soft Plastics, Live Baiting & Game Fishing
Quality Shimano Rods & Reels
Tackle & Bait Provided
Long Description
0477901445
Email
seasportcharters@bigpond.com

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY
CRAIG WISE
20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA
08 99216822

Vehicle theft at Geraldton Cemetery

The Geraldton Cemetery is asking for the public's assistance following the theft of a ute early this morning. 

This morning between 1.32 and 1.48am a work ute was stolen from the Geraldton Cemetery Compound. It is a 1999, V6 petrol, silver Holden Rodeo DX, aluminium tray-back 2WD.

The two thieves, wearing hoodies, cut through the compound fence, jemmied open the new shed, hot-wired the utility and drove it through the locked compound gates. CCTV footage is being examined and Geraldton Police have been informed. If anyone has any information or spots the utility could they please contact Geraldton Police. This is just another occurrence of ongoing vandalism at Geraldton Cemetery.

Geraldton Police can be contacted on 9923 4555. 

GCC Annual Tournament

The Geraldton Croquet Club Annual Tournament was held from 8th - 11th August 2015. Visitors came from Cambridge, Moorabinda, Dunsborough and Fremantle Croquet Clubs and enjoyed a well-run tournament in Geraldton.

Four competitions were held:

• Golf Croquet Level Play Singles,
• Golf Croquet Handicap Singles,
• Golf Croquet Handicap Doubles, and
• Association Croquet Advanced Handicap Singles.

The Golf Croquet Level Play Singles, Block A was won by Max Woolf pictured below receiving his prize from Club Patron Beryl Scott. The runner up Kay Chynoweth is pictured below (centre) lining up a shot during the competition. At right below is Paul Dodson who came third in Block A.

The Golf Croquet Level Play Singles, Block B was won byMaureen Edwards pictured below, left. Runner-up was Owen Keane pictured receiving his prize from club patron Beryl Scott.

The Golf Croquet Handicap Singles

 Block A was won by Paul Dodson, pictured below, left. The runner up was Brian Hadley pictured at right, below.

Block B was won by Paul Christmass, pictured below, left. The runner up was Eleanor Roberts pictured at right, below.

The Golf Croquet Handicap Doubles was won by Kay Chynoweth and Paul Christmass pictured at left, below. The runners up were John Jury and Margaret Stokes pictured below right.

Photos by Maureen Nanson

The Association Croquet Advanced Handicap Singles was won by Geraldton Croquet Club President, Trevor Hansen, pictured below left. Runner-up was Geraldton Croquet Club Captain Ann Bunter pictured at right, below..

A presentation celebration was held on Saturday evening where the Golf results were announced.There was another presentation for the Association players at an afternoon tea on Tuesday afternoon

The raffle was drawn on Sunday evening. The winners were Maureen Nanson, Laureen Lutz and Paul Dodson. The Geraldton Croquet club is very grateful to the following Geraldton businesses for their generous donations to the raffle which was very successful.

At the presentation the Club President and Club Captain thanked the many people who had worked to make the tournament a success, referees, people who dressed the courts, arranged morning and afternoon teas, fetched and served lunches etc. A special thanks went to Ann Bunter for managing the tournament so well.

Feeling Clucky?

The City of Greater Geraldton is looking for a caring home for 12 chickens for 12 months as part of the Sentinel Chicken Testing Program.

If you live on the urban fringe near a river and can care for the chooks, you get to keep the eggs - and the chickens - after the 12 month testing program ceases; however staff from the City’s Health Department will need access to the flock to take blood samples every fortnight.

The program is used across Australia and internationally to monitor potentially serious mosquito-borne viruses which can be spread to humans.

Testing of chicken serum samples provides early warning of increased Murray Valley Encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus activity in the Geraldton area.

Chickens are used in this program as mosquitos are attracted to them however they do not get ill from the virus and cannot pass it on to humans or other chickens.

The Aborvirus Surveillance and Research Laboratory at the University of WA will provide the 6-9 week old chicks and they will be looking for their new home on October 9.

A fox proof fence with easy human access and separation from other chooks is all that is needed and if you think you could help, contact Emily Mace at the City on 9956 6652.

Seniors support seriously ill

Mid West Charity Begins at Home representatives Amanda Miragliotta and Anne-Maree Hopkinson accept a donation from Seniors Action Group secretary Jean Steer.

Geraldton seniors have pitched in to help people with serious illnesses.

The Seniors Action Group (SAG) has donated $500 to Midwest Charity Begins at Home (MWCBH) to help the charity provide financial relief to the seriously ill.

This year’s donation is the third the group has made to MWCBH.

SAG secretary Jean Steer said the seniors had fundraised at their indoor bowling tournament, which attracted 18 teams from Perth and across the region.

She said SAG was happy to support a charity which helped local people.

“We chose this charity because the money stays in Geraldton,” Ms Steer said.

“We think (the charity) does a great job with the amount of money they raise.

“They provide a great opportunity to help the people of Geraldton.”

MWCBH has helped 166 Mid West families by providing financial relief at a time they need it most.

Most money is raised through a black-tie Gala Dinner, to be held on November 7 this year.

MWCBH spokeswoman Anne-Maree Hopkinson encouraged anyone in the Mid West with a serious illness to apply for financial relief.

“Battling a serious illness is hard enough and money troubles are just an unwanted burden at such a difficult time,” Mrs Hopkinson said.

“We provide money to help people pay their medical bills, to help the family when someone is unable to work, to help cover the costs of having to travel to Perth for treatment.

“Every bit of money raised goes directly to these people so we really appreciate the support of the SAG.”

Find out more by visiting the website and filling in an application form (www.charitybeginsathome.org.au).

MWCBH is also calling on businesses keen on supporting the Gala Dinner to contact them via email at info@charitybeginsathome.org.au.

Cotton On KIDS to open first ever store in Geraldton, WA

Update: This press release from Cotton On originally stated the store would open 18 August. Cotton On apologised for their mistake, and have informed us the store will actually be opening on 18 September. 

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Cotton On KIDS, is excited to announce that it will bring its fashionable, fun and age-appropriate ranges to the community of Geraldton when it opens the doors to its very first store on 18th September 2015.

The new store, which will be housed within the new Cotton On Mega store, comes as a result of strong customer demand for its quality, aspirational and must-have collections at affordable prices.

The Geraldton community will be spoiled for choice with girls and boys apparel, baby apparel, dress ups, accessories, sleep, swim, gifting and bedroom linen and accessories.

“We are thrilled at how well Cotton On KIDS has resonated with the West Australian community and look forward to getting to know all of our new customers in Geraldton,” said Cotton On KIDS General Manager, Natalie McLean.

Customers can expect to find a range of new season styles across all categories when they shop the new Geraldton store including the new and highly-anticipated Activewear range which launches globally on Monday 17th August. 

The concept for the Activewear range was born after Cotton On KIDS Head Buyer, Meaghan Kendall, noticed the global trend of sports luxe becoming part of people’s everyday wardrobes.

“We are excited to be launching our new active range; we know that our customers love the style, fit and price of our everyday apparel, and we’ve incorporated this into the new category. We were inspired by what is trending globally, but we added our famous Cotton On KIDS twist to it – fun, colourful, prints, sparkle for the girls, a bit of attitude for the boys.

“Cotton On KIDS Active range is practical, on-trend and well priced and we hope it encourages kids to play, socialise, create, be active and most importantly just be kids,” Meaghan said.

Visit the new Cotton On KIDS store at 102 Marine Terrace, Geraldton, or find out more information about the brand and current collections at www.cottononkids.com.au.

NACC Board Election

Firearm and ammunition seized during vehicle search

At about 4.30am on Wednesday the 12th of August 2015 Geraldton Police were patrolling Durlacher Street Geraldton when they conducted a traffic stop on a Hyundai sedan.

Police searched the 5 male occupants and the vehicle, it will be alleged an unlicenced air rifle and 2 boxes of air rifle pellets were found in the boot of the vehicle.

The air rifle and pellets were seized by Police and a 26 year old Gosnells male was interviewed in relation to the items seized.

Further inquiries are being conducted and charges are pending the outcome of the inquiries.

Serious assault arrest

On Saturday the 4 th of July 2015 a 45 year old male from Woorree was at a function at the Active West Basketball Stadium in Wonthella.

It will be alleged a 22 year old male from Rangeway approached the 45 year old and the pair began to argue.

Police will further allege the 22 year old punched the victim to the face with enough force to cause multiple fractures to the victim’s jaw.

The victim was flown to Perth and required surgery to have screws and plates inserted in his jaw.

On Tuesday the 11th of August 2015 the male offender was interviewed and charged with Grievous Bodily Harm, he was released on bail to appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on the 3 rd of September 2015. 

Local "Shine" youth program gets massive government grant

Member for Durack Melissa Price is thrilled to announce educational organisation SHINE, which works with young women who are at risk of disengaging from the education system and society, will receive a massive $450,000 over the next three years to improve education among young women in Geraldton. 

SHINE will receive the funding under the Australian Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) grant round. 

A passionate advocate for better education for regional youth, Ms Price said the project would be an excellent boost to young women in Geraldton. 

“SHINE is a unique organisation which not just keeps young women engaged and motivated in school, but builds their self-esteem, confidence and general wellbeing in a great environment,” Ms Price said. 

“The organisation provides a complimentary programme which keeps both Indigenous and non-Indigenous young women in the education system, by offering hands-on training in hairdressing and beauty therapy. 

“Participants visit aged care facilities to do beauty treatments for residents as part of their practical experience.” 

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said the Government’s investment through the IAS grant round had increased from $860 million to $1 billion, with 996 organisations to receive funding for over 1,350 projects throughout Australia. 

“The increased investment through the grant round is the result of the Government honouring its commitment to provide longer funding agreements for important frontline services and ensure that any gaps that emerged as part of the round were filled as quickly as possible,” Minister Scullion said. 

“This increased investment will help deliver on the Government’s key priorities of getting children to school and adults to work and making communities safer.”

City encourages community members to stand for Council

It’s election year and the City of Greater Geraldton is encouraging passionate individuals to come forward and take a stand for Council.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said being part of your local government Council is a great opportunity to work with the community and make a difference.

“Being a Councillor gives everyday people the opportunity to make positive decisions for their community, it’s also a big responsibility because your decisions can affect the community in many positive ways,” he said.

Interested candidates are invited to attend an information session and learn more about Council at a briefing held at the City Civic Centre Function Room on Cathedral Avenue.

The session will commence at 5.30pm on Monday 24 August, 2015.

For further information about becoming a Councillors, visit the City website on www.cgg.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9956 6600.

Australia’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Target

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price today welcomed the Coalition Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so they are 26-28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. 

“This is a responsible and achievable target. It is comparable to the targets of other developed countries and allows our economy and jobs to grow strongly” Ms Price said.                                          

“This target builds on Australia’s excellent record. We met and beat our first Kyoto target and expect to do the same in 2020 through the Government’s Direct Action plan. 

“Australia is making a strong and credible contribution to the international effort to tackle climate change and our emissions intensity and emissions per person will fall further than other developed economies.” 

Australia will halve its emissions per person and reduce these by nearly two-thirds for every dollar of GDP by 2030. 

The Government will meet Australia’s 2030 target through policies built on the successful Direct Action plan, in particular the Emissions Reduction Fund and its Safeguard Mechanism. 

The Emissions Reduction Fund is already achieving significant emissions reductions – with 47 million tonnes contracted at less than $14 per tonne in the first auction alone. 

“There are many additional ways we can reduce emissions, while saving businesses and households money and lifting productivity, Ms Price said. 

“We will prioritise a National Energy Productivity Plan, working with State and Territory governments to improve energy productivity by up to 40 per cent by 2030.” 

We will also examine opportunities for improving the efficiency of vehicles and phasing down of hydrocarbons which are potent synthetic greenhouse gases.

Technology is critical to future emissions reductions efforts. To ensure that we harness this potential, we will develop a low emissions technology roadmap.  We will also develop a strategy to support the uptake and utilisation of solar power and energy efficiency 

The Government will commence work immediately on some measures and review Australia’s emissions reduction policies in detail in 2017-18, in close consultation with businesses and the community. 

“We are committed to tackling climate change without a carbon tax or an emissions trading scheme that will hike up power bills for families, pensioners and businesses,” Ms Price said. 

“At 26-28 per cent, Australia’s target gets the right balance between our economic and environmental responsibilities. 

“The Government has a strong and credible target to take to Paris and Australia will work with our international partners to achieve a strong agreement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December.” 

Further information can be found here: environment.gov.au/climate-change/international