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		<title>Wybong Action Group News</title>
		<description>News from WAG</description>
		<link>http://wag.org.au/</link>
		<copyright>Wybong Action Group</copyright>
		<lastBuildDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 12:28 +1100</lastBuildDate>
		<language>en</language>
		
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			<title>"risk atlas" assesses climate change vulnerability</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=35ca3c67-e8f0-4bea-b2d2-696e75869dd6&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2012-02-21</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 23:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2859</guid>
			<author>Lexology Jones Day LLC</author>
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			<title>Weather typifies Climate Change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/land-droughts-and-flooding-rains?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=365aac4a48-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=ema</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2858</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator Barrie Pittock</author>
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			<title>Family grieving on legal road to nowhere</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW government department says it wont be changing laws for escort vehicles for wide-load vehicles on narrow country roads, despite a coroner a year ago finding it might have saved Mr Pattens life.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/family-grieving-on-legal-road-to-nowhere/2466146.aspx?page=2</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 23:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2857</guid>
			<author>Joanne McCarthy- Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Worsening air pollution costs China billions: study</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas worsening air pollution, after decades of unbridled economic growth, cost the country $112 billion in 2005 in lost economic productivity.. particulates..penetrate deep into the lungs and can even get into the bloodstream..., 
 inflammation of the airways, coughing, throat irritation, discomfort, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath, increased asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, impaired lung function, irregular heartbeat and premature death in people with heart or lung disease,,hospital admissions, mortality, and other markers of disease.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/worsening-air-pollution-costs-china-billions-study?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=833bb45871-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2856</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters</author>
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			<title>increased global emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The Australian alumina industry has emissions that are little more than half the worlds emissions on refining," Mr Hannagan said. "Future investment will go offshore."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/carbon-tax-will-increase-global-emissions-rusal?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=0336138e3b-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_m</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2855</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Big oils bumper subsidies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[where you see oil insert coal and probably add gas]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/big-oils-bumper-subsidies?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=a9dc9bdb47-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2854</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Daniel J Weiss Jackie Weidman & Rebecca Leber</author>
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			<title>Climate change and major projects - important Land and Environment Court decision</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On 24 November 2011, the NSW Land and Environment Court made its decision in Hunter Environment Lobby Inc v Minister for Planning [2011] NSWLEC 221.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8de83ed4-c98f-4394-92b0-0da83114253f&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2012-02-03</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2853</guid>
			<author>Freehills - Peter Briggs & John Taberner</author>
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			<title>Solars hot, even when the sun is not</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On the worst day in winter, the sky covered in thick clouds with only nine hours of daylight in Melbourne, my 100 square metre 15 kilowatt solar system still produces more electricity than my all-electric households entire daily demand; and in summer on a cloudy day Im still exporting significant excess electricity to the grid.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/solars-hot-even-when-sun-not?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=0c3c8a488f-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2852</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Matthew Wright</author>
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			<title>World lacks enough food, fuel as population soars: UN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The world is running out of time to make sure there is enough food, water and energy to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population and to avoid sending up to 3 billion people into poverty, a UN report warned on Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/world-lacks-enough-food-fuel-population-soars-un?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=9c0d0efdf6-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2851</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Nina Chestney</author>
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			<title>Extreme heat hurts wheat yields as world warms: study</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A 2010 study by scientists in Australia found wheat output fell by up to half during a growing season where temperatures were two degrees Celsius higher than average, with much of the losses caused by temperatures above 34 degrees Celsius.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/extreme-heat-hurts-wheat-yields-world-warms-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=c151b3b023-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2850</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - David Fogarty</author>
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			<title>Bulgaria govt cancels Chevron shale gas permit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/bulgaria-govt-cancels-chevron-shale-gas-permit?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=7681b0f588-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_me</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2849</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters</author>
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			<title>Two degrees rise in temp would lead to loss of life: study</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/two-degrees-rise-temp-would-lead-loss-life-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=ededef9553-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2848</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - AAP</author>
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			<title>US rolls out tough rules on coal plant pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[mercury, arsenic, chromium and other pollutants..

The EPA estimated that MATS will save $90 billion in healthcare costs by 2016 as technology to cut mercury emissions also reduces emissions of fine particulates, which can damage hearts and lungs. When combined with other EPA rules, thousands of lives will also be saved, it said.

The costs of the rules to utilities, it said, will be $9.6 billion, more than $1 billion less than it estimated earlier in the year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/us-rolls-out-tough-rules-coal-plant-pollution?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=5f927e4291-CSPEC_SHELL&amp;utm_med</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2847</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Ayesha Rascoe and Timothy Gardner</author>
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			<title>Direct current Renewable energy could be Edisons last revenge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Direct current may be one way to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. 

"Id put my money on the sun and solar energy," he (Edison) reportedly told his associates Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone in the 1930s. "What a source of power! I hope we dont have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/renewable-energy-could-be-edisons-last-revenge?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=5555c334fc-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2846</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Sara Ledwith</author>
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			<title>Think small and kick out coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/think-small-and-kick-out-coal?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=9c5c2a8af6-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2845</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Its time for a smarter grid</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/its-time-smarter-grid</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2844</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Why we wont need coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[solar PV is likely to fall below the cost of coal in Australia (wholesale grid parity) before the end of the decade.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/why-we-wont-need-coal?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=9347e2fd12-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2843</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>2011 one of hottest years on record: WMO</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The WMO, part of the United Nations, said the warmest 13 years of average global temperatures have all occurred in the 15 years since 1997. That has contributed to extreme weather conditions that increase the intensity of droughts and heavy precipitation across the world, it said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/2011-one-hottest-years-record-wmo?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=139e8afc60-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2842</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Jon Herskovitz</author>
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			<title>Land, water, scarcity threaten food security: UN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MILAN (Reuters) - A rapidly growing population, climate change and degradation of land and water resources are likely to make the world more vulnerable to food insecurity and challenge the task of feeding its people by 2050, the United Nations food agency said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/land-water-scarcity-threaten-food-security-un?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=fd40866e39-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_med</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2841</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Svetlana Kovalyova</author>
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			<title>Denmark aims for 100% renewable energy in 2050</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The governments proposal called for coal-fired power plants and oil-fired heating to be phased out by 2030. Coal heating, which now accounts for 11 percent of the total heat supply, would be replaced by biomass.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/denmark-aims-100-renewable-energy-2050?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=23db13dde4-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=ema</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2840</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Mette Fraende</author>
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			<title>Climate change and the acidifying, warming Southern Oceans</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Recent data shows that the Southern Ocean is changing now: its warming and its becoming less salty, and the amount of carbon dioxide thats stored in the Southern Ocean is increasing]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/climate-change-and-acidifying-freshening-warming-southern-oceans</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2839</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Matthew Thompson</author>
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			<title>Australias ticking bushfire time-bomb</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If I lived there, Id be making sure I knew the quickest way to get to the beach."]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/70677/australia%e2%80%99s-bushfire-time-bomb/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=fd201aa05a-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2838</guid>
			<author>Asian Correspondent</author>
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			<title>Landholders must know their rights to negotiate access arrangements for exploration</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What to do if approached by an explorer

Read on for a good legal advice outline]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8d7a7c95-459d-459e-9913-592b402f2126&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-11-29</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2837</guid>
			<author>Kemp Strang Legal</author>
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			<title>Aquifer interference</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A new interim aquifer interference regulation in New South Wales took effect on 30 June 2011. It amended the previous exemption for persons lawfully engaged in mining and petroleum exploration activities to hold a water access licence. The regulation now requires any persons who are engaged in new mining and petroleum exploration activities which involve the taking of more than 3 megalitres of water per year from groundwater sources to hold a water access licence. It should be noted that the regulation does not operate retrospectively and only applies to new activities.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=d074c409-3e09-4065-ae80-59f00da1cbc3&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-11-29</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2836</guid>
			<author>Kemp Strang Legal</author>
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			<title>Air monitors hit high level 11 times</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Each of the alerts resulted from a 24-hour rolling average of dust particles rather than pollution peaks throughout the days.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/air-monitors-hit-high-level-11-times/2339401.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2835</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus - PAUL MAGUIRE</author>
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			<title>UN Conference address</title>
			<description><![CDATA[UN Conference address]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQmz6Rbpnu0</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2834</guid>
			<author>13 y/o Canadian girl</author>
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			<title>Thailand: Thousands leave Bangkok as floods advance</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BANGKOK (AP) - Tens of thousands of Bangkok residents jammed bus stations and highways Wednesday to flee Thailands flood-threatened capital as the citys governor ordered official evacuations in two swamped northern districts for the first time since the crisis began.

Floodwaters bearing down on the metropolis have killed 373 people nationwide since July, causing billions of dollars in damage and shutting down Bangkoks second largest airport.]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/68206/thailand-thousands-leave-bangkok-as-floods-advance/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=e478f1e766-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2833</guid>
			<author>Asia Correspondent</author>
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			<title>Govt still in talks with miners on MRRT</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ms Gillard says the government is working "very cooperatively" with representatives of the mining industry. 

"The approach we have taken is to work with them on every detail of the legislation," she told ABC Radio.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Govt-still-talking-to-miners-about-tax-PM-MY4BM?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2832</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - AAP</author>
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			<title>Aust govts negligent over CSG development</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Gundi Royle, an experienced energy industry executive now with US investment bank Moelis &amp; Company, has broken ranks with her colleagues and accused the CSG industry of "racing ahead to establish a fait accompli, and governments have been negligent in not joining up the dots. Once the capital is sunk it will be impossible to stop the industry rolling over the country."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/aust-govts-negligent-over-csg-development-says-expert?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=9323ddd2cc-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2831</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Clearing the haze in China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Speaking at Seventh Environment and Development Forum on September 22, Chinas pollution control secretary Zhao Hualin announced that the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) intends to revise its national ambient air quality standards to include PM 2.5 measurements. Recognising the contribution of PM 2.5 pollution to poor visibility and air quality, Zhao told the audience, "We have now started to address the haze problem, which is precisely a PM 2.5 problem".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/clearing-haze-china?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=9323ddd2cc-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2830</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Angel Hsu</author>
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			<title>Mud power: just add bacteria</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Bacteria capable of producing electricity occur naturally in almost any type of mud, sewage or waste. The bacteria usually use this process to breath without oxygen.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/mud-power-just-add-bacteria?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=702e39e383-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2829</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Ashley Franks</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Its time to rip up gas networks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/its-time-rip-gas-networks?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=702e39e383-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2828</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Matthew Wright</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Cashing in on hot air</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/cashing-hot-air</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2827</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Crop scientists now fret about heat, not just water</title>
			<description><![CDATA["As temperatures rise we are going to have trouble maintaining the yields of crops that we already have," said Gerald Nelson, an economist with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) who is leading a global project initially funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to identify new crop varieties adapted to climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/crop-scientists-now-fret-about-heat-not-just-water?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=0a07ec5e04-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;ut</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2826</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Christine Stebbins</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Warming could exceed safe levels in this lifetime</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Global temperature rise could exceed "safe" levels of two degrees Celsius in some parts of the world in many of our lifetimes if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, two research papers published in the journal Nature warned.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/warming-could-exceed-safe-levels-lifetime-report?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=900c40005b-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2825</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Nina Chestney</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate change is now our problem</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A collection of new studies from leading climate scientists has thrown up a devilish challenge for the worlds political leaders: Not only do current climate change policies fall well short of stated targets (which we, and they, already knew), but the impacts may now be felt by the current generation, rather than the next. At least that removes the question of equity and discount rates for future generations]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/climate-change-now-our-problem?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=900c40005b-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2824</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>AGL buys Hunter Valley wineries</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The company has even joined the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.afr.com/p/business/companies/agl_buys_hunter_valley_wineries_VD7X5niSumk9HNg2oTCSBO</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2823</guid>
			<author>Australian Financial Review - Angus Grigg</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Santos denies ignoring landholders over CSG well</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Oil and gas company Santos has denied claims by protesters at Spring Ridge, south of Gunnedah in NSW, that landholders werent consulted plans to drill a test well for coal seam gas (CSG).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201110/s3349803.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2822</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Land use plans close</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Both Muswellbrook Shire Council and the Upper Hunter Shire Council want the Government to adopt their existing land use policies.

Muswellbrook Mayor, Martin Rush, said his councils draft land use plan identified sufficient areas for the growth of the coal industry to satisfy the export capacity of the Hunter Port without creating further land use conflict.]]></description>
			<link>http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/political/land-use-plans-close/2336973.aspx?storypage=1</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2821</guid>
			<author>The Land - BRONWYN FARR</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers blockade halts the miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ms Nankivell said the farmers arrived at 6.45am yesterday with placards and chairs and planned to stand their ground around the clock until the mining companies backed off. "Two years ago we blockaded for 638 days, so we are used to blockading and will stay for as long as it takes, thats how passionate we are about it," Ms Nankivell said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/farmers-blockade-halts-the-miners/story-e6freuzi-1226178875620</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2820</guid>
			<author>Daily Telegraph - Samantha Townsend</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers forced out</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The foreign buy-up is getting so out of hand, that now a revolt is brewing. video]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/today-tonight/consumer/article/-/10882906/farmers-forced-out</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2819</guid>
			<author>Yahoo 7 News</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rio Tinto, Mitsubishi want all of Coal &amp; Allied</title>
			<description><![CDATA[COAL &amp; Allied is earning up to $200 a tonne for coal that costs a bit more than $50 a tonne to produce, documents produced for the companys takeover reveal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/rio-tinto-mitsubishi-want-all-of-coal-allied/2335585.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2818</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - IAN KIRKWOOD</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Liverpool Plains farmers get powerful ally</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/liverpool-plains-farmers-get-powerful-ally/2337344.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2817</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers launch coal seam gas blockade</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ANGRY farmers have launched a blockade near Spring Ridge on the Liverpool Plains in north-western New South Wales in a bid to stop coal-seam gas exploration in the area.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/farmers-launch-coal-seam-gas-blockade/2337887.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2816</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader</author>
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		<item>
			<title>New battlefront opens up in gas debate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In an extraordinary rebuke, the United Nations environmental arm, UNESCO, said the government had failed to tell it about approvals for three gas processing plants being built on Curtis Island off Gladstone, the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef.

UNESCO said the governments failure was a breach of World Heritage guidelines and expressed extreme concern about the federal and Queensland, governments backing of the plants.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.tradingroom.com.au/apps/view_breaking_news_article.ac?page=%2Fdata%2Fnews_research%2Fpublished%2F2011%2F10%2F299%2Fcatf_111026_164400_7513.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2815</guid>
			<author>Trading Room</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining industry lobbyists</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining industry lobbyists]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=10549</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2814</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>International water expert warns of potential risks from coal seam gas mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A report called The Worlds Water has just been released which provides a snapshot of the health of the worlds water supply. 
The biennial report, now in its seventh release, has a chapter on fossil fuel extraction and its impact on water quality and for the first time the extraction of natural gas is causing concern.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/content/2011/s3347507.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2813</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tim Flannery and coal seam gas mining.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tim Flannery and coal seam gas mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=10532</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2812</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>World demand for gas sparks fears for supply</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Ferguson is to tell a Sydney conference the government will ensure that domestic gas resources will be available to meet domestic needs, irrespective of surging export demand, with any necessary measures to be outlined in the governments energy white paper, to be released before the end of the year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/world-demand-for-gas-sparks-fears-for-supply-20111023-1meix.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2811</guid>
			<author>SMH - Brian Robins</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Biologists warn species at risk from new field</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ENDANGERED species such as pygmy possums, bats, mice and striped wallabies will become extinct in northern NSW if the states largest gas field goes ahead as planned, biologists have warned the federal government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/biologists-warn-species-at-risk-from-new-field-20111023-1meim.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2810</guid>
			<author>SMH - Ben Cubby</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal cash jam: need for funds</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The forecasters infrastructure and mining unit senior manager, Adrian Hart, said Newcastle and the Hunter had the potential to share in the growing wealth, but the amount depended on port and rail infrastructure expansion to accommodate coalmining beyond the Liverpool Ranges.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-cash-jam-need-for-funds/2332905.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2809</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - FRAN THOMPSON</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Lack of leadership could derail CSG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This issue is taking on the critical mass of a major peoples movement. Rightly or wrongly, people from Victoria to Queensland are shouting their concerns. Its not just the farmers: much of Sydney is covered with exploration permits.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2011/10/23/lack-of-leadership-could-derail-csg-industry/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2808</guid>
			<author>Gympie Times - Terry Ryder</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Leigh Sales extended interview with Alan Jones</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3343976.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2807</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Thousands rally over CSG fears</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Thousands of protesters have rallied across the nation condemning Australias multi-billion dollar coal seam gas (CSG) industry.

They massed in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia on Sunday in what is believed to be the largest series of demonstrations against the controversial extraction technique.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/thousands-rally-over-csg-fears-20111016-1lr8u.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2806</guid>
			<author>SMH - Miles Godfrey</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers under pressure from mining companies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones talks to NSW farmer Ian Moore, under pressure from mining companies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=10378</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2805</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>VIDEO Scenes from Laman Street on Friday, October 7, 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[VIDEO - SPONTANEOUS PUBLIC OUTRAGE LAMAN ST NEWCASTLE

Can we Save the Laman St Figs from the CRIMINAL FILTH who run our Governments?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/tate-stop-laman-street-fig-chainsaws/2324536.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2804</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - IAN KIRKWOOD</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Residents v coal mine over road</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The departments of planning and roads confirmed power to close Wallaby Scrub Road was in Singleton Councils hands,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-v-coal-mine-over-road/2320370.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2803</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - JOANNE MCCARTHY</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Democracy is failing the planet</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In Australia, those who reject the established rules of science now occupy positions of great influence. The chairman of the ABC, the head of the Catholic Church, the editor-in-chief of the national daily newspaper, our most famous poet, our loudest squawking shock jock, and the alternative Prime Minister are deniers one and all.

These are men who reject the rules of science laid down in the Enlightenment, who believe every scientific academy in the world is engaged in a giant conspiracy to deceive us, and who use the instruments of democracy to try to prevent us from protecting ourselves, our children and future generations from an unpleasant future in a hothouse world.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/democracy-failing-planet?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=6c4d659cbc-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2802</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Clive Hamilton</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas and pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones talks to Luke Hargraves from Gladstone about coal seam gas and pollution.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=10369</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2801</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal-fired injustices must be set straight</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The National Pollutant Inventory gives sobering results: estimates of PM10 emissions from coalmining and power generation in the Upper Hunter rose from 37,200 tonnes in 2003 to 50,000 tonnes for 2010 - about 58 per cent of such emissions for NSW.

Similarly, PM2.5 were calculated at 2242 tonnes in 2010, 42 per cent of the state total, while the areas power stations released 112,000 tonnes of SO2 and 62,600 tonnes of NOx in 2010.

The environmental injustice of this burden of pollution speaks for itself.]]></description>
			<link>http://newsstore.smh.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac;jsessionid=436CAF02D5F4555030F49AE84E96012E?sy=afr&amp;pb=all_ffx&amp;dt=selectRange&amp;dr=1month&amp;so=relevance&amp;sf=text&amp;sf=headline&amp;rc=10&amp;rm=200&amp;sp=brs&amp;cls=1363&amp;clsPage=1&amp;docID=NCH111005FD6GT59M53L</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2800</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Nick Higginbotham and Ben Ewald.</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The new deal on land use</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This week ominous signs emerged that the hoped-for solution may prove to have been a mirage. Farmer representatives on high-level groups set up to thrash out the new guidelines for the co-existence of mining and agriculture declared that hope was fading. The state administration, they alleged, could not move from its established pro-mining rut and the politicians appeared to be buckling under the weight of resource industry lobbying.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/the-new-deal-on-land-use/2324775.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2799</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Clean-up of coal leak continuing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Water testing in Nine Mile Creek near Broke is continuing, along with efforts to contain coal sediment leaked from Xstrata Coals Bulga complex last weekend]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-14/coal-leak-clean-up-from-xstrata27s-bulga-mine-continuing/3570938/?site=newcastle</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2798</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>Mining policy driven by bureaucrats</title>
			<description><![CDATA["It is this new thing they have dreamed up, meant to be for deciding whether mining can occur on a piece of land, but it does not kick in until after the exploration phase, there are no socio-economic features, it is only predicated on biophysical features, and there is no consideration cumulative impacts or the capacity of the region," Ms Simson said.]]></description>
			<link>http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/mining-policy-driven-by-bureaucrats/2321824.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2797</guid>
			<author>The Land - BRONWYN FARR</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers claim NSW Government broke election promises on coal seam gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Farmers are accusing the NSW Government of breaking its election promise by declaring agriculture and coal seam gas can co-exist.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201110/s3338419.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2796</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>Landmark court case set to start</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The case will focus on the PACs consideration of the environmental impacts resulting from the project. Key issues are: risks to surface and groundwater quality and quantity when the gas wells are drilled; lack of data about groundwater impacts given the highly fractured geological structure of the valley; uncertainty about the disposal of polluted waste water produced during the extraction process and uncertainty about the nature and impacts of the chemicals used in the fracking process.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/landmark-court-case-set-to-start/2321890.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2795</guid>
			<author>Gloucester Advocate</author>
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			<title>Land users shout loud against legalised theft by miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Former justice Robert Hunter, who retired in 2002 and has a property at Willow Tree, called on the OFarrell government to establish an Office of Food Security and said local farmers were right to oppose miners harming their land and irrevocably damaging water supplies.

Its a just cause that stands between the greed of the mining corporations and their feeding off the proceeds of unjust laws ... Unjust laws that dont recognise the national importance of food security. Its the destruction of ancient land rights without any semblance of any form of just compensation.

Its a form of legalised theft, he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/land-users-shout-loud-against-legalised-theft-by-miners-20111012-1ll8m.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2794</guid>
			<author>SMH - Damien Murphy</author>
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			<title>READ THIS SHIT - Streamline approvals and power into future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Dr Ellem said the present mine-by-mine approvals should be replaced by a regional approach "so that a mining industry plan fits into a wider regional plan".

There were benefits for coal in this approach, he said.

"A regional plan could streamline the approvals process, which is one of the main limitations to industry," he said.

He said strategic land-use plans being developed for the Upper Hunter were being informed by existing industries and may not take into consideration potential new ones, such as those that create alternative energy sources.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2793</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2793</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - FRAN THOMPSON</author>
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		<item>
			<title>rejection leaves a bad taste</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The planned expansion will have a "high" visual impact on the villages of Bulga and Milbrodale and the nearest residence will be about 1.5 kilometres from the mine disturbance area.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/concerns-rejection-leaves-a-bad-taste/2317686.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2792</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - FRAN THOMPSON</author>
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		<item>
			<title>CSG industry losing the PR battle according to survey</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIANS have an overwhelmingly negative perception of the coal-seam gas industry, according to survey work by former Labor pollster David Utting.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/csg-industry-losing-the-pr-battle/story-fn59niix-1226162511173</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2791</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Christian Kerr</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Locals warned over anti-CSG activists</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HE NSW government and mining groups have warned regional communities to be wary of alliances with opponents of coal-seam gas mining after revelations that some anti-CSG groups are linked to the far Left.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/locals-warned-over-anti-csg-activists/story-e6frgczx-1226163380973</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2790</guid>
			<author>The Australian- Imre Salusinszky</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Ian Moore, blind, cattle farmer vs NuCoal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ian Moore, blind, cattle farmer vs NuCoal
video Ch 9, 10]]></description>
			<link>http://www.jeremybuckingham.org/?p=796</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2789</guid>
			<author>Greens - Jeremy Buckingham MLC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Sydney Water CSG Risk</title>
			<description><![CDATA[video nsw parliamment]]></description>
			<link>http://www.jeremybuckingham.org/?p=798</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2788</guid>
			<author>Greens - Jeremy Buckingham MLC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Caution call on gas wells</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Anybody who has watched the expansion of the Hunter coal industry will realise how ill-equipped and unwilling the government has been to consider cumulative impacts in the past.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/caution-call-on-gas-wells/2320901.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2787</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal industry eating up Hunter food bowl</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PRICELESS agricultural land in the Hunter has been lost over the past three decades at a rate more than triple the state average.Since 1980, 744,755 hectares, or 42.5 per cent, of land used for food production has been lost.
By comparison, 10 per cent of agricultural land was lost in NSW during the same period]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-industry-eating-up-hunter-food-bowl/2323366.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2786</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Matthew Kelly</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farm gate open to give miners access</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CONSERVATION areas, prime farming land and horse breeding and winery regions will remain open to coal seam gas and coalmining under a confidential draft plan prepared for the NSW government to manage land use.

Proposed guidelines for determining where and how mining may occur, obtained by the Herald, also reveal that highly sensitive habitats could be mined as long as offsets of similar land are provided by a mining company.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/farm-gate-open-to-give-miners-access-20111014-1lpad.html#ixzz1ann9z89O</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2785</guid>
			<author>SMH - Sean Nicholls</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Keep the gas in the bag</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GOVERNMENTS state and federal are in the process of losing the debate over coal seam gas mining. In their haste to approve new projects they have angered the farming lobby. As they bungle the question of coal seam gas, they risk losing the debate about all mining on agricultural land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/editorial/keep-the-gas-in-the-bag-20111013-1lmzh.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2784</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Petition against Australian Governments "Ethnic Cleansing"</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Right now the government is stripping funds for essential services from traditional Aboriginal homelands. This will effectively force families into larger towns and cities like Alice Springs. We know Aboriginal families are strongest when they can stay connected to their homelands. With proper services like health, education, water and shelter, people can be healthier, live longer and continue their cultural traditions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/dontabandonhomelands/?</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2783</guid>
			<author>Amnesty International</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Aboriginal policies ethnic cleansing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Starving Aboriginal people off their traditional homelands is akin to ethnic cleansing, the Amnesty International boss has been told. Amnesty International chief Salil Shetty visited communities in Utopia on the weekend describing the plight of locals as devastating. Ive been to many places in bad shape in Africa, Asia and Latin America but what makes it stark here is when you remind yourself youre actually in one of the richest countries in the world, Mr Shetty told AAP in Utopia.
Amnesty says the policies are aimed at driving Aborigines off their homelands and herding them into 21 hub towns where the federal and NT governments were splashing out cash for resources and services. If youre made to feel a second class humanity, if its not ethnic cleansing please let me know what it is. All of them are very clear they dont want to leave homelands ... everything else flows from that the land is their culture, their spirit, their ancestors, he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=671170&amp;vId=</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2782</guid>
			<author>Skynews</author>
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			<title>Coal Favoured Over Ill Children - Frank Sartor</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We had kids in the Upper Hunter having trouble breathing and we were too beholden to the mining companies to do anything about it" said Frank Sartor]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-214-08-10-11-coal-over-ill-children----newcastle-herald.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2781</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining battle hits vein of bitterness</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Controversy is raging over coal seam gas in the Hunter, with millionaires John Singleton, Gerry Harvey and Alan Jones joining winemakers and horse-breeders in a bitter battle against resource companies and any residents who allow exploration on their land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/mining-battle-hits-vein-of-bitterness/story-e6freuy9-1226162030683</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2780</guid>
			<author>The Sunday Telegraph - Jane Hansen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A poverty of power policy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Clare Petre, New South Wales Energy and Water Ombudsman since the late 1990s, says thousands of households are engaged in a juggling act to meet their bills]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/power-prices-energy-bills-AGL-ERA-Gillard-pd20111010-MH3W2?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2779</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Keith Orchison</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Why I have six air conditioners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If we were to shift now to renewable ambient heat from bar radiators, oil filled electric heaters, resistive blower heaters and gas; Australians would save between 70-80 per cent of annual domestic, commercial and industrial space heating requirements.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/why-i-have-six-air-conditioners?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=18a35ce07b-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2778</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Matthew Wright</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The great big subsidy myth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On a historical average over the lifetime of subsidies, oil and gas has averaged $US4.86 billion (in 2010 dollars), from 1918 to the present day; nuclear averaged $US3.5 billion from 1947 to 1999, and renewables average $US370 million from 1994 to 2009. The total subsidies, adjusted for inflation, were $US446.96 billion for oil and gas, $US185 billion for nuclear, and $US6 billion for renewables.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/great-big-subsidy-myth?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=18a35ce07b-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2777</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Time to drive a cleaner future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian Bureau of Statistics latest measure of the rate of fuel consumption averaged for all motor vehicles on Australian roads was 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, one of the worst performances for national average fuel consumption of OECD countries, apart from the USA and Canada. Not surprisingly, that performance correlates to the price of petrol - Australia has the fourth lowest level of petrol taxation (and consequently the fourth lowest petrol prices) in the OECD.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/time-drive-cleaner-future</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2776</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Ray Wills</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal is not so cheap</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A new economic analysis published in the highly prestigious American Economic Review has made a damming assessment of the costs of pollution from fossil fuel industries, and concludes that coal is doing more harm to the US economy than good - and that doesnt take into account its climate impact.

It concludes that the "gross external damages" (GED) from the sickness and death caused by the pollution, is larger than their value add in several key industries - coal- and oil-fired electricity plants, solid waste combustion, sewage treatment, stone quarrying, and marinas!]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/coal-not-so-cheap</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2775</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Amazon pollution feud escalates between Chevron, Ecuador lawyers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NEW YORK (Reuters) - In the 18-year battle between Chevron Corp and Ecuadorean residents over pollution in the Amazon rainforest, two high-powered law firms on opposite sides of the case are embroiled in an escalating feud involving charges of political favoritism, intimidation and greed]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/amazon-pollution-feud-escalates-between-chevron-ecuador-lawyers?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=e1e3c9473e-C</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2774</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Leigh Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata gas deal sinks renewables hub</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hopes of building one of Australias largest renewable energy hubs in north Queensland appear to have been dashed after the Swiss-based global mining giant Xstrata signed a deal instead with AGL Energy to build a gas-fired power station in Mt Isa]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/xstrata-gas-deal-sinks-renewables-hub?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=e1e3c9473e-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_mediu</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2773</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Henry shames our best and brightest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ken Henrys comments at the tax forum over the past two days serve as a damning indictment of Australias political climate and our level of policy debate]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/henry-shames-our-best-and-brightest?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=efbd8726a1-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2772</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Rob Burgess</author>
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		<item>
			<title>IEA warns of ballooning world fossil fuel subsidies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PARIS (Reuters) - Global subsidies for fossil fuel consumption are set to reach $660 billion in 2020 unless reforms are passed to effectively eliminate this form of state aid, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday.

"Governments and taxpayers spent about half a trillion dollars last year supporting the production and consumption of fossil fuels," the energy watchdog to 28 industrialized countries said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/iea-warns-ballooning-world-fossil-fuel-subsidies-1?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=072a60b125-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2771</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Muriel Boselli</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Great Lakes concerns about impacts of coal seam gas mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GREAT Lakes Council has joined its Greater Taree City counterpart in expressing concern about the risks of coal seam gas mining to the region.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/great-lakes-concerns-about-impacts-of-coal-seam-gas-mining/2316258.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2770</guid>
			<author>Manning River Times - KEN WARREN</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coalmine blasting halt widens over southern Queensland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BLASTING in southern Queensland coalmines was shut down yesterday. The suspension was enforced days after The Australian revealed that blasting had produced vast emissions of oxides of nitrogen at the mines, some of which were near rural communities. In one incident, a cloud of the toxic gas from a September 5 blast was suspected of breaching the safe or exclusion zone on the Acland mine, 15km northwest of the small southeast Queensland township of Oakey.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/coalmine-blasting-halt-widens-over-southern-queensland/story-e6frgczx-1226161603277</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2769</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Rory Callinan and Jared Owens</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Broken by gas mining - villagers declare war after AGL buys exploration site</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Property owners in Broke in the Hunter Valley were upset yesterday after reports the property, once owned by Macquarie Bank co-founder and anti-coal seam gas campaigner David Clarke, had been sold to the very company he was fighting before his death.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/broken-by-gas-mining-villagers-declare-war-after-agl-buys-exploration-site/story-e6freuzi-1226160673024</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2768</guid>
			<author>The Daily Telegraph - Neil Keene</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal approval at what price</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal and Allied, the formerly locally based coal giant now owned by Rio Tinto and Mitsubishi, wants to discard undertakings in a 2003 formal deed of agreement that it would not mine Saddleback Ridge. Its reason is simply that coal is more valuable now and it can make more money than it previously considered possible by removing the ridge.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/coal-approval-at-what-price/2316303.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2767</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Call to remove road, ridge for Bulga coalmine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AN Upper Hunter road should be eliminated and a supposedly "protected ridge" should be completely removed to allow a coalmine extension near Bulga village, the planning department has recommended.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/call-to-remove-road-ridge-for-bulga-coalmine/2315789.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2766</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - FRAN THOMPSON</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Muswellbrook mayor takes on Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush slammed Xstratas commitment to apprenticeships for young school leavers as "pitiful" after revealing that the company vetoed a council plan to finance two apprenticeships in perpetuity.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/muswellbrook-mayor-takes-on-xstrata/2314678.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2765</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - JOANNE MCCARTHY</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunter vineyard sold to gas firm</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Hunter vineyard of prominent coal seam gas objector and merchant banker, the late David Clarke, is set to be sold to AGL, the very company whose exploration activities he opposed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-vineyard-sold-to-gas-firm/2313192.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2764</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers, miners competing for water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The head of Australias key farming lobby group says competition with the mining sector over water is the biggest issue facing Australian agriculture.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-04/am-farmers-blueprint/3207752</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2763</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Doctors for the Environment group claims State Government abandoning regional residents by imposing mining policy without scientific backing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a submission to the Government, Doctors for the Environment Australia said there was no science behind the policy and the Government was effectively abandoning communities who did not qualify for the exclusion areas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/doctors-for-the-environment-group-claims-state-government-abandoning-regional-residents-by-imposing-mining-policy-without-scientific-backing/story-e6freoof-1226154396089</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2762</guid>
			<author>Courier Mail - John Mccarthy</author>
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			<title>Planning shake-up gives greater power to councils</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Private sector projects including factories, mines and other industrial and resource developments will now be determined by the independent Planning and Assessment Commission instead of the minister.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/planning-shakeup-gives-greater-power-to-councils-20111003-1l5df.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2761</guid>
			<author>SMH - Matthew Moore</author>
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			<title>Industrial pollution breaches widespread</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The management of dust from coal mines also led to frequent, sometimes unreported, breaches of environmental licence conditions and showed little improvement between an audit in 2005 and 2010.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/industrial-pollution-breaches-widespread-study-finds-20111003-1l5bg.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2760</guid>
			<author>SMH - Ben Cubby</author>
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			<title>Why take a risk on a fuel we dont need</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In NSW, we can either pay a little more for natural gas or a lot more for coal seam gas once we add in the costs of damage to waterways and aquifers, land use conflicts and growing social opposition. Coal seam gas is a bad choice, not a necessity.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/why-take-a-risk-on-a-fuel-we-dont-need-20110930-1l1g1.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2759</guid>
			<author>SMH - George Wilkenfeld</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greek society unravels</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The old lady I saw on the street in Athens last week was typical, except in one shocking respect. She was begging. Beggars are normal here these days, but almost all are immigrants or drug users. This was different. The image of this proud woman sitting on a plastic crate outside the supermarket with her hands out has stayed in my mind. If a symbol is needed to illustrate the unravelling of Greek society, this is it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/greek-society-unravels-as-despair-deepens-20111001-1l2ul.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2758</guid>
			<author>SMH - Christopher Humphrys</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Canadian ice shelves halve in six years</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Half of Canadas ancient ice shelves have disappeared in the last six years, researchers have said, with new data showing significant portions melted in the last year alone]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/canadian-ice-shelves-halve-six-years?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=4d20e7a122-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2757</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Sunanda Creagh</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Noise top of hit list</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Eleven of the 14 complaints received in August were for noise compliance issues]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/noise-top-of-hit-list/2309232.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2756</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Looking after our farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks to Senator Bill Heffernan about food security and looking after our farmers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=10304</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2755</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>The Air you breathe can harm your health</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Exposure for just a few hours a week can trigger cardiovascular events, but longer term exposure can reduce life expectancy by years2.

Particulates are liquid/solid droplets composed of nitrates, sulphates, organic compounds and heavy metals, and cause up to 80% of adverse health effects.]]></description>
			<link>http://dea.org.au/news/article/the_air_you_breathe_can_harm_your_health</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2754</guid>
			<author>Doctors for the Environment Aust</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Community is the real cost of coal seam gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As Graham Brown put it: "[In the Upper Hunter] Nothing happens here without it...Merriwas town water comes from the same underground source as the irrigatiors. No usable water means no town or farmers producing food."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/community-is-the-real-cost-of-coal-seam-gas/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2753</guid>
			<author>The Punch - Lucy Kippist</author>
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		<item>
			<title>CSG cant possibly win farmers hearts and minds</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Governments throughout Australia are set to make billions of dollars in royalties from the rush and appear to be turning a blind eye to the possibility of major ecological damage caused by the fracking process used to extract the gas. The process reportedly is already banned in China.]]></description>
			<link>http://nqr.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/csg-cant-possibly-win-farmers-hearts-and-minds/2300842.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2752</guid>
			<author>North Queensland Register - Reg Burton</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Blame mining boom, drought, says Productivity Commission</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE fall in Australias productivity has more to do with the mining boom and the drought than economic reform shortcomings.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/economics/blame-mining-boom-drought-says-productivity-commission/story-e6frg926-1226150097598</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2751</guid>
			<author>The Australian - David Uren</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>A tax system at war with itself</title>
			<description><![CDATA[First, we need to identify the full range of fossil fuel subsidies at state and federal levels and understand how they operate. Secondly we need to eliminate the most perverse subsidies, including accelerated depreciation and the diesel fuel rebate for mining and commit to phasing out fossil fuel subsidies long term.

Finally these massive subsidies must be redirected into the renewable energy sector to promote low emissions technologies such as wind and solar energy. The scale and speed of change needed in our energy system demands we get real about funding this transition.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/tax-system-war-itself?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=6f6a6ded91-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2750</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Julie Macken</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rush of new gas projects expected</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The coal seam gas rush is proving to be a boom for sections of the legal fraternity that is providing advice and services to concerned farmers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/rush-of-new-gas-projects-expected/2305788.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2749</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Matthew Kelly</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal wars: Move for green future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[COALMINERS and coal seam gas companies have been warned off a large part of the Hunter Region - virtually the entire Upper Hunter local government area - in a bid to protect the thoroughbred industry, water and prime agricultural land.
Newly-elected Upper Hunter Shire Council mayor Lee Watts says the Upper Hunter is not open for business - for coalmining or gas extraction - without stronger protection of water, the equine industry and prime agricultural land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-wars-move-for-green-future/2305787.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2748</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - FRAN THOMPSON</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Raid on protected ridge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MINING giant Coal &amp; Allied has applied to remove an Upper Hunter landform originally earmarked for conservation.
Saddleback Ridge is home to endangered animal and plant species and forms a natural buffer between the Mount Thorley Warkworth mine and the village of Bulga.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/raid-on-protected-ridge/2304489.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2747</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - FRAN THOMPSON</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tighter gas control</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The exclusion zones should be included in the local government areas planning laws, the recommendation says]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/tighter-gas-control/2303063.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2746</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - FRAN THOMPSON</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining on farm land</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks to Carl Rackemann and Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith about coal seam gas and mining on farm land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=10226</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2745</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tinkler doubles coal goal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The proposal is sending shockwaves through the Hunter coal industry, which had agreed with the previous state government to concentrate its expansion plans across the river on Kooragang Island.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/tinkler-doubles-coal-goal/2302337.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2744</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - IAN KIRKWOOD</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greater Taree City Council opposes gas mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GREATER Taree City Council has given in-principle opposition to coal seam gas mining until suitable policy procedures and safeguards are adopted by the State government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/greater-taree-city-council-opposes-gas-mining/2301647.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2743</guid>
			<author>Manning River Times - KEN WARREN</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Methane adds fuel to a heated debate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[new research is challenging the accepted wisdom that coal seam gas is a suitable transitional fuel.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/energy-smart/methane-adds-fuel-to-a-heated-debate-20110923-1kpcx.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2742</guid>
			<author>SMH - Nicky Phillips and Ben Cubby</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal health fears</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Muswellbrook councillor has called for coal mining in the shire to be capped, on the back of a medical study that links mining to a raft of health and environmental problems.
Cr Christine Phelps said she was not surprised by the report - published in the Medical Journal of Australia this week - which found that the mining and burning of coal changed the lifestyle and character of a community]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-health-fears/2301672.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2741</guid>
			<author>Muswellbrook Chronicle - Dayarne Smith</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Massive response to coal gas inquiry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OVER 800 submissions have been received for the New South Wales Legislative Council inquiry into the environmental, health, economic and social impacts of coal seam gas mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/massive-response-to-coal-gas-inquiry/2297692.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2740</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Monitors cut out during dusty day</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AIRBORNE dust particles reached hazardous levels in Singletons windy conditions on Tuesday...The six Upper Hunter air quality monitoring network stations in the Singleton area all exceeded the hazardous levels for PM10 of over 100ug/m³. Peaks were recorded at Maison Dieu, Singleton north west and Camberwell at 4pm and 10am on Tuesday. Maison Dieu recorded a PM10 reading of 249.4ug/m³ in winds of 54.1km per hour, Singleton north west read 450.0ug/m³ in winds up to 44.2km per hour and Camberwell read 346.5ug/m³ in winds of 42.3km per hour. These are hourly readings. The 24 hour rolling averages for both monitors remained in the very poor range of the high 70ug/m³ for most of Tuesday afternoon and into the early hours of Wednesday morning. During the inspections a large amount of dust was observed on the New England Highway at Ravensworth. A Department of Planning spokesperson said the dust was observed to be coming from the Macquarie Generation power station ash dam.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/monitors-cut-out-during-dusty-day/2302144.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2739</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus - Sarah Lee</author>
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		<item>
			<title>FIGHT to save Wallaby Scrub Road a battle of biblical proportions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a reference to gospel accounts of the price Jesus Christ was betrayed by his disciple, Judas Iscariot, Cr Alison Howlett called on her council colleagues this week to reject an offer of "30 pieces of silver".

some of the proposed mine site includes Saddle Ridge, native habitat which was supposed to have been protected by a 2003 ministerial guarantee never to be mined...
Cr Tony McNamara said he was astounded by a letter sent last week by the state governments mining department director David Kitto to the councils planning director Mark Ihlein which set out details of the coal companys voluntary planning agreement.

Cr McNamara said he had never before heard of planning officials acting as agents for coal companies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-cash-rejected-in-battle-over-road/2302146.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2738</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus - PAUL MAGUIRE</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Call for states to set up wealth funds</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE head of the Future Fund has joined the mining tax and infrastructure debates by suggesting that state governments use mining royalties to set up their own sovereign wealth funds....I am from NSW and they keep digging coal out of the ground and shipping it somewhere. I would like to know that there is some future activity that will replace it, he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/call-for-states-to-set-up-wealth-funds-20110920-1kjkh.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2737</guid>
			<author>SMH - Lucy Battersby</author>
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		<item>
			<title>CSG Inquiry hears strong local opposition</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Video]]></description>
			<link>http://www.echonetdaily.net.au/?iid=54228&amp;sr=0#folio=001</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2736</guid>
			<author>Echonet Daily - Ray Moinyhan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Locals rally against CSG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A legal challenge against coal seam gas drilling in the Upper Hunter could decide the future of the controversial industry in New South Wales.]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/nsw/watch/26695623/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2735</guid>
			<author>Yahoo 7 News</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greens defiant as CSG bill faces defeat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Both major parties today confirmed... "They are refusing to realise that you cannot eat coal and you cannot drink gas,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/greens-defiant-as-csg-bill-faces-defeat/story-e6frfku0-1226143935000#ixzz1YgETKEu0</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2734</guid>
			<author>news.com.au</author>
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		<item>
			<title>An Orwellian climate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Global temperature has already exceeded the upper target of a +2°C relative to pre-industrial levels set by the international community at both Copenhagen and Cancun.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/orwellian-climate?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=856fb01610-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2733</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Andrew Glikson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>How much is solar PV worth?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Essential Energy, doesnt like that idea at all, saying that too many people on net metering (ie. using most of their own electricity and less of the grids) will cause a loss of revenue from their business.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/how-much-solar-pv-worth</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2732</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Spending to save</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Extinctions are on the up and climate change will make it worse]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/spending-save</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2731</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Brendan Wintle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Extreme carbon makeover</title>
			<description><![CDATA[At present emissions levels, in less than 20 years the sky would effectively be full, meaning every extra tonne of CO2 emitted would have to be removed to stay within safer climate limits,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/extreme-makeover-radical-solutions-soaring-climate-targets?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=e82b909d6c-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2730</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Gerard Wynn</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Power demand taken up by gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[COAL seam gas would play a vital role in meeting the states increased demand over the next two decades, Energy Minister Chris Hartcher told a conference in Newcastle yesterday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/power-demand-taken-up-by-gas/2301252.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2729</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Matthew Kelly</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunters mining boom means skilled workers hard to find</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If we dont train more apprentices and keep these skills going, we will get to the point where all these trucks will be sitting there and nobody will know how to fix them,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunters-mining-boom-means-skilled-workers-hard-to-find/2301262.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2728</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - IAN KIRKWOOD</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Lions Way pipe looms over locals</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the possibility of industrialisation hovering over the northern rivers district was having a serious effect on the people living there, a clinical psychologist told a state parliamentary inquiry into coal seam gas mining this week.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/lions-way-pipe-looms-over-locals-20110922-1kncq.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2727</guid>
			<author>SMH - Ben Cubby</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas inquiry begins with heat and flames</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LOOK at that, isnt it great, said Peter Henderson, the chief executive of Metgasco, as he watched flames coil up from a coal seam gas well near Casino in northern NSW.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coal-seam-gas-inquiry-begins-with-heat-and-flames-20110921-1klbe.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2726</guid>
			<author>SMH - Ben Cubby</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Norco speaks out against CSG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chairman of the $350 million-a-year dairy co-operative Greg McNamara told the General Purpose Standing Committee the co-operatives 165 dairy farming members were opposed to the industry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2011/09/22/farmers-need-right-to-veto-csg-norco/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2725</guid>
			<author>Northern Star</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dorrigo residents oppose Chinese mine drill</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PLANS by a Chinese company to start exploration drilling for rare earths and gold on the pristine Dorrigo Plateau in NSW has triggered community fears of contamination of the water catchment for Coffs Harbour and nearby Grafton.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/dorrigo-residents-oppose-chinese-mine-drill/story-e6frg6nf-1226142159943</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2724</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Mark Dodd</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Air quality results will take time: New England health expert</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LOCAL health experts say it will take at least a year until conclusions can be drawn about the potential impact coal dust and the mining industry might have on a persons health]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/air-quality-results-will-take-time-new-england-health-expert/2298501.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2723</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader - JODIE DAVIES</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas claims were falsified</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Drew Hutton of the Lock the Gate alliance has taken verbatim three references to shale gas in US research documents and substituted the words coal seam methane each time.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coal-seam-gas-claims-were-falsified-20110920-1kjms.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2722</guid>
			<author>SMH - Brian Robins</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Minerals council concerned by CSG collateral damage</title>
			<description><![CDATA["If you own agricultural land and a mine wants to go on the surface of that land, you as the landlord do have a right to object and effectively veto that mining lease being granted," Ms Ern Tan said. [Lying bitch - there is no right of veto]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-23/minerals-council-concerned-by-csg-collateral-damage/2912638?section=nsw</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2721</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greens MP out of place</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GREENS MP Jeremy Buckingham was publicly lashed last night for attacking Metgasco for failing to attend an inquiry hearing it was not invited to]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2011/09/22/greens-mp-out-of-place/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2720</guid>
			<author>Northern Star - Scott Harlum</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas sucks up water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIAS coal seam gas industry could extract an average of 300 gigalitres from groundwater systems every year for the next 25 years, experts predict]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-seam-gas-sucks-up-water/2299995.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2719</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
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			<title>The Hunter and mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MUSWELLBROOK Shire Council is to be commended for its efforts to do what the NSW government has refused to do... Typically, that translates into a desire to protect public health, the viability of agricultural land, major environmental assets and water resources, both on the surface and underground...Mining presents the Upper Hunter with two kinds of economic challenges. Some are immediate, such as the need for affordable housing, better roads and transport infrastructure and better health and welfare safety nets for residents who miss out on high mining incomes but have to cope with the higher prices they induce.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/the-hunter-and-mining/2295992.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2718</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Editorial</author>
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			<title>Alan Jones Comments 20/09/2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The fight for agricultural land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=10178</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2717</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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			<title>Australias clean power struggle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[criticism may well be based around AGLs fossil fuel portfolio and its preference of wind over other renewables - an accusation often thrown at the CEC.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/australias-clean-power-struggle?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=1d1aefcc6a-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=emai</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2716</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>World water market could be worth $800 billion by 2035</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON (Reuters) - The global water market could be worth $800 billion by 2035, with Asia making up half that value as rapid economic growth and a rising population boosts demand]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/world-water-market-could-be-worth-800-billion-2035-kemira?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=50e74ea844-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2715</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Nina Chestney and Henning Gloystein</author>
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			<title>Singleton Council rejects bid to close road</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Cr Alison Howlett asked the council to stand up to the government, to restate the councils original objections and refuse the voluntary planning agreement.Although the consent authority for the mine extension is the Planning Assessment Commission, the councils planning and regulations manager Mark Ihlein told the councillors the road was councils responsibility.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/singleton-council-rejects-bid-to-close-road/2297017.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2714</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - FRAN THOMPSON</author>
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			<title>Coal Seam Gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Insight focuses on the Queensland region of Chinchilla-Dalby, where the CSG industry has operated for many years, to look at the impacts - environmental, social and financial.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/index/id/429/Coal-Seam-Gas</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2713</guid>
			<author>SBS- Insight</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal Seam Gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Insight focuses on the Queensland region of Chinchilla-Dalby, where the CSG industry has operated for many years, to look at the impacts - environmental, social and financial.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/index/id/429/Coal-Seam-Gas</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2712</guid>
			<author>SBS- Insight</author>
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			<title>Fracked Off</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tuesdays Insight at 7.30pm on SBS ONE will be discussing the mining of coal seam gas, which is causing controversy in Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sbs.com.au/dateline/story/about/id/601341/n/Fracked-Off</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2711</guid>
			<author>SBS - Nick Lazaredes</author>
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			<title>Coalmining and burning are harmful to health</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OVERWHELMING evidence exists that coalmining and the burning of coal is harmful to health and can have a significant effect on communities, a medical study to be published today has found.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coalmining-and-burning-are-harmful-to-health-study/2295632.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2710</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - JACQUI JONES</author>
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			<title>Mapping prosperity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Muswellbrook Shire Council has endorsed an economic diversification project, co-ordinated with five other councils in and bordering the Upper Hunter region, that helps plan for post-mining prosperity.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mapping-prosperity/2295650.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2709</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - FRAN THOMPSON</author>
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			<title>Wallaby Scrubs stand against mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal and Allieds plan to open-cut mine through and beyond Wallaby Scrub Road at Warkworth, and extend the life of the Mount Thorley Warkworth mine by 10 years, has left Singleton councillors and Bulga residents furious.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/wallaby-scrubs-stand-against-mining/2295640.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2708</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - JOANNE MCCARTHY</author>
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			<title>Minerals industry backs air study</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE minerals industry says it is committed to learning more about the health effects of coalmining in the Hunter]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/health/minerals-industry-backs-air-study/2297000.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2707</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - JACQUI JONES</author>
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			<title>PM welcomed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ms Gillards visit, on the eve of the carbon tax legislation being introduced to Parliament yesterday, attracted 400 people and one coal seam gas protester, Upper Hunter resident John Shewan.]]></description>
			<link>http://huntervalleynews.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/pm-welcomed/2290404.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2706</guid>
			<author>Hunter Valley News - DALE HILLY</author>
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			<title>Julia drops by</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There was only one protestor at the reception, Upper Hunter resident John Shewan stood at the schools front gate with several placards raising awareness of the impacts of coalmining and coal seam gas mining.

"Im representing threatened communities at Wybong, Merriwa, Bunnan and Baerami and I want Ms Gillard, and everyone who attends, to realise that the coal and coal seam gas industries have a local impact while they send billion of dollars profit overseas," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/julia-drops-by/2290128.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2705</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus - PAUL MAGUIRE</author>
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			<title>NEW South Wales planning officials acting as agents to close Wallaby Scrub Road,</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Mitchell said progress association members believed it was outside the charter of planning department officials to act as coalmining company agents.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/wallaby-scrub-road-causes-concerns/2294435.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2704</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus - PAUL MAGUIRE</author>
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			<title>New filters to expose contents</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW Health expert advisory committee spokesperson Dr David Durrheim said the filters will allow for speciation in addition to verifying the PM2.5 and PM1 distribution in the Hunter Valley airshed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-filters-to-expose-contents/2294441.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2703</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus - Sarah Lee</author>
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			<title>MINING company has been ordered to pay $113,000</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Land and Environment Court Justice Nicola Pain made the ruling against Sibelco for allowing up to five million litres of sediment laden water from its bentonite mine, near Parkville, to run into the waterway in May last year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/fine-for-pollution/2294443.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2702</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Warming oceans could pose major health risk, cost millions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the rising temperature of ocean water is causing a proliferation of the Vibrio genus of bacteria, which can cause food poisoning, serious gastroenteritis, septicemia and cholera.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/warming-oceans-could-pose-major-health-risk-cost-millions-report</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2701</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Why we should be worried about Arctic ice</title>
			<description><![CDATA[When Arctic sea ice melts extensively, as it has this year, it opens up expansive areas of open ocean that is darker in color, and which absorb huge amounts of heat from the Sun. This in turn activates a feedback effect that can melt yet more sea ice]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/why-we-should-be-worried-about-arctic-ice?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=d3e552e98f-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_m</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2700</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Andrew Freedman</author>
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			<title>No substitute for natural forests to preserve biodiversity: study</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The conclusion is very clear," report co-author Professor Corey Bradshaw from the University of Adelaide said. "Undisturbed primary forests are the only ones in which a full complement of species can thrive."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/no-substitute-natural-forests-preserve-biodiversity-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=43ac2973df-CSPEC_D</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2699</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - AAP</author>
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			<title>Gas mine leaking in southern Queensland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Queensland Gas Company senior vice-president Jim Knudsen says the leak, from a five-centimetre crack in a pipe south-east of Miles, is not dangerous.]]></description>
			<link>http://thewall.com.au/topics/53075-gas-mine-leaking-in-southern-queensland</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2698</guid>
			<author>The Wall</author>
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			<title>Old parties back coal seam gas over farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Labor and Liberals have joined the Nationals to sell out the bush," Senator Waters said.]]></description>
			<link>http://qld.greens.org.au/media-releases/old-parties-back-coal-seam-gas-over-farmers</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2697</guid>
			<author>Greens</author>
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			<title>Fighting for their future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The latest generation of farmers have begun fighting for the future of their livelihoods.
Using their voice to put a panel of mining and agriculture representatives to the test.]]></description>
			<link>http://au.prime7.yahoo.com/n2/news/a/-/local/10278283/fighting-for-their-future-video/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2696</guid>
			<author>Yahoo 7 News</author>
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			<title>Licence to explore</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the State Governments ticked all the boxes to renew mining exploration licences on the Liverpool Plains.
Barry OFarrells vowed to protect the prime agricultural land - but farmers say theyve been left in the dark again about the projects]]></description>
			<link>http://au.prime7.yahoo.com/n2/news/a/-/local/10278277/licence-to-explore-video/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2695</guid>
			<author>Yahoo 7 News</author>
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			<title>Tougher terms fail to quell Liverpool Plains resistance</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its inappropriate to grant or renew exploration licences while these regional land use plans are being developed.]]></description>
			<link>http://m.smh.com.au/business/tougher-terms-fail-to-quell-liverpool-plains-resistance-20110915-1kbsf.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2694</guid>
			<author>SMH - Brian Robins</author>
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			<title>Coal Licence renewal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The state government has released details of renewal conditions for two major coal exploration licences on the Liverpool Plains]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/09/16/3319653.htm?site=newengland</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2693</guid>
			<author>ABC - Kelly Fuller</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas outrage</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/national/watch/26621777/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2692</guid>
			<author>Yahoo 7 News</author>
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			<title>AGL Boss Now Clean Energy Council Chairman</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Board of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) has unanimously elected AGL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Michael Fraser as the new Chairman of the organisation]]></description>
			<link>http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&amp;article_id=1768</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2691</guid>
			<author>Energy Matters</author>
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			<title>Commission urges a closer look at minings effects on water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[there needs to be, if you like, an integration of the regulation of mining and extracting industries with the way that water is managed, and thats just a policy step forward that governments should take."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201109/s3317326.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2690</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>Calls for equal legal rights for nature</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The movement calls for laws to not just protect species and properly manage environments, but to actually hand legal power over to flora and fauna.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/calls-for-equal-legal-rights-for-nature-20110915-1kbit.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2689</guid>
			<author>SMH - Graham Readfearn</author>
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			<title>peak water looms more ominously than peak oil</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the leading oil exporters water challenges are growing as energy-intensive desalination erodes oil revenues while peak water looms more ominously than peak oil]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/oil-and-water-saudi-arabias-resources-puzzle?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=77b1cb01a9-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2688</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reem Shamseddine & Barbara Lewis</author>
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			<title>Switch from coal to natural gas no boon to climate: study</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A global, partial shift from coal to natural gas would speed up global warming slightly through at least 2050, even with no methane leaks from natural gas operations. If there were substantial methane leaks, the acceleration of climate change would continue through as late as 2140, according to Wigleys computer simulations.

"If your goal is to avert serious catastrophic global warming, then natural gas is not a bridge fuel," Romm said.

"What this study shows ... is the way people think about natural gas is just wrong, and that from a climate perspective, you have to get off of all fossil fuels as quickly as possible."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/switch-coal-natural-gas-no-boon-climate-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=77b1cb01a9-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_med</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2687</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Christopher Wilson</author>
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			<title>$25bn of Australias ocean economy unaccounted for, at risk</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The report, called "Stocking Up: Securing our Marine Economy", has also found that the value of sustainably managed Australian fisheries could increase by 42 per cent over 20 years if global fish stocks collapse.

And it warns that there are serious risks facing Australias oceans, their economic value, and the people who depend on them.

"Without effective policies to protect our ocean wealth, we risk $25 billion a year in essential ecosystem services, along with 9,000 direct jobs in commercial fishing and a marine tourism industry worth $11 billion per year," the CPD said ahead of the reports official release.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/australias-25bn-ocean-economy-unaccounted-risk-report?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=77b1cb01a9-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2686</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Biofuels or bust: A clean energy concept to revolutionise farming</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The system relies on a biofuel processing group of companies: an abattoir, a biorefinery, a biodigester, which uses waste streams from these refineries producing power through a biuogas generator, and the industries or the businesseswithin that hub can use the waste heat from the power generation. Now, the source for those industries will come from the region surrounding that hub."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/biofuels-or-bust-clean-energy-concept-revolutionise-farming?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=4f5b55d9be</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2685</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Sophie Vorrath</author>
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			<title>Coalition distorts facts in campaign on pollution charge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Coalition has distributed 34 pages of climate change talking points to help its federal MPs step up their anti-tax campaign, including several assertions that are untrue or misleading, as debate begins on the controversial carbon pricing bills today.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/coalition-distorts-facts-in-campaign-on-pollution-charge-20110912-1k639.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2684</guid>
			<author>SMH - Lenore Taylor</author>
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			<title>Blowback against Australias new gas rush</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BROKE, Australia - Across the spectacular valley sprawling before Eden Anthonys Australian homestead a new mountain has risen in the gritty distance -- a towering heap of coal mine waste.It is a cautionary tale for the Hunter Valley, a picturesque winemaking and hobby farm area north-west of Sydney, which finds itself at the centre of a growing resources controversy: the hunt for coal seam gas (CSG).Thousands of farmers have joined his campaign and Hutton believes...(But, by the way, its not Huttons movement. It was created in Broke by John C Thomson and 40 anti-coal groups and stolen by Drew Hutton because he and some other knew better.)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jFlPfo5oB8WMbNSf2AbuuFMuDItQ?docId=CNG.e42258f6b3bcb22ed16d56cebc1e3279.3e1</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2683</guid>
			<author>Google News - Amy Coopes</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Ban Ki-moon challenges climate sceptics</title>
			<description><![CDATA["By 2050, the (world) population will reach nine billion. That is a 50 per cent increase compared with 2000. "By that time we will have to reduce greenhouse emissions by 50 per cent." To those who said there was no point in taking action, because other nations were not, Mr Ban pointed to big polluters including China and India. China had pledged to reduce its carbon pollution by up to 45 per cent in the next decade, he said. "It now produces half of the worlds wind and solar power."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/ban-kimoon-challenges-climate-sceptics-20110908-1jz84.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2682</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining Boom Killing Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Senator Brown said the report highlighted the need to reconsider the minerals resources rent tax (MRRT) so the nation could derive more benefits from the mining boom.

The federal government has proposed to tax at 30 per cent the "super profits" from coal and iron ore mining from July 1, 2012.

"The Greens will move to expand the MRRT, oppose the tax cut for big business while supporting tax relief for small businesses, and push to set up a sovereign wealth fund," he said on Thursday.

"This is the economically responsible thing to do."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/mining-boom-not-universally-beneficial-20110908-1jzii.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2681</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas toxic storm</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As Typhoon Meihua battered Chinas east coast in early August, it also whipped up a public storm: a dyke protecting Chinas largest manufacturer of paraxylene (PX) - a chemical used to make polyester products - was washed away... When local governments use unconventional methods to build polluting projects, the public are forced to resort to unconventional means to protect their own interests. This kind of social interaction makes the management of environmental issues an even knottier task.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/chinas-toxic-storm?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=9198fafdb7-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2680</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Tang Hao</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Can solar PV get smart?</title>
			<description><![CDATA["A lot of the future generation is going to come from your own home, your own office, your own battery. This is the sharp end of the stick for smart grid."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/can-solar-pv-get-smart?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=9198fafdb7-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2679</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dont Risk CSG HD</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The truth of CSG]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6DCJZ2NcbI&amp;feature=player_embedded</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2678</guid>
			<author>Youtube</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Bigtos Coal Seam Gas Advertisement</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A great spoof on the Santos wanka ad]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y22Mka7h5vA</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2677</guid>
			<author>Youtube</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Its all smiles for some, but mining boom benefits dont trickle down</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining employs just 217,000 people directly and creates around that many jobs again indirectly. For the other 20 million Australians the mining boom is delivering more pain than gain.]]></description>
			<link>http://theconversation.edu.au/its-all-smiles-for-some-but-mining-boom-benefits-dont-trickle-down-3138</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2676</guid>
			<author>The Conversation</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Call to lock the Manning Valley to mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Manning Valley should be reviewed and classified as a region of State significance and should be permanently locked as a No Go Zone for coal seam gas mining, Manning Alliance Inc believes.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/call-to-lock-the-manning-valley-to-mining/2282262.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2675</guid>
			<author>Manning River Times - Helen Manusu</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Killer typhoon brings more misery to Japan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TOKYO (AP) - Rescuers and search parties scoured central Japan on Monday as the death toll from the worst typhoon to hit the country in seven years climbed to 26, adding more misery to a nation still reeling from its catastrophic tsunami six months ago.]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/64163/killer-typhoon-brings-more-misery-to-japan/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=305d0382a0-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2674</guid>
			<author>Asia Correspondent</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Total Arctic sea ice at record low in 2010</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The research adds to a picture of rapid climate change at the top of the world that could see the Arctic Ocean ice-free within decades, spurring new oil exploration opportunities but possibly also disrupted weather patterns far afield and a faster rise in sea levels.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/total-arctic-sea-ice-record-low-2010-study?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=26b66b184d-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2673</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Gerard Wynn</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal blasting and emissions fears</title>
			<description><![CDATA[cracking in houses and headstones in a local cemetery attributed to blasting.... 
photos of noise monitor completely bound up in shade cloth and chain]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-05/mine-angst/2870134/?site=newcastle</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2672</guid>
			<author>ABC - Giselle Wakatama</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Deadly levels of mining dust recorded in Muswellbrook</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The monitor recorded daily levels between 61.2 and 118.2micrograms per cubic metre on five occasions between August 20 and August 30. (In contrast the highest reading EVER recorded in Sydney was 55. Major Health Impact accurs above 50).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/more-mining-dust-recorded-in-muswellbrook/2281777.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2671</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Matthew Kelly</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Claims of dust monitor tampering in the Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[dust monitors that are completely bound up in shade cloth and chain]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/Claims-of-dust-monitor-tampering-in-the-Hunter</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2670</guid>
			<author>Mining Australia - Cole Latimer</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The devils in the fine print</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The changes to laws are too late, because they apply to new licences, not existing petroleum licences, so the licences wont be subject to the strategic land use and better consultation practices," Ms Ruddock said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/the-devils-in-the-fine-print-narrabri-meeting-told/2279552.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 23:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2669</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader - RUTH CASKEY</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Digging in: Tamworth area farmers stand their ground against mining exploration</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PROTECTING the future productivity of farming land by keeping it out of reach of mining companies needed to be the first priority of the state government, say anxious Tamworth district farmers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/digging-in-tamworth-area-farmers-stand-their-ground-against-mining-exploration/2279529.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 23:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2668</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader - RUTH CASKEY</author>
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			<title>Darling Downs farmers get dirty over invasion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Farmers argue the Queensland government is signing coalmining and coal-seam gas permits with abandon, risking the permanent alienation of land, while failing to represent the interests of farmers and the public at large.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/darling-downs-farmers-get-dirty-over-invasion/story-fn59niix-1226127861817</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 22:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2667</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Anthony Klan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dont sell Australia out.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9972</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2666</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Manning landholders frustrated at Taree councils wait-and-see attitude to coal seam mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[there will be a "potentially huge public backlash" when the community discovers council had an opportunity and chose not to lodge a submission to the NSW Legislative Assemblys current Committee of Inquiry into coal seam gas]]></description>
			<link>http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/manning-landholders-frustrated-at-taree-councils-waitandsee-attitude-to-coal-seam-mining/2278859.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2665</guid>
			<author>Manning River Times - Helen Manusu</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Brace for a hard China landing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas perpetual fixed-investment stimulus means that it will eventually have a hard landing. We are deluding ourselves if we think we can avoid the Dutch disease by relying on the construction of more and more empty residential blocks, shopping malls, ghost cities and unused infrastructure.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-resources-commodities-prices-Australia-Dutch-pd20110901-L9UJZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=ea</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2664</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - John Lee</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas middle income trap</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China faces the risk of inflation driven by rising food prices. Longer-term, he warns, "the drivers of Chinas meteoric rise are waning: resources have largely shifted from agriculture to industry; as the labour force shrinks and the population ages, there are fewer workers to support retirees; productivity increases are declining, partly because the economy is exhausting gains from the transfer of basic production methods." 

In addition, he says, China faces other challenges "including serious environmental degradation; rising inequality; heavy use of energy and production of carbon; an underdeveloped service sector and an over-reliance on foreign markets."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-inflation-PMI-food-prices-manufacturing-inte-pd20110902-LATQJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=ea</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2663</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Alan Jones, Heather Brown</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks to Dr Reg Pascoe, Heather Brown, Nicki Laws and Rob McCreath about mining and the desecration of farm land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9956</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2662</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Green group targets financiers behind Woodside LNG project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Environmentalists have turned their sights on the financiers and potential customers of mining outfit Woodside, in their bid to block its contentious $35 billion James Price Point LNG project.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/green-group-targets-financiers-behind-woodside-lng-project-report?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=173f13cef7</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2661</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BHP to invest more in NCIG coal facility</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BHP Billiton Ltd has approved the investment of a further $US367 million in the third stage of Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Groups (NCIG) coal handling facility in Newcastle.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-to-invest-more-in-NCIG-coal-facility-pd20110831-L97ZZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2660</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Reuters</author>
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			<title>Why energy costs are falling (and yours are not)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[wholesale electricity prices in Australia have actually been falling to record lows in the past year...Partly this is to do with reduced demand caused by mild weather and the economic impact on manufacturing, and partly because of cheap gas, and partly because of an excess of wind capacity, particularly in South Australia]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/why-energy-costs-are-falling-and-yours-are-not?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=51280a5f3c-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2659</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australias big solar turning point</title>
			<description><![CDATA[According to a Bloomberg article, the IEA this week will significantly lift its solar energy forecasts: from providing 21 per cent of the worlds electricity needs by 2050 in earlier scenarios, to a new prediction that solar will provide half of the worlds energy needs by 2060, and most of its electricity needs. Much of the rest will come from wind, hydropower and biomass]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/australias-big-solar-turning-point?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=51280a5f3c-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=e</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2658</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China eyes 3GW rooftop solar capacity by 2015</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BEIJING (Reuters) - China is targeting 3 gigawatts (GW) of roof-mounted solar power generating capacity by 2015 and 25 GW by 2020, the China Securities Journal reported on Monday, citing a government renewable energy development plan that is likely to be unveiled soon.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-eyes-3gw-rooftop-solar-capacity-2015-report?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=c02eb43d43-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2657</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Industry handouts: not the right approach</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We call it New Protectionism because the bearer of the cost of special treatment for a few industries will be the whole Australian community.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/industry-handouts-not-right-approach?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=c02eb43d43-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2656</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Tony Wood & Tristan Edis</author>
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		<item>
			<title>CO2 compensation, or protectionism?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the governments proposed assistance is so generous that steel producers will receive an unjustified windfall gain.... The carbon pricing package "does not take into account that any exemptions given to these industries shift the cost of reducing carbon pollution onto the whole community, and therefore amount to a new form of protectionism,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/co2-compensation-or-protectionism?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=c02eb43d43-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2655</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Sophie Vorrath</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Govt orders compromise on Caval Ridge mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Queensland government will require miner BMA to have 80 per cent of its employees across all operations live in the region where they work.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/govt-orders-compromise-on-caval-ridge-mine-20110902-1jpoc.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2654</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Revamping the EPBC Act: proposed amendments unveiled</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The documents which have been released include a draft EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy3 and Australian Government Biodiversity Policy.4 These documents are available for public comment until 21 October 2011.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=5f40724d-2a65-4cbc-8f42-b67db00f1652&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-08-30</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2653</guid>
			<author>Freehills Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>More tests at CSG site after carcinogens find</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The BTEX chemicals were found in a shallow bore at Arrow Energys fields near Dalby in southern Queensland, but the company says there is no connection to gas production.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-30/more-tests-at-csg-site-after-carcinogens-find/2861614</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2652</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Campbelltown gas plant pollution fears</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Documents discovered by 7News allege the plant illegally polluted over three years running from the Rosalind Park plant, saying the plant emitted 30 per cent more acid-rain causing sulphur oxides than allowed; and that it exceeded the limits for hazardous waste stored on site.

Correspondence between the Environment Department and the Rosalind Park plant obtained by 7News says:

"The long-running nature of these non-compliances is unacceptable and must be addressed."]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/latest/a/-/newshome/10158388/7news-exclusive-campbelltown-gas-plant-pollution-fears/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2651</guid>
			<author>& News - Yahoo - Sean Berry</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Company raided over air pollution allegations</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An Australian air testing company, contracted to test pollution from smoke stacks, has been raided following a year-long investigation into claims testers were fabricating pollution reports... a scientist and former employee of an air testing company alleged data was being fabricated and fraudulently provided to regulatory bodies and was going unchecked by the Government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/08/30/3305491.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2650</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fresh doubts over coal seam gas tests</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If a well was found to be connected to an adjoining aquifer water must be reinjected into it. (Yeah,, produced water,, what a wanka Ed)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/fresh-doubts-over-coal-seam-gas-tests/2275399.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2649</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Matthew Kelly</author>
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			<title>New air qualtiy monitors for Upper Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The new monitors at north-west Singleton, Bulga, Camberwell and Mount Thorley are in addition to sites at Singleton, Muswellbrook and Maison Dieu.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-air-qualtiy-monitors-for-upper-hunter/2275542.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2648</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Matthew Kelly</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Nationals conference rejects coal seam gas exploration</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Coal seam gas technology currently used in Australia is lethal and it will kill Australians, poison our water table and destroy the land," he said.

"And that comment was made to me by the head technical chief of Shenua Energy from China, who are the largest people in coal seam gas in the world."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201108/s3304116.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2647</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Every CSG aquifer must be tested: Burke</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Federal Environment and Water Minister Tony Burke says every single aquifer exposed to coal seam gas mining must be tested to ensure groundwater is not put at risk.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2011/s3305181.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2646</guid>
			<author>ABC - Lateline</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Gas protesters not won over by talks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The environmental concerns over the water table, salinity, subsidence - regardless of what Dart says - remain real but on top of that, if they end up building a spiders web of drilling rigs out behind our houses, we wont able to live in them and nobody is going to want to buy them, Ms Walker said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/gas-protesters-not-won-over-by-talks/2272834.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2645</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - IAN KIRKWOOD AND JANEK SPEIGHT</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>NSW Minerals Council CEO Nikki Williams takes top job at Australian Coal Association</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Council chairman and Xstrata Coal group executive [cocksucker] Mick Buffier lauded [the sluts (Ed)]leadership, saying she had defended the industry, promoted its benefits and been instrumental in bringing about change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/breaking-news/nsw-minerals-council-ceo-nikki-williams-takes-top-job-at-australian-coal-association/story-e6frg90f-1226123887351</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2644</guid>
			<author>SMH - AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Barnaby Joyce warns of threat to resource security</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Senator Joyce said Australia would continue to rely on foreign investment but I am deeply concerned about the increasing control that foreign state-owned companies are increasingly gaining over our strategic assets]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/barnaby-joyce-warns-of-threat-to-resource-security-20110828-1jgmw.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2643</guid>
			<author>SMH - Michelle Grattan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Nationals conference rejects coal seam gas exploration</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The conference passed a motion calling on the National Party to protect water from contamination by gas exploration.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201108/s3304116.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2642</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Do we need industry when we have a mining boom?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[we will lose manufacturing permanently for a mining boom that turns out to be only temporary.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/do-we-need-industry-when-we-have-a-mining-boom-20110822-1j6sm.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2641</guid>
			<author>SMH - Tim Colebatch</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas under renewed pressure</title>
			<description><![CDATA[news of a possible contamination of cancer-causing chemicals in Queensland.Lateline has spoken to three of Australias top water scientists, most of whom say more research is urgently needed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2011/s3305176.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2640</guid>
			<author>ABC - Lateline</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal mining project sparks open-cut worries</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A council in central western New South Wales is concerned a mining companys plans to combine two projects will increase open-cut mining operations]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-24/coal-mining-project-sparks-open-cut-worries/2852908/?site=centralwest&amp;section=news</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2639</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>social cost of boom</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australians believe their political leaders have failed them. Canberra has largely ignored the dismay at the march of open-cut mining and seam-gas exploration over vast tracts of the bush. But the anger is real for those who find their land has been marked for exploration yet they can do nothing about it; or whose neighbours have sold their farms to miners poised to strip-mine the paddocks; or who simply must learn to live with the noise and night lights of mining they cannot stop.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/managing-social-cost-of-boom/story-e6frg71x-1226114017978</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2638</guid>
			<author>The Australian</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Approval given for ghost coal project on Darling Downs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Queensland government was yesterday forced to remove a posting that claimed approval had been granted for a giant $500 million coal-to-liquid plant at Acland -- about 50km northwest of Toowoomba -- after it was revealed no application for such a project existed... In two reports published by the federal governments Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, false information about the New Hopes Acland operations has been published and remains on the bureaus website....The Queensland and federal governments did not respond to written questions concerning the matter last night.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/approval-given-for-ghost-coal-project-on-darling-downs/story-e6frgczx-1226123166732</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2637</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Anthony Klan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Solar boom continues for Origin</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Origin, which is already the largest electricity generator and the largest electricity retailer in the country, following its purchase of assets from the NSW government earlier this year, is clearly now also the largest installer of solar PV - and still growing its market share.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/solar-boom-continues-origin?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=eec3046cb7-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2636</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>CSG pressure builds on boards</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A company that pursues profits by pushing other costs onto society is swimming against the tide. The global head of McKinsey, Dominic Barton, recently warned that the corporate sector must adapt to a more progressive form of capitalism, or have change forced onto it]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/csg-pressure-builds-boards?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=354b135749-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2635</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Phil Preston</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fears lethal coal dust to outdo asbestos</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Western Queensland Opposition MP Vaughan Johnson says coal dust could become a bigger health problem than asbestos if mines are allowed to develop close to towns.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-24/fears-lethal-coal-dust-to-outdo-asbestos/2853282</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2634</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas lies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In the 10 paragraphs of the full page ad from APPEA, I counted 7 statements that are untrue or misleading.... So, rigorous laws my arse.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.unitedearth.com.au/thecreekblog/2011/08/coal-seam-gas-lies-2/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2633</guid>
			<author>The Creek Blog</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>The Expanding Anti-Gas Coalition</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The future of the coal seam gas industry is looking increasingly uncertain as community opposition broadens.]]></description>
			<link>http://newmatilda.com/2011/08/22/expanding-antigas-coalition</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2632</guid>
			<author>New Matilda.com - Kate Ausburn</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Bore war: Residents fight coal seam gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Tomago sandbeds supply about 20per cent of Hunter Waters drinking water and residents living near Dart Energys Fullerton Cove test site are up in arms about the companys plans.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/bore-war-residents-fight-coal-seam-gas/2265360.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2631</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - IAN KIRKWOOD</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal Seam Gas on the Mid North Coast</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/08/22/3298804.htm?site=midnorthcoast</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2630</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>No hope as land court case begins today</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Landholders from one of Queenslands richest grazing regions are taking Swiss resources giant Xstrata to court over its $3 billion coalmine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/no-hope-as-land-court-case-begins-today/story-fn59niix-1226119239781</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2629</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Michael McKenna</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Alan Jones Comments 22/08/2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining and agriculture]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9821</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2628</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal Seam Gas Rally - Wentworth Hotel - 18 August 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Greens video of protest]]></description>
			<link>http://www.jeremybuckingham.org/?p=684</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2627</guid>
			<author>The Greens - Jeremy Buckingham</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Protesters gatecrash mining conference</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Four people have been arrested after storming a mining conference in Sydney]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKClOmrsTtI</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2626</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Protesters have stormed a city hotel, in an ugly fight against the coal seam gas industry]]></description>
			<link>http://youtu.be/mvIg4893hk8</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2625</guid>
			<author>TEN news</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Canada moves ahead with new coal-fired power rules</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - Canada moved ahead on Friday with new regulations for cutting carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants...the rules, aimed at gradually phasing out coal-fired power generation]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/canada-moves-ahead-new-coal-fired-power-rules-0?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=168371366c-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_m</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2624</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Parliament to debate two CSG bills</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Independent MP Tony Windsor wants to slow down the "frenzy" of development in the CSG industry and is planning to introduce a private members bill on Monday extending existing federal environmental laws. (This CON only applies to new licences when 70% of the state has already been tendered out)
The Australian Greens will also introduce a private members bill aimed at increasing land owners rights to have a greater say over CSG companies moving in on their properties, (the LNP &amp; ALP will not support it)..]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/parliament-to-debate-two-csg-bills-20110821-1j4f7.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2623</guid>
			<author>SMH - AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Catherine Cusak - Gas only the tip of poisonous iceberg</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last year the Auditor General released a scathing assessment of what happens to pollution reports. The Government doesnt know how many separate pollution incidents have been reported, nor the overall outcomes of its investigations. The EPA cant say if its achieving better outcomes for the environment.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/catherine-cusak-gas-only-the-tip-of-poisonous-iceberg/story-e6frezz0-1226118766139</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2622</guid>
			<author>Sunday Telegraph - Catherine Cusack</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Canberra citadel is ripe for storming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[conflicts will only become more acute as our resources become more valuable and our population grows.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/politics-CSG-coal-energy-MRRT-carbon-price-farming-pd20110819-KUSTJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2621</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Rob Burgess</author>
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			<title>Protesters disrupt New South Wales mining conference</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Minerals Councils Deputy Chief Executive Sue-Ern Tan said a lack of trust in the mining industry had to be addressed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/protestors-disrupt-new-south-wales-mining-conference/story-e6frf7jx-1226117647594</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2620</guid>
			<author>Herald-Sun - AAP</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Anti-mining protesters arrested</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Farmer Ted Finnie said oil and gas exploration company Santos had been granted a licence on his 576 hectare property on the Merriwa Plateau in the Upper Hunter. 

But theres no way he will agree to coal seam gas mining. 

They are certainly indicating they will be drilling but they will not be getting onto my place, Mr Finnie said. 

Over my dead body.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=651777&amp;vId=2643187</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2619</guid>
			<author>Skynews</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>CSG opponents storm mining conference</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Despite the advanced notice given of the rally, hotel security and police were taken by surprise as the protesters stormed the conference room itself.

"How do you sleep at night," one of them yelled.]]></description>
			<link>http://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/CSG-opponents-storm-mining-abc-510601620.html?x=0</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2618</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Energy minister Chris Hartchers invite to mining bosses</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ENERGY Minister Chris Hartcher has told mining executives that the OFarrell government is "open for business" - unveiling a map showcasing NSWs resources and inviting them to dig in.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/energy-minister-chris-hartchers-invite-to-mining-bosses/story-e6freuzi-1226117760501</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2617</guid>
			<author>The Daily Telegraph - Geoff Chambers</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Gas Basins &amp; Reserves Map</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://resources.news.com.au/files/2011/08/18/1226117/725788-110819-resources.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2616</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining will create wastelands: protesters</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Were not talking just a mine here or there, and a few coal seam gas wells, we are talking about a radical transformation - we are talking about rural Australia becoming an industrial zone, and ultimately an industrial wasteland..]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/mining-will-create-wastelands-protesters-20110818-1izrq.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2615</guid>
			<author>SMH - AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Wholl take the CSG blame?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[its clear that while the companies may have done a lot of work with governments, regulators and various official bodies, they have not done nearly enough with communities, which were equally important because governments are no longer trusted on this issue.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Coal-seam-gas-CSG-Australia-management-Santos-Orig-pd20110818-KTRWZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=spb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2614</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Farmers join activists at a coal seam gas protest outside a Sydney mining conference</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Minerals Exploration and Investment conference was interrupted when about 16 activists entered the conference room at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.... A number of conference attendees erupted, shouting at the protesters to leave]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/farmers-join-activists-at-a-coal-seam-gas-protest-outside-a-sydney-mining-conference/story-e6frg6nf-1226117521293</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2613</guid>
			<author>The Australian - AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillard and Abbott FAIL the climate test</title>
			<description><![CDATA[reducing carbon emissions is something that is necessary so we can all achieve other and better ends.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/gillard-abbott-and-climate-conundrum?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=329802ad07-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2612</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Robyn Eckersley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Great Artesian basin Resource Assessment (Sth Aust Gov)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Great Artesian Basin (GAB)
is the lifeline of the north as it supplies
the pastoral and mining industries
and communities with water in the
driest zone of South Australia]]></description>
			<link>http://www.k26.com/eyre/The_Lake/Further_reading/GAB_fact_sheet.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2611</guid>
			<author>Sth Aust Gov</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Beware the CSG enfants terribles</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the participants in the $50 billion coal seam gas industry have managed their projects like rank amateurs and their bad management actually threatens the industry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Coal-seam-gas-farmers-mining-Tony-Abbott-Australia-pd20110817-KSTP8?OpenDocument&amp;emcontent_Gottliebsen</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2610</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A double-sided CSG dilemma</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The flow of pollutants created by the fracking process of extraction is either an unacceptable burden for future generations who may rely on this water to irrigate crops in an increasingly hungry world;]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/double-sided-csg-dilemma?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=329802ad07-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2609</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Rob Burgess</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Alan Jones Comments 16/08/2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Would you buy this?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9759</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2608</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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			<title>Straight to renewables, insist Greens, who say no future in CSG or coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Greens have rejected long-term investment in the use of coal-seam gas to generate electricity, questioning the widely held assumption that it produces lower carbon emissions than coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/straight-to-renewables-insist-greens-who-say-no-future-in/story-fn59niix-1226116311165</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2607</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Matthew Franklin</author>
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			<title>Windsor calls for tighter controls on CSG mining - A CON</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rural independent MP Tony Windsor says the federal government should be given greater powers to veto coal seam gas projects if they have the potential to damage water resources.

He plans to introduce legislation in parliament next Monday that seeks to better protect "sensitive areas", such as prime agricultural land or flood plains, from the risks of exploration.

the legislation would not affect the thousands of permits that have already been issued]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/windsor-calls-tighter-controls-csg-mining?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=ed72836ff3-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2606</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - AAP</author>
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			<title>Food vs fuel: solving the CSG dilemma</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In NSW and Queensland contamination is highly likely, since the aquifers are very close to the area being fracked.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/food-vs-fuel-solving-csg-dilemma?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=ed72836ff3-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=ema</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2605</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Tina Hunter</author>
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			<title>Fear &amp; greed: The real energy challenge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One of the more popular displays at the museum is a solar panel that had been installed by President Jimmy Carter on the roof of the White House in 1979, just after he promised that the US would source 20 per cent of its energy needs from renewables by the end of the century.

The panels were torn down a few years later, along with the rest of Carters renewables vision, by his successor Ronald Reagan, with the vocal approval of the new presidents oil and coal industry backers. The panel, along with a $100 billion solar PV industry that the US had once hoped would be its own, ended up in Dezhou, at the heart of Chinas Solar Valley, the local cleantech equivalent of Californias Silicon Valley.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/fear-greed-real-energy-challenge?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=ed72836ff3-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=ema</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2604</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Protecting our land.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones Comments 15/08/2011]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9739</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2603</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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			<title>Coal seam debate lacks science- Turnbull</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Turnbull believes theres big potential for damage to Australias groundwater resources through gas exploration and urged more scientific research...If you contaminate aquifers ... you cannot fix it.]]></description>
			<link>http://bigpondnews.com/articles/TopStories/2011/08/16/Coal_seam_debate_lacks_science-_Turnbull_650744.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2602</guid>
			<author>Bigpond News</author>
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			<title>Coal Seam Drilling Begins Near Wollemi</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal seam drilling will begin this week just 500 metres from the Wollemi National Park, a World Heritage listed wilderness area]]></description>
			<link>http://newmatilda.com/2011/08/16/csg-drilling-begins-near-wollemi</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2601</guid>
			<author>New Matilda.com - Wendy Bacon</author>
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			<title>WA gets grim climate impact forecast, higher sea level rises</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A report on the effects of climate change in Western Australia has warned that the state stands to be hit harder than most by global warming impacts, with significant coastal flooding set to become routine, hundreds of plant and animal species threatened, and agricultural productivity to plummet.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/wa-gets-grim-climate-impact-forecast-higher-sea-level-rises?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=88f1744497-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2600</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Australian farmers want land protected from miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Abbott, wary of reversing months of opinion poll gains for the conservative coalition in a damaging fight between its pro-farmer and pro-business factions, refused to back legislation drafted by the Greens that would give more rights to farmers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/australian-farmers-want-land-protected-miners?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=88f1744497-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_med</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2599</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Rob Taylor</author>
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			<title>Liberal and National and ALP Right KILL solar in NSW</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Solar Energy Society estimates that more than 400 jobs have been lost and one quarter of the solar installations businesses in the state closed since the NSW government shut down the solar bonus scheme.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/why-right-wont-eat-their-greens</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2598</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>A new leaf: Solar power for the masses</title>
			<description><![CDATA[And this year, MIT chemist Daniel Nocera and his team created much excitement when they unveiled their version of an artificial leaf - a cobalt- and phosphate-coated silicon device the size of a playing card that, when stuck in a jar of water, generated power at an efficiency greater than todays solar panels...Whats missing from the puzzle, he says, is "some tricky engineering to collect the gases as theyre coming off the silicon. We dont know how to do that yet."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/new-leaf-solar-power-masses?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=88f1744497-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2597</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Sophie Vorrath</author>
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			<title>Mining ban in tourist hinterland unlikely</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Scenic Rim Regional Council, in the Gold Coast hinterland, is seeking a legally binding ban on coalmining and coal-seam gas exploration under amendments to the Mineral Resources Act.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/mining-ban-in-tourist-hinterland-unlikely/story-fn59niix-1226115514548</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2596</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Michael McKenna</author>
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			<title>Plea to watch water quality: National Water Commission</title>
			<description><![CDATA[JULIA Gillards top water adviser has urged the Prime Minister and premiers to place on the national reform agenda the risks water systems face from nearby coal-seam gas projects.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/plea-to-watch-water-quality-national-water-commission/story-fn59niix-1226115575097</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2595</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Annabel Hepworth</author>
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			<title>Greens drill into gas firm donations</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Anderson has been with Eastern Star Gas since 2007. According to disclosure statements submitted to the Planning Department, the company has donated $40,325 to the Liberals and Nationals since 2008....The company has also paid $22,000 for business sponsorships of the Liberal Partys fund-raising arm]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/greens-drill-into-gas-firm-donations-20110815-1iuwb.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2594</guid>
			<author>SMH - Sean Nicholls</author>
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			<title>Famine squeezes life out of southern Somalia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Across Somalia, harvests have failed..The drought and famine have killed more than 29,000 children under the age of 5 in the last three months in southern Somalia alone]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/famine-squeezes-life-out-southern-somalia?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=3e30c68c7b-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2593</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Giles Elgood</author>
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			<title>China to double solar capacity by year end</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China will double its solar capacity to around 2 gigawatts (GW) by the end of the year as the worlds largest solar-panel maker ramps up domestic installation]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-double-solar-capacity-year-end-report</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2592</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters</author>
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			<title>Greens dig a hole for Tony Abbott on farmers rights</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Greens will move to give farmers veto powers over coal-seam gas operations on their land after seizing on comments from Tony Abbott, who last week backed the right of farmers to deny miners access to their properties.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/greens-dig-a-hole-for-tony-abbott-on-farmers-rights/story-fn59niix-1226114841771</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2591</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Sid Maher and Debbie Guest</author>
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			<title>An almighty clash of values above and below ground</title>
			<description><![CDATA[just last week CSG companies were telling a Senate hearing they will use their legal rights to force their way on to land where farmers refuse access.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/an-almighty-clash-of-values-above-and-below-ground/story-e6frg6nf-1226114837035</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2590</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Robin Bromby</author>
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			<title>Social cost of boom needs to be faced</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The heightening tensions from central Queensland to rural Victoria over the rush for coal-seam gas and new coalmines are about issues much closer to home.

These are about the rights of property owners to occupy and enjoy their land and the nations long-term interests in where it gets its food.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/social-cost-of-boom-needs-to-be-faced/story-fn59niix-1226114848281</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2589</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Graham Lloyd</author>
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			<title>Hunter Valley farmer fears times up as coal encroaches</title>
			<description><![CDATA[About 20km from Singleton, in the Upper Hunter, Rita Gees dairy farm is set to become an island, surrounded by a combination of five planned open-cut and underground mines due to be built within the next few years]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/hunter-valley-farmer-fears-times-up-as-coal-encroaches/story-e6frg6nf-1226114830132</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2588</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Mitchell Nadin</author>
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			<title>Coalition rejects Green gas bill</title>
			<description><![CDATA[(MR ABBOT is weak as piss.)
An Australian Greens push to give farmers a greater say over coal seam gas miners accessing their land looks set to fail, with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott changing his tune on a veto.]]></description>
			<link>http://bigpondnews.com/articles/TopStories/2011/08/15/Coalition_rejects_Green_gas_bill_650391.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2587</guid>
			<author>Bigpond News</author>
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			<title>Mining becomes drug of choice for hungry state governments</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We sat down and they got out these maps and spread them across the table and said: Were going to need your land, " Free says. "They said: Were taking the Bryces and were taking yours, too. And they said that they could do this under some legislation back in 1902 or something like that."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/mining-becomes-drug-of-choice-for-hungry-state-governments/story-fn59niix-1226114027190</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2586</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Andrew Fraser</author>
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			<title>Calls for Bylongs urgent inclusion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Bylong Valley Protection Alliance has called for the Bylong, Wollar, and Ulan mining growth corridor to be included in recently commenced Upper Hunter Strategic Land Use planning "as a matter of urgency".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/calls-for-bylongs-urgent-inclusion/2256388.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2585</guid>
			<author>Mudgee Guardian</author>
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			<title>Progress on controversial land access agreements</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Planet Gas says two landowners in the Moree district have signalled they may strike land access agreements to allow core hole drilling]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nsw/content/2011/08/s3289048.htm?site=rural&amp;microsite=mining&amp;section=article&amp;date=(none)</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2584</guid>
			<author>ABC - Bush Telegraph - Joanna Woodburn</author>
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			<title>Too Much Luck: the Mining Boom and Australias Dismal Future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Michael Mackenzie speaks with Paul Cleary author]]></description>
			<link>http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/201108/r811838_7259704.mp3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2583</guid>
			<author>ABC - Bush Telegraph - Bel Tromp</author>
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			<title>Chinas Australian resource hunger to grow</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Theres no doubt that Chinas industrialisation and urbanisation will continue to require very large quantities of Australian raw materials,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/INTERVIEW-China-demand-for-resources-to-rise-Austr-KN6FP?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2582</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Is climate change slipping out of the frame?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In recent years at the Melbourne International Film Festival there has been no shortage of films using climate change and environmental calamity as a theme, or making reference to it in some way. Yet this year, climate change has largely disappeared from the screen. What is going on?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/climate-change-slipping-out-frame?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=1485cefa80-CSPEC_DAILY</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2581</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator- Andrew Herrington</author>
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			<title>Cogen: the way to go with gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One of the largest sources of this waste is the central power industry... The prevailing plan is merely to use gas to directly replace coal in this grossly inefficient central power supply model...Central power is simply not a sustainable model for a low-carbon economy....Cogeneration can even be used at small scale, right down to using a fuel cell at an individual house. Imagine having a refrigerator-sized, silent device that can generate power and hot water 24 hours a day at over 80 per cent efficiency, with 75 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions than buying electricity from the central grid. You can also be independent of power companies. 

Many countries such as Japan, Korea and Germany are already planning for mass rollouts of cogeneration down to residential level.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/cogen-way-go-gas?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=1485cefa80-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2580</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Jon Jutsen</author>
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			<title>Economy losing momentum: Hockey</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Business and consumer confidence are down, retail sales are very soft, dwelling construction approvals are falling, prices of shares are volatile, house prices are soft, and demand for credit is subdued.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Economy-losing-momentum-Hockey-KM5QP?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2579</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - AAP</author>
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			<title>Clean Coal Administration Amendment Bill 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Changing the name to protect the guilty]]></description>
			<link>http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/nswbills.nsf/131a07fa4b8a041cca256e610012de17/5f196b027a60182bca2578e0001dbb1d?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2578</guid>
			<author>NSW Parliament</author>
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			<title>Alan Jones Comments</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The surrender of our farming land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9705</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2577</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas beneath Fullerton Cove</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Tomago sandbeds, which provide about 20per cent of the Lower Hunters drinking water, lie to the north.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-seam-gas-beneath-fullerton-cove/2254899.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2576</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
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			<title>Ministers gain close up of industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The economic diversification in the Hunter is a core strength, and it must remain," he said]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/ministers-gain-close-up-of-industry/2255361.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2575</guid>
			<author>Scone Advocate - Caitlin Andrews</author>
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			<title>Residents opinions to be heard at community forum</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If you wish to make a presentation, registration forms are available at all shire offices, by contacting 6540 1100 or emailing info@upperhunter.nsw. gov.au]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-opinions-to-be-heard-at-community-forum/2255355.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2574</guid>
			<author>Scone Advocate</author>
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			<title>NSW Government rejects clean coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Government has introduced a bill that dumps the term clean coal - rejecting it as spin - and reduces industrys presence on a council that disburses funds to reduce coal-related emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.cedaily.com.au/nl06_news_selected.php?act=2&amp;nav=1&amp;selkey=46145&amp;utm_source=instant+email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Instant+Email+Article+Link</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2573</guid>
			<author>Carbon Environment Daily</author>
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			<title>Farm gates no barrier for coal seam gas companies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[COAL seam gas companies have told a Senate hearing they will use their legal rights to force their way on to land where farmers refuse access.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/farm-gates-no-barrier-for-coal-seam-gas-companies/story-e6freon6-1226111920240</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2572</guid>
			<author>Courier Mail - John Mccarthy</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Noise, dust and now smell, its all too much</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MT Olive resident Chris Craven calls her 130 acre property a sanctuary - but one she hasnt been able to enjoy for two years because of mining operations from Integra Coals North open cut pit.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/noise-dust-and-now-smell-its-all-too-much/2252753.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2571</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus - Sarah Lee</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Eye on air quality</title>
			<description><![CDATA[All of the new air quality monitors in the Upper Hunter should be operating by the end of the year, after the last of 14 locations were chosen in Merriwa, Jerrys Plains and Wybong.]]></description>
			<link>http://huntervalleynews.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/eye-on-air-quality/2224127.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2570</guid>
			<author>Hunter Valley News</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>What price for an underground trespass?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[interesting proposition re horizontal boring - underground trespass]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a13331b9-73df-4687-92cb-0c4c48b5175f&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+International+developments&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2569</guid>
			<author>Manches LLP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Top Liberal moves to gas company</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE deputy director of the NSW Liberals, Richard Shields, has taken a job as a lobbyist with a coal seam gas company as the OFarrell government considers its response to increasing community concern over the rapid expansion of the sector.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/top-liberal-moves-to-gas-company-20110808-1ij74.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2568</guid>
			<author>SMH - Sean Nicholls</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dutch court suspends major gas storage project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Council of State, the top court, ruled that the project must be temporarily suspended, pending a final ruling, to avoid "irreversible consequences."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/dutch-court-suspends-major-gas-storage-project?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=75cccda1fb-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_me</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2567</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Carbon pollution to clean energy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On 28 July 2011, the Government released a package of 13 draft Bills to implement its plan to secure a clean energy future. The package includes most of the legislation required to give effect to the carbon price mechanism policy announcement made on 10 July 2011, with the exception of the assistance plan for the steel industry and the household assistance measures]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=9b040738-79fd-4adb-bc93-3f17403f8787&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-08-09</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2566</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining companies buying up prime farmland across Queensland, despite public opposition</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MINING and energy firms have swooped to buy more than 390,000ha across Queensland despite almost unanimous opposition to the sell-off of prime farming land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/mining-companies-buying-up-prime-farmland-across-queensland-despite-public-opposition/story-e6freqmx-1226109901427</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2565</guid>
			<author>Courier Mail - Kelmeny Fraser</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Santos denies bullying farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Listen to MP3 of this story (http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/news/audio/am/201108/20110806-sam06-santos-gas.mp3) 
Alternate WMA version | MP3 download 
EMILY BOURKE: The oil and gas giant Santos has admitted it needs to do a better job in selling the merits of coal seam gas extraction in regional Australia. Santos has also rejected claims that its been pressuring farmers in the north-west of New South Wales into allowing exploration on their properties.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3287108.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2564</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Nine coalmines face coal dust restrictions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NINE coalmines have been placed on legally binding pollution reduction programs requiring them to do more to prevent dust emissions, the state government says.
The list includes the Mount Arthur, Liddell and Bengalla mines in the Hunter, Stratford at Gloucester and Tasman near Newcastle.

Minister for the Environment and Maitland MP Robyn Parker told State Parliament yesterday the "dust stop" program would apply to all 68 NSW mines by April next year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/nine-coalmines-face-coal-dust-restrictions/2253352.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2563</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Congo Republic wants $2.6 billion to replant forest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BRAZZAVILLE (Reuters) - Congo Republic Friday said it wanted to raise $2.6 billion to restock part of the worlds second largest forest, as part of its fight against uncontrolled logging and global warming.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/congo-republic-wants-26-billion-replant-forest?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=305b53edce-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_me</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2562</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Christian Tsoumou</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Turnbull is ready for Conroy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Malcolm Turnbull did exactly what a Liberal shadow minister should do this week: Present a credible, fiscally responsible and less disruptive alternative to a big-spending and over the top Labor project which since it was unveiled in 2009 has been the policy equivalent of using an elephant gun to kill a house fly.]]></description>
			<link>http://technologyspectator.com.au/nbn-buzz/turnbull-ready-conroy</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2561</guid>
			<author>Technology Spectator - Renai LeMay</author>
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		<item>
			<title>APPEA feeling the heat - places ads</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last week, spokesperson Ross Dunn admitted at a public meeting in Leichhardt, that coal seam gas "drilling will, to varying degrees, impact on adjoining aquifers".  He later confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald: "Im wanting to ensure that we are not seen as saying there wont be any impacts during the process. It is a matter of monitoring and managing those impacts."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.jeremybuckingham.org/?p=637</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2560</guid>
			<author>Greens - Jeremy Buckingham MLC</author>
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			<title>http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/angry-scenes-at-csg-mining-meeting/story-e6frfku0-1226106291445#ixzz1TnY4yiu7</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There were angry scenes at the meeting in Leichhardt Town Hall this evening, mainly directed at the CEO of Dart Energy, the company that holds the exploration licence to drill for coal seam gas in the Sydney region.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/angry-scenes-at-csg-mining-meeting/story-e6frfku0-1226106291445#ixzz1TnY4yiu7</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2559</guid>
			<author>news.com.au</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas industry under the microscope</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The inquiry, by the upper house committee responsible for resources and energy, is expected to hold public hearings in October and November to examine the environmental impacts of coal seam gas mining, including the use of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coal-seam-gas-industry-under-the-microscope-20110805-1iffm.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2558</guid>
			<author>SMH - Sean Nicholls</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas (Inquiry)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This inquiry is a current Legislative Council inquiry conducted by the General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5.  This inquiry was established on 5 August 2011, to inquire into and report on the environmental, health, economic and social impacts of coal seam gas activities. The role of coal seam gas in meeting the future energy needs of NSW will also be examined.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/29AE48525CFAEA7CCA2578E3001ABD1C</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2557</guid>
			<author>NSW Parliament</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Chinas great big solar boost</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the scale of some of the projects being contemplated in China is enormous]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/chinas-great-big-solar-boost?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=bf7eed3b87-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2556</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Report says renewable sources account for one-fourth of worlds power capacity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In China, the report noted that renewable energy sources accounted for about 26 percent of the countrys total installed electric capacity.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=b750d6e3-d1c7-491d-9076-573eee9b1e05&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-08-05</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2555</guid>
			<author>Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC</author>
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			<title>Set to take on arrogant miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BOTH the emotions and the stakes were high during the inaugural Forum on Australias Food Security held in Oakey and hosted by radio broadcaster Alan Jones last night.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/08/05/both-the-emotions-and-the-stakes-were-high-during/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2554</guid>
			<author>Toowoomba Chronicle - Callum Johnson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Food security</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks to Heather Brown ahead of tonights food security forum in Queensland.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9635</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2553</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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			<title>When drought becomes famine: Climate meets politics in Africa</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/when-drought-becomes-famine-climate-meets-politics-africa?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=ca3d6e2c4a-C</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2552</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas debate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Lateline is joined by Ross Dunn from the Australian Petroleum Producers and Exploration Association and Drew Hutton from the Lock the Gate Alliance.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2011/s3283921.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2551</guid>
			<author>ABC - Ali Moore</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam damage to water inevitable</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE coal seam gas industry has conceded that extraction will inevitably contaminate aquifers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/coal-seam-damage-to-water-inevitable-20110802-1ia00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2550</guid>
			<author>SMH - Ben Cubby</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Native plants crucial in fight against climate impacts, say scientists</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A scientific review published this week in the journal Climatic Change has found that large-scale restoration of native vegetation is the most frequently recommended action in scientific literature to counter climate change effects on biodiversity.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/native-plants-crucial-fight-against-climate-impacts-say-scientists?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=5531eb8b6</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2549</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Himalaya glaciers shrinking on global warming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HONG KONG (Reuters) - Three Himalaya glaciers have been shrinking over the last 40 years due to global warming and two of them, located in humid regions and on lower altitudes in central and east Nepal, may disappear in time to come, researchers in Japan said on Tuesday]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/himalaya-glaciers-shrinking-global-warming-some-may-disappear?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=5531eb8b63-CSP</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2548</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Tan Ee Lyn</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A fraccing fluid (if u aint seen it)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[YouTube clip of ol wanka spruiking how hes got Gippsland in his fraccing procket - see what the fing stuff looks like and hear ol fart caught in 1670.]]></description>
			<link>http://youtu.be/R4MwXXNrCJo</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2547</guid>
			<author>Youtube - DanClancy</author>
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		<item>
			<title>US aims to slash emissions from oil, gas industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The measures resulted from a lawsuit by two environmental and consumer groups, which sued the EPA for failing to review the air toxic standards for the oil and gas industry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/us-aims-slash-emissions-oil-gas-industry?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=d1e0470c14-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=e</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2546</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Tom Doggett and Timothy Gardner</author>
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			<title>Hidden costs of the CSG rush</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Food quality and security is essential for good health. Agriculture, already under threat from more severe and prolonged drought conditions associated with climate change, will be further compromised by the CSG industry. As the industry expands, the vast quantities of water diverted from agricultural use to CSG operations and the loss of productive cropland may well diminish Australias ability to feed itself and the world.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/hidden-costs-csg-rush</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2545</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Marion Carey & David Shearman</author>
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		<item>
			<title>270,000 Organic Farmers Sue MONSANTO</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More than 270,000 organic farmers are taking on corporate agriculture giant Monsanto in a lawsuit filed March 30. Led by the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, the family farmers are fighting for the right to keep a portion of the world food supply organic]]></description>
			<link>http://nhne-pulse.org/270000-organic-farmers-sue-monsanto/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2544</guid>
			<author>Danielle Magnuson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fly-in workers sucking life from town</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE coal communities of Queenslands Bowen Basin have become an extreme case of the paradox of plenty, as surging mine production relies increasingly on transient workers who extract the black gold and take their earnings back home with them.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/fly-in-workers-sucking-life-from-town/story-fn59niix-1226100105294</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2543</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Paul Cleary and Rosanne Barrett</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mines and Vines Clash in Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DENMAN, Australia-Wineries and horse breeders are pushing to block billions of dollars in coal projects in a region where mines and vines have co-existed for more than a century, the latest hurdle Australia faces in meeting Asias voracious demand for resources.]]></description>
			<link>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304203304576447671896969778.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2542</guid>
			<author>Wall St Journal - David Fickling</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Concerns about crude operators - audio</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The member for Barwon Kevin Humphries says the biggest issues are in relation to land holder rights. "We will not compromise on environmental issues and we will swing the pendulum back in favour of the land holder."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/07/26/3278198.htm?site=newengland</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2541</guid>
			<author>ABC - Kelly Fuller</author>
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			<title>Coal barons sowing the seeds of unrest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its at least in the realm of possibility that the next global conflagration is over food shortages rather than energy supplies. After all, riots spilt across 33 countries in 2008 when food prices skyrocketed and shortages are said to have contributed to the wave of public rebellion that swept over northern Africa this year, when food prices again escalated.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/coal-barons-sowing-the-seeds-of-unrest-20110729-1i4b5.html#ixzz1Td4z8IsN</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2540</guid>
			<author>SMH - David Humphries & Leonie Lamont</author>
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			<title>Life after Part 3A in NSW - the new regime for major project approvals</title>
			<description><![CDATA[sketch out the main elements of the new State significant development laws and what people interested in major projects need to understand about them]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=13e46294-8a4f-4bcc-ac9e-e6af24f2229a&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-07-29</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2539</guid>
			<author>Clayton Utz</author>
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			<title>Mining Law in New South Wales discussion paper</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Environmental Defenders Office NSW]]></description>
			<link>http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/pubs/110628mining_law_discussion_paper.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2538</guid>
			<author>Environmental Defender's Office NSW</author>
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			<title>US rules seen shutting 20% of coal power capacity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. power industry will probably retire up to 20 percent of the countrys coal-fired electricity generating capacity this decade, due to proposed federal environmental regulations..
generating companies have already announced plans to retire about 23 GW of coal power plants.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/us-rules-seen-shutting-20-coal-power-capacity?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=46e2dfe015-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_med</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2537</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Scott DiSavino; David Gregorio</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Farmers demand the right to say no to mining companies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Resource Minister, Chris Hartcher, met landholders from Bellata, Gurley and Terry Hie Hie in Narrabri yesterday to listen to their concerns. 

They want the right to say no to mining companies which want to explore on their properties.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nsw/content/2011/07/s3279364.htm?site=rural&amp;microsite=mining&amp;section=latest&amp;date=(none)</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2536</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mining company walks away from Otways coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/07/28/3279677.htm?site=rural&amp;microsite=mining&amp;section=latest&amp;date=(none)</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2535</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Farmer sues neighbour over GM contamination</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In whats believed to be an Australian first, Mr Marsh is suing for loss of income after his neighbours GM canola was allegedly blown onto the organic property.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201107/s3279923.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2534</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Blackening the Golden Triangle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In Central Queensland there is a cropping area south of Emerald thats so rich and reliable its called the Golden Triangle. It takes in the towns of Orion, Springsure, Gindie and Rolleston, and supports a population of farming families with an atypically young average age.]]></description>
			<link>http://sharynmunro.com/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2533</guid>
			<author>Sharyn Munro</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Warning Sent to Mangoola Mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mangoola caught out badly and Warned about keeping residents awake all night for a week because it was too wet for them to operate in the pit. How sad for them. How sad for the poor bloody residents.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/dust-and-noise-top-resident-complaints-about-mines/2238814.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 01:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2532</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Matthew Kelly</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Treasury points to China threat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The central issue is related to the structure of the Australian economy. Were simply too reliant on our resources sector. Economists call it the Dutch disease. Where you get a commodity boom or a boom in a certain sector and you put all your resources into that sector but the problem is that pushes the currency up and it also really puts all your eggs into the one basket so that if that basket goes bad, for example, if commodity prices go down then the rest of the economy is in a whole heap of trouble.]]></description>
			<link>http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/news/audio/twt/201107/20110721-twt8-treasurychinawarning.mp3</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2531</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Hendra jumps species barrier</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chief vets and health officers will hold a crisis meeting in Brisbane following a dog being tested positive for Hendra virus...(audio)]]></description>
			<link>http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/newsradio/audio/20110727-hendra.mp3</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2530</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Sky-high CPI</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Well, what do you say to that? Todays result highlights why I have been arguing for the RBA to hike rates. They should have hiked back in May or June at the latest given the lags in policy. Certainly inflation is stronger than I was expecting and more broad-based, but this was always the risk. We only need to look around at what is happening to see that inflationary forces have been building for some time. Inflation is on a one-way trajectory and that is upwards. 

There is no way around the fact that the RBA needs to hike rates now. Yet, unfortunately, the economic debate is irrational and completely dominated by the erroneous view that consumer spending is weak.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/inflation-CPI-interest-rates-RBA-retail-economy-gr-pd20110727-K66AB?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2529</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Adam Carr</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>How high will the $A soar?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Theres a confluence of circumstances forcing the Australian dollar up into previously unexplored territory, the latest of which was the unexpectedly high inflation numbers for the June quarter. This immediately ended speculation that the Reserve Bank might lower official interest rates sometime this year. Now it appears the only direction for rates is up. 

It was that realisation and the new conviction that a rate rise or two is now firmly on the cards - triggered by not just the level of inflation recorded in the June quarter but its broad base - that saw the dollar push up above $US1.10 to levels not previously attained in the 27 years since it was floated.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/How-high-will-the-A-go-pd20110727-K695A?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2528</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>African land grab threatens food security</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CHICAGO (Reuters) - Rich countries grabbing farmland in Africa to feed their growing populations can leave rural populations there without land or jobs and make the continents hunger problem more severe, an environmental think tank said on Tuesday.

The trend is accelerating as wealthier countries in the Middle East and Asia, particularly China, seek new land to plant crops, lacking enough fertile ground to meet their own food needs, Washington DC-based Worldwatch Institute said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/african-land-grab-threatens-food-security-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=ee093feb30-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_m</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2527</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Christine Stebbins</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>US cities face water-related climate change dangers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In the coming decades, Miami, New Orleans and Norfolk, Virginia were expected to be the coastal cities hardest hit by flooding and storm surges due to rising sea levels, the group said.

In Boston, where the citys airport is flanked by water, historic landmarks and critical transportation infrastructure were at a greater risk of flooding due to rising sea levels.

Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco will face similar danger from rising waters, according to the report.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/us-cities-face-water-related-climate-change-dangers-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=ee093feb30-CSPEC_D</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2526</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Lauren Keiper</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>New Jersey Lawmakers Ban on Hydraulic Fracturin</title>
			<description><![CDATA[to ban drilling for natural gas using a process called hydraulic fracturing]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-30/new-jersey-lawmakers-send-christie-ban-on-hydraulic-fracturing.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2525</guid>
			<author>Bloomberg</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>NSWs fracking ban: where to now?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Also known as hydraulic fracturing, fracking is a technique to produce gas from coal seams and shale rocks. It involves pumping water, sand and chemicals under high pressure into the coal or shale to create fissures or cracks, to enable the gas to come out. The process requires vast amounts of water, and results in enormous amounts contaminated water containing chemicals and excessive amounts of salt.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/nsws-fracking-ban-where-now?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=ee093feb30-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2524</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Tina Hunter</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Global warmings toxic side effect</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We analysed records of the concentrations of POPs in Arctic air since the early 1990s and compared the results with model simulations of the effect of climate change on their atmospheric abundances. Our results indicate that a wide range of POPs have been remobilised into the Arctic atmosphere over the past two decades as a result of climate change, confirming that Arctic warming could undermine global efforts to reduce environmental and human exposure to these toxic chemicals."

persistent organic pollutants (POPs), a group of banned toxic chemicals that are highly resistant to biodegradation]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/global-warmings-toxic-side-effect?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=744a700e72-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=em</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2523</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Sophie Vorrath</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Cleaner coal? The answer lies below</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal-fired power stations create electricity by boiling water and creating steam to drive a turbine. To try and improve the efficiency of that system, some of the steam is diverted to "pre-heat" the water. Moghtaderi suggests using geothermal heat to replace that diverted steam. He says this could add another 12 per cent to the normal rate of thermal efficiency at these plants - from around 35 per cent to the high 40s.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/cleaner-coal-answer-lies-below?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=744a700e72-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2522</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mining drives Muswellbrook boom time</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As a sign of faith and commitment to Muswellbrook, Mr Flood has knocked down and rebuilt John Flood Estate Agents, opening his $1.5million premises on July 2.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-drives-muswellbrook-boom-time/2236184.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2521</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Donna Sharp</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Boom times in the valley</title>
			<description><![CDATA[At some point the coal will be gone and the Hunters string of coalmining booms will come to an end. Leaders at federal, state and local levels must recognise this and give some thought to the regions post-mining future.

Nobody can accurately predict what lies ahead, but global trends suggest that people of the future may be forced to put a premium on food, water and agricultural production. It would appear wise, in that case, to ensure that the regions agricultural capabilities arent permanently impaired by pursuit of the short-term, one-off benefits of mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/boom-times-in-the-valley/2236608.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2520</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>CLEANTECH BUZZ: Nano solution for big solar problem</title>
			<description><![CDATA[scientists at MIT say there might be an even better, and cheaper, way to store energy captured from the sun - the holy grail for solar technology researchers today]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/cleantech-buzz-nano-solution-big-solar-problem?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=1571e48dd4-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2519</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Sophie Vorrath</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>A Solar Thermal First: Power Around The Clock</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Gemasolar plant in Fuentes de Andalucía - which began operating barely a month ago - was able to keep the juice flowing using an innovative technique that stores energy in molten salt. This allows for up to 15 hours of electricity production in the absence of solar radiation, stretching the plants production into the night and keeping it running during heavy cloud cover.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.earthtechling.com/2011/07/a-solar-thermal-first-power-around-the-clock/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2518</guid>
			<author>Earth Techling - Jasmine Greene</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>New way to store suns heat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Modified carbon nanotubes can store solar energy indefinitely, then be recharged by exposure to the sun.]]></description>
			<link>http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/update-energy-storage-0713.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2517</guid>
			<author>massachusetts institute of technology</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Will Turnbull shift the Liberal climate?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[He made the point that Julia Gillard has been making - only with more effect. He said that taking action to curb emissions was not a cry from ultra-radical socialists because even Margaret Thatcher advocated cutting greenhouse emissions.

"The issue is simply one of risk management. If Margaret Thatcher took climate change seriously, then taking action and supporting and accepting the science can hardly be the mark of incipient Bolshevism".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/will-turnbull-shift-liberal-climate?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=1571e48dd4-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2516</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Alister Drysdale</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Indonesias green power surge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia cant get enough power to feed its booming economy and fortunately for Mochamad Sofyan, investors are lining up to invest billions of dollars in the countrys growing green power sector.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/indonesias-green-power-surge?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=1571e48dd4-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2515</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - David Fogarty & Alfian</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>NSW Government has selective hearing on coal seam gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA["It is clear the government has not heard what the community is saying about this industry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.jeremybuckingham.org/?p=490</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2514</guid>
			<author>The Greens - Jeremy Buckingham</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Is China set for a shadow banking crisis?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[rampant growth in Chinas shadow banking system poses grave risks for the Chinese - and global - economies. The IMF report urges the Chinese government to start deregulating its financial markets, by allowing the exchange rate to rise and allowing the market to determine both deposit and lending rates. Instead of imposing limits on bank lending, the IMF says the Chinese central bank should allow credit to be allocated by price-based means]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-IMF-credit-loans-inflation-shadow-banking-mo-pd20110722-JYTU9?OpenDocument&amp;src=ea</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2513</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Karen Maley</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Averting climate conflict</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The nature of the relationship between climate change and conflict is interlinked and complex. Sectors such as water, agriculture, energy, health and trade will be highly affected by climate change and this could have a destabilising impact on a states ability to provide people with basic services. As climate change impacts interact with features of the social, economic and political landscape, countries with weak governance systems will become overwhelmed, and face a high risk of falling into political instability and violent conflict. The risk of instability both adds to the burdens faced by vulnerable communities, and makes it harder for them to adapt to climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/averting-climate-conflict?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=f729ecfd59-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2512</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Janani Vivekananda</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Chinese industrial activity falls in July</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON/NEW YORK - Private-sector growth in the euro zone ground to a halt this month and Chinas factory sector contracted for the first time in a year, surveys showed, deepening evidence of a global slowdown.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Chinese-industrial-activity-falls-in-July-pd20110721-JY53X?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2511</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>$50 million anti-coal campaign</title>
			<description><![CDATA[New Yorks Mayor Michael Bloomberg is giving the Sierra Club a substantial gift -- $50 million to put toward battling coal-fired power plants across the nation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/07/mayor-bloomberg-donates-50-million-to-sierra-club-for-anti-coal-campaign.php</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2510</guid>
			<author>Treehugger</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal Seam gas companies under fire at senate hearings across the state</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Landline video - Dalby, Roma &amp; Brisbane Senate Hearings]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-22/coal-seam-gas-companies-under-fire-at-senate/2806934</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2509</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>UN calls emergency meeting on east Africa famine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ROME (Reuters) - The United Nations has called an emergency meeting on July 25 to discuss mobilizing aid for drought-stricken east Africa, where famine has been declared in parts of Somalia.

A wide swathe of east Africa, including Kenya and Ethiopia, has been hit by years of severe drought and the United Nations says two regions of southern Somalia are suffering the worst famine for 20 years, with 3.7 million people facing starvation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/un-calls-emergency-meeting-east-africa-famine?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=f729ecfd59-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_med</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2508</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Bloomberg, Sierra Club make $50 million anti-coal move</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined with the Sierra Club on Thursday in a $50 million, four-year plan to campaign for replacing one-third of aging US coal-fired power plants with clean energy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/bloomberg-sierra-club-make-50-million-anti-coal-move?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=f729ecfd59-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2507</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>More 23 July 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2506</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2506</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>23 July 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2505</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2505</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>NSW Government wont extend moratorium on mining exploration</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Stoner says that if the government extends the moratorium for the sake of agriculture, industry will suffer.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201107/s3272615.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2504</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>More polar bear cubs die as Arctic ice melts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Polar bears hunt, feed and give birth on ice or on land, and are not naturally aquatic creatures. Previous reports have noted individual animals swimming hundreds of miles (kilometers) to reach ice platforms or land, but this is one of the first to show these swims pose a greater risk to polar bear young.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/more-polar-bear-cubs-die-arctic-ice-melts?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=58b1095079-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2503</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator Reuters Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Australias carbon tax turnaround - before and after</title>
			<description><![CDATA["In the first Australia-wide voting intention poll conducted since Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the details of the Carbon Tax the latest telephone Morgan Poll conducted over the last two nights, July 13/14, 2011 shows the L-NP 60.5% with a record winning lead over the ALP 39.5% - the worst Two-Party preferred voting result for Labor since the first Roy Morgan Gallup Poll conducted in May 1942."]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/60179/the-carbon-tax-turn-around-before-and-after/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=c7d686c34c-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2502</guid>
			<author>Asia Correspondent</author>
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		<item>
			<title>THE Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association (BMPA) has withdrawn from the NSW Minerals Council Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Krey said a major concern is what happens with the mines after the boom has bust. "If these companies go broke - which they do - were left with great gaping holes in a devastated country side that cannot produce anything," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/bulga-milbrodale-progress-association/2230800.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2501</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NSW farmers demand foreign register</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW farmers want a public register to determine who is living next door. They also want to know how much of the states agriculture land is foreign-owned]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-farmers-demand-foreign-register/story-e6freuy9-1226097144903</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2500</guid>
			<author>The Daily Telegraph - Samantha Townsend Regional Reporter</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers see threat in $900m Santos buyout</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A GAS exploration company chaired by the former deputy prime minister John Anderson will be bought out for $900 million, in a move expected to pave the way for the first large-scale coal seam gas drilling operation in NSW.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/farmers-see-threat-in-900m-santos-buyout-20110718-1hlq7.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2499</guid>
			<author>SMH - Ben Cubby, Brian Robins</author>
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		<item>
			<title>$924m gas buyout as Eastern Star sells to Santos</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Santos offer for Eastern Star Gas, which proposes gas fields and wells across the Pilliga, and gas pipelines across the plains, will reportedly make Santos the largest coal seam gas player in NSW.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/924m-gas-buyout-as-eastern-star-sells-to-santos/2230300.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2498</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>More 18 July Horror</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2497</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2497</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>The Horror News of 18 July 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2496</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2496</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Clean energy futures impact on industry: sector-by-sector</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Government predicts that most coal mines will incur only minor cost impacts from the imposition of a carbon price, about $1.40 per tonne in respect of fugitive emissions. However, the Government has estimated that, without assistance, the average "gassy" coal mines could face a cost of $7.40 per tonne of coal produced, while the most "gassy" could have a cost of around $25 per tonne.

The Government proposes a $1.3bn Coal Sector Jobs Package over six years to provide assistance to the most emissions intensive mines. Eligibility is limited to existing mines and does not apply to expansion of such mines]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=f63b6c2d-3551-481d-ba00-e2637d55d7c6&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-07-14</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2495</guid>
			<author>Clayton Utz Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Study shows forests have bigger role in slowing climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The worlds forests can play an even greater role in fighting climate change than previously thought, scientists say in the most comprehensive study yet on how much carbon dioxide forests absorb from the air.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/study-shows-forests-have-bigger-role-slowing-climate-change?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=f36241e1d4-CSPEC</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2494</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - David Fogarty, Climate Change Correspondent, Asia</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Selling off the farm - foreign raiders are killing the bush</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Five years ago, before the Wilpinjong Mine opened and its US owner Peabody Energy started buying up all the homes, Wollar and its surrounds had 96 listings in its telephone directory.

Today there are fewer than 12 in the phone book.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/selling-off-the-farm-foreign-raiders-are-killing-the-bush/story-e6freuzi-1226094940269</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2493</guid>
			<author>Richard Noone From: The Daily Telegraph</author>
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		<item>
			<title>CSG Recycled Water Management Plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[consultation draft]]></description>
			<link>http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/coal-seam-gas/csg-recycled-water.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2492</guid>
			<author>Qld Govt</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Carbon Energy in strife over gas incident</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ANOTHER Queensland gas project faces action over environmental contamination after the State Government yesterday charged Carbon Energy over an incident at its project near Dalby. 
It has taken more than two years for the Department of Environment and Resource Management to bring the charges over an alleged spill and disposal of water.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/carbon-energy-in-strife-over-gas-incident/story-fn6ck51p-1226093386099</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2491</guid>
			<author>Courier-Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners village sign of the times</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Liverpool Plains Shire Council mayor Ian Lobsey said initially the development would house between 200 and 300 miners but would in the future grow to house 1500 miners.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/miners-village-sign-of-the-times/2226034.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2490</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Overhaul of the Planning System Heralds a New Era in NSW</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Review will take approximately 18 months and be divided into three stages:

A listening and scoping stage - to identify the key outcomes and principles for a new planning system (4 months).

The preparation of Green Paper - outlining options in regard to the future planning system and the basis of a legislative scheme (6 months).

A White Paper - setting out the Governments new framework for the NSW Planning System, including the draft legislation (8 months).

"A new era in planning will make NSW the number one state in Australia to do business - in a country that values its natural assets."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nsw.liberal.org.au/news/planning/overhaul-of-the-planning-system-heralds-a-new-era-in-nsw</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2489</guid>
			<author>NSW Minister for Planning - Brad Hazzard</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Jobs threatened by carbon tax says Minerals Councils</title>
			<description><![CDATA["In addition to the carbon tax, a tax hike on diesel announced today is yet another nail in the coffin; another 17 per cent on top of the new mining tax, royalties, company tax and other fees that mining companies pay.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/jobs-threatened-by-carbon-tax-says-minerals-councils/2224799.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2488</guid>
			<author>Mudgee Guardian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NSW GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT STATE-WIDE AUDIT OF EXPLORATION LICENCES</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We are committed to balancing the rights of landowners and the expectations of miners but ultimately, the community must be the first to hear about any exploration activity," Mr Hartcher said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/399637/110713_Hartcher-EL-audit.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2487</guid>
			<author>NSW Government - DPI</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Why Carbon Sunday fails the acid test</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The acid test for the Carbon Sunday announcements is whether, against this outlook, they can deliver the promised 2020 abatement target - which now requires cuts in emissions at 2020 of 160Mt a year - and no amount of spinning can conceal that the answer is this policy wont get within coo-ee of doing so]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-Sunday-carbon-prices-Energy-Supply-Associat-pd20110713-JQ6Y6?OpenDocument&amp;src=pmm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2486</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Keith Orchison</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Solar equipment spending to collapse in 2012</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Spending on equipment to make photovoltaic solar products will collapse next year following aggressive capacity expansions in 2010 and 2011 that have created an oversupply of panels in the market]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/solar-equipment-spending-collapse-2012-report?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=993ba71412-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_med</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2485</guid>
			<author>LOS ANGELES (Reuters)</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A bridge too far?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia has the expertise and the potential to be world leaders in each of these technologies, although the government still appears reluctant to recognise that potential. Treasury modeling suggests that renewables will provide 40 per cent of Australias energy needs by 2050. That is a massive transformation, but most in the renewables industry are convinced that Australia could and should have a higher ambition.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/bridge-too-far-0?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=993ba71412-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2484</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Carbon pricing mechanism snapshot</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the detail announced today builds upon the framework document released by the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee (MPCCC), 24 February, 2011.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=94e6fab9-fba5-4492-90d5-0548695b5370&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-07-13</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2483</guid>
			<author>Norton Rose Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Sulfur masking global warming?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Researchers warn that as China installs scrubbers on the coal fired power stations, the sulfur pollution will be reduced and the real impacts of the greenhouse gas emissions will be seen. Kaufman said, "If anything, the paper suggests that reductions in carbon emissions will be more important as China installs scrubbers [on its coal-fired power stations], which reduce sulfur emissions. This, and solar insolation increasing as part of the normal solar cycle, [will mean] temperature is likely to increase faster."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8af8ab12-2b97-47f8-8af7-5dcaa9e4adbc&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-07-12</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2482</guid>
			<author>Alston & Bird Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Remake of the Water Management (General) Regulation - Have your say</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Office of Water invites the public to make written submissions on the proposed Water Management (General) Regulation 2011. The submissions will be considered in the preparation of the final regulation(s).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/Water-management/Law-and-policy/Legal-reform/default.aspx#aireg</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2481</guid>
			<author>NSW Gov Office of Water</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Barnaby talks up coal bid fallout</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PEABODY Energys $5billion bid for Macarthur Coal was a sign the US company wanted to wash its hands of gassy NSW mines, including Wambo in the Hunter Valley, Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce said yesterday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/barnaby-talks-up-coal-bid-fallout/2224400.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2480</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - NEIL GOFFET</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas mining update</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks to Kyogle farmer Jim ONeill, Graham Clapham from the Australian Farmers Federation fighting fund, and Peter Townsley from Stop CSG Illawarra.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9406</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2479</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greens derailing key projects</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While there have been 9420MW worth of gas generation projects publicly announced, new figures from AEMO show none has moved to the advanced or committed stage that means a project can proceed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/carbon-plan/greens-derailing-key-projects/story-fn99tjf2-1226092665293</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2478</guid>
			<author>Annabel Hepworth From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>10 July 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2477</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2477</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Black hole in governments carbon tax compensation plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE governments claim that it will provide permanent compensation to 70 per cent of households for its carbon tax is based on a false premise: that the Australian government will receive the revenues from the tax and of permit sales in the subsequent emissions trading scheme.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/commentary/black-hole-in-governments-carbon-tax-compensation-plan/story-e6frgd0x-1226090123278</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2476</guid>
			<author>Henry Ergas From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Carbon tax to cost $10 a week per household</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/carbon-tax-to-cost-10-a-week-per-household-20110707-1h4tv.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2475</guid>
			<author>smh - Lenore Taylor</author>
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			<title>Singleton miner loses appeal over truck fall</title>
			<description><![CDATA["[The Supreme Court judge] concluded that the accident was caused both by the design fault in the access to the drivers cabin and Roches failure to devise a safe system of work to obviate the risk to which it exposed drivers such as [Mr Jeffs]," Justice Ruth McColl said yesterday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/singleton-miner-loses-appeal-over-truck-fall/2218666.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2474</guid>
			<author>newcastle herald - STEPHEN RYAN</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining levy not Hunters problem</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Claims that a carbon tax will cost jobs at Hunter coalmines are fanciful and ignore the real constraints on mining growth, Muswellbrook mayor and Hunter Councils chairman Martin Rush says.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-levy-not-hunters-problem/2218694.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2473</guid>
			<author>newcastle herald - JOANNE MCCARTHY</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Focus on Hunter mines as air quality worsens</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A poor air-quality alert was sent from the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Networks Maison Dieu station on Tuesday afternoon. The monitor continued to display the "poor" category until Wednesday afternoon due to the rolling 24-hour average.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/focus-on-hunter-mines-as-air-quality-worsens/2219962.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2472</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herad - MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Cougar told to pack up trial gas plant</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Cougar Energy has been ordered to shut down its trial underground coal gasification plant near Kingaroy in southeast Queensland.

The Department of Environment and Resource Management on Thursday told the company that no further coal gasification would be permitted at the site.

It makes final a decision to suspend the trial in July last year, when traces of the cancer-causing chemical benzene was found in groundwater monitoring bores on the site.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/cougar-told-to-pack-up-trial-gas-plant-20110707-1h4g1.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2471</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>Shell to drill off Ningaloo without review</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government has given energy giant Shell the go-ahead to drill an exploration well near the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef without referring the proposal for environmental review.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/shell-to-drill-off-ningaloo-without-review-20110707-1h4ei.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2470</guid>
			<author>smh - Rebecca Le May</author>
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			<title>Judgment stops NSWs largest development</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Justice Peter Biscoe on Thursday said amendments to state planning laws, made in December last year by the former Labor government, were invalid, effectively stopping the massive $1.8 billion Huntlee residential project in the Hunter Valley.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/judgment-stops-nsws-largest-development-20110707-1h4dk.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2469</guid>
			<author>smh - Eoin Blackwell</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Labor MPs revolt as live export ban lifted</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The first concerns the issue of stunning. The simplest and most effective way to ensure that cattle are slaughtered humanely is to stun them before slaughter."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/labor-mps-revolt-as-live-export-ban-lifted-20110708-1h5el.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2468</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal locks in a dirty future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Has there even been an industry that has had such an explicit warning of its threatened demise, been so aware of the potential solution to the problem, and done so little about it?
The one thing that will slow down the industrys growth, and cause more mines to close, is the inability to develop a technology to guarantee its future, and the industry - in comparison to other sectors, and particularly in comparison to rival technologies such as solar and geothermal - is doing bugger all about it]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/coal-locks-black-future?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=da0b76e91a-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2467</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Who will win the energy wars?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[there is no way the existing energy system can satisfy the worlds future requirements. It must be replaced or supplemented in a major way by a renewable alternative system or, forget Westphalia, the planet will be subject to environmental disaster of a sort hard to imagine today....Thirty years from now, for better or worse, the world will be a far different place: hotter, stormier, and with less land (given the loss of shoreline and low-lying areas to rising sea levels). Strict limitations on carbon emissions will certainly be universally enforced and the consumption of fossil fuels, except under controlled circumstances, actively discouraged. Oil will still be available to those who can afford it, but will no longer be the worlds paramount fuel. New powers, corporate and otherwise, in new combinations, will have risen with a new energy universe. No one can know, of course, what our version of the Treaty of Westphalia will look like or who will be the winners and losers on this planet.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/who-will-win-energy-wars?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=da0b76e91a-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2466</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Michael T Klare</author>
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		<item>
			<title>PM confirms company carbon tax numbers</title>
			<description><![CDATA["This figure of 500 strongly reinforces the point that this is a price being paid by a limited number of big businesses - it is not being (directly) paid by Australian families," she said...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/23-carbon-price-companies-spared-pd20110707-JHRSZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2465</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - AAP, with Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks to Drew Hutton about coal seam gas mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9327</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2464</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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			<title>Small farms key to global food security, U.N. says</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Governments must work toward a major shift toward small-scale farming if endemic food crises are to be overcome and production boosted to support the global population, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

In its annual World Economic and Social Survey, it said a transformation from large-scale and intensive systems of agriculture was vital if growing environmental and land degradation was to be avoided.

The food crisis of 2007-08 and a price spike this year "have revealed deep structural problems in the global food system and the need to increase resources and innovation in agriculture so as to accelerate food production," the survey declared.

Food production, it said, would have to increase between 70 and 100 per cent by 2050 to sustain a world population that would have grown by 35 per cent from the present 6.9 billion to around 9 billion by that time.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/small-farms-key-global-food-security-un-says-0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2463</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Robert Evans</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Alan Jones</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks to Drew Hutton about coal seam gas mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9327</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2462</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Insidious infrasound</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Lance Batey lives at Wollar near Mudgee, close to an open cut coal mine. Lance has been talking to people in Gloucestor about the potential health impacts of infrasound.]]></description>
			<link>http://blogs.abc.net.au/nsw/2011/07/insidious-infrasound-.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2461</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The dawn of baseload solar energy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The IEA, in a solar thermal technology roadmap published last year, said CSP (concentrated solar power, as it is also known) could compete with fossil fuel plants for peak and intermediate load as early as 2015 on a megawatt per hour basis, at least in those countries with excellent solar resources - Australia, northern Africa, the Middle East, and western regions of China and the US are considered the best. The IEA said CSP could compete with the costs of baseload power by 2020, depending on how CO2 emissions are priced.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/dawn-baseload-solar-energy?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=96a2c2cbbf-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 01:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2460</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Asian land grab on historic cattle stud Bylong Station</title>
			<description><![CDATA[From single-acre blocks to farms in the thousands of hectares, analysis by The Daily Telegraph of property records show a half dozen multinationals now own more than 800 separate land and water titles across NSW.

The carve-up of huge tracts of the state by Korean, Chinese, Indian and UK-based multinationals is putting enormous pressure on local agriculture, the NSW Farmers Association reports.

The Korea Electric Power Corp has snapped up 30 land titles since buying rights to the Bylong coal mine project from UK-based Anglo American for $403 million last year. The state-run utility hopes to start extracting 7.5 million tonnes of coal in Bylong Valley, between Mudgee and Muswellbrook, by 2016.

The bulk of its titles are in three farms including Bylong Station, home to the 14sq km Pine Creek Angus Stud, that it purchased for a reported $18 million in May.

Former owner and award-winning cattleman Greg Fuller declined to comment yesterday but property records show he purchased it for $3.2 million in 2004. He has a one-year lease-back with an option to extend to May 2013.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/asian-land-grab-on-historic-cattle-stud/story-e6freuzi-1226087545594</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2459</guid>
			<author>Daily Telegraph - Richard Noone</author>
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			<title>5July 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2458</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2458</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Asia pollution blamed for halt in warming: study</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON (Reuters) - Smoke belching from Asias rapidly growing economies is largely responsible for a halt in global warming in the decade after 1998 because of sulphurs cooling effect, even though greenhouse gas emissions soared, a U.S. study said on Monday.

The paper raised the prospect of more rapid, pent-up climate change when emerging economies eventually crack down on pollution.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/asia-pollution-blamed-halt-warming-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_source=Climate+Spectator&amp;utm_campaign=7aa155e019-CSPEC_DAILY&amp;utm_medium=e</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2457</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Reuters - Gerard Wynn</author>
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			<title>More news 4 July 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2456</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2456</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>News to 04 Jul 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2455</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2455</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Which natural assets in your local area matter most to you?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2454</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2454</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Pilliga Coal Seam Gas Project an Environmental Disaster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Pilliga Scrub is one of Australias bush icons. At over 500,000 ha - two thirds the size of Belgium - it is the largest temperate woodland in eastern Australia. It is one of 15 national biodiversity hotspots identified by the Federal Government, and is home to threatened species such as the Regent Honeyeater and the endemic Pilliga Mouse. Conservation battles in recent years have protected some of the areas unique values... Now mining company Eastern Star Gas is hoping to turn the Pilliga into a massive industrial development.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.wilderness.org.au/regions/new-south-wales/pillaga-coal-seam-gas-project-an-environmental-disaster</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2453</guid>
			<author>Wilderness Society</author>
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			<title>Fascist Mongrel Shorten defends foreign ownership of farmland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Federal Government has defended the increase in foreign ownership of farmland, saying Australian assets have often belonged to overseas interests. 

The NSW Government is calling for a review of such ownership, citing the case of Chinese company Shenhua Coal, which has purchased 43 farms near Gunnedah at a cost of $213 million.

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten says the Shenhua deal met Foreign Investment Review Board criteria and was deemed to be in the national interest.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201106/s3256593.htm?site=newcastle</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2452</guid>
			<author>ABC Rural</author>
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			<title>Whos who in $4.4 trillion foreign farmland spending spree</title>
			<description><![CDATA[New regulations were recently introduced in New Zealand which may potentially restrict who can buy agricultural land, after local farmers were repeatedly courted by foreign-controlled interests. The new provisions, introduced in January, require extra tests on overseas investment applications for "sensitive land"	-	which includes farmland.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/06/29/whos-who-in-4-4-trillion-foreign-farmland-spending-spree/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2451</guid>
			<author>Tom Cowrie</author>
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			<title>Selling off the farm</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks to Senator Bill Heffernan and four women from Acland about selling off the farm.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9269</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2449</guid>
			<author>Radio 2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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			<title>Shenhua land purchases slip under radar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Normally mining companies have to seek permission from the property owners before undertaking exploration, but because Shenhua now owns the land they are free to drill as they please.

What Shenhua is doing is perfectly legal, its $213m in property purchases just slips under the FIRB radar as the treasury unit only investigates investments totalling more than $230m, however, the buy-up caused waves in parliament on Monday.

Coalition figures, including Bill Heffernan, and independent Nick Xenophon even rallied against the development.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/shenhua-land-purchases-slip-under-radar/2210441.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2450</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader</author>
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			<title>Farmers rights in Fionas firm focus</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE rights of farmers was a focus for NSW Farmers Association vice-president Fiona Simson at a meeting on coal seam gas extraction in Moree yesterday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/farmers-rights-in-fionas-firm-focus/2210436.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2448</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader</author>
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			<title>Farmers call for long-term vision</title>
			<description><![CDATA[At a forum in Moree on Tuesday, farmers raised the need for the government and mining companies to consider the next 100 years...The coal seam gas industry is focusing on a 25-year plan for extraction in the Moree area but farmers want to ensure the viability of farming for generations to come.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/farmers-call-for-longterm-vision/2211418.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2447</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader</author>
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			<title>Well reap what we sow</title>
			<description><![CDATA[INDEPENDENT member for New England Tony Windsor has warned he will invoke his deal with Prime Minister Julia Gillard in order to force Labor to protect "sensitive" farmland from mining and coal-seam gas projects.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/well-reap-what-we-sow/2211378.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2446</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader - JACQUELINE VAN AANHOLT</author>
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			<title>Browns economic xenophobia will cost us dearly</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Yesterday, at the National Press Club, Brown did his best to stoke up anger against investors from "Switzerland, London, Calcutta, Beijing" and foreigners who, according to a study commissioned by the Greens and released yesterday, own 83 per cent of Australian mining companies. It was not a pretty sight.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/browns-economic-xenophobia-will-cost-us-dearly/story-e6frg6zo-1226084437366</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2445</guid>
			<author>Sinclair Davidson From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Gillard buckling to billionaires, says Bob Brown</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GREENS leader Bob Brown has accused Julia Gillard of buckling to billionaires instead of collecting a fair amount of tax from foreign-owned mining giants. 

Senator Brown yesterday vowed to continue to press the Prime Minister to lift the rate of her planned mineral resources rent tax, saying her decision last year to walk away from a 40 per cent tax on mining profits would cost Australian taxpayers $100 billion over the next decade.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/gillard-buckling-to-billionaires-says-bob-brown/story-fn59niix-1226084448141</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2444</guid>
			<author>Matthew Franklin, Chief Political Correspondent From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Food for thought: Bob Brown attacks China land grab</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GREENS leader Bob Brown has demanded a review of foreign investment rules, accusing the government of putting coal sales ahead of food security by allowing foreign miners to buy prime agricultural land. And while the government has ruled out a review, Labors hand-picked climate change adviser, Ross Garnaut, supported by the opposition, has backed an objective analysis to assess threats to the viability of farm communities and the nations level of food production.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/food-for-thought-bob-brown-attacks-china-land-grab/story-fn59niix-1226084497141</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2443</guid>
			<author>Matthew Franklin and Joe Kelly From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Coalition concerned about miners buying up farmland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce has joined others such as Greens Leader Bob Brown and independents Tony Windsor and Nick Xenophon who have all spoken out in the past few days calling for a review of foreign investment rules, citing concerns about food security.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3257183.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2442</guid>
			<author>ABC AM - Tony Eastley</author>
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			<title>Whos in the farmland spending spree?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[food isnt the only target of the buy-up: foreign-owned companies are also eyeing off local energy resources, even those that sit on prime farmland. As The Australian reported recently, Chinese state-owned miner Shenhua Watermark Coal has purchased forty-three properties over the last two years in the New South Wales Northern Tablelands for a total of $230 million.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/agribusiness-farms-super-foreign-ownership-pension-pd20110629-JA6VX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED%20REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2441</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Tom Cowrie</author>
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			<title>Chinas looming debt threat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[How worried should we be about the soaring levels of debt in the Chinese economy? This question has been hotly debated this week, after Beijing released figures showing that borrowings by Chinese local governments had climbed to 10.7 trillion yuan ($US1.65 trillion) in debt, equal to a staggering 27 per cent of Chinas GDP.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-debt-inflation-Beijing-economy-default-inves-pd20110630-JATN6?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2440</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Several nations wont renew GHG commitments</title>
			<description><![CDATA[representatives of Japan and Russia announced that their countries will not sign on to a second compliance period for reducing greenhouse gas emissions after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=7500845e-408c-4c2c-8129-5a3dbc450795&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-30</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2439</guid>
			<author>Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Non-OECD states to drive fossil demand</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The International Energy Agency predicted in a report released June 16 that growth in demand for oil and natural gas will be driven by non-OECD states through 2016.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a5112d73-b18f-482f-916a-8e56643962fe&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-30</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2438</guid>
			<author>Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Yes, the mines are foreign owned</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BHP Billiton, the worlds biggest miner, is in fact 60 per cent beneficially owned by foreign shareholders, not the 76 per cent cited in the report, one compiled by Tasmanian actuary Naomi Edwards... But the 83 per cent estimate for Rio Tinto, Australias second biggest miner, was on the mark.

What is known is that there is no law preventing Australians from investing in BHP or Rio. Their shares trade freely on the sharemarket. That is not the case with much of the coal industry which is locked up in foreign ownership. Like iron ore, coal is subject to the proposed mining tax. But the tax is not expected by industry analysts to have a material impact on profits, the report says....The report links the outflow of dividends to foreign shareholders to the rapid extraction of Australias mineral resources. What is more, it gave prominence to the notion that the rapid extraction meant Australia would run of out of economic resources of iron ore in 25 years time.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/yes-the-mines-are-foreign-owned-20110629-1gr2z.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2437</guid>
			<author>SMH - Barry FitzGerald</author>
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			<title>Wilkie sides with Greens after mining tax concerns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE lower house independent Andrew Wilkie has cast doubt on the passage of the governments mining tax by siding with the Greens, who demand the tax be amended to make more revenue.]]></description>
			<link>http://SMH - Phillip Coorey</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2436</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Chinese land grab tests farming dynasties</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Clift does not begrudge those who have sold up and moved out. All but one of the neighbouring properties are now owned by Shenhua. But hes "disgusted" at how the federal governments failure to regulate such a large-scale foreign takeover of valuable farming land has effectively killed a local community, turning it from a farming region to a mining hub almost overnight.

"A community has been torn apart - everyones gone," he said.

"Ive got nothing against the farmers who have sold because they have been offered huge money. Its the governments fault. Overseas companies shouldnt be able to come over here and buy Australian land. If they do need the land, it should be leased so ownership always stays in Australian hands."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/chinese-land-grab-tests-farming-dynasties/story-fn59niix-1226083089449</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2435</guid>
			<author>James Madden and Siobhain Ryan From: The Australian</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Why the coal rush cant be ignored</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Farmers are right to ask whether 50 years of mining royalties can properly compensate for the potential loss of a thousand years of productive agriculture. Landholders are entitled to legal protections to stand their ground when big coal or big gas comes knocking.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/why-the-coal-rush-cant-be-ignored/story-e6frg6zo-1226083761395</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2434</guid>
			<author>Graham Lloyd, Environment editor From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Well leave no trace, Chinese miners pledge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[For all of Shenhuas promises, the company does not have a perfect record when it comes to coalmines. It was the owner of a mine in Chinas northwestern Ningxia province that exploded twice, in 2008 and 2009, killing 30 people and injuring 55. The blasts, which hurled stones and rocks more than a kilometre from the Dafeng mine, were blamed on the miners mishandling of dynamite while conducting blasting operations.

Another 31 Chinese miners were killed when Shenhuas Luotuoshan coalmine flooded during its construction in March last year. There were 77 workers underground as megalitres of water began gushing into the Inner Mongolia mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/well-leave-no-trace-chinese-miners-pledge/story-e6frg6n6-1226083768727</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2433</guid>
			<author>James Madden From: The Australian</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Call from NSW government to halt foreign land grab for mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The NSW government believes the current level of foreign purchases of agricultural land should be reviewed," Ms Hodgkinson said.

The announcement came as independent Tony Windsor warned he would invoke his deal with Ms Gillard, which sustains her minority government, to force Labor to protect "sensitive" farmland from mining and coal-seam gas projects.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/call-from-nsw-government-to-halt-foreign-land-grab-for-mining/story-fn59niix-1226083817540</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2432</guid>
			<author>Siobhain Ryan From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Digging for answers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An issue of main concern, which was left unanswered by mining representatives, was the compensation of farmers and communities, and whether the mining companies have enough capital to fund significant damage to the Great Artesian Basin.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/digging-for-answers/2209856.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2431</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Shenhua says thats all folks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Watermark Coal project manager Joe Clayton said the purchase of 43 blocks of land in the Gunnedah Basin for a total of $213 million between 2009-2010 were the final acquisitions required for the mines 14,700ha foot print. "The bulk of the land we bought is ridge country."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/shenhua-says-thats-all-folks/2209861.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2430</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Court hears dispute over Gloucester coal mine expansion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A case is continuing in the Land and Environment Court over the approval of an extension to the Duralie coal mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/28/3255491.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2429</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Draft legislation released for Australias new tax regime for mining coal and iron</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Below is an outline of the principles of the MRRT, based on the exposure draft legislation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=cd3444d2-d924-44db-905e-72974886d70d&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-28</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2428</guid>
			<author>Minter Ellison Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Barry OFarrell on farm land and burqa laws</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks to Barry OFarrell about the sell-off of NSW farm land and laws covering burqas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9256</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2427</guid>
			<author>Radio 2GB- Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The true productivity of solar PV</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Commission claims that the cost of emissions reduction achieved via solar PV is $432-$1043/tonne CO2. According to the APVA, the true figure is $90-$95/t CO2, depending on the installation location.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/true-productivity-solar-pv?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2426</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Dan Cass</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gas miners ponder pro-industry ad blitz</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIAS peak gas-mining body is considering a multi-million-dollar ad campaign to fight back against what it sees as an increasingly strident attack against coal-seam gas mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/gas-miners-ponder-pro-industry-ad-blitz/story-e6frg6nf-1226083056294</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2425</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Andrew Frazer</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Its beyond politics - Climate change topic for breakfast meeting</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PROFESSOR Ross Garnauts address to the Manning Valley Business Chambers monthly breakfast was generally well received yesterday with only a small contingent voicing any opposition to his claims an opinions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/its-beyond-politics-climate-change-topic-for-breakfast-meeting/2208842.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2424</guid>
			<author>Manning River Times - Mitchell Jennings</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Important developments in NSW land use planning law: repeal of Part 3A of the EPA Act</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Some elements of Part 3A have been incorporated into this new Division. Importantly, the streamlining provisions of Part 3A (the previous sections 75U and section 75V which removed or abridged requirements for a range of secondary licence and approvals) have been reflected in the new Division]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=24f17e7e-ff2d-446a-ba5b-29473b0bc382&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-06-28</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2423</guid>
			<author>Freehills Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Petroleum permits - use it or lose it</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On 12 June 2009, the Minister for Resources and Energy confirmed that the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) will apply a use it or lose it principle to petroleum titles, meaning that RET will rigorously apply the commercial viability test set out in the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth) (Act) to ensure gas fields are developed at the earliest possible time.  

On 25 March 2011, Nexus Energy Limited (Nexus) became the latest company to lose one of its petroleum titles under the use it or lose it regime. It is understood that Nexus failed to drill an exploration well by a specified date (after being specifically notified to do so). RET subsequently stripped Nexus of its exploration permit WA-368-P in the offshore Perth Basin that was granted in 2005 and which contains the 90 million barrel Yngling prospect.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=612df557-c157-4dea-b2e0-7aebdf3cf78d&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-06-28</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2422</guid>
			<author>Norton Rose Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Energy firms push on emissions target: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Power-firms-push-on-energy-target-report-pd20110623-J4QHS?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2421</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Windfarm health research needed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The 131-page report on the the social and economic impacts of rural wind farms recommends investigations be continued into the potential health effects of living close to wind farms  in particular those related to low-frequency noice, or infrasound, from turbines  an issue that dominated proceedings during the inquiry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Windfarm-health-research-needed-report-pd20110624-J4T8T?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2420</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Cruel weather for NSW power</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Gillard government rhetoric suggests that at least 2.7 million households can whistle for their share.

When the prime minister told us that "millions of families will be better off" under her carbon plan, it must have slipped her mind that millions also will be worse off. You dont need to be Antony Green to figure out how they will react when all is revealed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/power-NSW-solar-bonus-OFarrell-energy-prices-carbo-pd20110617-HW2C7?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb#</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2419</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal mine anxiety for Nicole Kidmans Sutton Forest property</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Actor Nicole Kidmans $6.5 million Sutton Forest country retreat will soon have a coal exploration test bore on its front perimeter - and another out the back - after the Cockatoo Coal company secured permission for 120 drill holes for its vast Southern Highlands exploration project.

Kidman is among the 424 land owners in the approved 115-square-kilometre exploration area who were recently advised as to where the holes will be drilled. Some now fear that the potential mining will not only destroy the peace of the area but also contaminate underground water reserves.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/coal-mine-anxiety-for-nicole-kidman-s-sutton-forest-property/2011062150555/Page-1</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2418</guid>
			<author>Property Observer - Jonathan Chancellor</author>
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		<item>
			<title>G20 ministers meet to tackle surging food prices</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Paris has made tougher commodity trading rules a priority of its 2011 presidency of the Group of 20 leading economies as President Nicolas Sarkozy has blamed speculators for food price inflation that fed unrest in North Africa and the Middle East.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/g20-ministers-meet-tackle-surging-food-prices?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2417</guid>
			<author>Reuters -Marie Maitre and Sybille de La Hamaide - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Wunderlich sees solar demand shining in 2012</title>
			<description><![CDATA[He said cheaper raw material -- silicon -- will mean lower costs to consumers and should boost sales. Costs will fall further as solar companies increase the efficiencies of their cells and modules.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/wunderlich-sees-solar-demand-shining-2012-after-weak-2011</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2416</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Ocean life on the brink of mass extinctions: study</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OSLO (Reuters) - Life in the oceans is at imminent risk of the worst spate of extinctions in millions of years due to threats such as climate change and over-fishing, a study showed on Tuesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/ocean-life-brink-mass-extinctions-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2415</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Specctator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Queensland Mining Update</title>
			<description><![CDATA[2GB - Alan Jones more interviews]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9187</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2414</guid>
			<author>2GB - Alan Jones</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Survey shows mining booms negative impact in Queensland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ONLY 11 per cent of people in key Queensland mining towns feel the industry has a positive effect on their lives.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/survey-shows-mining-booms-negative-impact-in-queensland/story-e6freoof-1226079369316</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2413</guid>
			<author>AAP - Courier Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Minister halts latest coal plans</title>
			<description><![CDATA["While there is very little chance that exploration would turn up viable resources, Mr Shine has stressed to me the importance of community certainty. "Its clear to me that this latest bid by Civil and Mining Resources is largely speculative and would cover populated urban centres."Thats why weve ended speculation here and now." 

Mr Hinchliffe said that the entire mining exploration process was under re]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/06/22/minister-calls-halt-on-latest-coal-plans/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2412</guid>
			<author>Toowoomba Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata: Miners more conscious of environment</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Andrew Pickford, general manager of Xstrata Plcs Tampakan gold and copper project in South Cotabato, told Business Nightly that miners have become more conscious of environmental concerns in part because they may otherwise have difficulty getting other projects in the future. + video]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/business/06/20/11/xstrata-miners-more-conscious-environment</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2411</guid>
			<author>ABSCBN News</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Proposed Woomera access reforms: a green light for mining?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The report recommends a new management framework be implemented to improve access to the WPA for mining operations and increase transparency in the application process.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=98495d86-1518-46eb-949f-34da0c35afe5&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-21</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2410</guid>
			<author>Freehills lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining industry carbon update</title>
			<description><![CDATA[How the carbon tax might impact miners]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e79626e7-8746-4c99-84c4-3df1bdf92feb&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-06-21</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2409</guid>
			<author>Freehills lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The double sting in Hazelwoods tail</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the owner of 92 per cent of the equity in Hazelwood station, International Power, which is a subsidiary of GDF Suez, (the Commonwealth Bank owns 8 per cent) wants a much higher price than the government is offering. The amount of bank debt on the station is not known but it would be in the range of $1.5 billion to $2 billion.

Even if a price could be agreed upon there are more snags. Hazelwood has a 1,600 megawatt capacity and supplies up to 25 per cent of Victorias base load electricity and more than 5 per cent of Australias total energy demand.

If it was shut down, NSW power could fill some of the gap but the shortfall would send power prices skyrocketing.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/carbon-tax-Hazelwood-power-energy-prices-coal-pd20110621-HZRW6?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2408</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>US court rejects global warming lawsuitl warming lawsuit</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The critical point is that Congress has vested decision-making authority in the EPA," she said in summarizing the ruling from the bench.

If the plaintiffs are dissatisfied with the EPAs decision, they then can seek court review under procedures under the Clean Air Act, Ginsburg said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/top-us-court-rejects-global-warming-lawsuit?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2407</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator - James Vincini</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greens scoff at new planning bill</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Shoebridge said the new laws meant private developments such as mines, distribution and manufacturing facilities could be approved without considering environmental controls.

The opposition spokeswoman on planning, Linda Burney, said the government had made cosmetic changes.

Theyve taken Part 3A, rearranged a couple of words and told the public theyve reformed the planning system, she said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/greens-scoff-at-new-planning-bill-20110618-1g8w5.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 02:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2406</guid>
			<author>smh - Alicia Wood</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Part 3A projects in NSW - details of transition to new regime released</title>
			<description><![CDATA[not retrospective, part 3a continues for existingpart 3a.. no mention of the 24 classes exempted to remain part 3a]]></description>
			<link>http://www.claytonutz.com/publications/news/201105/13/part_3a_projects_in_nsw-details_of_transition_to_new_regime_released.page</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 02:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2405</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>New bill sets out replacement for Part 3A and planning approval for state significant developments</title>
			<description><![CDATA[old Part 3A becomes a new Part 5.1, Minister removed other than for state agency, 24 classes of state significant developments, which is a reduction from the previous regime]]></description>
			<link>http://www.claytonutz.com/publications/news/201106/17/new_bill_sets_out_replacement_for_part_3a_and_planning_approval_for_state_significant_developments.page</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 02:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2404</guid>
			<author>Clayton Utz Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Ancillary benefits of a "golden age of gas"</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What tripe - continuing the farce of no external cost... This IEA report is a disgrace and the basis of the road down which we are headed.. LNG oblivion..]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=0f9729f9-a2a2-42f5-9f57-d7a595feffa2&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-20</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2403</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Big solar PV begins charge to parity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If all goes to plan, and solar PV costs become competitive with wind as predicted in the next five years, some several dozen such projects will be likely be scattered across Australia by the end of the decade, adding a capacity of more than 4.5 gigawatts of emissions-free energy to the countrys electricity grid.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/big-solar-pv-begins-charge-parity</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2402</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners Keep Their Bets on China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SINGAPORE - Nouriel Roubini, the professor of economics at New York University who warned about the risks of a financial crisis, is cautious about China, but resource companies are betting billions that rapid urbanization and economic growth will soak up the countrys spending on infrastructure projects and prevent a hard economic downturn.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/21/business/global/21inside.html?_r=1</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2401</guid>
			<author>The NY Times - NICK TREVETHAN | REUTERS</author>
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		<item>
			<title>State secretly carries torch for Chinese miner</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE NSW government has directed staff to help the Chinese miner Shenhua search for new coalmines south of Sydney.

The move is part of a secret and ambitious plan to divert trains carrying millions of tonnes of coal from Gunnedah through Sydney to Port Kembla, bypassing Newcastle.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/state-secretly-carries-torch-for-chinese-miner-20110617-1g804.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2400</guid>
			<author>smh - Ben Cubby</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gunnedah mine "on hold": Shenhua</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We have not suspended operations but we are on hold, progressing with baseline environmental studies, while we wait for the government to provide more information about the new project approval process," the spokeswoman said.]]></description>
			<link>http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/political/gunnedah-mine-on-hold-shenhua/2198911.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2399</guid>
			<author>The Land</author>
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		<item>
			<title>In the coal tax line of fire</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australian Coal Association executive director Ralph Hillman and NSW Minerals Council chief executive Nikki Williams said the proposed tax would put nearly 3000 New South Wales coal jobs at risk within three years and lead to 18 coalmines closing within nine years]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/in-the-coal-tax-line-of-fire/2198860.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2398</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mystery of the dying lakes - angry fingers pointed at coal mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The state government has announced an investigation into the mystery surrounding the drying up of the World Heritage Area listed Thirlmere Lakes system amid suspicions that nearby longwall mining has damaged the way the lakes receive water.

The system of five connected lakes are not fed by rivers or streams but have for 15 million years relied on underground aquifers and rain.

Earlier this year the then Labor government released a report claiming the decade-long drought was to blame. But drought-breaking rain late last year, which saw 203mm of rain over the Wollondilly area in six weeks, did nothing.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/mystery-of-the-dying-lakes-angry-fingers-pointed-at-coal-mining/story-e6freuzi-1226077374388</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2397</guid>
			<author>Malcolm Holland From: The Daily Telegraph</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gas is killing green energy in price war</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The economic viability of a lot of the renewables are getting killed because we have too much gas in the world right now," said Jeff Currie, global head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/analysis-gas-killing-green-energy-price-war?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2396</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Gerard Wynn - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NGOs attack green exemptions for big polluters</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A green group has released analysis that suggests exemptions for big polluters under the renewable energy target (RET) will cost households and businesses $7.1 billion by 2030.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/ngos-attack-green-exemptions-big-polluters?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2395</guid>
			<author>AAP - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>GREEN DEALS: Coal claims disputed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Analysts at Citigroup have challenged dire warnings from the coal industry about the impact of a carbon price, saying that even a $50 a tonne tax would have minimal impact on Australian coal mines. The Australian Coal Association warned earlier this week that 18 coalmines could be shut within nine years, but the analysts said they were skeptical about this and other claim and suggested the industry was putting forward a "worse case" scenario. "Our analysis suggests that a carbon price is unlikely to force significant mine closures," they said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/green-deals-coal-claims-disputed?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2394</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson & Samson Adams - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Preliminary exposure draft legislation for the Minerals Resource Rent Tax released</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Several allowances are available to reduce a miners MRRT liability. The allowances are described below and must be applied in this order]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=d29cf0c2-6e3e-4732-b1d5-8d68d412404c&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-17</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2393</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australias mining menace</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the mining boom is infecting the rest of the economy... The mining industry is not supporting other sectors of the economy, its holding them back... Between 2002 and 2011 productivity in mining halved, and as former Newcrest Mining executive Ian Smith advised the Australian Minerals and Metals Association recently, it was all due to a relentless greed for profits.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=26784</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2392</guid>
			<author>Steven Littlewood - Eureka Street</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine tax revenue numbers in doubt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Industry sources say miners ability to claim depreciation of existing multi-billion-dollar assets against their mineral resources rent tax liability will significantly reduce the expected tax take from BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/national/9649645/mine-tax-revenue-numbers-in-doubt/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2391</guid>
			<author>ANDREW PROBYN and SHANE WRIGHT CANBERRA, The West Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Future Fund boss climate change views</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What a wanker
 Murrays views arent merely at odds with reality, theyre at odds with the views of parliament.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Future-Fund-David-Murray-climate-change-investment-pd20110616-HUUUY?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2390</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Bernard Keane</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Its do or die for Labor and the Greens</title>
			<description><![CDATA[failure to get a carbon price in place in this term of government would be a defeat from which the Labor party might never recover.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/carbon-tax-Labor-Greens-Ferguson-steel-coal-jobs-pd20110616-HUTCG?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2389</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining boom cant carry economy: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian Local Government Association says its latest State of the Regions report indicates there is a risk that business confidence might evaporate in regions that depend on non-mining industries.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Mining-boom-cant-carry-economy-report-HY6H9?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp8</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2388</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>LHPA wants exploration moratorium on TSRs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/16/3245128.htm?site=westernplains&amp;section=news</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2387</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mandalong mine to be extended</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lakesmail.com.au/news/local/news/general/mandalong-mine-to-be-extended/2197225.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2386</guid>
			<author>Lakes Mail - David Quick</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The impact of coal mining in Queensland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More Alan Jones Interviews]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9178</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2385</guid>
			<author>Alan Jones - Radio 2GB</author>
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		<item>
			<title>UN urges G20 to do more to phase out subsidies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BONN, Germany - Big economies should do more to phase out damaging subsidies on fossil fuels, farming and fisheries that are hindering a shift to a green economy, the head of the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) said on Wednesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/un-urges-g20-do-more-phase-out-subsidies?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2384</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Alister Doyle - Environment Correspondent - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Health, coal and climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It is illogical for the government to support new coal mines and produce a tax to curb the use of fossil fuel. Government, Opposition and industry should be reminded of the huge health impacts caused by the combustion of coal and the true cost of the coal industry. In the US, externalities (public costs not payed for by the industry) double the true cost of coal-fired electricity and this is probably so in Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/health-coal-and-climate-change?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2383</guid>
			<author>David Shearman - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>How were geo-engineering the planet</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the international geological community is now considering inaugurating a new geological epoch - named the Anthropocene - in recognition of the geological impact of our own species.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/how-were-geo-engineering-planet?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2382</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Mike Sandiford</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Committee to develop green climate fund</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The study concludes that an international climate change agreement may be possible when the countries are committed to taking self-interest actions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=6af1c790-f3b2-4749-9ee0-7830bdc5089d&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-16</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2381</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Queenslands strategic cropping land policy - implications for mining and petroleum projects</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Strategic Cropping Protection Area (SCPA), and 
Strategic Cropping Management Area (SCMA).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=4b65ba54-1270-465d-870e-5cd6efceeba1&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-16</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2380</guid>
			<author>Norton Rose Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Telstra-NBN deal to speed-up roll-out</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As part of the deal, the government will pay $9 billion to Telstra for around 100,000 km of duct space, 10,000 storage racks in telephone exchanges, and some unused fibre, the AFR said. In addition, the government would pay $2 billion for Telstra to hand over its universal service obligation, it added.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2379</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2379</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Consultations on Tampakan mines environmental impact start</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Until we have fully evaluated and understood the content of the EIS, the open pit ban [on mining] stays. We might subject the ordinance for another review and come up with a recommendation later,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2011/june/15/business4.isx&amp;d=2011/june/15</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2378</guid>
			<author>Manila Standard Today</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Forrests argument on tax does stack up</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The rationale for the tax has flaws. This is not because it disadvantages Forrest but because it tilts the playing field against the smaller miners and more importantly it fails to collect much revenue. Gillard and her supporters probably understand this but cannot take the risk of upsetting BHP, Rio and Xstrata.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/forrests-argument-on-tax-does-stack-up-20110615-1g3zj.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2377</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Anger over Shenhua documents</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While the project was sent to the former government under the former Part 3A process, Shenhua has previously stated it was never given a registration number through the previous process and is still not clear how the project is being assessed]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/06/15/3244327.htm?site=newengland</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2376</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The effect of coal mining in Queensland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More Alan Jones Interviews]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9167</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2375</guid>
			<author>Alan Jones - Radio 2GB</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Forrests anti-tax saw cuts deep</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the constitutionality of the tax, given that the iron ore and coal reserves that underlie the tax actually belong to the states. 

There is a serious argument as to whether the device of taxing the profits of the iron ore and coal miners deals with the constitutional issue, while the West Australians have already demonstrated they can siphon off the MMRT revenues simply by increasing their royalty rates. In any event, any constitutional challenge is likely to be supported by the resources states.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Forrests-anti-tax-saw-cuts-deep-pd20110614-HTBA8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2374</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator - Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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		<item>
			<title>How Twiggy shamed Canberra</title>
			<description><![CDATA[you take a view as an Australian before you take a view as a company executive ... any multinational could start an advertising campaign against the PM or deputy PM and Treasurer, and have their campaign stopped because theyre promised an exoneration from a tax that everyone else will pay ... thats a terribly bad precedent and Australia should fight it."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Forrest-Fortescue-mining-tax-MRRT-carbon-pd20110615-HTTBK?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2373</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Start your US Depression engines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The only sure road to recovery is debt abolition, but that will require defeating the political power of the finance sector and ending the influence of neoclassical economists on economic policy. That day is still a long way off.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/debt-crisis-recession-ponzi-house-prices-credit-US-pd20110613-HRVK3?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2372</guid>
			<author>Stephen Keen - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The greenhouse effect is real: heres why</title>
			<description><![CDATA[scientists are able to clearly discern the fingerprint of human-induced change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/greenhouse-effect-real-heres-why?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2371</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator - Karl Braganza</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Productivity Commission endorses emissions trading</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=4f056fa3-d9f7-4df3-a980-5b5678a8bb29&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-06-15</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2370</guid>
			<author>Mallesons Stephen Jaques Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Moving Out One by One as Australia Pursues Coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr. Beutel now finds himself the last homeowner here, this 120-year-old town vanishing rapidly around him, huge deposits of coal lying under him and lawyers for the coal company threatening to come down on him.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/world/asia/29coal.html?ref=world</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2369</guid>
			<author>The NY Times - Norimitsu Onishi - Acland Journal</author>
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			<title>Glen Beutel yet to sell home as Acland coal mine closes in</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Im the only homeowner left and Im in no hurry to leave.In a world facing massive shortages of food, some of the planets most precious cropping land is under threat.Cleary says New Hope has shown disrespect, digging up the historic grave of a child from a pioneering farming family who died on December 11, 1877.

Dugald McIntyre perished from sunstroke and was buried near his house in his own tiny cemetery.

"He was resting peacefully there for 132 years and they came and dug him up," Cleary says.

"So now they are grave diggers, too. It truly is shameful."


Farmers are in revolt and angry that miners are miraculously able to produce environmental impact studies showing everything will be just fine once mined land is rehabilitated.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/glen-beutel-is-the-last-man-standing-among-ghosts-at-acland-near-toowoomba/story-e6frereo-1225848992055</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2368</guid>
			<author>Des Houghton From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal moratorium - details -</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the moratorium applies to only new coal,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-moratorium/2194192.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2367</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Grounds for AGL challenge revealed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Risks to surface and groundwater quality and quantity when the gas wells are drilled, combined with lack of data about groundwater impacts given the fractured geological structure of the Stroud Gloucester Valley; and

Uncertainty about disposal of the polluted waste water which is produced, and the nature of the chemicals to be used in the underground fraccing process.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/grounds-for-agl-challenge-revealed/2187548.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2366</guid>
			<author>Gloucester Advocate</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Industry wont get a free ride this time around</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Data released during the last round of carbon price negotiations in 2009 showed that while 80 or more mines would face a negligible cost for the gas that escapes during their operations, 23 mines - due to the vagaries of geology - released so much methane they would pay a lot...
Not likely. Emissions from Australias booming mining sector are growing faster than any other source. If the miners pay nothing, others will have to pay more - like the manufacturers, for example, who are struggling along as the poor cousins of the mining boom. And its the Greens at the table this time, not the Coalition. A free ride will not be possible.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/industry-wont-get-a-free-ride-this-time-around-20110614-1g1xr.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2365</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>Government stands by mining tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Fortescue Metals chairman Andrew Forrest says the minerals resource rent tax is unconstitutional because it discriminates in favour of the three big miners - BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata - that can most afford it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/government-stands-by-mining-tax-20110614-1g12k.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2364</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>Mining desecration in Queensland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones Interview]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=9153#.TfcE3hXe_kg;email</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2363</guid>
			<author>Alan Jones - Radio 2GB</author>
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			<title>Coal royalties for Singleton</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SINGLETON Council will call on NSW Premier Barry OFarrell to return to Singleton 30 per cent of royalties paid by coal mining companies in the shire. Royalties, based on extracted tonnages, are paid to the government for the right to mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-royalties-for-singleton/2191642.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2362</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Hunter coalminers battle with Xstrata could reach Paris</title>
			<description><![CDATA[specific complaints about redundancies at Xstratas United mine near Singleton and accused the company of "poor labour practices" and anti-union behaviour at most of its sites, including another Hunter mine, Glendell.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-coalminers-battle-with-xstrata-could-reach-paris/2193642.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2361</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Acland: portrait of a ghost town</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WHEN mining company New Hope Coal bought almost the entire town of Acland, it obtained more than just land.

The memories, passion and devotion of a whole community were all left by the wayside.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/06/12/acland-portrait-ghost-town/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2360</guid>
			<author>Toowoomba Chronicle - Chris Calcino</author>
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			<title>Deflating our mining expectations</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the zealots in the Reserve Bank and Treasury want people in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to lose their jobs and have their homes jeopardised so that hundreds of billions can be spent on mining projects over the next five years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/interest-rates-recession-carbon-tax-miners-gas-coa-pd20110614-HSUGX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2359</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>World off course on climate; renewables vital</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BONN, Germany (Reuters) - The world is off course in fighting climate change and governments need to boost green energies to build new momentum, the head of the U.N. panel of climate scientists said on Monday.

Rajendra Pachauri said governments would face ever higher costs to slow global warming after new data showed greenhouse gas emissions rose to new highs in 2010.

"Were not on the right track," he told the June 13-15 Reuters Energy and Climate Summit in a telephone interview, adding "we are far away from" a path of least cost in slowing global warming.

The International Energy Agency said last month world emissions of carbon dioxide rose by 5.9 percent to a record high in 2010 as many economies rebounded from recession. Global warming could bring more floods, droughts, heatwaves and rising seas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/world-course-climate-renewables-vital-0</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2358</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Alister Doyle - Environment Correspondent - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Climate change is real: An open letter from the scientific community</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The individuals who deny the balance of scientific evidence on climate change will impose a heavy future burden on Australians if their unsupported opinions are given undue credence]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/climate-change-real-open-letter-scientific-community?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2357</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>More solar concessions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The industry wants to go further and introduce a 1:1 net metering system, which would allows them to sell any excess electricity back into the grid at prevailing retail rates.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/green-deals-more-solar-concessions?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2356</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Coal warns of lost jobs on carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[using confidential numbers of course]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Coal-warns-of-lost-jobs-on-carbon-tax-report-pd20110613-HSNWJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2355</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Passenger rail fears for loader</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the weakest link in the system is likely to be the two coal lines between Maitland and Sandgate unless coal trains can use the two adjacent dedicated passenger lines or unless ARTC builds a third coal line.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/passenger-rail-fears-for-loader/2192590.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2354</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Redraft tax or face law suit: Fortescue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Forrest said yesterday that unless the draft laws were overhauled, he wanted to test the constitutionality of the MRRT as part of a High Court challenge.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/redraft-tax-or-face-law-suit-fortescue/story-fn59niix-1226074511440</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2353</guid>
			<author>Andrew Burrell From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>age of gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A conversation with the Chief Economist for the International Energy Agency, which produces the annual World Energy Outlook. Dr Birol talks about the latest world energy emission figures which he has said are a serious setback to our hopes of limiting the global increase in temperature to no more than 2 degrees. And he talks about the rise of gas and the prominent position of Australia as a gas producer.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2352</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2352</guid>
			<author>ABC- Saturday Extra</author>
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			<title>Moves for giant Lake coalmine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Centennial plans to lodge an application with state authorities for mining, after exploration is complete.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/moves-for-giant-lake-coalmine/2191946.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2351</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Damon Cronshaw</author>
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			<title>Land values undermined</title>
			<description><![CDATA["If you want to sell you have to reduce the price, so the mine devalues your property."

{if you have to sell there is only one buyer - the mine. Because the mines have bought up big and paid extortionate prices for the land they want the Valuer-General Assessment is higher 46% increase per valuation cycle - so we pay higher property rates based on an inflated V-Gs valuation - for non-receipt of services and that cannot be realised in the marketplace. There is no like for like. {Ed}]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/land-values-undermined/2191958.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2350</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald - Damon Cronshaw</author>
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			<title>CSG fraccing suspended in England</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DERMs general manager of coal and coal seam gas operations, Andrew Briar, says the process used in Australia has some significant differences.

"The UK industry was a shale industry as opposed to the coal seam gas industry in Australia and there are some key differences between them," he said.

"The geological structure is significantly different and because were doing coal seam gas, were looking at fracturing the coal seams with hydraulic fraccing."

- Why do the compasnies continue to lie and say that they do not use hydraulic fracturing?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201106/s3240500.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2349</guid>
			<author>ABC Rural</author>
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			<title>Hunter Gas Project CCC members</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hunter Gas Project CCC members are Wayne Bedggood (Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association President), John Daniel, Bob Kennedy (disbanded Bulga CCC representative), Scott Jennar (Muswellbrook Environment Committee), Michael Johnsen (Nationals Hunter representative), Jennifer Lecky (Muswellbrook councillor), Ian Napier (Wombat Crossing Vineyard), Carol Russell (Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group member), John Taylor, Scott Greensill (Singleton Council general manager), in addition to a Cessnock Council representative and the CEO of Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council, Laurie Perry.

Congratulations to Scott Jennar [Muswellbrook Shire Council Environment Advisory Committee] on his selection.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-seam-gas/2191632.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2348</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Fracking Faultlines Extend Into Heritage Areas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Dart originally planned to start drilling in the Putty Valley in May but the project was postponed because the company did not have the required permission of a landowner. The first the community knew of the drilling plan was when they downloaded a copy of an earlier Dart Energy REF from the website.]]></description>
			<link>http://newmatilda.com/2011/06/10/fracking-faultlines-extend-world-heritage-areas</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2347</guid>
			<author>new matilda.com - Nicole Gooch and Wendy Bacon</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gloucester mining appeal part-heard</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Stratford Coal, Duralie Coal, and now AGL Gas are seeking river discharge, with other mining companies Gloucester Resources, Thunderbolts Gold and others that have been approved to dig up this valley and everything in their path and discharge into natural water sources a sickening reality."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-mining-appeal-partheard/2191426.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2346</guid>
			<author>Manning River Times</author>
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			<title>Tanna attacks coal-seam gas critics over inaccurate claims</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More lies from another barren, godless slag.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/tanna-attacks-coal-seam-gas-critics-over-inaccurate-claims/story-e6frg8zx-1226073271803</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2345</guid>
			<author>Andrew Fraser From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>AGL says</title>
			<description><![CDATA[perhaps the next public meeting of
concerned residents in Gloucester or other communities will
not include a media ban]]></description>
			<link>http://focusmag.com.au/fb/mgl/pdf/9.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2344</guid>
			<author>Roger Marmion - manning-great lakes focus</author>
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			<title>Beware the hazards of resource nationalism</title>
			<description><![CDATA[resource revenue can insulate political leaders from realities they really ought to confront.....governing parties can become fatally preoccupied with the allocation of resource revenue for personal or factional advantage....entrenched instruments of politicised rent allocation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=145475</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2343</guid>
			<author>Business Day NZ - ANTHONY BUTLER</author>
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			<title>Farmers face water shortage as climate changes: UN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MILAN (Reuters) - Farmers, governments and regulators should take preventive action to improve water management, because climate change will tighten water supplies for agriculture, the United Nations food agency said.

Climate change will bringing higher temperatures and more frequent droughts, reducing water availability especially in water-scarce regions, while melting glaciers will eventually cut water supplies in major producing areas, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Thursday.

"Both the livelihoods of rural communities as well as the food security of city populations are at risk," FAO Assistant Director General for Natural Resources Alexander Mueller said in a statement.

Countries should improve management of their water resources ahead of the expected changes, and farmers should adopt more efficient cropping patters, the FAO said its Climate Change, Water and Food Security report.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/farmers-face-water-shortage-climate-changes-fao?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2342</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Contamination from floodwater delays its removal from 40 Queensland mines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Six months since floods ravaged central Queensland, mines have been unable to release more than 500,000 megalitres of floodwater because of environmental conditions imposed by the State Government.

Mines have been given temporary licences to slowly release the water into nearby creeks, but say permits are too restrictive given the amount of water.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-Sarah-Palin-politics-Communist-party-Tea-Par-pd20110609-HN4U2?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2341</guid>
			<author>John McCarthy and Alex Tilbury From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Debate on coal seam gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Video of Director of the Australian Petroleum and Association Ross Dunn and the Greens spokesman on mining and coal seam seam gas Jeremy Buckingham about the coal seem gas industry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/06/10/3241454.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2340</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>Residents in Macarthur region encouraged to embrace solar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SOLAR hot water systems and power cells are a good investment in the future of the planet and make financial sense, University of Sydney physicist and solar expert Dr Christopher Dey said.]]></description>
			<link>http://macarthur-chronicle-wollondilly.whereilive.com.au/news/story/residents-in-macarthur-region-encouraged-to-embrace-solar/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2339</guid>
			<author>Macarthur Chronicle</author>
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			<title>Green group battles Mudgee mine expansion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AN ENVIRONMENTAL organisation has initiated a court challenge against NSW Government approval for expansion of Xstratas Ulan coal mine, near Mudgee, on the grounds it would significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions.
The organisation, the Hunter Environmental Lobby (HEL) and supporters from Sydney are also contesting the impact of the mines expansion on groundwater systems and on biodiversity.]]></description>
			<link>http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/green-group-battles-mudgee-mine-expansion/2189467.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2338</guid>
			<author>The Land - ALAN DICK</author>
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			<title>Friends welcome mine challenge</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Xstrata now faces two hurdles to its massive expansion of coal production and climate pollution in New South Wales and Queensland," Mr Smith said.

"The coal miners know that eventually they will be held accountable for the climate impacts of these mega mines, its just a matter of when."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/06/09/friends-welcome-mine-challenge-toowoomba/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2337</guid>
			<author>Toowoomba Chronicle</author>
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			<title>China CO2 emissions rose 10% in 2010: BP</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON - Chinas carbon dioxide emissions rose 10.4 per cent in 2010 compared with the previous year, as global emissions rose at their fastest rate for more than four decades, data released by BP showed. 

"All forms of energy grew strongly (last year), with growth in fossil fuels suggesting that global CO2 emissions from energy use grew at the fastest rate since 1969," energy major BPs annual Statistical Review of World Energy said. 

The rapid growth is happening as UN talks look unlikely to agree on a legally binding deal to curb emissions and fight climate change before the existing Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. 

Global carbon dioxide emissions are widely seen as a major factor responsible for an increase in world temperatures.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-1-Chinas-CO2-emissions-rose-10-pct-in-2010--HMHJU?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2336</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Xstrata seeks emissions exemptions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata will not be able to meet deadlines it faces in bringing its Mount Isa operations in line with Queenslands new environmental laws and is asking the Bligh government for exemptions, according to a report by The Australian]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Xstrata-seeks-emissions-exemptions-report-pd20110608-HMRTN?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2335</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Carbon vitriol harms us all</title>
			<description><![CDATA[some coal mining techniques produce large volumes of fugitive emissions, and LNG production by its very nature involves large fossil-fuel powered industrial plants that do add to our carbon budget.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/carbon-tax-politics-Productivity-Commission-Howard-pd20110609-HMTCW?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2334</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Aust has poor record on CO2: Goodall</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia has copped a serve from renowned conservationist and primate expert Jane Goodall, who has criticised the countrys poor track record on carbon emissions. 

The UN messenger for peace, visiting Melbourne on Thursday, also highlighted the rapid extinction levels of Australias wildlife]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australia-has-poor-record-on-CO2-Goodall-HNSTB?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2333</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Disputes cast doubt on Chinas peaceful rise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Regional belief in "peaceful rise" has been much eroded over the past year by a combination of incidents with India and Japan as well as over the South China Sea, and by Chinas evident success in moving towards possessing weapons systems, some of which in principle can match those of the US]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/56857/disputes-cast-doubts-on-chinas-peaceful-rise/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=8cab7f5517-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2332</guid>
			<author>Asian Correspondent</author>
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			<title>A resources tax by another name</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It is becoming clear that the looming carbon tax is simply a disguised resources tax on gas and coal exports. Its the Ken Henry-Wayne Swan first mining tax all over again but without iron ore and copper.
If Australia was serious about reducing carbon instead of just being interested in raising money and using the tax as a resources tax the Gillard government would combine the tax with some of the Abbott-style plans. And indeed we would use the money raised by the carbon resources tax to fund those carbon reduction plans. By combining the government and opposition plans we would achieve real carbon abatement.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Resources-tax-by-another-name-pd20110609-HMTLD?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2331</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Tanzania mulls "super tax" on minerals</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DODOMA (Reuters) - Tanzania, one of Africas top gold producers, is considering a "super profit" tax on earnings from minerals as one of the ways to fund its five-year development plan, according to documents seen by Reuters.

The move follows similar steps in other producer countries that have sought to increase fiscal revenue from the mining industry and to take advantage of rising prices.

Australia was among the first to consider a hefty resource tax, but it had to climb down from initial proposals for a headline tax of 40 percent after pre-election talks with mining giants like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/tanzania-mulls-super-tax-minerals?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2330</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Will natural gas save us from climate change?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[while natural gas emits only about half as much globe-warming carbon dioxide as coal does, thats still enough to keep temperatures rising...
a study published last month in Climate Change Letters argues that fracking can release underground methane - a powerful greenhouse gas in its own right - into the atmosphere. That may make burning natural gas from fracking worse for the climate than mining and burning coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/will-natural-gas-save-us-climate-change?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2329</guid>
			<author>Michael D Lemonick - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Xstrata seeks emissions exemptions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata will not be able to meet deadlines it faces in bringing its Mount Isa operations in line with Queenslands new environmental laws and is asking the Bligh government for exemptions]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Xstrata-seeks-emissions-exemptions-report-pd20110608-HMRTN?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2328</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>one 16-year-old is sueing the US government over climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I am 16 years old. This morning I filed a lawsuit against the United States of America, for allowing money to be more powerful than the survival of my generation, and for making decisions that threaten our right to a safe and healthy planet.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/may/05/sueing-us-government-climate</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2327</guid>
			<author>Alec Loorz for Earth Island Journal - UK Guardian</author>
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			<title>NY Assembly Extends Fracking Ban For Another Year</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The New York State Assembly on Monday passed a one-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, a method of natural gas drilling already under a temporary ban in the state due to concerns that it might pollute drinking water.]]></description>
			<link>http://planetark.org/wen/62242</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2326</guid>
			<author>PlanetArk.org - Dan Wiessner</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas debt binge hides an imminent crisis</title>
			<description><![CDATA["While we cant predict where complex systems will go, we know that the longer their volatility is artificially suppressed, the more emphatic will be its release when it does come. It is more likely that China has one and a half times (and counting) the 2008 financial crisis ahead of it."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-government-debt-financial-crisis-local-autho-pd20110608-HLTXP?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2325</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Giving up the Gillard ghost</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The two-speed economy is now becoming starkly evident in the Business Spectator Accenture CEO Pulse survey. Despite the greatest export boom in Australias history, there is a deep and growing pessimism among chief executives about the economy. 

And the divide between the haves and have-nots of business will only widen as interest rates rise and the Australian dollar stays high. In just one quarter, the percentage of CEOs who are pessimistic about the Australian economy has gone from 5 per cent to 26 per cent while the optimists have gone from 73 per cent to 51 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australian-economy-chief-executives-Julia-Gillard--pd20110608-HLSEW?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2324</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Billions needed to boost food production, says DuPont committee</title>
			<description><![CDATA[KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Reuters) - High-tech seeds and innovations in chemicals and farming will not be enough to solve looming food shortages for the world, according to a report issued Tuesday by a committee formed by food and chemicals conglomerate DuPont.

Billions of dollars in private investment, government incentives and charitable work must be funneled into collaborative projects if global food production is to match growing demand, the report urged.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/billions-needed-boost-food-production-says-dupont-committee</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2323</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator -Carey Gillam</author>
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			<title>Warning - Strategic cropping land implementation</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As suspected, the majority of rural Australians will likely be excluded protection from mining that will apply to selected geo-political regions. A further Infringement on Freehold title without compensation. Assessment and qualification only concerned with geo-political agricultural factors and arbitrary.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=4092701b-4741-4c10-82fa-10124a5ff8be&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-08</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2322</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Wandoan Xstrata Coal health.wmv</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Video]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p5_zNBbzL4</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2321</guid>
			<author>YouTube</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine water leaked into the Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[decision to issue a warning letter for leaking 11.3ML of saline water into the Hunter River over a period of nine months.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/mine-water-leaked-into-the-hunter/2187575.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2320</guid>
			<author>SARAH LEE - Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>No coal seam gas in Singleton vineyards</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We need to stop the granting of any more exploration and production licenses in NSW and then have something like a parliamentary Upper House or Select Committee inquiry into the impacts," Mr Buckingham said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/no-coal-seam-gas-in-singleton-vineyards/2187564.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2319</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus - PAUL MAGUIRE</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Grounds for AGL challenge revealed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Risks to surface groundwater quality and quantity are among the issues being cited by the NSW Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) in the Land and Environment Court Challenge against the consent granted to AGL.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/grounds-for-agl-challenge-revealed/2187548.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2318</guid>
			<author>Gloucester Advocate</author>
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			<title>Climate change used in legal fight</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hunter Environment Group says the Ulan coal mines expansion should be stopped because it will make climate change worse.... Xstrata say if the court demands offsets for the project, it would be guessing about Australias future climate change policy. 

The company says the approval that was given was based on more stringent environmental conditions, including air quality and emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/07/3237176.htm?section=justin</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2317</guid>
			<author>ABC - Karl Hoerr</author>
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		<item>
			<title>AGL says gas well leak `harmless</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Video &amp; story"A foamy, gassy substance started shooting into the air (and) after five minutes a spray of foamy liquid was spurting about 10m high and blowing back towards the water supply canal," he said.

"Everything we know about this industry points to a pollution risk to water."]]></description>
			<link>http://macarthur-chronicle-campbelltown.whereilive.com.au/news/story/agl-study-shows-gas-well-leak-to-be-harmless/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2316</guid>
			<author>David Campbell - Macarthur Chroncile</author>
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			<title>Yuan way to avoid a double dip</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Beijing engages in quantitative easing on a grand scale; hogging growth and exporting inflation. It is time to recognise what it does - currency manipulation and protectionism to gain competitive advantage - and address it forthrightly. 

Each year, China maintains an undervalued currency by printing yuan to purchase about $US450 billion in dollars and other foreign currencies. This reduces domestic Chinese consumption and places a 35 per cent subsidy on Chinese exports, accelerates investment and jobs creation in China, and suppresses growth in the United States and Europe, which contributes importantly to sovereign debt problems on both sides of the Atlantic. 

China also uses those yuan to subsidise purchases of oil and other scarce commodities it lacks, creating global inflation. 

Stagflation results, with slower growth and more inflation in the United States and Europe.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/yuan-US-recession-double-dip-China-economy-trade-c-pd20110606-HK4D8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2315</guid>
			<author>Peter Morici - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Climate change used as legal challenge to mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Climate change is being used as a legal argument for the first time to prevent the expansion of a coal mine. The Xstrata-owned Ulan mine, north of Mudgee in New South Wales, has already won planning approval to double its production.

But opponents are challenging that decision. They say it goes against Australias commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2011/s3237149.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2314</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Compensation in NSW for mine subsidence</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The High Courts decision means that owners of improvements to land will be able to get compensation for the proper and necessary expenses they incur in preventing or mitigating anticipated damage from mine subsidence, instead of waiting for the subsidence to happen and then dealing with the damage. As a result theyll be able to make sensible decisions in the light of their legal duties and commercial imperatives.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/supercharging-solar?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2313</guid>
			<author>Clayton Utz Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Supercharging solar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A new solar array at the CSIROs energy research centre in Newcastle is the worlds largest demonstration of a new technology that uses concentrated solar energy to heat air rather than liquids. In many ways it works the same as a gas turbine: compressed air is heated, and then the air expands through a turbine to create power. "Weve just eliminated the combustor," said Robby McNaughton, the engineering manager at the National Solar Energy Center, during a visit to the centre last week. The technology is known as a solar air turbine, but its official name is a Solar Brayton Cycle. And because it needs no water, it is uniquely suited to Australian conditions, where the best solar radiation often coincides with the least amount of available water. And because it lacks the complexity of rival technologies, and can operate as a modular, stand-alone system, it is also suitable for remote locations such as mine sites.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/supercharging-solar?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2312</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Juliar has sold us out to Xstrata, BHP &amp; Rio Tinto, Big Time. Going cheap. (Ed)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australians Tim Boreham says the results of the Peru election will have a big impact on metal prices, and Australia: "Last night, leftish Peruvian opposition candidate Ollanta Humala looked to have edged out rightish opponent Keiko Fujimori. Despite their varying political hues, both candidates had a mining-unfriendly platform. Ollanta "Kevin" Humala proposes doubling royalties (currently 1-3 per cent) and introducing a 40 per cent "windfall tax". Peru produces about 5 per cent of the worlds copper. According to Macquarie Equities, this is expected to rise to 10 per cent by 2016, when it will account for 32 per cent of new copper output. We await threats from BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto and Xstrata, which all have a stake in Peruvian copper projects, to relocate to more friendly regimes - such as, er, Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RBA-carbon-tax-interest-rates-carbonprice-Clive-Pa-pd20110607-HKS3A?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2311</guid>
			<author>Glenn Dyer - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A future built on a better fund</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Next year the federal budget will go back into surplus and stay there, and with the massive profits that are likely to flow out of the current mining investment boom even our current crop of politicians will have trouble spending enough of the tax proceeds to prevent huge surpluses developing in the years ahead. 

As things stand the money will either be frittered away as middle-class welfare - as in Mining Boom Mark I between 2003 and 2007 - or doled out to the states as infrastructure pork at the whim of the prime minister and the federal infrastructure minister or invested in international shares and other pointless liquid assets via the Future Fund. 

Far better if the transfers to the Future Fund were now capped and future surpluses put into the Building Australia Fund administered by an independent Infrastructure Australia, with the power to back up its research on priorities with real money.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Infrastructure-Building-Australia-Fund-federal-bud-pd20110606-HJT66?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2310</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australia says $226bn of assets at risk from rising seas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Shopping centres, office buildings, roads and railways worth $226 billion could be at risk if climate change causes the sea level to rise around one metre by 2100.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/australia-says-226bn-assets-risk-rising-seas?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2309</guid>
			<author>AAP - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China drought raises new questions for climate science</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LAKE HONGHU, China (Reuters) - Chinas drought along its biggest river, the Yangtze, is for some scientists a demonstration of how global warming could increasingly disrupt the complex dance of air flows, rains and waterways that feeds dams and farming heartlands.

Many older farmers around Lake Honghu, part of the drought-stricken Yangtze River basin, said summers and winters had seemed warmer in the past decade, and some said overall rainfall had shrunk, although impressions varied.

Few blamed global warming, not a widely understood idea in rural China, although one offered his own twist.

"This is all related to global warming. In the past few years its been getting warmer and the rain has been less than before, and it comes at different times," said Li Shenguang, a fish trader working the shrinking waters of Lake Honghu.

"Its related to the Japanese nuclear leak and the volcano eruption in Iceland," he added]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/china-drought-raises-new-questions-climate-science?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2308</guid>
			<author>Chris Buckley - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Whats happening in Australias LNG sector?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[video &amp; interview]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e00538d3-e874-45ac-bdc2-18b9e8245bab&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-06-06</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2307</guid>
			<author>Clayton Utz Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Carbon tax fight looms with states</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Only 24 per cent think Ms Gillard has a mandate to introduce the tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-tax-fight-looms-with-states-pd20110606-HJRWB?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2306</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Protesters blockade Xstrata coalmine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Members of climate action group NoPlanetB.org blocked the haulage of coal from Xstratas West Wallsend underground mine for several hours on May 30.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/47814</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2305</guid>
			<author>Green Left - Zane Alcorn</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Group formed to fight coal seam gas exploration</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The fight against coal seam gas exploration on the Mid North Coast has ramped up. A new group has formed, determined to protect what they call their own slice of haven.]]></description>
			<link>http://portmacquarie.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/03062011_coast_hastingscoalseam-video</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2304</guid>
			<author>iPrime - Port Macquarie</author>
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			<title>Greens call for a stop to coal seam gas mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham says if passed, the bill would create a 12 month moratorium on new licences being issued.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/04/3235537.htm?site=newcastle</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2303</guid>
			<author>ABC Newcastle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Prepare for waves of economic pain</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We will see a recession in non-mining Australia of some magnitude. The rest of Australia outside the miners must fasten their safety belts.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Glenn-Stevens-RBA-interest-rates-house-prices-Rese-pd20110603-HFS67?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2302</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>opinion on gas exploration</title>
			<description><![CDATA["If the company says there is no impact on the acquifers there is a straight forward task to test that and Bunnan residents should demand that be done,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/independent-opinion-on-gas-exploration/2182941.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2301</guid>
			<author>Caitlin Andrews - Scone Advocate</author>
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			<title>Miner warns: well dig elsewhere</title>
			<description><![CDATA[(GO) XSTRATA boss Mick Davis has warned Canberra that global miners will prioritise investment decisions to more favourable jurisdictions if the Gillard government pushes ahead with its carbon tax plan.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/miner-warns-well-dig-elsewhere/story-e6frg6xf-1226067497496</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2300</guid>
			<author>Sarah-Jane Tasker From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Economic assessment underway of mining communities</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/02/3233271.htm?site=newcastle&amp;section=news</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2299</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/01/3232643.htm</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining industry accused of trying to paper over problems]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/01/3232643.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2298</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>AGL approval challenged</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The present Summons has been lodged by the EDO (Environmental Defenders Office) on behalf of their client, the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance Inc.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/agl-approval-challenged/2180291.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2297</guid>
			<author>Gloucester Advocate</author>
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			<title>Labor faces a bitter winter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Should Jenkins resign (highly unlikely), the most likely replacement, voted in with the help of the government-siding cross benchers, would be Liberal MP Peter Slipper. That would strengthen the governments hold on the currently finely balanced house]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-wall-of-pain-for-Labor-pd20110601-HDSZ7?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2296</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Congos poor need incentives to save giant forest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Environmental experts from 35 countries were meeting in the Congo Republic, DRCs smaller neighbor, on Tuesday for a week-long summit seeking ways to protect the worlds three largest rainforests -- the Amazon in South America, the Congo in Central Africa and the Borneo-Mekong in Indonesia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/congos-poor-need-incentives-save-giant-forest?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2295</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Jonny Hogg - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Hunger crisis worsens, food system broken: Oxfam</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The governments of poorer nations must also have a seat at the table, for they are on the front lines of climate change, where many of the battles -- over land, water, and food -- are being fought."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/hunger-crisis-worsens-food-system-broken-oxfam?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2294</guid>
			<author>Reuters - David Brough; editing by Jason Neely - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Carbon price of $40 per tonne needed according to federal report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[that $40 per tonne will allow gas fired electricity to compete with cheap black coal power generators at least on the east coast of Australia. A price of $70 per tonne has been suggested for Western Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=4f7deb05-5682-4ce0-b320-9ebdaf86e3bc&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-06-01</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2293</guid>
			<author>HopgoodGanim Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Port of Townsville mulls coal export expansion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[if the port began handling coal, it would not be a competitor to other coal ports such as Abbott Point and Hay Point to the south.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/port-of-townsville-mulls-coal-export-expansion/story-e6frf7ko-1226066483028</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2292</guid>
			<author>Greg Roberts From: AAP</author>
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			<title>Fortifying the Downs from mining - a sop</title>
			<description><![CDATA[mining and coal seam gas projects that were not well advanced in the approvals process would be subject to the full effect of the legislation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/05/31/darling-downs-land-gets-protected-mining/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2291</guid>
			<author>John Farmer - The Chronicle - Toowoomba</author>
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			<title>Herders death deepens tensions in Inner Mongolia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Protests erupt after Mongolian herder run over by coal truck as he tries to stop mining convoy driving across prairie land]]></description>
			<link>http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/27/tensions-herders-miners-inner-mongolia</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2290</guid>
			<author>Jonathan Watts - UK Guardian</author>
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			<title>Qld rally targets coal seam gas industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Farmers and conservationists from across Australia have disrupted a coal seam gas conference, accusing mining companies of threatening the environment and rural livelihoods. The protest trapped Queensland Environment Minister Kate Jones inside the hotel amid security concerns they would climb on her car if she attempted to leave the conference.]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/local/qld/a/-/local/9552692/qld-rally-targets-coal-seam-gas-industry/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2289</guid>
			<author>Petrina Berry, AAP, 7 NEWS</author>
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			<title>China coal imports to double in 2015, India close behind</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NUSA DUA, Indonesia (Reuters) - Top coal consumer China should see import demand more than double in the next four years and India will be close behind as both hoover up supplies on international markets to feed rapidly growing power industries, industry executives said on Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-coal-imports-double-2015-india-close-behind?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2288</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Rebekah Kebede and Michael Taylor - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>IEA sees record CO2 emissions in 2010</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PARIS (Reuters) - Global emissions of carbon dioxide hit their highest level ever in 2010, with the growth driven mainly by booming coal-reliant emerging economies, the International Energy Agencys Chief Economist said on Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/iea-sees-record-co2-emissions-2010?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2287</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Muriel Boselli - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Making carbon a pollie-free zone</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Having witnessed the damage that politics has caused to the now abandoned Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and to the current debate over its successor, Professor Ross Garnaut has concluded the only safe way to manage a carbon price going forward is to keep politicians as far away from the process as possible]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/making-carbon-pollie-free-zone?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2286</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>A carbon budget to favour households</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Those strange muffled noises you heard today were the sounds of lobbyists from brown-coal generators and trade exposed industries choking over their cornflakes, or their hors doeuvre at the National Press Club luncheon - depending on whether or not they were privy to an embargoed copy of the completed version of Ross Garnauts 2011 update of his Climate Change review]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/carbon-budget-favour-households?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2285</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Garnaut hits out at vested interests</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The gas export industry is richly rewarded for the beneficial effects of its emissions being low compared with coal (although high compared with energy sources that do not rely on fossil fuels). It is rewarded in the strong demand and high prices that are driving the current investment and export boom. Some Australians have to pay for the gas industrys emissions. But why should all Australians carry the costs of the gas industrys exceptional expansion and prosperity? Why should the education, farming, tourism and manufacturing industries pay for the extra emissions that have come with the exceptional prosperity of the coal and gas industries, when their own prospects have been damaged by the resources boom?"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/garnaut-hits-out-vested-interests?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2284</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>The NBN must face wireless</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last weeks annual LTE World Summit in Amsterdam reinforced just how fast wireless technologies are developing. And if they continue to evolve as fast as they have in the last year alone, the assumptions for wireless-only broadband penetration in the NBNs business plan look set to fall apart. And so does the claim that the project is a commercial investment that should remain off budget. But this political outcome should not be driving the project.]]></description>
			<link>http://technologyspectator.com.au/nbn-buzz/nbn-must-face-wireless</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2283</guid>
			<author>Andrew Harris - Technology Spectator</author>
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			<title>An infrastructure brown out looms</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the NBN was cited as a classic illustration of how not to go about gaining private sector capital for infrastructure. Rather than leave labour relations to the private sector, the government has agreed to onerous labour agreements with the unions based on the disastrous Victorian desalination plant. The agreements will add a minimum of 25 per cent to the cost of the NBN and greatly jeopardise its fragile economics. 

The agreement gives unions extensive rights of over labour use in the project management.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-broadband-infrastructure-Telstra-brown-outs-IR-pd20110531-HCSJF?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2282</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Making carbon a pollie-free zone</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Having witnessed the damage that politics has caused to the now abandoned Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and to the current debate over its successor, Professor Ross Garnaut has concluded the only safe way to manage a carbon price going forward is to keep politicians as far away from the process as possible.

The governments principal climate change advisor has recommended that not one, but three separate institutions be created to establish and implement Australias carbon price arrangements: an independent committee to advise on future emissions reduction targets and revisions to Australias emissions cap; a separate independent agency to advise on assistance to emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries (EITEIs); and an independent "carbon bank" to administer the emissions trading scheme. It could be quite an empire.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/making-carbon-pollie-free-zone</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2281</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Shells oil field withdrawal will chill China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Recently, Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov warned the Kashagan consortium members that if they do not get costs under control and the project back on a proper timeline, the project will be frozen. Shell then decided it was done with the projec]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Shell-Kazakhstan-Kashagan-oil-energy-Eni-ExxonMobi-pd20110530-HC48G?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2280</guid>
			<author>Stratfor.com - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>The rise of Chinese contractors on international projects</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On recent international deals, Chinese contractors were rumoured to have undercut bids by between 20-30%. Further, importing their entire labour force allows Chinese contractors to offer accelerated timetables, delivering the end product well in advance of many competitors]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=0912342b-60fb-43c2-bf2a-5fb931881b5e&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Other+top+stories&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-05-31&amp;utm_</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2279</guid>
			<author>DLA Piper Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Garnaut advises independent carbon bank</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-bank-could-help-Australia-avoid-European-sc-HCJNX?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2278</guid>
			<author>AAP - Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Exec says security, social acceptability and work safety hound Tampakan project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The first was the burning of the companys base camp in the mountains of Tampakan town and the second was the NPAs raid on the municipal police station in the poblacion area. Sagittarius Mines lost at least P12 million in the base camp attack, while three policemen were injured in the succeeding NPA offensive.

"Regional security continued to be a challenge for SMI in 2010, resulting in the temporary suspension of field activities on two occasions. The most serious incident occurred in December, when two security guards were injured in a shooting incident by unknown person(s) while on post in Datal Alyong, Tablu, in Tampakan,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mindanews.com/2011/05/30/exec-says-security-social-acceptability-and-work-safety-hound-tampakan-project/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2277</guid>
			<author>Minda News - Mindanao</author>
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			<title>Security issues hound Tampakan site on top of mining ban</title>
			<description><![CDATA[KORONADAL CITY -- Security issues have been a key challenge to developing the Tampakan mine in South Cotabato -- one of the largest copper deposits in the world -- on top of the local ban on open-pit mining, the projects major foreign backer said in its annual sustainability report.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&amp;title=Security-issues-hound-Tampakan-site-on-top-of-mining-ban&amp;id=32179</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2276</guid>
			<author>Business World Online - Philipines</author>
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			<title>Stand up to polluters and build renewable energy!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We fully endorse the work of 100% renewable.]]></description>
			<link>http://100percent.org.au/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 23:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2275</guid>
			<author>100% Renewable</author>
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			<title>Stoves, seeds could save African forests: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[if a climate program added efficient cookstoves that use less charcoal and better quality crop seeds for greater yields, the benefit of keeping the forests intact would outweigh the cost to local people, said Fisher, of Princeton University and the University of East Anglia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/stoves-seeds-could-save-african-forests-report-0</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 13:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2273</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Ice melt to close off Arctics interior riches</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Global warming will likely open up coastal areas in the Arctic to development but close vast regions of the northern interior to forestry and mining by mid-century as ice and frozen soil under temporary winter roads melt,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/ice-melt-close-arctics-interior-riches-study-0</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 13:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2274</guid>
			<author>Reuters -Timothy Gardner - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Turning back the carbon boat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[By the way, because of the way emissions have risen in recent years, largely due to fugitive emissions from coal exports, the actual reduction from current levels to achieve that is now above 20 per cent, and rising. The Greens target of 25 per cent abatement from 2000 levels by 2020 is now practically impossible]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/turning-back-carbon-boat?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 13:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2272</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Spelling out mining opposition</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ms Thompson said she had originally hoped for about 600 people to show up but word spread quickly through social networking websites and email, attracting grassroots followers and the support of the fast-growing Lock the Gate Alliance from Queensland and local environmental group Northern Rivers Guardians.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2011/05/30/spelling-out-mining-opposition-beach-protest-byron/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 13:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2271</guid>
			<author>Dominic Feain - Northern Star</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas rally attracts thousands</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Illawarra residents and members of the CSG Mining Illawarra group formed a spectacular 3000-person human banner at Austinmer Beach, urging the government to enact a moratorium on coal seam gas mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-seam-gas-rally-attracts-thousands/2178213.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 13:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2270</guid>
			<author>Sam Hall - Illawarra Mercury</author>
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			<title>Human signs against CSG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Up to 6000 people protesting against the mining of coal seam gas (CSG) have teamed up to form human signs at two NSW costal towns.]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/latest/a/-/article/9538540/human-signs-against-csg/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 13:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2269</guid>
			<author>7 News Video</author>
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			<title>New laws of the land offer great relief to many</title>
			<description><![CDATA[But with 70 per cent of NSW already covered by mineral and petroleum titles the moratorium, which does not ban production, is considered more symbolic than anything else.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/news/local/news/environment/new-laws-of-the-land-offer-great-relief-to-many/2178132.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 12:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2268</guid>
			<author>Patrick Billings - Dubbo Daily Liberal</author>
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			<title>Greens and farmers fight mining land grab</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On one hand, the Australian mining industry is booming, and politicians and mining executives keep telling us how lucky we are. Then theres the rest of Australia, and its struggling. The bush is doing it tough and there is a rising tide of anger beginning to sweep across the nation.

It has nothing to do with the fires or floods, commodity prices or the rise of the dollar. They are all cycles that the tough, resilient people of the bush know how to survive.

Not this time. Rural Australia is rapidly being crucified for the benefit of the mining boom, a tsunami-like force so destructive of scant water resources and delicate farmland that recovery will be impossible.

The environmental argument is brutal: coalmining moves into fertile farmland and leaves a slag heap behind, while coal seam gas extraction pollutes and poisons the underground water system, the most important natural resource in the worlds most arid nation. Broadcaster Alan Jones -- who can read the public mood better than most -- admits to being completely shocked by the destructive impact of mining on farmland. He described the public mood as "a volcano".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/greens-and-farmers-fight-mining-land-grab/story-e6frg6z6-1226063994951</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 23:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2267</guid>
			<author>Heather Brown From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Not in my backyard, actor tells coalminers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[You realise you own just a couple of metres of the land, the government owns the coal reserves underneath, and that is more important to the government than the land and the people and creatures who live on it,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/not-in-my-backyard-actor-tells-coalminers-20110528-1f9fr.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2266</guid>
			<author>Cosima Marriner - smh</author>
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			<title>Economists change tack on climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Economists-change-tack-on-climate-change-H7CL2?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 23:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2265</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Micro-power presents slow-burn threat to utilities</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MADRID/LONDON (Reuters) - A wide rollout of small-scale renewable energy poses a long-term challenge to utilities as households switch to home generation and the supply market opens, executives at green specialists and independents say.

Small-scale renewable energy is more accessible to new entrants compared with the forward purchase of huge amounts of baseload generation from burning fossil fuels, which is the routine business of big utilities.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/micro-power-presents-slow-burn-threat-utilities?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 23:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2264</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Martin Roberts and Gerard Wynn - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>China drought ignites global grain supply concerns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SINGAPORE/BEIJING (Reuters) - A prolonged drought in China could hit grains output in key growing regions, further squeezing global supplies and putting upward pressure on prices, but plentiful domestic wheat stocks will act as a cushion and keep import volumes low.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/analysis-china-drought-ignites-global-grain-supply-concerns?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 23:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2263</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Naveen Thukral and Zheng Xiaolu - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Big oil companies face growing concern on fracking</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DALLAS/SAN RAMON, California (Reuters) - Large blocks of investors in the two biggest U.S. oil companies on Wednesday demanded more disclosure about the environmental risks of extracting oil and gas through hydraulic fracturing.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/big-oil-companies-face-growing-concern-fracking?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 23:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2262</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Anna Driver and Braden Reddall - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The itch in Gillards carbon hairshirt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[well south of $40 for how long?"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/coal-carbon-emissions-policy-climate-change-Gillar-pd20110525-H72B5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2261</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>EPA investigates coal seam leak in Sydney</title>
			<description><![CDATA[7 News video]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/05/27/3229343.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2260</guid>
			<author>7 News</author>
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			<title>Fears coal seam gas will damage agriculture</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Until now developments have been controlled by the states - but Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan says approvals and regulation have been inadequate little more than camouflage and that its time for the Commonwealth to get involved.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/connectasia/stories/201105/s3228929.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2259</guid>
			<author>ABC Radio Australia</author>
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			<title>Gates shut in the gas lands</title>
			<description><![CDATA["If proper account is taken of methanes ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, coal seam gas has the same greenhouse gas impact as coal," Wright says.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/gates-shut-in-the-gas-lands/story-fn59niix-1226064000756</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2258</guid>
			<author>Graham Lloyd, Environment editor From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate Commission report: We need to build zero carbon economy fast</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The time for coal is over and the time for gas is extremely limited. It is time to start building the industrial solar plants in Australia that are being built in Europe and America, time to move to 100% renewable energy as fast as possible.]]></description>
			<link>http://christine-milne.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/climate-commission-report-we-need-build-zero-carbon-economy-fast</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2257</guid>
			<author>Christine Milne - The Greens</author>
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			<title>Coal-faced cash killers - Greens $80 billlion threat to gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Just weeks before her party takes control of the Senate, Ms Milne said the Greens opposed the pursuit of coal seam gas mining on environmental and health grounds, despite the mammoth economic windfall such mining is set to deliver the nation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/coal-faced-cash-killers-greens-80-billlion-threat-to-gas/story-e6freuzr-1226061483744</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2256</guid>
			<author>Gemma Jones and Alison Rehn From: The Daily Telegraph</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal Seam Gas rADIO iNTERVIEW</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Qld interview with minister Stirling Hinchcliffe]]></description>
			<link>http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2011/05/coal-seam-gas-.html?site=brisbane&amp;program=612_morning</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2255</guid>
			<author>Madonna King - ABC</author>
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			<title>Asias shaky water and energy balancing act</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20110526mr.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2254</guid>
			<author>Michael Richardson - Japan Times</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A foretaste of deflationary carnage</title>
			<description><![CDATA[deflationary shock is effectively an unwinding of a massive distortion to the Treasury market which has been going on since 1994 - since the Chinese devalued." This deflationary shock would cause global sharemarkets and commodity prices to fall sharply. 

In his latest research note, Societe Generale global strategist Albert Edwards endorses Napiers analysis, and his outlook for the US sharemarket (hes previously predicted the S&P will bottom at around 450).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/eurozone-US-bonds-inflation-interest-rates-markets-pd20110526-H7U6R?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2253</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>The great Aussie economic barbecue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If in combination the Reserve Bank and Australian government actually carry out what they have threatened to do, then have no doubt non-mining Australia will suffer a severe recession and the businesses destroyed will take a half a decade to restore - because we are talking about a structural change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australian-economy-mining-RBA-retail-tax-pd20110526-H7RZS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 22:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2252</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Boom raises serious questions about how to share the countrys wealth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/boom-raises-serious-questions-about-how-to-share-the-countrys-wealth-20110525-1f4cy.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 00:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2251</guid>
			<author>Adele Ferguson - SMH</author>
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			<title>Greens prepare for Senate power role</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Senator Brown said he intended to outline the Greens balance of power agenda in a National Press Club speech on June 29.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/greens-prepare-for-senate-power-role-20110525-1f444.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 00:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2250</guid>
			<author>Paul Osborne, AAP Senior Political Writer - smh</author>
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			<title>Norway plans billion-dollar clean energy initiative for poor</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OSLO (Reuters) - Norway wants to channel billions of dollars to renewable energies in developing nations, building on a scheme to protect tropical forests to which Oslo has been the biggest donor,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/norway-plans-billion-dollar-clean-energy-initiative-poor-0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 00:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2249</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Alister Doyle - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>BHP faces US legal action</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BHP BILLITON has been hit with a series of class actions in the US as landowners allege extraction techniques used in the groups shale gas business are causing earthquakes, poisoning water sources and dangerously polluting the soil and air.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/class-actions-shake-bhp-20110524-1f2gk.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 00:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2248</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>india solar power grid parity seen by 2019-20: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Solar power in India could cost the same as conventional electricity by 2019-20, a report said on Tuesday, which could boost the use of an energy source regarded as key to curbing emissions in the worlds third-worst carbon polluter.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/india-solar-power-grid-parity-seen-2019-20-report?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 00:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2247</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Chinas thinning economic grip</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Lapolla, head of strategic research at Knight Capital, provides an even more pessimistic assessment of the Chinese economy. 

In a recent interview with Kathryn Welling at welling@weeden, he argues that the Chinese economy at present bears an uncanny resemblance to the US economy in 1929, just before the onset of the Great Depression. 

He points to eight key similarities  the massive disparity of wealth, income and education; the rapid industrialisation and displacement of labour; opaque and misleading economic and financial data; a massive build-up of leverage across the rising class; bubbles in both residential real estate and fixed asset/infrastructure development; an accelerating and uncontrolled growth in disintermediated credit; the expected transfer of economic growth to domestic demand; and, finally, an accelerating price/wage spiral. 

At present, he says, China has lost control of its economy. Essentially, in its own zeal to placate its masses with rapid growth, China has created a tide of inflation that threatens it with widespread social unrest. But if it crushes speculation and clamps down on credit, it risks a deflationary collapse that would also threaten social harmony. The upshot is that China no longer controls its own destiny.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-economy-markets-inflation-interest-rates-pd20110524-H5TNQ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 23:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2246</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Electricity from microbes a step closer</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/electricity-microbes-step-closer-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 23:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2245</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Alister Doyle - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>The renewables price is right</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Renewable energy technologies are coming down the cost curve. The cost of electricity produced by solar photovoltaic, wind, and concentrating solar thermal is expected to decline significantly over the decade ahead, driven largely by deployment. The sooner Australia gets on with the job of a large-scale roll out of these renewable energy sources, the faster the nation will benefit from the improved economics of these technologies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/renewables-price-right?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 23:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2244</guid>
			<author>Patrick Hearps & Dylan McConnell - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Angry landowner wants end to kilometre-long trains</title>
			<description><![CDATA[each time the train stops in town, he and his family cannot get in or out of their property.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/23/3223843.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 23:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2243</guid>
			<author>David Lewis - ABC</author>
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			<title>Sea-level rise of one metre by 2100 plausible</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal governments Climate Commission says global warming could cause the worlds sea level to rise up to one metre by the end of the century  higher than previously thought.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/sea-level-rise-one-metre-2100-plausible-report?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 23:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2242</guid>
			<author>AAP - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Bursting our carbon budget</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Given the obsession with budgets in this country, and their deficits and surpluses, it seems only reasonable that we should view our carbon emissions in the same context. In the end, it might be the only budget that counts.

This issue was raised quite evocatively by Paul Gilding on this website last September, and its worth a read. Gilding quoted a study from the Potsdam Institute which noted the budget would be exhausted by 2024 if the world continued on its current rate of emissions. He made particular note of the implications for industry, and for policy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/bursting-our-carbon-budget?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2241</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas well blowout near Dalby, Queensland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/coal-seam-gas-well-blowout-near-dalby/story-e6freono-1226060868637</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 22:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2240</guid>
			<author>AAP - Courier Mail</author>
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			<title>Giving climate change the right health treatment</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The prestigious journal, The Lancet, has published a series under the overarching statement climate change is the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century. The World Health Organisation has attributed more than 140 000 excess deaths annually from climate change since 2004 and noted that many of the major killers  such as diarrhoeal diseases, malnutrition, malaria and Dengue fever  are highly climate-sensitive, therefore expected to worsen with further climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/giving-climate-change-right-health-treatment</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 22:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2239</guid>
			<author>David Shearman & George Crisp & David King - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>WA royalties to put $2bn dent in fed budget</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Western Australias decision to increase its mining royalties has sparked a brawl with the federal government and could see the state at risk of losing some of its funding]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/WA-budget-to-cause-concern-for-Swan-GZAJT?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 22:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2238</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Mine disturbs Muswellbrook artefacts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the contractor operating the grader had not been told about the artefacts.

It also found that the mine had not implemented its Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan, as required by its consent conditions.

Following consultation with a local Aboriginal community, the mine has agreed to fence around the disturbed artefacts and other areas known to contain artefacts. It is also updating its ground disturbance procedures and will provide additional training.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mine-disturbs-muswellbrook-artefacts/2168982.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 22:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2237</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Danger in Swans debt hubris</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hanging heavy over Wayne Swans fourth failed attempt at delivering a responsible budget is his gold medal winning record effort for plunging Australia into debt. 

Forget Paul Keatings $96 billion. Mr Swan has smoked the credit card and racked up a record $107 billion in a fraction of the time.

The turnaround has been astounding. Four years ago, Labor was gifted $45 billion in the bank. Now it needs to look Australians in the eye and explain how debt has spiralled out of control to a record level.

Next financial year, the level of net debt owed will amount to over $4,700 per person. This year, Labor is borrowing more than $135 million every day, or just under $1 billion a week, to fund its reckless and wasteful spending.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Joe-Hockey-Wayne-Swan-pd20110517-GXA3S?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 22:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2236</guid>
			<author>Joe Hockey - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Qld jobs go as Xstrata cuts back</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The low-margin nature of the business - as distinct from the high-margin business of mining and concentrating - is also a reason why BHP Billiton would rather export concentrates to China from its $30 billion Olympic Dam expansion in South Australia than build new smelting and refining facilities.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/qld-jobs-go-as-xstrata-cuts-back-20110518-1et2l.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2235</guid>
			<author>Barry FitzGerald - SMH</author>
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			<title>Glencore: Profiteering from hunger and chaos</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The rapid rise in prices for food, fuel and commodities has been disastrous for the worlds poor, including Indonesian market vendor Lia Romi. But its a bonanza for multinational trading firms such as Glencore.]]></description>
			<link>http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/05/20115723149852120.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2234</guid>
			<author>Chris Arsenault - AlJAZEERA</author>
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			<title>Australian unions in crisis</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Labor is rupturing in its heartland, and something has got to give]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/54427/australian-unions-in-crisis/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=b760853e8d-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2233</guid>
			<author>Gavin Atkins - Asian Correspondent</author>
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			<title>EASTERN STAR GAS PUTS EXPLORATION CORE HOLE IN A FLOOD WAY , WILL THEY EVER BECOME A RESPONSIBLE COMPANY ?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The incident was reported to the DII at Maitland and along with my photos and video , others also sent in photos . I do not expect any action to be taken against Eastern Star Gas , as for some reason everyone that is empowered to enforce regulations just cannot bring themselves to undertake a full and open investigation and to take this Company to Court over obvious breaches of the Environment Act.]]></description>
			<link>http://sore.net.au/347/eastern-star-gas-puts-exploration-corehole-in-a-flood-way-will-they-ever-become-a-responsible-company/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2232</guid>
			<author>SORE</author>
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			<title>Australian dollar susceptible to vicious decline, warns HSBC</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We believe the valuation of the Australian dollar is extreme and any move to a risk-off scenario could see a vicious unwind in the (currency)," the bank said in a note to clients.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/markets/australian-dollar-susceptible-to-vicious-decline-warns-hsbc/story-e6frg91o-1226057934375</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2231</guid>
			<author>Eva Szalay From: Dow Jones Newswires</author>
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			<title>Labor wedged on climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Who gets hurt the most? Low income and large family households. Some spend more than 10 per cent of disposable income on power bills. These include customers in rural NSW.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/commentary/labor-wedged-on-climate-change/story-e6frgd0x-1226057802958</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2230</guid>
			<author>Paul Kelly, Editor-at-large From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Xstrata to close smelting, refining in Queensland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The statement follows a report today that said Xstrata would threaten the closures as part of a stand-off with authorities over emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/xstrata-to-close-smelting-refining-in-queensland/story-e6frg9df-1226058015520</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2229</guid>
			<author>AAP The Australian</author>
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			<title>Boom-to-bust warning on China: Treasury chief Martin Parkinson</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TREASURY chief Martin Parkinson has raised the spectre of Chinas boom turning to bust - with devastating consequences for Australia]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budgets/boom-to-bust-warning-on-china-treasury-chief-martin-parkinson/story-fn8gf1nz-1226057847492</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2228</guid>
			<author>David Uren, Economics correspondent - The Australian</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas story on Channel Ten 17 May 2011</title>
			<description><![CDATA[see the video]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QitUeK6pWgc&amp;feature=youtu.be</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2227</guid>
			<author>Jeremy Buckingham MLC - NSW Greens</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas well spewing foam near Campbelltown</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Check out the video]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2oo4KQ27LM&amp;feature=youtu.be</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2226</guid>
			<author>Jeremy Buckingham MLC - NSW Greens</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Renewable energys unsung hero</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In the USA biomass (including from municipal wastes) is the larget non-hydro renewable energy source and provides about 7 per cent of primary energy, yet we hear nothing about this]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/renewable-energys-unsung-hero?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2225</guid>
			<author>Andrew Lang - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A clean break for Australias future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If Wayne Swan was serious about balancing Australias long-run budget, he would have cut more than $1 billion from the Fringe Benefits Tax for cars. He would have claimed back the $2 billion in diesel tax concessions we shell out to mining companies every year and put it to better use funding cleantech innovation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/clean-break-australias-future?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2224</guid>
			<author>Fiona Armstrong & Laura Eadie - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata may threaten mine closures: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Government sources have suggested that Xstrata never intended to meet the new emissions rules, and is using the heated emissions debate to take the fall for closing the plants, at a loss of up to 500 jobs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Xstrata-threatens-mine-closures-report-pd20110517-GXPAR?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2223</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining giant fined for disturbing Indigenous artefacts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The latest $3,000 fine follows the grading of an existing track known to contain Aboriginal artefacts at the new Mangoola open-cut near Muswellbrook. 

The incident happened in early January, however, Planning was not informed until March.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/17/3219242.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2222</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Swiss mining giant Xstrata to threaten shutdown</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SWISS mining giant Xstrata is expected to threaten the closure of two of its Queensland plants to escape an imminent deadline for tougher emissions standards, despite long-held plans to shut the operations under a corporate restructure.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/swiss-mining-giant-xstrata-to-threaten-shutdown/story-fn59niix-1226057850202</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2221</guid>
			<author>Michael McKenna, Queensland political editor - The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australias Dutch Disease diagnosis</title>
			<description><![CDATA[our version of the Dutch Disease is even more serious because it may have infected the banking system.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NAB-banking-economy-GFC-RBA-resources-pd20110517-GWTJN?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2220</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Solar power lights up Bangladesh rural areas</title>
			<description><![CDATA["More than 870,000 homes and shops in remote rural areas have installed solar home systems with support from the World Bank and other development partners,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/solar-power-lights-bangladesh-rural-areas-0?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2219</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A Fracking Moratorium in South Africa</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the South African government recently announced a national moratorium on hydraulic fracturing,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.care2.com/causes/environment/blog/an-anti-fracking-victory-in-south-africa/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2218</guid>
			<author>Andreas Spath - Care2</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Stokes says major downturn a threat:</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Seven Group Ltd chairman Kerry Stokes has warned Prime Minister Julia Gillard that the economy is facing a "major downturn" and the federal government must take steps to counter the problem]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Stokes-warns-Gillard-on-downturn-report-pd20110517-GWSMJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2217</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Plans to tackle coal gas mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[plans to introduce a Bill into the NSW Upper house calling for a moratorium on all new production licences pending an inquiry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2011/05/14/new-boy-gets-tough-on-coal-gas-mining/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 23:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2216</guid>
			<author>Dominic Feain - Northern Star</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hefty sentence for oil and gas companys failure</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the prosecution highlighted that despite being unaware of the failure to obtain the necessary approvals, Stuart Petroleum was responsible for the actions of ADA and they should "get no credit and no mitigation for saying that somebody for whom it was responsible under the legislation did it rather than the defendant company personally"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=14451817-b23f-4691-a767-8f3934d8bc39&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-05-16</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 23:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2215</guid>
			<author>Norton Rose Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mayor Rush secures at least $12 million in compensation commitments from three coalmines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Muswellbrook Council will receive $1.4 million a year for community infrastructure and $465,000 a year for roads for the life of the mines under voluntary planning agreements reached with owners of Mount Arthur, Mount Pleasant and Bengalla mines in the past year.The figures are based on the local community receiving about 6¢ a tonne of coal removed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-compo-inequity/2158813.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 May 2011 02:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2214</guid>
			<author>Joanne McCarthy - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Just say no: NSW warned against coal gas mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[there is growing unrest in rural areas that food-producing farmland is being carelessly sacrificed for a potentially toxic industry that could exhaust the natural resource within a generation.

High-profile identities, including Irwin and members of the billionaire Ainsworth poker machine clan, have joined the fight, pitting themselves against gas giants. If we dont all stand up for what we believe in, our grandchildren are going to have a very miserable future. Theyre going to be eating poisoned food and drinking poisoned water, says Irwin, who has seven grandchildren.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/just-say-no-nsw-warned-against-coal-gas-mining-20110514-1en8r.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 May 2011 02:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2213</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dont forget us, tsunami victims plead</title>
			<description><![CDATA[reconstruction could take up to 10 years]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/dont-forget-us-tsunami-victims-plead-20110514-1en88.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 May 2011 02:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2212</guid>
			<author>Tracey Lien - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>THOUSANDS RALLY AGAINST TWEED MINING</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More than 2,000 people have taken to the streets in Murwillumbah today, angry over coal seam gas mining in the Northern Rivers.
(also view on NBN Video News Online link)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/05/14/thousands-rally-against-tweed-mining/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 May 2011 02:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2211</guid>
			<author>NBN TV Online</author>
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			<title>Rockys $1.2b coal port boost</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining giant Xstratas plans to ship up to 35 million tonnes a year from a deepwater wharf on Balaclava Island, at the mouth of the Fitzroy River, are already the subject of an environmental impact study.

And now a new proposal, called the Fitzroy Terminal Project, is preparing a bid for state-significant project status.

If it goes ahead it will involve covered barges operating down Raglan Creek, through Port Alma to deep water where potentially 22 million tonnes a year would be transferred to bulk carriers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/story/2011/05/14/port-alma-rockhampton-coal-port-boost-export/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 May 2011 02:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2210</guid>
			<author>Adrian Taylor - The Morning Bulletin - Capricornia Newspapers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata-Glencore > Worlds largest company that you know nothing about</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Created by an American Corporate Criminal]
on the run from the United States authorities, on their top 10 most wanted list for fraud, racketeering, trading with the enemy (Iran) and tax evasion (the biggest case ever).
Rich never gave interviews and one of the business journals reported that he walked around with four Israeli-trained security staff carrying Uzzi machine guns just in case someone tried to grab him. He had made a ton of money as an apartheid sanctions buster, supplying oil to South Africa.]]></description>
			<link>http://mg.co.za/article/2011-05-13-glencore-worlds-largest-company-that-you-know-nothing-about</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 19:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2209</guid>
			<author>Kevin Davie - Mail & Guardian Online - S Africa</author>
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			<title>Abbott has let Labor off the hook</title>
			<description><![CDATA[So after a busy budget week, the political climate has not improved, with both sides failing to address Australias dangerous over-exposure to Chinas minerals and energy demand.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/budget-reply-Abbott-Gillard-economy-inflation-comm-pd20110513-GST2F?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 19:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2208</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mercury reductions needed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mercury reaching critical level in Arctic]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=48e900df-0aee-4794-80f8-382be11f065f&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-05-13</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 19:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2207</guid>
			<author>Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo PC Law</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Arctic shows accelerated climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program released a report May 4 on ecosystem change in the Arctic and other ice-covered areas, concluding that the pace of change in accelerating, with projections for up to a 30 percent reduction in mountain glaciers and ice caps by the end of the century.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=67349e5d-5ac5-48ca-b096-10e931fd417c&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-05-13</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 19:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2206</guid>
			<author>Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo PC Law</author>
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			<title>Trees may grow 500 km further north by 2100</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If that happened, as much as half the Arctic tundra from Siberi to Canada may disappear. Warming in the Arctic is happening about twice as fast as in the rest of the world. As reflective snow and ice recede, they expose soil or water which are a darker color and so soak up more of the suns heat.a to Canada could vanish.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/trees-may-grow-500-km-further-north-2100?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 19:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2205</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Alister Doyle - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>World must curb resource use; China a test case: UN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OSLO (Reuters) - The world must curb soaring use of resources ranging from coal to copper to prevent consumption from reaching ruinous levels by 2050, according to a U.N. report]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/world-must-curb-resource-use-china-test-case-un?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 18:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2204</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Alister Doyle - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Gillard pressured to expand carbon tax pay</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Several business sectors are putting increasing pressure on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to expand plans to offer compensation for polluting industries to include small businesses and other sectors not originally included in the payment plan.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gillard-pressured-to-expand-carbon-tax-pay-pd20110511-GRRR9?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 18:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2203</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>China raises bank reserve requirements again</title>
			<description><![CDATA[consumer price inflation, at 5.3 per cent in April, remained above expectations and well above the four per cent target the central bank has set for the year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-1-China-raises-bank-reserve-requirements-mo-GSFB3?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 18:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2202</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Well pay for carbon, just not now: miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Whinging arseholes..] as an example For BHP, the Climate Institute think tank estimates a carbon price of $30 a tonne emitted would increase costs by $120 million - 0.22 per cent of total revenue. By comparison, BHPs failed takeover bid for Canadas Potash Corp cost $314 million.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theage.com.au/national/well-pay-for-carbon-just-not-now-miners-20110512-1ekpf.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 02:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2201</guid>
			<author>Adam Morton Environment Reporter - The Age</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Repeal of Part 3a major project approval of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1997 (NSW)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The new Liberal-National coalition government of NSW has announced its intention to introduce an Amendment bill to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1997 (NSW), repealing Part 3A and introducing new major project approval planning rules, which are proposed to be enacted in or before June 2011.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=84a4c190-1926-4565-99d1-09154ca3cfb7&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-05-12</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 02:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2200</guid>
			<author>Piper Alderman Lawyers Aust</author>
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			<title>Contractor sham could make Abbott PM</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Shorten and his boss Wayne Swan should hang their heads over their decision to introduce a bureaucratic nightmare into building (and later IT) contracting by making every contracting business report every payment to the government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/contractors-Labor-Bill-Shorten-Wayne-Swan-federal--pd20110512-GRT3L?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2199</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Renewables can power the world</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The IPCC report on the potential of renewable energy sources to supply nearly 80 per cent of the worlds energy requirements would not have made comfortable reading for the globes fossil fuel industries.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/renewables-can-power-world?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2198</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Curious Question of Glencores Debt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It is now seeking a valuation of $48 billion to $58 billion before new money, compared with up to $70 billion previously touted by its bankers]]></description>
			<link>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703864204576315163736696414.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2197</guid>
			<author>ANDREW PEAPLE & SIMON NIXON - Wall St Journal</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Brown slams miners in budget reply</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Senator Brown said Labor had missed its opportunity to capitalise on the rich mining industry. 

Meanwhile, his party would have reinstated the original 40 per cent mining resources tax as recommended by Treasury and ditched the corporate tax cut for big businesses.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Brown-slams-miners-in-budget-reply-GSEWU?OpenDocument&amp;src=rab</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2196</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Xstrata denies big environmental damage at Surat Basin coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the mine, which would be about the size of England, would be devastating to the environment.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningcoal.com.au/news/xstrata-denies-big-environmental-damage-at-surat-b</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2195</guid>
			<author>Coal Mining</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BUDGET 2011: Swans big missed opportunity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Swan blows chance to implement the Henry Review..]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/federal-budget-Swan-deficit-surplus-tax-Henry-revi-pd20110511-GQTU8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2194</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Delivering mining infrastructure in a post-flood economy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=5f7517e3-19d5-477b-a464-e3022c0277bd&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-05-11</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2193</guid>
			<author>Minter Ellison Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Compromise on emissions targets is no backdown: Greens</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the Greens have now given up hope of persuading Labor to move beyond its minimum target of a 5 per cent cut in emissions over the next decade.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/greens-put-emissions-target-hold?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2192</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Australias LNG carbon conundrum: producing and exporting LNG emits more CO2 than coal production</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australias abundant LNG supplies might provide a low-carbon power solution for energy-hungry Asian nations, but]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/australias-lng-carbon-conundrum?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2191</guid>
			<author>David Fogarty - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>BUDGET 2011: Lean on clean</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This was not a good budget for the clean energy industry. A whole host of schemes were either cut, closed, recycled or pushed back beyond current spending horizons. Some of the measures were expected, or even warranted. Others reflect that Australia finds it hard to see itself as an innovator and developer of new technologies. The importance of the green revolution, the multi-trillion dollar clean-tech industry that the worlds largest companies predict will emerge within the next decade does not seem to register in our policy-making.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/budget-2011-lean-clean?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily#cspec-toggle-tab-login</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2190</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>BUDGET 2011: Nine hits make a lethal combination</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I doubt whether Julia Gillard, Wayne Swan or even the cabinet understand what they did to middle income Australia in the 2011-12 budget. If you combine the budget with other government measures it represents the most vicious attack on Australian middle income earners since the Whitlam-Cairns era in the 1970s.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Budget-government-tax-Swan-Gillard-deficit-surplus-pd20110510-GQBK2?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgbse</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2189</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>BUDGET 2011: On a wing and a prayer</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Any decent CFO would be embarrassed by this budget. There has been an $8 billion blow-out in this years deficit since the Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Review last November, and a $10 billion blowout in next years deficit.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Budget-government-tax-Swan-Gillard-deficit-surplus-pd20110510-GQBCM?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgbse&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2188</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Increased use of Woomera Prohibited Area</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Now the ALP is going to rape Woomera - as if being irradiated wasnt enough]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=96147a2f-2c5b-42d6-ae60-ee4357927171&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-05-10</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2187</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson Lawyers</author>
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			<title>New Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Regulations commence 21 April</title>
			<description><![CDATA[New Qld laws]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e9b35c6b-de11-4c89-9733-bfaaee7c50fe&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-05-10</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2186</guid>
			<author>Freehills Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Scientific report links gas fracking to tainted drinking water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Scientists from Duke University collected 68 drinking water samples which showed potentially harmful levels of methane in drinking water near drilling sites in Pennsylvania and New York associated with the process of hydraulic-fracturing, or fracking.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/scientific-report-links-gas-fracking-tainted-drinking-water?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2185</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Renewables could be 80% of energy by 2050: UN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydropower could fulfill almost 80 percent of the worlds energy demand by 2050 with the right policies, according to a U.N. report which won backing from governments on Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/renewables-could-be-80-energy-2050-un?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2184</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Stanley Carvalho - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Climate Denial: A spotters guide</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The millions of people on the climate frontline, watching their homelands flooding, melting, drying out or being ripped apart by storms, dont have the luxury of denial.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/climate-denial-spotters-guide?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 01:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2183</guid>
			<author>Danny Chivers - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Asian coupling brings boom and bust</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Next weeks federal budget for 2011-12 is framed by the pledge to get the budget back into surplus in 2012-13. The broader question beyond that budget turnaround is whether Australia has the discipline and vision to handle good times as well as it has dealt with past adversity. And prepare for the day that must eventually come when being coupled to Asia means toppling over the economic edge, not climbing to the uplands.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Hello-Asia-goodbye-US-Australian-economy-pd20110506-GLB2B?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 23:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2182</guid>
			<author>Graeme Dobell - Lowy Institute</author>
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			<title>The real reason to bash Swan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[growing calls for the setting up of a sovereign wealth fund must be acknowledged. Failure to address this issue in the budget - at the very least as a task to be begun during the 2012-13 fiscal year - would be a big mistake.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Wayne-Swan-Federal-Budget-2011-Treasurer-deficit-s-pd20110509-GNSW3?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 23:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2181</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Greens call for wealth fund inquiry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian Greens want the Productivity Commission to investigate whether Australia should establish a sovereign wealth fund to save money for tough times ahead.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Greens-want-inquiry-into-wealth-fund-GN7MT?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 23:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2180</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Climate change has spurred food prices</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON (Reuters) - Climate change cut global wheat and corn output by more than 3 percent over the past three decades compared to growth projections without a rise in temperatures, a study found on Friday. The impacts translated into up to 20 percent higher average commodity prices, before accounting for other factors, according to the paper published in the journal Science.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/climate-change-has-spurred-food-prices-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 23:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2179</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Gerard Wynn - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Glencore may grab Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Criminal corporate predator Glencore moves to take over the world (as if Glenstrata surprises anyone)]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article1055085.ece/Glencore-may-grab-Xstrata</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2178</guid>
			<author>Jana Marais - The UK Times Live</author>
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			<title>Retrospective changes for NSW solar?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The recently-elected New South Wales Coalition government is considering retrospective changes to the states feed-in tariffs as a means of reining in the cost of rooftop solar.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/retrospective-changes-nsw-solar?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2177</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>ACF supports a price on pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[together with policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency]]></description>
			<link>http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=3370</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 04:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2176</guid>
			<author>Australian Conservation Foundation</author>
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			<title>Shortens sovereign claim doesnt stick</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Shorten claims "increasing superannuation savings substantially displaces arguments for a sovereign wealth fund," and assures us higher super contributions "will ensure there will be capital for infrastructure". 

Australians have accumulated $1.3 trillion in superannuation so far without a flood of capital suddenly being made available for infrastructure other than (quite rightly) on normal commercial terms. Higher contributions will not change this. The amount of private super invested in infrastructure ultimately depends on the quality, quantity and expected returns of projects on offer - not on inflows.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/sovereign-wealth-fund-Bill-Shorten-super-superannu-pd20110506-GKRUJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 04:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2175</guid>
			<author>Malcolm Turnbull in Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>UN clean energy scheme grows, 3,000 projects so far</title>
			<description><![CDATA[from the original concept to now, it has been a success way beyond the initial expectations, not only in the number of projects but also in its ability to attract private sector investment into bettering livelihoods and environments of people in the developing world]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/un-clean-energy-scheme-grows-3000-projects-so-far?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 04:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2174</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>a further reduction in levels of support for residential solar power</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It seems only Christine Milne, who also addressed the conference, can communicate a vision for the future, demonstrating true leadership in calling for a 100 per cent renewable energy mix. If only all politicians could look above the horizon in their search for power]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/multiplying-solars-problems?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 04:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2173</guid>
			<author>Warwick Johnston - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Greens take heat for renewable plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Pressure by the Greens for the government to use the carbon tax debate to spark a jump in renewable energy developments has caused the electricity industry to warn that such a move would cause a drastic rise in electricity prices, according to a report by The Australian. 

At a Clean Energy Council meeting yesterday, Greens deputy leader Christine Milne said her party was looking beyond the carbon tax issue in the hopes of using it to leverage a debate on how to achieve 100 per cent renewable energy,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Greens-take-heat-for-renewable-plan-report-pd20110505-GKQM3?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 04:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2172</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Court to decide future of Wandoan coal project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Brisbane-based environmental group says it has enough evidence to stop Xstrata building what would be the Southern Hemispheres largest coal mine.

The proposed mine outside Wandoan last month received initial environmental approval from the Federal Government.

The project will produce about 30 million tonnes a year.

Its the sheer size and scale of Xstratas Wandoan project which has environmental group Friends Of The Earth preparing for one of its biggest fights.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201105/s3209483.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 04:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2171</guid>
			<author>ABC Rural</author>
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			<title>Work commencing on the $1.2 billion Ulan West coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The lies are enough to make a person sick. Local residents are never good enough and Xstrata will get rid of them forthwith, just like Indonesia in West Papua...
"We want to attract people with the right attitude and work ethic and we will invest in developing their skills," he said.

An information night about the new opportunities at Ulan Coal will be held at Parklands Resort in Mudgee at 7pm on Monday, May 16.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/xstrata-launches-recruitment-drive/2154997.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 04:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2170</guid>
			<author>Darren Snyder - Mudgee Guardian</author>
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			<title>Glencore, the billionaires factory</title>
			<description><![CDATA[lists on the London sharemarket later in May,,, four of Glencores management team set to become billionaires

[Glencore &amp; Xstrata to merge, take over the world)
The company was founded in 1974 by infamous commodities trader Marc Rich, who would become best known for being indicted in the US in 1983 for evading $US48 million in taxes, committing tax fraud and selling oil to Iran during the 1979-81 hostage crisis. He fled to Switzerland protesting his innocence and was controversially pardoned by US President Bill Clinton on his very last day in office in 2001.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Glencore-Xstrata-Ivan-Glasenberg-Rich-List-pd20110506-GL6AW?OpenDocument&amp;src=sph&amp;src=rot</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2169</guid>
			<author>James Thompson - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>The moral obligations of business</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Peter F Drucker, affirmed that profit was the primary motive for business, but not the only motive. He asserted that business has responsibilities to the communities it touches in the same way that a school has responsibilities that go beyond the primary goal of educational performance. 

While most companies are equipped to deal with a changing business environment, there is a stark difference between organic change and that stemming from heavy-handed regulation. To act blatantly against community interests increases the risk that the rules of the game are reformed for business, rather than reformed by business.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/What-are-the-moral-obligations-of-your-business-pd20110427-GB2T2?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2168</guid>
			<author>Phil Preston - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Final investment decision looms for $1b Xstrata coal port</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining company Xstrata says it expects the terms of reference for its proposed coal port in central Queensland will be released this week. Xstrata is due to make a final investment decision on the proposed $1 billion Balaclava Island Coal Export Terminal, near Rockhampton, at the end of the month.

[Its in the middle of "National Estate" wetlands and inside the Great Barrier Reef)]]></description>
			<link>http://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/Final-investment-decision-abc-4058611411.html?x=0</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2167</guid>
			<author>ABC - Yahoo</author>
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			<title>PM pushed to move on ETS</title>
			<description><![CDATA[those who do support the carbon scheme want the government to make a quick transition to a cap and trade emissions trading scheme]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/PM-pushed-to-move-on-ETS-report-pd20110505-GKRYC?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2166</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Xstrata to face land court over coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The project has conditional environmental approval from the federal and state governments but objections include issues relating to water management, the state and federal government approval process, road access to landholder properties, and the management of greenhouse gas emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/xstrata-to-face-land-court-over-coal-mine-20110505-1e9ec.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2165</guid>
			<author>Petrina Berry - SMH</author>
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			<title>political pawns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A MAN whose wife and son died in Queenslands flash floods has accused political leaders of crying crocodile tears over the disaster. John Tyson has challenged politicians to spend a night in a flood-hit town to see why people are so angry at the slow recovery process."Theyve let us down to no ends," he said. "Theyve grandstood on the whole thing, used it for political gain, and when it comes to people, theyve just put all that aside and just kicked back and continued on with their life. [Theyve] cried plenty of crocodile tears. But if they were genuine tears they would still be doing things."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/were-just-political-pawns-says-widower-20110507-1edng.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2164</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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			<title>The vocal few cry no to tax on air</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We will be labelled as climate change deniers. They dont care about what this will cost people who are already struggling and the risk it poses for some peoples jobs.
"I would urge you to continue to protest, say to them that we are taxed enough already and that a tax on air is ridiculous."

WAGs position on the Carbon Tax will be re-printed on our web page shortly.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/the-vocal-few-cry-no-to-tax-on-air-20110507-1edkn.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2163</guid>
			<author>Ellen Lutton - SMH</author>
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			<title>Wharfies step up NSW strike action</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a few weeks back in the WAG news is a list of the award demand - outrageous sign-on fees, embarassing base rate increase claim etc and does not include grading increase demands.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/wharfies-step-up-nsw-strike-action-20110507-1ed3k.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2162</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Glimpse of the future enough to give the Treasurer the wobbles</title>
			<description><![CDATA[if Wayne seems a little less than totally confident on Tuesday night, you might know why: hes seen the future.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/glimpse-of-the-future-enough-to-give-the-treasurer-the-wobbles-20110507-1edej.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2161</guid>
			<author>Michael Pascoe - SMH</author>
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			<title>Corporate leaders in a climate of disbelief</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In full, Dunlops question ran for three minutes: The temperature increase weve seen so far is about 0.8 degrees Celsius. Weve already seen a clear trend in extreme weather events related to just that increase. We probably have locked in already a temperature increase of around 2.4 degrees. If we were to follow the path that youre suggesting in terms of continued fossil fuel usage to 2030, the likely outcome will be a temperature increase somewhere between 4 and 6 degrees. That probably means world population drops to a carrying capacity of somewhere around a billion people (you can argue 1 to 2 billion).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/corporate-leaders-in-a-climate-of-disbelief-20110506-1ecgh.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 03:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2160</guid>
			<author>Paddy Manning - SMH</author>
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			<title>NT parliament opposed to carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Northern Territory parliament will call on the Australian government to exempt it from any future carbon emissions tax for the next 50 years.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/nt-parliament-opposed-to-carbon-tax-20110505-1e9wd.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2159</guid>
			<author>Larine Statham - SMH</author>
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			<title>Mine fined $3000 for noise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SINGLETON compliance officers have been following through with complaints with a local mine fined $3000 for a noise exceedence and another mine issued with a warning letter to improve dust control.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/mine-fined-3000-for-noise/2151106.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2158</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Coal strategy must continue as industry grows</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE NSW Government must continue working with the community, industry and stakeholders]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-strategy-must-continue-as-industry-grows/2151105.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2157</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Hunter coalmines poor record on pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MOST Hunter coalmines frequently fail to fully comply with the conditions of their environmental protection licences but few suffer penalties.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/revealed-hunter-coalmines-poor-record-on-pollution/2153430.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2156</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Union hits mines safety</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the union was especially concerned about a substantial increase in accident rates at Mount Thorley/Warkworth]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/union-hits-mines-safety/2153361.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2155</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Rising seas on tap</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ocean currents are likely to shift, warming the waters off California, Oregon and Washington and restarting sea-level rise up and down the coast]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/rising-seas-tap</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2154</guid>
			<author>Michael D Lemonick - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>UN says renewables are set to surge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Renewable energies such as wind or solar power are set to surge by 2050, and expected advances in technology will bring significant cost cuts]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/more-less-un-says-renewables-are-set-surge</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2153</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Alister Doyle - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Solar credits trimmed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian Greens say they will call on Infrastructure Australia to model a 100 per cent renewable energy scenario, so that such an ambition can be realised in the coming decades]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/green-deals-solar-credits-trimmed?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2152</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Caught between a flood and a rising sun</title>
			<description><![CDATA[if the wind industry is about to enjoy its long awaited moment in the limelight, and fulfill its ambition of erecting a turbine a day to meet the 20 per cent renewable energy target, it had better not get too comfortable. One of the most surprising themes to emerge out of this weeks conference is the bullish predictions about the cost curve of large-scale solar - and if the predictions are right, then its out to eat the wind industrys cake, if not its lunch.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/caught-between-flood-and-rising-sun?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2151</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Commodity concern</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Theres a correction underway]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Oil-commodities-stocks-manufacturing-payrolls-jobs-pd20110505-GJSZH?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2150</guid>
			<author>Adam Carr - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Westpac joins carbon revolt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WESTPAC chief executive Gail Kelly has joined the growing criticism of Labors carbon tax, declaring an emissions trading scheme better for business and warning the "uncertainty" caused by the lack of policy detail is affecting her customers]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/westpac-joins-carbon-revolt/story-fn59niix-1226050141083</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 04:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2149</guid>
			<author>Scott Murdoch and Sid Maher From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>World population growth racing ahead</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE worlds population, long expected to stabilise just above 9 billion in the middle of the century, will instead keep growing and may even hit 10.1 billion by 2100, a United Nations report said]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/world-population-growth-racing-ahead-un-reports-20110504-1e8ko.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 04:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2148</guid>
			<author>Justin Gillis, Celia Dugger - SMH</author>
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			<title>WA laws to protect wine area from mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Were not legislating to stop the mining industry. If we legislate, its to protect the unique, tourist and agricultural characteristics of Margaret River," Mr Barnett said.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/wa-laws-to-protect-wine-area-from-mining-20110504-1e84i.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 04:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2147</guid>
			<author>Josh Jerga - SMH</author>
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			<title>Chronic disease claims indigenous lives</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In the period between 2005 and 2007, indigenous men were expected to live to 67 and women to 73 - meaning they die around 11 years earlier than other Australians...Preventable chronic diseases are the main reason...often associated with social and economic disadvantage in areas such as housing, education and employment]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/chronic-disease-claims-indigenous-lives-20110505-1e8o0.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 04:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2146</guid>
			<author>Bonny Symons-Brown - SMH</author>
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			<title>Combet ends solar panel subsidies early</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The changes mean federal subsidies for rooftop solar panels will end in mid-2013, a year earlier than promised.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/combet-ends-solar-panel-subsidies-early-20110504-1e8jm.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2145</guid>
			<author>Tom Arup & Phillip Coorey - SMH</author>
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			<title>Hunter Valley coal mine fined over blasting</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW Plannings Hunter Valley-based compliance inspectors have issued only their second penalty notice, fining Xstrata over a blast at one of its open cut mines....The departments latest compliance report also says a Muswellbrook mine received a formal warning letter after an on-the-spot inspection observed significant dust coming from bulldozers and trucks..]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/04/3207075.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2144</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>Windsor warns on carbon tax money churn</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If it is just a churn of money to keep people quiet, then I wont be interested in it, Mr Windsor said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/windsor-warns-carbon-tax-money-churn-report</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2143</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Carbon tax losing voter support</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Of the 60 per cent who are opposed to the tax, which Ms Gillard plans on introducing from July next year, 39 per cent of the polls participants said they are "strongly against" it....The most recent Newspoll survey on the issue shows the 35-49 year old age group oppose it most - the group most likely to have families and mortgages.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-tax-losing-voter-support-report-pd20110503-GHP6N?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2142</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Why Australias housing balloon is shot</title>
			<description><![CDATA[there are at least two more quarters of negative house price movements coming up...the likelihood of the little piggies rushing back into the straw house of debt is minimal, when Australian mortgage debt is already at levels that dwarf those in the USA. The Australian house price bubble is over.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/house-prices-credit-impulse-pd20110502-GG8AV?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2141</guid>
			<author>Stephen Keen - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Caught in a property trap</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia is experiencing a boom based on mining, but the rest of the country is not finding it easy and the sharemarket is now reflecting that trend and understands that the idea of carbon taxing exports when China and the US have put climate change on the back burner shows that there is a screw or two lose in Canberra. They do not bid up our shares. More importantly investors realise that the high dollar is going to impact Australian employment in many areas and hit the profits of those with revenue in US dollars. Employees or contractors in non-mining or agriculture areas sense the nervousness of their bosses or clients and so are just that more careful in the housing market.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australian-housing-interest-rates-banks-lending-lo-pd20110503-GGSE4?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2140</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Italy solar capacity 7,000 MW</title>
			<description><![CDATA["I think we can arrive at 7,000 megawatts at the end of June,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/italy-solar-capacity-seen-7000-mw-end-june?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2139</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Svetlana Kovalyova - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>legislative compliance for environmental and land access approvals</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Although this paper refers principally to the minerals and petroleum sectors, these comments are equally applicable to carbon capture and storage and to geothermal energy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=7ccc76ce-3cb7-4fd6-ab26-68351b5ff177&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-05-03</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2138</guid>
			<author>HopgoodGanim Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Creating carbon doubt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a large section of the discretionary buying population who have taken out big mortgages in the last two or three years are scared that they are not going to cope with looming higher interest rates plus further rises in petrol, power, water and council charges. But perhaps most important of all they have lost confidence in the government]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Labor-Gillard-government-carbon-tax-IR-unions-Rio--pd20110502-GFS83?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2137</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>A surplus of irresponsibility</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Getting from a near $50 billion deficit in 2011-12, which is what the leaks have been preparing us for in next weeks budget, to a surplus a year later would require a huge surge in growth and tax revenue over the next two years, which is not going to happen... The revenue shortfall will be worsened by a rising exchange rate over the next two or three years as the United States approaches an inevitable fiscal crisis...In the circumstances, cutting spending and raising taxes to meet an artificial and unnecessary promise to report a surplus in 2012-13 would be incredibly irresponsible, especially at the same time as adding a carbon tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australian-dollar-budget-surplus-US-dollar-debt-de-pd20110502-GFSYU?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2136</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>China carbon emissions could peak by 2025-2030</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BEIJING (Reuters) - China, the worlds biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, could peak in emissions by 2030 or earlier, says a study from U.S. researchers who foresee Chinese demand for appliances, buildings and much industry reaching "saturation" around then..."Once nearly every household owns a refrigerator, a washing machine, air conditioners and other appliances, and once housing area per-capita has stabilized, per-household electricity growth will slow," said co-author Mark Levine in a statement.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-carbon-emissions-could-peak-2025-2030-us-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2135</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Chris Buckley - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>China manufacturing slows in April</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The new orders sub-index weakened to an eight-month low of 53.8 in April from 55.2 in March. Much of that drop was driven by slower growth in export orders, whose sub-index dipped to 51.3 from 52.5.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-2-China-manufacturing-growth-slows-in-April-GF9FZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 03:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2134</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Wine, gas, dont mix</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a submission to a proposed NSW coal and gas strategy, the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association argued Broke Fordwich and Pokolbin should be removed from AGLs exploration licence and any future licences.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/wine-gas-dont-mix/2150489.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 14:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2133</guid>
			<author>Michelle Harris - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Coal queue shrinks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Despite predictions that damage to Japans nuclear power stations would lift demand for power-station coal, the disasters impact on Japanese industry seems to have noticeably curbed electricity demand... Xstrata spokesman James Rickards said Blakefield South and Ulan mines remained out of action.
No one had been underground since the Blakefield fire on January 5, while Ulan underground had been flooded since late March.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-queue-shrinks/2151772.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 14:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2132</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>No carbon tax subsidy for Verve</title>
			<description><![CDATA["If the state government was to subsidise Verve the $200 million in cost of the carbon tax then whats the point?" he told Fairfax Radio on Wednesday. "There would be no change in their production, there would be no change in the consumption of electricity, there would just be a cost to the tax payer of $200 million. "If state governments were to do that, they would negate any potential benefits of a carbon tax so it would be a pointless exercise."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/no-carbon-tax-subsidy-for-verve-barnett-20110504-1e7ns.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 14:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2131</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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			<title>Doctors raise health impacts of carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The needs of those disadvantaged groups who are most susceptible to any price impacts from the government policy must be at the forefront of policies to change behaviour," Prof Kolbe said.... It says changing habits - like cutting back on driving and opting to walk or cycle - is a double whammy - leading to "really significant reductions in emissions" and improving health.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/doctors-raise-health-impacts-of-carbon-tax-20110504-1e7ig.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 13:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2130</guid>
			<author>Nicky Park - SMH</author>
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			<title>Mines buy 10,000ha prime Hunter grazing land</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Xstrata &amp; Coal &amp; Allied have bought more than 10,000ha of prime grazing land in the Upper Hunter in an attempt to improve local sentiment towards the industry. Many are close to rich coal seams however it is understood that the companies are not interested in mining the holdings."
[As if... Predators.. Yesterdays offset always ends up being tomorrows Mine]]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-198-xstrata-buy.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 10:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2129</guid>
			<author>Scott Elliot - AFR</author>
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			<title>China must tackle steel glut</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China aims to eliminate hundreds of smaller mills in the next five years by raising environmental and technical standards and by encouraging mergers and acquisitions. It plans to bring 60 per cent of the countrys total steel capacity under the control of its top ten producers by the end of 2015. 2011 was a key year for Chinas industry restructuring plans, adding that excessive capacity was putting undue pressure on Chinas energy supplies, natural resources and environment.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-2-China-needs-to-tackle-growing-steel-suppl-GD8DR?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp27</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2128</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Abbott predicts Gillard govt to fall</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Opposition leader Tony Abbott wrapped-up a week-long election-style campaign around the country by predicting that Prime Minister Julia Gillards government will fall before it reaches its full term]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Abbott-predicts-Gillard-govt-to-fall-report-pd20110429-GDQDD?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2127</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Rio adds voice to carbon presure</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining giant Rio Tinto Ltd has joined the calls for Prime Minister Julia Gillard to pledge to polluting industries that the carbon tax scheme will not hurt Australias ability to compete abroad, while suggesting that it may be unwise to implement the tax before China and US have done so, according to a report]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-adds-voice-to-carbon-presure-report-pd20110429-GDPSE?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp2</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2126</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Is diesel really green?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Modern diesel cars may not be as clean as previously thought, say some experts as regulators try to roll out industry standards to satisfy "green" consumers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/diesel-really-green</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2125</guid>
			<author>Gerard Wynn - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>NSW suspends solar bonus scheme for rooftop PV</title>
			<description><![CDATA[No new applications will be considered while the future viability of the program is considered next week, Energy Minister Chris Hartcher announced 29 April 2011.Closing the scheme permanently to new applications and opportunities to limit cost blowouts to the existing scheme will be considered at the governments promised Solar Summit on May 6.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/nsw-suspends-solar-bonus-scheme-rooftop-pv</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2124</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>How close is peak oil?</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Oils a finite resource and its running out," he told a National Press Club luncheon in Washington. "In the fourth quarter of this year, demand is projected to be 90 million barrels a day and I dont think the world can produce 90 million. If they cant, the only way you can kill demand is with price." He expects that price to soar to $US400 a barrel within a decade.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/how-close-peak-oil</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2123</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Windsor challenges BHP on carbon: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Independent MP Tony Windsor has challenged BHP Billiton to disclose its position on the carbon tax issue, while also urging industry critics opposed to the tax scheme to instead suggest alternative emissions-cutting strategies,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Windsor-challenges-BHP-on-carbon-report-pd20110428-GCNTZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2122</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Australias agriculture under threat from mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Alan Jones speaks with Fiona Simson - NSW Farmers and BILL HEFFERNAN - on mining encroaching on agricultural land]]></description>
			<link>http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&amp;task=view&amp;id=8738</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2121</guid>
			<author>2GB Radiocast</author>
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			<title>Supersizing the boom</title>
			<description><![CDATA[barring a significant economic accident in China, prices of commodities such as iron ore, coal and copper will stay high for a much longer period than most had originally anticipated. 

Importantly, those prices could then be offset by a sharper than usual fall at a later date. If that conclusion is right, it means the Australian dollar will also stay high for a similarly extended period, which is bad news for other exporters and those competing with imports.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Supersizing-the-boom-pd20110429-GD85V?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2120</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas exploration and production in NSW: the new access argument</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Technical argument on co-located tenements - current legislation favours coal miners over CSG titleholders.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=d6945706-ec27-46a4-b1d5-a7f54d687591&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-04-28</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2119</guid>
			<author>HopgoodGanim Lawyers</author>
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			<title>BHP has long-term interest in LNG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Reuters BHP Billiton Ltd would be interested in becoming a liquefied natural gas operator in the long term, its chief said in an interview, amid speculation the top global miner was eyeing Woodside Petroleum Ltd.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-ups-heat-on-PM-over-carbon-report-pd20110427-GBNGV?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2118</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Obama urges repeal of oil, gas tax breaks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama, acknowledging high gasoline prices could sap the U.S. economy, Tuesday urged Congress to end tax breaks for oil and gas companies and called on Republicans to back his plan.
Mr. Obama said the dollars saved by closing the tax breaks could be invested in clean energy]]></description>
			<link>http://billionaires.forbes.com/article/0fsngTb799dcy?q=U.S.+Congress</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2117</guid>
			<author>Forbes Magazine</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Feeling the heat from Chinese solar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HSBC expects a 20 per cent growth in global solar-power demand this year to 20 gigawatts, thanks to solid demand from Europe and rising orders from markets such as Canada and India.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/feeling-heat-chinese-solar?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2116</guid>
			<author>Leonora Walet & Christopher Steitz - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Time to clear the air</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the "open for business" was the export of coal. He would not be the first foreign spokesperson to notice the discrepancy between words and action in Australian climate debate...It is encouraging that Kevin Parker, global head of asset management and a member of the executive committee at Deutsche Bank has said: "Coal is a dead man walking. Banks wont finance them. Insurance companies wont insure them. The EPA is coming after them ...and the economics to make it clean dont work." Indeed, US utilities are abandoning plans to build new coal-fired electric stations as a consequence of the federal EPAs decision to regulate emissions. In Australia we do not have the protection of a national EPA, which can crack the whip over health issues, and we are paying for it with a dangerous rash of poorly controlled coal and CSG development.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/time-clear-air?cookie_check=1&amp;utm_source=Climate%252BSpectator%252Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%252BSpectator%252Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2115</guid>
			<author>David Shearman - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Mining boom misses govt revenues</title>
			<description><![CDATA[there is no expectation that surging commodity prices will produce higher tax revenues]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Mining-boom-misses-govt-revenues-report-pd20110426-GARTK?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2114</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Origin chief calls for better carbon deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Pigs lining up for the trough]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Origin-chief-calls-for-better-carbon-deal-report-pd20110427-GAS2E?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2113</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>First commercial ITmk3 plant begins production</title>
			<description><![CDATA[High-grade iron nuggets can be produced in an extremely short time of about 10 minutes. The ITmk3 Process can use lower-cost iron ore fines and steaming coal, which are difficult to use in blast furnace ironmaking. In comparison to pig iron produced in a blast furnace, the production of iron nuggets using the ITmk3 Process emits about 20% less carbon dioxide due to its good energy efficiency.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.steel-grips.com/newsdesk/from_top/First_commercial_ITmk3_plant_begins_production.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2112</guid>
			<author>Journal of Steel and related materials</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Thermal Coal to dramatically cut cost of steel making</title>
			<description><![CDATA[availability of coking coal has started shrinking with China banning exports and this has made the global coking coal market extremely volatile, a major concern for steel makers. Both Poscos Finex technology and Kobe Steels ITmK3 technology are based on producing steel using thermal coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://conticoalers.com/2011/04/13/thermal-coal-to-dramatically-cut-cost-of-steel-making-sail/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2111</guid>
			<author>Continental Coal</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Santos gas meeting for Bunnan residents</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Representatives from Santos will hold a public forum at the Bunnan Community Hall next Thursday, April 28 at 6.30pm.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/santos-gas-meeting-for-bunnan-residents/2141428.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2110</guid>
			<author>Caitlin Andrews - Scone Advocate</author>
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			<title>Upper Hunter Gas War</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The councillors voted unanimously to approve a recommendation for the development and environmental services committee to undertake in-depth research, site inspections and hold a public forum within the next four months to make a recommendation to the council on whether to approve or reject future coal seam gas exploration in the shire.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/gas-war/2141397.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2109</guid>
			<author>Caitlin Andrews - Scone Advocate</author>
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			<title>Cubbie Station may go to China: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Cubbie Station, the massive irrigation and cotton farming operation that holds sought-after water stores for swathes of the eastern seaboard, is being shopped to Chinese investors]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Cubbie-Station-may-go-to-China-report-pd20110424-G86J3?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2108</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Company tax cut to cost billions</title>
			<description><![CDATA["In addition to the mining tax backdown of about $10 billion a year, the government is now planning to give another $1.5 billion back to the countrys biggest corporations at the same time of crying poor," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Company-tax-cut-to-cost-3bn-Greens-G8365?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2107</guid>
			<author>AAP - Greens - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Nats line up against CO2 tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The governments proposed carbon tax will especially hit the fuel-reliant transport sector hard, he said. "It increases the cost of living for Australians, it will cost jobs as our industry moves to other parts of the world." "But it will do nothing for the environment."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.portnews.com.au/news/local/news/general/nats-line-up-against-co2-tax/2131844.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2106</guid>
			<author>Port MacQuarie News</author>
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			<title>Chinas inflating social unrest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The protests began on Wednesday, with drivers blocking roads with their trucks and demanding the Chinese government take action against rising fuel prices. On Thursday, around 2,000 truck drivers reportedly confronted baton-wielding police near Shanghais biggest port, and strikes also broke out in other ports in the city.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-inflation-social-unrest-tension-food-prices--pd20110422-G5VBJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2105</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Centennial ready to resume coal talks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In November Centennial ceased discussions over an estimated $60 million deal with Delta Electricity after failing to agree on price. Centennial, which supplies more than 40 per cent of the states power generation needs, was pushing to renew coal supply contracts at prices closer to export prices.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/centennial-ready-to-resume-coal-talks-20110424-1dswi.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2104</guid>
			<author>Phillip Wen - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Harvey slams illogical tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[How can you do it? Id love to be able to do it, but even if I do it, it makes 1 per cent of 1 per cent difference to the world. Why am I doing this? Oh, because its a good example to the rest of the world. Oh, but then I go broke in the meantime.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/harvey-slams-illogical-tax-20110424-1dsxa.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2103</guid>
			<author>Eli Greenblat - SMH</author>
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			<title>$70b Future Fund at risk from climate change policies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FREEDOM-of-information documents have suggested that the guardians of the $70 billion Future Fund have not discussed climate change in any meetings since 2007, prompting questions about how Australias largest fund is managing carbon risk on investments.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/70b-future-fund-at-risk-from-climate-change-policies-20110424-1dswf.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2102</guid>
			<author>Matthew Murphy - SMH</author>
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			<title>Timor rejects Woodsides oilfield claims</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hitting back at comments by Woodside Petroleum chief executive Don Voelte, East Timor government spokesman Agio Pereira said to be perfectly clear, the government and the people of Timor-Leste want Sunrise to be built. The nation looks forward to the benefits that can and will flow to the Timorese people.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/timor-rejects-woodsides-oilfield-claims-20110424-1dsu7.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2101</guid>
			<author>Lindsay Murdoch - Darwin - SMH</author>
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			<title>Australia and the sunset on coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Quarry Vision: Coal, Climate Change and the end of the Resources Boom"  "Coal", warns Dr James Hansen, one of the worlds best-known climate scientists, "is the single greatest threat to civilisation and all life on our planet"... governments have long followed a plan to make Australia the worlds "coal mule" - a Saudi Arabia of coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/41541</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2100</guid>
			<author>Simon Butler - Green Left</author>
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			<title>Mining revenues by State 2009</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Commonwealth Grants Commission 2009 Update on state mining revenues (latest available)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.cgc.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0017/15560/FINAL_REPORT.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2099</guid>
			<author>Commonwealth Grants Commission</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining Revenue 2007 by State</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Commonwealth Grants Commission figures on State revenue takings from mining 2007]]></description>
			<link>http://www.cgc.gov.au/publications2/publications/2007_update_report2/working_papers/html/volume_2/14_mining_revenue/fixer_uppers_in_new_normal_dot_heading_2</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2098</guid>
			<author>Commonwealth Grants Commission</author>
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			<title>PM targets Business Council over carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/PM-targets-business-council-report-pd20110419-G3RJN?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2097</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Independent regulators urged to price water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[National Water Commission chairwoman Chloe Munro said pricing water should cover the true cost of the resource, pipes and treatment plants and delivery.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Independent-regulators-should-price-water-G4CCB?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2096</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Chinas inflating social unrest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Fears that surging global food and energy prices will trigger rising social tensions in China have escalated following reports of an outbreak of protests by truck drivers at Shanghais major ports. 

The protests began on Wednesday, with drivers blocking roads with their trucks and demanding the Chinese government take action against rising fuel prices. On Thursday, around 2,000 truck drivers reportedly confronted baton-wielding police near Shanghais biggest port, and strikes also broke out in other ports in the city.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-inflation-social-unrest-tension-food-prices--pd20110422-G5VBJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2095</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>China commodity imports hit by high prices</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Imports of copper and coal, which have feasted on strong Chinese demand for the past two years, both fell by around 40 per cent from a year ago.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/WRAPUP-1-China-commodity-imports-sapped-by-high-pr-G5HBG?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2094</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Fergusons plan to ease mine wages</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While skilled workers are increasingly flown in and out by mining companies, on the ground backpackers can make $100,000 just cleaning out the dongas (some call them dog-boxes), sweeping up a good number of beer cans as they go.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Martin-Ferguson-457-visas-Enterprise-Migration-Agr-pd20110421-G4T99?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2093</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Rising sea levels trigger disasters in China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BEIJING (Reuters) - Gradually rising sea levels caused by global warming over the past 30 years have contributed to a growing number of disasters along Chinas coast, state news agency Xinhua said on Wednesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/rising-sea-levels-trigger-disasters-china-report?cookie_check=1&amp;utm_source=Climate%252BSpectator%252Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%252BSpectator%252Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2092</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Ben Blanchard - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Need a bridge? Build a bank</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An Australian Green Investment Bank would create incentive for local investment in both research and development and for the demonstration and commercialisation of these clean technologies. It would, potentially, help to bridge the "widening valley of death" for cleantech companies by providing equity and co-investment - and by creating and selling green bonds. The latter would serve to free up more capital for investment in the cleantech sector, and the former would alleviate some of the private sector investment risk. This would, in turn, benefit Australias push to reduce carbon emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/need-bridge-build-bank?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2091</guid>
			<author>Daniel Solomon & Ian Taylor - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Warming for a fight</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Reductions in Arctic summer sea ice have created new opportunities for access to maritime trade routes and sea lines of communication, and potential access to vast supplies of zinc, nickel, palladium, precious stones and other various minerals, as well as oil and natural gas under the ocean with an estimated value of 1.2 trillion dollars."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/warming-fight?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2090</guid>
			<author>Keith Kloor - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>The great green mining boom</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its deeply ironic that WA has the best solar resources in the country - and excellent wind, geothermal and ocean energy resources - yet has the lowest penetration of renewables of any state. Absurdly, if WA cant generate enough renewable energy to meet its 20 per cent target by 2020 - and its current contribution is less than 5 per cent - then its utilities will end up paying penalties that will effectively subsidise the wind and other renewable developments in the eastern states.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/great-green-mining-boom</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2089</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Business Council pans carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has panned the Gillard government for proposing to set a fixed price on carbon rather than move straight to a market-based emissions trading scheme.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Business-backs-carbon-cut-target-report-pd20110420-G4NX2?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2088</guid>
			<author>AAP - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Democracy is blocking intelligence</title>
			<description><![CDATA[advertising works on the "80/80 principle", the assumption that 80 per cent of Australians have an IQ average of 80...what makes the 80/80 thought especially gripping - as in, by the throat - is how much it explains that branch of advertising we call politics.and is why we may find ourselves forced to choose between democracy and survival]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/democracy-is-blocking-intelligence-20110420-1dos3.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2087</guid>
			<author>Elizabeth Farrelly - smh</author>
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			<title>Detention centre up in flames</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a two-to-three storey building was well alight.. "The whole place seems to have pockets of fire everywhere."..At least one multi-storey structure had gone up in flames as fire crews battled at least three major fires from outside the centre, because detainees were running amok inside the centre.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/detention-centre-up-in-flames-20110421-1dp55.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2086</guid>
			<author>Vincent Morello - SMH</author>
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			<title>Xstrata Holders Should Oppose Remuneration Report -PIRC</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON -(Dow Jones)- Shareholders of Anglo-Swiss miner Xstrata PLC (XTA.LN) should oppose the companys remuneration report because its excessive and should oppose re-electing five board members due to lack of sufficient independent representation on the board, investor advisory group PIRC said Tuesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2011/04/19/update-xstrata-holders-oppose-remuneration-report-pirc/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2085</guid>
			<author>Alex MacDonald - Dow Jones Newswires - Fox Business</author>
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			<title>Glencore faces investor questions over billion pound litigation claims</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It will make millionaires out of a slew of top management in the partnership. The 60 top partners could walk away with a paper wealth of up to £120m each when the company floats.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/mining/8457225/Glencore-faces-investor-questions-over-billion-pound-litigation-claims.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2084</guid>
			<author>The Telegraph - UK</author>
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			<title>Row over Xstrata board nominations</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The corporate governance row broke out after PIRC, which advises funds with assets totalling more than £1,500bn, said shareholders should oppose the re-appointment of Glencore chief Ivan Glasenberg and two other directors who have been on Xstratas board for almost a decade.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/mining/8462208/Row-over-Xstrata-board-nominations.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2083</guid>
			<author>The Telegraph - UK</author>
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			<title>Ivanhoe puts Xstrata bid to buy mine in doubt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SWISS miner Xstratas $175 million purchase of Exco Resources Cloncurry project in northwest Queensland is in doubt after a major Exco shareholder, Ivanhoe Australia, said it would vote for the sale only if all proceeds were paid to investors.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/ivanhoe-puts-xstrata-bid-to-buy-mine-in-doubt/story-e6frg8zx-1226042461263</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2082</guid>
			<author>Matt Chambers From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Riding dirty with building unions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Allegations that CFMEU officials are involved in intimidation and violence are not new, as shown last year when the Federal Court fined the union $1.3 million on just these matters after a stoush at the Westgate Bridge project in Melbourne. You only need to read some of the extracts from the court decision to gain an insight into their intimidating behaviour.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/CFMEU-pd20110418-G2AKJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2081</guid>
			<author>Ken Phillips - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>It pays to support the unpaid</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Moving from unemployment into a high quality job led to improved mental health however the transition from unemployment to a poor quality job was more detrimental to mental health than remaining unemployed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Eva-Cox-pd20110419-G38HV?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2080</guid>
			<author>Eva Cox - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Gold glitters as America dwindles</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Investor interest in gold was spurred by Mondays decision by ratings agency Standard &amp; Poors to downgrade the outlook on US government debt to "negative" from "stable".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/gold-Standard-and-Poors-US-treasuries-debt-pd20110420-G3TJ4?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2079</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>US top court questions global warming lawsuit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The power companies -- American Electric Power Co Inc, Southern Co, Xcel Energy Inc and Cinergy Corp, which Duke Energy Corp acquired in 2006, along with TVA -- want the lawsuit dismissed.

The states -- California, Connecticut, Iowa, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont -- said their citizens have been harmed by global warming and urged the top court to allow their lawsuit to go forward.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/us-top-court-questions-global-warming-lawsuit?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2078</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Deborah Zabarenko and James Vicini- Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>New-energy vehicles take spotlight at Shanghai show</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Electric and "new-energy" vehicles took the spotlight at Chinas Shanghai Auto Show on Tuesday with Honda Motor Co and one of its Chinese partners joining the ranks of other car makers announcing new models of energy efficient cars.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/new-energy-vehicles-take-spotlight-shanghai-show?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2077</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Chang-Ran Kim and Alison Leung - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Clean money for dirty coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[well have no cap on emissions... So even though the whole purpose of introducing a price on pollution is to encourage cleaner generation and replacement of old plants, it may be that the first power station closures are not the most polluting power stations since the emissions-intensive brown coal power stations have significant fuel cost advantages.

Under a cap-and-trade scheme this might be viewed as an economic outcome with no environmental consequences. However under a fixed levy it is a perverse outcome that does not maximise emissions reductions. This risk is greatest with a low carbon price, as the lower the carbon price, the greater the competitive advantage of brown coal generators.  "Never in the history of Australian public finance has so much been given without public policy purpose, by so many to so few." - may yet come to be true]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/making-carbon-compensation-work?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2076</guid>
			<author>Mark Wakeham - Environment Victoria - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>All set to catch the next energy wave</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Early on Sunday Perth time, Australias first commercial-size wave energy machine - developed by Carnegie - was quietly deployed and began producing power from its pump anchored around 25 metres under the sea off the Garden Island Naval Base.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/all-set-catch-next-energy-wave?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2075</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Seven long shots to save the world</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the editors of Scientific American have applied the rules of probability to cleantech; weighing the odds that seven unlikely, "radical" energy technology solutions will succeed, and how significantly they could improve energy security and efficiency.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/seven-long-shots-save-world</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2074</guid>
			<author>Sophie Vorrath - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>No rain, no grass, US in major drought</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One of the worst droughts since the 1930s Dust Bowl years has dried pastures, fueled thousands of wildfires across the heart of cattle country and scuttled plans by Texas ranchers to capitalize on record cattle prices by growing their herds.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/analysis-no-rain-no-grass-no-us-cattle-herd-rebuilding?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2073</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Bob Burgdorfer - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Government holds course on carbon price</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ralph Hillman, the chief executive of the Australia Coal Association, said the government had yet to set out a compensation package for the coalmining industry - which will be taxed on the release of global warming-causing methane emissions - but added the carbon tax would hurt the viability of mines.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/energy-smart/government-holds-course-on-carbon-price-20110418-1dlqz.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2072</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey & Tom Arup - SMH</author>
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			<title>Coal mines told to pay for emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Grattan Institute has found 95 per cent of thermal coal mines (coal for producing power) and 70 per cent of metallurgical coal (for producing iron and steel) mines will face only small impacts from a carbon price of even $35.

Those left facing bigger impacts will be covered by soaring global coal prices, the institute concluded, increasing coal margins to at least $44.50 a tonne for thermal coal and $96.50 per tonne for metallurgical coal over the coming years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theage.com.au/national/coal-mines-told-to-pay-for-emissions-20110419-1dnh8.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2071</guid>
			<author>Tom Arup - SMH</author>
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			<title>Revolt in China only a matter of time</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A leading China analyst says Australia should beware of a likely "jasmine revolution" in China. The warning came from Will Hutton, an author and governor at the London School of Economics, who says China is a "tinderbox" as Prime Minister Julia Gillard embarks on a trip to the country this week. China buys one quarter of all Australian exports and any destabilisation of the middle kingdom could have serious consequences for Australia, Mr Hutton told the ABC. China has embarked on a new round of brutal suppression of activists and dissidents, including renowned artist Ai Weiwei, in a bid to pre-empt the so-called "jasmine revolution" following the "Arab Spring" uprisings that swept through North Africa and the Middle East....
they will be understanding the visit of the Australian prime minister as, not quite in these terms, but nearly a form of tribute being played by a client state....there will be successors to this communist regime and they will always remember where Australians were - on their side or otherwise]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/revolt-in-china-only-a-matter-of-time-analyst-20110419-1dn59.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2070</guid>
			<author>Llenda Kwerk - SMH</author>
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			<title>Mine dialogue to new phase</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/mine-dialogue-to-new-phase/2138406.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2069</guid>
			<author>SARAH LEE - Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Carbon tax needed to protect prosperity: Swan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australias economy needs to introduce a price on carbon to protect its prosperity, Treasurer Wayne Swan said (the illogic is breathtaking).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/carbon-tax-needed-to-protect-prosperity-swan-20110418-1dk3k.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2068</guid>
			<author>Bloomberg - SMH</author>
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			<title>Playing carbon charades with Combet</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On the present evidence, I suspect that "carbon price" will vie with "Work Choices" for the role of the nations most complicated political suicide note of modern times.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/carbon-tax-Combet-Gillard-government-energy-busine-pd20110418-FZU8A?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2067</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>new NBN thinking</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Unlike here in Australia, the British government has focused solely on funding underserved regional and rural areas in its push for next generation broadband, leaving metropolitan areas to commercial market forces.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-Co-broadband-Fujitsu-pd20110418-G24NR?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2066</guid>
			<author>Andrew Harris - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Why Australian property is losing its shine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The big US slump in dwelling prices that followed has been well documented. But the Sunshine Coast is nearly as dramatic but has been less well documented. Late last year we saw Australias largest mutual, the RACV, buy a recently completed apartment complex in Noosa for just $60 million. 

The Resort Corporations Noosa Sanctuary had cost $210 million to develop but had been valued above $250 million. In effect we saw a fall in value in the vicinity of 75 per cent - which is similar to the US falls]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/property-bubble-house-prices-apartments-Noosa-pd20110419-G2UD4?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2065</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Warming seas could push some fish species to limit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Rapidly warming ocean temperatures in some parts of the world could be pushing some fish species to the limit, stunting their growth, increasing stress and raising the risk of death]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/warming-seas-could-push-some-fish-species-limit-study?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2064</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Schapelle Corby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the Indonesian Supreme Court handed down a recommendation in July last year for 10 years to be cut from her sentence. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono now has to agree to the recommendation. If successful, it could mean Corby would be released soon if parole is taken into account.
She has been confirmed as having serious mental problems and may soon be beyond medical help..In the letter, Ms Smith-Douglas also accuses Ms Gillard and Mr Rudd of being all talk and no action.

"Everyone in Australia knows you made commitments to fight for Schapelle when you were in opposition and that you have broken your promise and failed her in government," she said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gillard-energy-NSW-Labor-power-bills-pd20110415-FX2WA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2063</guid>
			<author>AAP - SMH</author>
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			<title>Council wants coal gas moratorium</title>
			<description><![CDATA[KYOGLE Deputy Mayor Janet Wilson is calling for a moratorium on coal seam gas exploration in the Kyogle local government area.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2011/04/16/council-calls-for-coal-gas-moratorium-kyogle/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2062</guid>
			<author>Mel Mcmillan - Kyogle - The Northern Star</author>
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			<title>Fracking: are mining companies poisoning local water tables?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A rare alliance of farmers and environmentalists looks set to succeed in its push for tougher regulation of the controversial process of fracking, which has recently come to the Northern Rivers, where domestic and foreign-owned companies hold widespread rights to explore for gas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.echo.net.au/newsitem/fracking-are-mining-companies-poisoning-local-water-tables</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2061</guid>
			<author>Ray Moynihan - Byron Bay Echo</author>
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			<title>Free Bus to Tara Estates "Non-Violent War Against CSG" National Action</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A bus will be leaving from Newcastle on Friday 29th of April travelling up through Muswellbrook-Gunnedah-Narrabri-Moree-Goondawindi on the way to Tara. The bus and driver are kindly being donated. We ask that you donate to cover petrol costs.
The bus will be returning on Wednesday the 4th of May.]]></description>
			<link>http://https://secure.wilderness.org.au/HTML_emails/message.php?mid=5014</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2060</guid>
			<author>Lock the Gate Alliance - Wilderness Society</author>
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			<title>Ringing the retail warning bell</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A large number of consumers are doing it tough because of higher interest rates, bigger power bills; petrol, council rates and water...Thats going to get worse. And it is sucking the discretionary dollar out of middle and low income Australia. In the next year or so its almost certain that those forces will be compounded by higher food prices we are seeing higher prices from China... Australian retail labor costs are already about twice that of the US....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/retail-food-inflation-interest-rates-pd20110414-FVSHQ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2059</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>French government backs shale gas rethink</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PARIS (Reuters) - The French government will support parliamentary motions to cancel permits issued for shale gas drilling in order to avoid potential environmental risks, Prime Minister Francois Fillon said on Wednesday. The government has already imposed a freeze on exploration of shale gas and oil until June pending the results of reports it has commissioned into the environmental impact of the extraction method of drilling into rock.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/french-government-backs-shale-gas-rethink?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2058</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Gerard Bon & Gus Trompiz - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>White Energy Ends A$500 Mln Cascade Coal Acquisition Bid</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--White Energy Co. (WEC.AU) has decided to cancel a planned A500 million (US$522 million) acquisition of two coal projects in New South Wales, after environmental objections raised uncertainty over the direction of the deal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.firstenercastfinancial.com/news/story/42599-white-energy-ends-a500-mln-cascade-coal-acquisition-bid</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2057</guid>
			<author>Dow Jones Newswires</author>
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			<title>Bob Irwin arrested at gas protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[VETERAN wildlife campaigner Bob Irwin reckons his late famous son would have been proud of his arrest at a coal seam gas protest in Queensland.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/bob-irwin-arrested-at-gas-protest/story-e6freon6-1226037843372</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2056</guid>
			<author>Lisa Martin From: AAP - Courier Mail</author>
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			<title>Fewer penguins survive warming Antarctic climate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The study found only 10 percent of young penguins survive the first independent trip back to their colonies from their winter habitat.....When the study began, back in the mid-1970s, the chances that a two-to-four-year-old penguin would survive the trip was about 50 percent,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/fewer-penguins-survive-warming-antarctic-climate?cookie_check=1&amp;utm_source=Climate%252BSpectator%252Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%252BSpectator%252Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2055</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>The global power shift</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rather than a clustering of low cost energy futures around higher and lower emission levels, countries are either investing in low-carbon futures, based around high efficiency and low-carbon electricity, such as renewables and nuclear, or electric cars; or they are investing in high-carbon futures, extending their dependence on fossil fuels by pursuing unconventional fossil fuels (such as tar sands and shale gas), synthetic oil in transport and on other environmental issues beyond carbon.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/global-power-shift</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2054</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Another side of Nathan Tinkler</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Supreme Court...made an order restraining Sommers from publishing "any imputation" that Tinkler is "racist", "chauvinist", "does not pay his debts" or "engages in immoral, inappropriate or unfaithful s-xual relations", or "any other imputation" That order is no longer in force. Whether this picture of Tinkler as loud, foul-mouthed and bullying is at all accurate is unclear. But the entrepreneur has also fallen out with a number of racehorse trainers and is currently locked in a legal action against Anthony Cummings over alleged non-payment of fees. Tinkler has cross-claimed with some colourful accusations about Cummings. 

The case is due in court later this month.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Nathan-Tinkler-pd20110415-FX6HW?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2053</guid>
			<author>Paul Barry - Business Spectator repub from crikey.com</author>
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			<title>Free the renminbi and unlock Chinas potential</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Currently the management system of the renmimbi is distorting Chinas industrial development. It is internalising the wrong price signals, and as a result scarce economies and material resources are being directed towards investment with a heavy bias towards export industries and budget mandated infrastructure.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/renminbi-yuan-China-currency-Japan-markets-economy-pd20110418-FZS5K?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2052</guid>
			<author>Paul Keating - edited text of a speech to the World Steel Association</author>
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			<title>The harsh carbon truth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Canberra bureaucracy spent 18 months designing the CPRS and, understandably from their point of view, sees no need to start again.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/harsh-carbon-truth?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2051</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Google Invests in Worlds Largest Solar Power Tower Plant</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The plant will generate energy with a technology called power towers. Mirrors, called heliostats, are arranged in an array and aim the suns rays at a receiver atop a tower. The receiver generates steam; the steam causes a turbine to rotate; the rotation causes a generator to generate electricity. Because such large quantities of solar energy are being directed to such a small area, the power towers are very efficient.

The power tower at Ivanpah will be around 450 feet tall. The plant will use 173,000 heliostats, and each heliostat will have two mirrors, making Ivanpah the largest project of its kind.]]></description>
			<link>http://mashable.com/2011/04/12/ivanpah-google-solar-energy/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2050</guid>
			<author>Jolie O'Dell - Mashable</author>
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			<title>Water wars? Thirsty, energy-short China stirs fear</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On the eight great Tibetan rivers alone, almost 20 dams have been built or are under construction while some 40 more are planned or proposed.

China is hardly alone in disrupting the regions water flows. Others are doing it with potentially even worse consequences.]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/52610/water-wars-thirsty-energy-short-china-stirs-fear/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=c90cf0ae29-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2049</guid>
			<author>Associated Press writers Tini Tran and David Wivell in Beijing</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Survey confirms attitudes to mines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The report identified that most stakeholders interviewed believed the community had a negative perception of the mining industry and that the key issues to be addressed included dust, air quality, employment and mine development concerns.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/survey-confirms-attitudes-to-mines/2135267.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2048</guid>
			<author>Tash Holden - Muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mines in poor light</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE result of the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue Report on the Stakeholder Survey shows the community has a negative perception of the coal mining industry as a whole.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/mines-in-poor-light-survey/2135386.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2047</guid>
			<author>SARAH LEE - Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Unknown Virus infecting equine industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More than 135 horses in NSW have been reported with symptoms, with most recovering within three weeks, according to the NSW Department of Industry and Investment.]]></description>
			<link>http://huntervalleynews.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/virus-claims-horses-life/2131745.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2046</guid>
			<author>Dale Hilly - Hunter Valley News</author>
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			<title>Upper Hunter negative about mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Upper Hunter community has a generally negative perception of the coalmining industry,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/upper-hunter-negative-about-mining/2134754.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2045</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Funds granted but still not seen</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An ambulance on urgent duty from Murrurundi to Scone Hospital was delayed by the crossing on the New England Highway for five minutes by a coal train passing through Scone.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/funds-granted-but-still-not-seen/2126957.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2044</guid>
			<author>Caitlin Andrews - Scone Advocate</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Resistance to mine plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tom Perkins snr told the developers he would prefer that they stayed out and leave Denman alone.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/resistance-to-mine-plan/2127601.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2043</guid>
			<author>Dayarne Smith - Muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Stop order on mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ASHTON Coal could be fined as much as $1.1million for the possible disturbance of Aboriginal objects at its mine in Camberwell.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/stop-order-on-mine/2128414.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2042</guid>
			<author>SARAH LEE - Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunter mine soils warning</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Environmental Earth Sciences chief executive Phil Mulvey told a conference in Singleton recently that more than 100 mining leases have yet to be surrendered to state governments because of inadequate remediation at the mines closure... "The main environmental issues that prevent the surrender of [a] mine lease at closure relate to the placement of mine waste, the wastes interaction with water, and colonisation by invasive weeds," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-mine-soils-warning/2129396.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2041</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Disabled workers pay rates deliberately kept low - systemic disability discrimination</title>
			<description><![CDATA[At issue is the Business Service Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT), - (the name says it all)]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/disabled-workers-pay-rates-kept-low-20110411-1dasw.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2040</guid>
			<author>Michelle Draper - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Juvenile detainees shocking histories</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Between the last health study in 2003 and the 2009 survey, the proportion of incarcerated youngsters who are Aboriginal rose from 41.7 per cent to 47.8 per cent, while they represent 4 per cent of the states adolescent population.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/juvenile-detainees-shocking-histories-20110411-1db5e.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2039</guid>
			<author>Adele Horin - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Labor needs another messy battle like a hole in the head</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AT FIRST blush, it is difficult to think of a powerful interest group not at war with this government.

The mining and energy sectors, manufacturing and industry are fighting the proposal to put a price on carbon, while the tobacco industry is waging war against generic cigarette packets.

The middle-size miners are screaming about the mining tax, which was negotiated to appease the angry giants, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.

Advertisement: Story continues below Now the powerful club and hotel lobbies have launched a $20 million campaign to fight moves to put pre-commitment technology on poker machines.

rofl,, juliars chooks come home to roost]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/labor-needs-another-messy-battle-like-a-hole-in-the-head-20110411-1db5h.html?rand=1302529802749</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2038</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greens say LNG benefits overstated</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The industrys claim of a one to four or nine emission ratio compares only the emissions in LNG production versus the total life cycle emissions of coal, including extraction, processing, shipping and combustion in the destination country," Senator Ludlam said. 

"I am appalled that the Australian gas industry would present the data in such a misleading way," he said.
The WorleyParsons report and another 1996 CSIRO report show the best overall cycle greenhouse gas footprint is about 45 per cent cleaner than coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Greens-bag-gas-industry-for-LNG-hyperbole-FTEVJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=rab</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2037</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>IR ghosts of Leighton past</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the NBN dream has turned into an uncontrollable cost nightmare. For the Gillard government, this is their own industrial relations policies and processes coming back to bite them hard.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-construction-IR-Leighton-Theiss-productivity-pd20110411-FSW47?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2036</guid>
			<author>Ken Phillips - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Cancer cause or crop aid?</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Glyphosates days are numbered," said Paul Achitoff, a lawyer for Earthjustice, an environmental law firm that last month sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture in part over concerns about heavy glyphosate use...Along with the problem of herbicide-resistant weeds, health-related alarms have been raised by several scientists]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/cancer-cause-or-crop-aid-herbicide-faces-big-test?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2035</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Carey Gillam - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Carbon reality bites</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In 2006, nine years after the Kyoto Protocols were signed, six corporate CEOs created the Australian Business Roundtable on Climate Change to advocate "early action" on global warming, including a "carbon price signal".....Everyone knows Australias problem is that 70 per cent or more of its electricity comes from coal and that even though it was clear in 1997 that this was a time bomb, nothing was done to defuse it - except producing reports and having meetings...So theres no longer enough money to do that without raising taxes - it has to be a carbon price. That will cost every household at least $1000 a year if its to be effective and put important manufacturers out of business, not to mention retailers, transport companies you name it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/carbon-reality-bites?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2034</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Climates hedge fund superhero</title>
			<description><![CDATA["In 2100, the sources of energy on this planet will be either solar or fusion, and the preferred means to transport and use energy will be electrical," argued professor Peter Littlewood, who heads up the Cavendish Laboratory. "The magic technologies needed to deliver this new age and make them available to societies worldwide are: photovoltaics, electrical storage, refrigeration and lighting."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/climates-hedge-fund-superhero?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2033</guid>
			<author>John Elkington - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>APPEA warns against carbon tax on LNG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Although LNG is a cleaner-burning fuel for its end-user, the the production process involves an energy and emissions intensive process of cooling the gas to -164 degrees Celsius for transport. 

Coal seam gas projects in Australias eastern state of Queensland may produce more even greenhouse gas due to the amount of energy required to extract the gas from drilling and water pumping to extract the gas, according to experts.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Emission-reductions-at-risk-if-Australia-LNG-charg-FSDEH?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2032</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Raining hope on damaged lives</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We could wonder why in a First World nation many hundreds of ordinary Australians are living in Third World conditions three months after $230 million was donated to help them out, with billions more promised by governments.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/raining-hope-on-damaged-lives-20110408-1d7qt.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2031</guid>
			<author>Tony Wright - SMH</author>
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			<title>Julia Gillards work safety plans hit hurdle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While the Prime Minister has promised the laws would boost productivity and slash business costs, major companies including Rio Tinto, Woolworths and Xstrata Coal are demanding changes to the draft regulations that will underpin the new laws.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/julia-gillards-work-safety-plans-hit-hurdle/story-fn59niix-1226036285992</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2030</guid>
			<author>Annabel Hepworth From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>NBN Co has nowhere left to turn</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NBN tender debacle is lurching from bad to worse for the government. Or, rather, for the people of Australia - the shareholders and intended beneficiaries of the network.
The resignation of NBN Cos head of construction, Patrick Flannigan, was followed yesterday by the departure of manager of cost and resource estimates, Nick Sotiriou.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-Patrick-Flannigan-Nick-Sotiriou-fibre-pd20110408-FPSV8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2029</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>NBN cost fears escalate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Pressure from construction companies to scale back the reach of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and its ambitious plans have stoked fears that the projects costs could balloon to $44 billion amid uncertainty over the networks building contracts, according to a report by The Australian.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-cost-fears-escalate-report-pd20110407-FPP78?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2028</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Green groups welcome coal mine delay</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Environmentalists have today welcomed the news that the $1 billion Cobbora coal mine development has been put on hold for more than two years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201104/s3183655.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2027</guid>
			<author>ABC Rural</author>
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			<title>China government academy urges carbon emissions peak by 2030</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BEIJING - China, the worlds biggest greenhouse gas emitter, should strive to reach a peak in emissions by 2030, a new government-sponsored study says, warning of the approaching limits to the nations coal-powered economic ascent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-government-academy-urges-carbon-emissions-peak-2030?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2026</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Shift fossil fuel subsidies to back clean tech</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON (Reuters) - Fossil fuel subsidies worth $312 billion should be realigned to ensure the growth of renewable energy and curb the worlds reliance on carbon-intensive fuels, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/shift-fossil-fuel-subsidies-back-clean-tech-iea?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2025</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Nina Chestney - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Biodiversity vital to streams as extinctions rise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As Earth enters a period of mass extinction, a study released on Wednesday offers a new reason to preserve biodiversity: its an effective, natural pollution scrubber in streams.

Environmental activists have long warned that waning biodiversity means the loss of such ecological services as stream-cleaning, control of pests and diseases and increased productivity in fisheries.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/biodiversity-vital-streams-extinctions-rise?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2024</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Counting the cost of delay</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Instead of starting down the pathway of reducing our emissions, over the last 12 months Australia has gone backwards with emissions actually rising. Figures from the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency released last month show that the projected emissions for 2020 have increased from 664 to 690 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This means Australia needs to abate more tonnes to reach its reduction target.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/counting-cost-delay?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2023</guid>
			<author>Anna Skarbek - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Is the NBNs fibre network shrinking?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Senator Stephen Conroys in a pickle, make no mistake about that. A growing number of companies are up in arms about their dealings with NBN Co, and all seem to be pushing the project in the same direction - less bang for all those billions of bucks.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Stephen-Conroy-NBN-Leighton-pd20110407-FNSWR?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2022</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>The ACTUs contractor carnage</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If you are going to build a house or a low-rise apartment block, do it now. Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens should also be alert to the possibility that interest rates may need to rise substantially in a year or so. In addition, more than 1 million Australians now find their businesses in jeopardy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Jeff-Lawrence-contractors-Gillard-CFMEU-ACTU-pd20110406-FNBL6?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2021</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>An NBN at any cost</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Had Parliament known that the tenders had come in well above the price NBN Co had expected, would it have passed key legislation last month that completed the legislative framework for the broadband network?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-Co-Stephen-Conroy-David-Thodey-Telstra-pd20110406-FN845?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2020</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Housing crisis in Mount Isa</title>
			<description><![CDATA[$300 a week rent will only get you a one bedroom unit at the moment and thats if you can get your hands on it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201104/s3184002.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2018</guid>
			<author>ABC Rural</author>
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			<title>Housing crisis in Mount Isa</title>
			<description><![CDATA[$300 a week rent will only get you a one bedroom unit at the moment and thats if you can get your hands on it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201104/s3184002.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2019</guid>
			<author>ABC Rural</author>
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			<title>Xstrata keen to grow in coking coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/xstrata-keen-to-grow-in-coking-coal-says-nomuras-cliff/story-e6frg9e6-1226034781697</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2017</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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			<title>The NBN tender will damage Labor</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The brawl that broke out last week in the NBN tendering process is getting worse for Labor. It now looks as if the Gillard government will, one way or the other, walk away with a serious injury - if it is still able to walk at all.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-Leighton-Holdings-Patrick-Flannigan-Stephen-Co-pd20110406-FMSWU?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2016</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Dirt will fly in Chinas inflation war</title>
			<description><![CDATA[there are 64 million electricity meters that are not being used - the dwellings are empty. They can house at least 200 million people....The speculative dwelling demand and over investment in infrastructure has pushed iron ore and other commodities prices too high in the view of Chinese authorities. Higher interest rates are part of a China slow down to help bring prices "under control". Provided it does not go too far it is good for Australia in the longer term. 

However, Australians operating in China, particularly in the mining area, should be aware of a deeper problem - there is great unhappiness about the way Australia and Brazil have combined to exploit those shortages of iron ore and to a lesser extent coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-interest-rate-rise-inflation-pd20110406-FMS6V?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2015</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>GE plans to build largest solar panel plant in US</title>
			<description><![CDATA[employ 400 workers and create 600 jobs.. produce solar panels.. thin film photovoltaic panels]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/ge-plans-build-largest-solar-panel-plant-us-report?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2014</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Clean out of time</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Despite apparent efforts by many countries to make significant investments in clean energy technologies, these are being overtaken by continued investment in fossil fuels. The IEA fears that the world is more likely than ever to miss its energy target - creating geopolitical, as well as financial and environmental risks - and is rapidly running out of time to introduce the sort of ambitious, long-term and predictable policies required.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/clean-out-time?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2013</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Early drilling uncovers quality coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[nine holes will be drilled on an exploration lease area near Denman after high-quality coal was found during the projects first stage]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/early-drilling-uncovers-quality-coal/2127603.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2012</guid>
			<author>Dayarne Smith - Muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Resistance to mine plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tom Perkins snr told the developers he would prefer that they stayed out and leave Denman alone.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/resistance-to-mine-plan/2127601.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2011</guid>
			<author>Muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Car pollution can damage brain</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Being exposed to highway pollution can cause brain damage in mice akin to memory loss and Alzheimers disease,,,The tiny air particles were "roughly one-thousandth the width of a human hair, and too small for car filtration systems to trap," but exerted massive damage on the brains of the exposed mice,,,Of course this leads to the question, How can we protect urban dwellers from this type of toxicity? And thats a huge unknown,"]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/car-pollution-can-damage-brain-study-20110408-1d6f2.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2010</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Cities told: plan for future water crises</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIAN governments have been urged to scrap barriers to recycled water, new dams and water trading under a radical plan to address concerns the water supplies of cities and towns cannot handle future droughts, floods and other climatic shocks.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/cities-told-plan-for-future-water-crises/story-fn59niix-1226034977358</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2009</guid>
			<author>Annabel Hepworth From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Funds granted but still not seen</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Souris said he believes eventually a by-pass is needed but for now an overhead bridge will give greater safety and security for the town and will prevent long trains sealing access for emergency vehicles to all parts of the town and district.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/funds-granted-but-still-not-seen/2126957.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2008</guid>
			<author>Caitlan Andrews - Scone Advocate</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunter town launches legal battle over mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Environmental Defenders Office, on behalf of the trust, will challenge the legitimacy of the ministers removal of the common from trust control and place it under the Crown Lands Act.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-town-launches-legal-battle-over-mining/2126466.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2007</guid>
			<author>Matthew Kelly - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners reject weak carbon tax safeguards</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a sign of another protracted battle between the mining industry and the government, the chief executive of the Minerals Council of Australia, Mitch Hooke, said he was increasingly concerned industry compensation for Labors proposed carbon tax would be based on the package of the dumped emissions trading scheme.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/miners-reject-weak-carbon-tax-safeguards-20110406-1d4l3.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2006</guid>
			<author>Tom Arup - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Just like his home, hes gutted but still standing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Those in Oxley so far have missed payments from the Queensland Premiers Disaster Relief Fund. Their houses, though gutted, are still on their stumps and the walls are standing. 

The first two rounds of payments from the relief fund went to those whose homes were utterly destroyed, and eligibility for the state governments Structural Damage Assistance Payment of up to $100,000 is for houses that must be demolished and cant be rebuilt.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/just-like-his-home-hes-gutted-but-still-standing-20110406-1d4l2.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2005</guid>
			<author>Tony Wright Brisbane - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Energy trial to cut power bills</title>
			<description><![CDATA[an energy storage unit that comprised a five-kilowatt zinc-bromine battery about the size of a slimline fridge would be fitted to each home near the propertys meter board.]]></description>
			<link>http://huntervalleynews.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/energy-trial-to-cut-power-bills/2124688.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2004</guid>
			<author>Tash Holden - Scone Advocate</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China raises key interest rates</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Peoples Bank of China, the countrys central bank, said the quarter-percentage-point increase lifts the one-year lending rate to 6.31 per cent and the rate for one-year bank deposits to 3.25 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/china-raises-key-interest-rates-20110406-1d348.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2003</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Maitland left off dust monitoring</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AIR quality monitors are neglecting Maitland and feeding perceptions that governments dont want to know about pollution from coal trains, a councillor says.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/maitland-left-off-dust-monitoring/2122321.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2002</guid>
			<author>Tim Connell - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Cessnock tops disadvantaged list - MINING A CROCK</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Great Lakes, Gloucester and Muswellbrook are the next most disadvantaged areas in the Hunter statistical region]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/cessnock-tops-disadvantaged-list/2123663.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2001</guid>
			<author>Tim Connell - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Planning powers to return to councils</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BILLIONS of dollars worth of proposed major Hunter projects will be determined by the NSW Planning Assessment Commission and local councils.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/planning-powers-to-return-to-councils/2124355.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2000</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Battle to save barrier reef feared lost within 10 years</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Great Barrier Reef will be lost unless there is dramatic action to cut greenhouse gasses over the next 10 years, a climate change scientist warns]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/battle-save-barrier-reef-feared-lost-within-10-years?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1999</guid>
			<author>AAP - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Labor support plunges amid tax battle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Labors voter support has collapsed to an eight-year low, the latest poll shows, as Prime Minister Julia Gillard battles on with her governments proposed carbon tax. 

The latest Newspoll in The Australian shows Labors two-party-preferred vote plummeted six points to 45 per cent from late March to early April. 

The coalitions two-party-preferred support jumped six points to 55 per cent over the same period. 

The figures reveal an eight-year low, the newspaper reports.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Labor-support-plunges-to-eight-year-low-FLSR6?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1998</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillard is attacking business from four fronts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I have never before seen an Australian government preparing to attack the Australian business community with the ferocity that the Gillard government is proposing.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gillard-government-business-reform-politics-pd20110404-FKT6M?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1997</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate change to bring more heatwaves</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/climate-change-to-bring-more-heatwaves-20110405-1d2px.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1996</guid>
			<author>Evan Schwarten - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Family assisted after miner death</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If you read the details of the Jan 7 2010 accident on Wybong Road where Xstrata killed David Patten this will be deja vu.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2011/04/02/xstrata-assists-family-miners-death-coal-mine/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1995</guid>
			<author>Bruce Mckean - Mackay Daily Mercury</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Flood victims told to pay rent on demountables</title>
			<description><![CDATA[VICTIMS of the Queensland floods in the hard-hit town of Grantham are being forced to pay rent for temporary accommodation and say they would rather live on the streets than pay.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/flood-victims-told-to-pay-rent-on-demountables-20110402-1csbl.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1994</guid>
			<author>Cosima Marriner - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal Ash Is More Radioactive than Nuclear Waste</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ounce for ounce, coal ash released from a power plant delivers more radiation than nuclear waste shielded via water or dry cask storage.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=coal-ash-is-more-radioactive-than-nuclear-waste</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1993</guid>
			<author>Mara Hvistendhal - Scientific American</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Conroys costly NBN mistake</title>
			<description><![CDATA[well ultimately wind up with a boring, expensive, monopoly monoculture on the NBN. Well re-create the past instead of living in a better future.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Stephen-Conroy-NBN-Co-wholesale-pricing-pd20110330-FF2CS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1992</guid>
			<author>Simon Hackett - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillard should keep an eye on Canada</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Just like Australian government MPs, Harper has been trumpeting his nations performance in escaping the global recession relatively unscathed. But cracks are emerging here, too. Just one week prior to the non-confidence vote, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation released a report showing that Canadas national debt had hit a new record high of $562 billion.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/property-bubble-sgx-asx-tmx-group-bhp-billiton-pd20110401-FH5MJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1991</guid>
			<author>Christopher Mason, Toronto - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gold miner says MRRT will inevitably spread to cover other minerals</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Once the legislation comes in, (for the MRRT) its pretty easy to apply it to other commodities.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201104/s3179824.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1990</guid>
			<author>Babs McHugh - ABC Rural</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Police arrest 50 rioters for public violence</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the mob went on the rampage early yesterday morning demanding to be employed at the local Xstrata mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thenewage.co.za/14118-1013-53-Police_arrest_50_rioters_for_public_violence</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1989</guid>
			<author>Mpho Dube - Limpopo - South Africa</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Pollution part of the cost</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PUTTING a price on carbon will remove an unfair subsidy that industry has enjoyed for too long, says Deutsche Banks head of carbon emissions research.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/pollution-part-of-the-cost-banker-20110401-1crir.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1988</guid>
			<author>Matthew Murphy - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coalition test on Hunter mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The proposed expansion of Coal &amp; Allieds Carrington West mine could be the first test of the Coalition governments strategic land use policy....Aquifer interference regulation is a key component of the Coalitions stated reforms to the planning and assessment process.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coalition-test-on-hunter-mine/2119528.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1987</guid>
			<author>Matthew Kelly - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Licence concern on mine dust</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Minerals Council has rejected claims that the introduction of load-based licensing at Upper Hunter mine sites would reduce dust pollution.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/licence-concern-on-mine-dust/2119555.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1986</guid>
			<author>Matthew Kelly - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal mine expansion ready to roll</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mt Arthur Coal will ramp up production with the first stage of its mine expansion about to start. BHP Billiton last week approved a $400 million investment in the Muswellbrook mine, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-mine-expansion-ready-to-roll/2120624.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1985</guid>
			<author>DAYARNE SMITH - Muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Impact of mines under microscope</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Faculty of Health at the University of Sydney will conduct the study thanks to funding arranged by non-profit group Beyond Zero Emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://huntervalleynews.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/impact-of-mines-under-microscope/2110627.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1984</guid>
			<author>Hunter Valley News</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Nundahs $44 million rail track</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The project will include the construction, operation and maintenance of a new track and ancillary infrastructure adjacent to existing tracks on the main north line between Singleton and Camberwell.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/nundahs-44-million-rail-track/2121424.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1983</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>benchmark price with Japan set</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XSTRATA, the worlds largest coal exporter, has agreed to sell Australian thermal coal to Japans Chugoku Electric Power for 12 months from today at $US129.80 a tonne, a person familiar with the matter said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/xstrata-sets-benchmark-price-with-japan-for-thermal-coal/story-e6frg9e6-1226032002360</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1982</guid>
			<author>David Fickling and David Winning From: Dow Jones Newswires</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Canada watches its democracy erode</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The myth of Canada being dull is captured in the apocryphal story that in an international competition for the most boring news headline of the year, the winning entry was "Yet another worthy Canadian initiative".

Edmund Burke noted that all that was necessary for evil to triumph was for good men to do nothing.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/canada-watches-its-democracy-erode/story-e6frg6ux-1226030310248</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1981</guid>
			<author>Ramesh Thakur From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Australia worst polluter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[World Resources Institute report putting Australia at the top of per capita carbon emissions with 27.1 tonnes per person, followed by Canada, the US and Venezuela, Brazil, Russia and Germany.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/australia-worst-polluter-says-institute/story-fn6b3v4f-1226030989524</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1980</guid>
			<author>Daily Telegraph</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Conroys costly NBN mistake</title>
			<description><![CDATA[cost structure will simply destroy direct participation from any provider (new or existing) with less than 250,000 customers... The Singapore Next Generation Network delivers 100 Megabit speeds as the basic offering in that country, at a wholesale cost equivalent to around $A17 per month.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Stephen-Conroy-NBN-Co-wholesale-pricing-pd20110330-FF2CS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1979</guid>
			<author>Simon Hackett - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Carbon farming initiative legislation tabled</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Yesterday, the Government tabled the legislation which will support the introduction of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=3aecf63d-6f60-408d-9471-a0a6e202e1f4&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-03-31</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1978</guid>
			<author>Norton Rose Lawyers</author>
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			<title>The view from China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We set the per unit GDP energy consumption reduction and the CO2 emission reduction by sixteen per cent and seventeen per cent respectively, compared to the year 2010, and a reduction of thirty-three per cent and thirty-four per cent respectively, compared to the year 2005.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/view-china?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1977</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>High reading sparks procedure change for Upper Hunter air quality procedures</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A review into the procedures for checking equipment in the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network is underway]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/high-reading-sparks-procedure-change-for-upper-hun</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1976</guid>
			<author>Jessica Bourke - Australian Mining</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine blasts breaks plates 1km away</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A mine blast that exceeded limits at a mine in the New South Wales Hunter has broken plates in a home about a kilometre away, and mining giant Xstrata has made it up to the owner by paying for new crockery.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/mine-blasts-breaks-plates-1km-away</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1975</guid>
			<author>Jessica Bourke - Australian Mining</author>
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		<item>
			<title>S.Cotabato gov on Xstratas $5.9-B investment</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the issue at hand is not mere economics: "What will happen to us after 25 years? That is the question being asked and it should be answered... especially with the history of mining in the country... The issue is not only economics but also the environment."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/business/03/29/11/scotabato-gov-xstratas-59-b-investment-not-just-economics</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1974</guid>
			<author>ABSO CBN news.com</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Big-three win big from mine tax deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The big three miners received a good return from their campaign to overturn the tax as originally designed, the inquiry heard.

If I was BHP or Rio, and I had the choice of spending $100 million either lobbying the government to not impose the tax, or on spending $100 million getting minerals out of the ground, it is pretty clear what the best investment would be,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/bigthree-win-big-from-mine-tax-deal-20110330-1cg9c.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1973</guid>
			<author>Peter Martin - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinese inflation and the devastating Japanese earthquake end cheap goods</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Two relatively recent developments make it likely that weve now passed the point where we can expect the prices of manufactured goods, such as cars, computers and washing machines, to keep falling. From now on, the price pressures will all be upwards.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-inflation-Japan-earthquake-tsunami-pd20110330-FESUX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1972</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>An uncivil union Labor can do without</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There is little doubt that if Australias two million union members were given a vote on ALP affiliation they would vote against it  not that they are Liberal voters, although many are, but theres nothing in formal affiliation for them.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/John-Robertson-NSW-Labor-election-unions-pd20110330-FERQD?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1971</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Doing away with corporate self-sabotage</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What were likely to see more and more of is companies adopting the Qantas/Jetstar model, where a companys discount branch (Jetstar) operates one way and the higher service business (Qantas) operates another.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NAB-CBA-WBC-ANZ-Telstra-Myer-Qantas-pd20110329-FE9FV?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1970</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Bob Browns risky tax plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What could be better than playing Robin Hood in Melbournes Treasury Gardens on a sunny autumn afternoon- Greens leader Bob Brown couldnt resist the temptation, fronting cameras to explain his partys decision to continue taking from corporate Australia to fund stretched public services.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Bob-Brown-Greens-corporate-tax-pd20110329-FE6C8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1969</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Garnaut report on carbon pricing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HopgoodGanim partner Michele Muscillo and solicitor Ben Ricketts discuss the recommendations made in the report, and how they could affect Australian businesses, on Boardroom Radio.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8b1ba411-200c-4fd9-a9ba-ef07badbcd28&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-03-30</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1968</guid>
			<author>HopgoodGanim Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Getting real about e-waste</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The proposed national take-back scheme for televisions and computers, called the National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme (E-Waste Scheme) sets aggressive targets which aim to lift recycling rates for televisions, computers and computer peripherals from 10% to 80% by 2021.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=9c93da23-5816-4a32-8294-686e84dcd74e&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-03-30</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1967</guid>
			<author>Clayton Utz Lawyers</author>
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			<title>California lawmakers pass higher clean energy goal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California lawmakers on Tuesday voted to raise the states renewable energy goals, passing a bill that would require a third of electricity to come from sources such as solar and wind by 2020.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/california-lawmakers-pass-higher-clean-energy-goal?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1966</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Rooftops to revive Spains flagging solar industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wholesale power prices in Spain are around 5 eurocents a kilowatt-hour. Consumers typically pay 17 eurocents, and the costs of roof-mounted panels are expected to fall below that level by 2016.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/analysis-rooftops-revive-spains-flagging-solar-industry?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1965</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Garnaut calls the generators bluff</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The generators won compensation under the CPRS because they convinced politicians that the lights would go out without it. Garnaut insists that the risks to energy security are low, if not negligible, and compensation is not warranted. The sort of compensation that being talked about will not affect their behaviour, he says.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/garnaut-calls-generators-bluff?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1964</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>S&P downgrades Greece, Portugal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LISBON/ATHENS - Debt-stricken Greece and Portugal suffered new blows after Standard &amp; Poors downgraded their credit ratings on possible risks to bondholders, sending their borrowing costs sharply higher.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-1-Bank-of-Portugal-says-more-austerity-meas-FEHKG?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1963</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>China 1st, Australia 12th in clean energy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China leads the world in green energy, Germany has outpaced the US as the number two player, while Italy is fourth and Australia is 12th]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/china-1st-australia-12th-in-clean-energy-20110329-1cehw.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1962</guid>
			<author>Shaun Tandon - SMH</author>
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			<title>Latham says ALP on borrowed time</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Latham predicted it six years ago, and the events of last Saturday in NSW, suggest he did so correctly...The Australian Labor Party that he once led stands for nothing, is dysfunctional, is out of touch with the electorate and has been poisoned by branch stacking and factionalism..."The ALP is living on borrowed time," Mr Latham said on Tuesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/latham-says-alp-on-borrowed-time-20110329-1cejz.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1961</guid>
			<author>Mike Hedge - SMH</author>
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			<title>Activist charged at Qld CSG protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Police charged him under Section 804 of the Petroleum and Gas Act with obstruction of a petroleum authority holder, an offence that carries a potential $50,000 fine....The section guarantees mining and gas companies access to private land....police had demanded the protesters leave the property, despite having the landowners permission to be there.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/activist-charged-at-qld-csg-protest-20110329-1cela.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1960</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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			<title>Were out of here</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PEOPLE are fleeing NSW at the rate of 50 packed cars a day.. The picture that emerges from Bureau of Statistics figures is of a state Australians move to and leave. About 19,000 Australians moved to NSW between the June and September quarters, and 21,000 left... fewer people were willing to move to Australia and more are voting with their feet and moving offshore]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/were-out-of-here-say-hordes-hankering-for-a-state-of-satisfaction-20110329-1ceum.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1959</guid>
			<author>Peter Martin - SMH</author>
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			<title>What the CFMEU wants...</title>
			<description><![CDATA[this CFMEU/ETU/AMWU force swamped NSW Labor, helping explain much of the political self-destruction of a once-mighty Labor machine. Now they are in the process of doing the same in Canberra.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/CFMEU-AMU-Labor-unions-Gillard-contractors-pd20110328-FD6T5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1958</guid>
			<author>Ken Phillips - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Haunted by Chinas ghost cities</title>
			<description><![CDATA[if Australia thinks it can avoid the Dutch disease by relying on the relentless construction of empty Chinese shopping malls, ghost cities and unused infrastructure, then we too could be in for a hard landing.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-property-Australian-economy-pd20110325-FA9SR?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1957</guid>
			<author>John Lee - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>"Greener" corporate accounts urged to aid nature</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Today there is no disclosure requirement for companies of your cost to nature, or your cost to society," he told Reuters on the sidelines of a seminar by insurer Storebrand in Oslo. "Were saying that it is possible to quantify this."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/greener-corporate-accounts-urged-aid-nature?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1956</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Alister Doyle - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>China industry ordered to cut CO2 intensity by 18 percent by 15</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas industrial firms will be forced to cut their carbon and energy intensity levels by as much as 18 percent over the next five years....Industrial sectors will also be forced to slash water use by 30 percent by the end of 2015, and must also raise solid waste recycling rates to around 72 percent over the period.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-industry-ordered-cut-co2-intensity-18-percent-15?utm_source=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Climate%2BSpectator%2Bdaily</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1955</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>RBA appoints Tanna, Edwards to board - shame - THE NSW DISEASE</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ms Tannas appointment starts immediately, with Mr Gauchies term expiring on Tuesday. 

She is currently executive vice-president of UK-based global natural gas company BG Group and managing director of its Australian unit QGC Pty Limited.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Labor-to-name-RBA-board-members-report-pd20110328-FDNVM?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1954</guid>
			<author>Reuters with AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Coal mining sparks call for cropping land assurances</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Will this be considered under their proposed strategic cropping land and the maps theyve already released or will they ignore that-" he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/28/3175438.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1953</guid>
			<author>Fidelis Rego - ABC</author>
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			<title>Pipeline protest heats up in Qld</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Protesters say theyll form a human barricade to stop a coal seam gas pipeline being built through their rural residential estate on Queenslands western downs.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/pipeline-protest-heats-up-in-qld-20110327-1cbn3.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1952</guid>
			<author>Kym Agius - SMH</author>
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			<title>Oppn backs right to hike mining royalties</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal opposition is backing the right of state governments to increase the royalties they collect from mining companies]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/oppn-backs-right-to-hike-mining-royalties-20110327-1cbnv.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1951</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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			<title>Young, vulnerable fall prey to pleasures of night</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a shocking number of Aborigines in Tennant Creek are dying from alcohol-related causes, many of them in their 30s and 40s. Government policies have led to increases in alcohol and drug use by the children and driven them on to the streets.

Changes to Centrelink payments have meant that drinkers can organise alcohol binges every day of the week.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/young-vulnerable-fall-prey-to-pleasures-of-night-20110327-1cc11.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1950</guid>
			<author>Lindsay Murdoch Tennant Creek - SMH</author>
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			<title>Demolition continues at the Xstrata copper smelter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata demolishes Timmins works.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.timminstimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3044784</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1949</guid>
			<author>Len Gillis - Timmins Times</author>
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			<title>Mount Isa is running out of electricity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/true-grit-tussle-for-rich-energy-dream-20110325-1c9yv.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1948</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
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			<title>Ferguson, Krahe for carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ferguson and Swan and, by implication, Gillard warmly welcomed BHPs investment. Yet the extra iron ore and coal that BHP will now ship off to China will -- just the extra alone, forget about the existing output -- produce emissions of carbon dioxide that will probably offset the entire cuts that Gillard and Co are going to force on Australia at great cost to Australians.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/opinion/ferguson-krahe-for-carbon-tax/story-e6frg9if-1226028350326</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1947</guid>
			<author>Terry McCrann From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Xstrata to try and Stand-Over the Phillipines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Plc, the biggest exporter of coal for power stations, said it is seeking "dialogue" in the Philippines over plans by the governor of South Cotabato to ban open-pit mining as early as the end of March.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2011/march/26/business1.isx&amp;d=2011/march/26</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1946</guid>
			<author>Manila Standard</author>
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			<title>Aboriginal stone site feared wrecked by Queensland Gas Company</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The sacred site had been fenced off from cattle for nearly 100 years and was very well cared for]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/aboriginal-stone-site-feared-wrecked-20110325-1c9uz.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1945</guid>
			<author>Lisa Martin - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>New reasons to fear the NBN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[theres no point in getting rid of one vertically integrated monopoly to create another unregulated monopoly.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Stephen-Conroy-NBN-Co-Telstra-Optus-pd20110324-F9A44?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1944</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Will NSW hike royalties before WA</title>
			<description><![CDATA["NSW Liberals and Nationals have no plans to change mining royalties. We understand the importance of mining to the NSW economy." 

That carefully worded statement leaves the door wide open to royalty increases once OFarrell has leafed through the NSW Treasurys Red Book]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/MRRT-NSW-election-Keneally-OFarrell-pd20110325-F9RP3?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1943</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Arctic sea ice ties for smallest area this winter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Arctic sea ice extent this winter was among the smallest ever seen,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/arctic-sea-ice-ties-smallest-area-winter?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=22ee89d196-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1942</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Austria 100% renewable by 2030</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The energy minister of Upper Austria, Rudi Anschober, who is a key player in moving this state toward 100 per cent renewable energy for electricity and space heating by 2030 (it is presently about 34 per cent - about half from biomass) is the leader of the Green party in the state coalition government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/postcard-upper-austria?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=22ee89d196-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1941</guid>
			<author>Andrew Lang - Climate Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Farmers to reap rewards by sowing carbon</title>
			<description><![CDATA[trees would have to remain in the ground for 100 years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Farmers-to-reap-rewards-by-sowing-carbon-F9BT6?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1940</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BHP, Xstrata Win Battle With Australia Over Mine Tax Credits</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) and Rio Tinto Group won their second mining-tax battle in Australia after the government agreed to allow them to credit future state royalties imposts against a planned 30 percent levy on their profits.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-24/bhp-xstrata-win-battle-with-australia-over-mine-tax-credits.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1939</guid>
			<author>Bloomberg</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Labor rules out Garnaut tax cuts plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Labor Party sources said there was not enough revenue to fund such reforms in the coming May budget, which was expected to be tougher due to a softer economy on the back of the global financial crisis.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/labor-rules-out-garnaut-tax-cuts-plan-report?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=1b876f18d4-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1938</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Portugal rejects govt austerity measures</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The euro fell on Wednesday, hurt by fears debt-ridden Portugal will require a bailout after its parliament rejected the minority governments austerity measures. 

The vote is likely to cause the governments collapse.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-3-Portugal-government-may-collapse-before-E-F8HZV?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp2&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1937</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Senior Timmins council member slams Xstrata for $2 million gift</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Veteran Timmins city councilor Mike Doody let Xstrata have it with both barrels this week during councils public budget meeting. Doody suggested the recent $2 million gift from Xstrata could easily have been ten times that much considering the billions of dollars worth of raw resources the mining company has gleaned from Timmins.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.timminstimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3038468</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1936</guid>
			<author>Len Gillis - Timmins Times</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miner accused of squeezing out farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The size of this mine - its 32,000 hectares and its taken a great hunk out of the good farming country around Wandoan.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/23/3171124.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1935</guid>
			<author>Liaa Griffin - ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Community Campaign for Clean Energy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[starting 26 February this month, community groups are setting an ambitious target to respond to Oakeshotts call to action - and to ensure local members around the country know thier community wants them to do more on renewables.]]></description>
			<link>http://100percent.org.au/content/can-you-help-get-20000-surveys-tabled-oakeshott</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1934</guid>
			<author>100% Renewable</author>
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		<item>
			<title>EPA says no to Margaret River Coal Mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On the 21st March 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed the proposed Margaret River coal mine to be "environmentally unacceptable".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.margaretriversos.com/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1933</guid>
			<author>Margaret River SOS</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A dangerous Australian dollar-carbon combo</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Bluescope chairman Graham Kraehe has set out what almost every Australian business person fears - that political and public service incompetence in Canberra means we will not enjoy the full benefits of the greatest boom Australia has ever seen. And when its over - and no boom lasts for ever - we will be left with a massive quarry, having hollowed out vast areas of the country.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Bluescope-Steel-Graham-Kraehe-carbon-tax-pd20110323-F7SF5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1932</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Busting the renewables price myth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the IEA estimated that renewables could supply 75 per cent of global electricity by 2050. The difference in electricity costs between the two scenarios? About 10 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/busting-renewables-price-myth?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=33bcf65109-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1931</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Telcos warn of high NBN costs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Two leading internet service providers have lashed out at the governments National Broadband Network (NBN), saying that if the NBNs controversial wholesale pricing model is introduced, consumers and businesses will be hit with higher internet charges and flat-fee packages will become obsolete,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Telcos-warn-of-high-NBN-costs-report-pd20110322-F7QS2?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1930</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstratas Wandoan coalmine gets federal tick</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The Gillard government must explain how approving a mine that will produce coal equivalent to the total carbon pollution from 108 of the worlds countries is consistent with its stated desire to act on climate change, she said.

"The government has increased Australias impact on the climate substantially while saying that it is trying to reduce it."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/xstratas-wandoan-coalmine-gets-federal-tick-20110322-1c55f.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1929</guid>
			<author>Matthew Murphy - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Japans disaster toll rises with 18,000 deaths</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The toll of Japans triple disaster came into clearer focus Monday after police estimates showed more than 18,000 people died, the World Bank said rebuilding may cost $235 billion and more cases of radiation-tainted vegetables and tap water turned up.]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/50793/japans-disaster-toll-rises-with-18000-deaths/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=97259636f3-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1928</guid>
			<author>Asian Correspondent</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Calm before another market storm?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Libya-war-Japan-nuclear-markets-pd20110321-F6688?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1927</guid>
			<author>Den Denning - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Why negative gearing has failed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One of the property industrys most ridiculous claims is that negative gearing stimulates housing supply. The below charts confirm that investors are overwhelmingly choosing to invest in existing dwellings and, therefore, that they are not adding to rental availability or affordability.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/negative-gearing-property-prices-rent-investment-pd20110321-F66MY?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1926</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>EPA says no to Margaret River coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The States environmental watchdog has said no to a proposal for a coal mine in Margaret River, declaring it environmentally unacceptable.]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/9047480/epa-says-no-to-margaret-river-coal-mine/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1925</guid>
			<author>the west.com.au</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hundreds protest against CSG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Several hundred people have gathered in central Sydney to protest against the mining of coal seam gas in NSW.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/hundreds-protest-against-csg-20110320-1c1zj.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1924</guid>
			<author>AAP - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hundreds protest against potential impacts of coal mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More than 1,000 people from across the state have gathered in Sydney to protest against coal mining and coal seam gas exploration.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/21/3168874.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1923</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine blasts hospitalise workers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TWENTY-FOUR mine workers from BMAs Peak Downs and Saraji mines have been taken to hospital following two separate incidents involving dangerous gases from explosives blasts.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2011/03/08/mine-blasts-workers-hospital-injuries-mackay/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1922</guid>
			<author>Tom Williams - Daily Mercury - Mackay Qld</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hydro-diplomacy needed to avert Arab water wars</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/hydro-diplomacy-needed-avert-arab-water-wars?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=6595f5ae93-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1921</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Alister Doyle - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining giant accused of rude behaviour</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Northern Land Council says Xstrata has behaved rudely to traditional owners by informing them of plans to expand McArthur River Mine three days after telling the market.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/15/3164309.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1920</guid>
			<author>Jane Bardon - ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A changed coalface: the impact of the Southern Coalfields Inquiry in NSW</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=7a4edd91-5569-4b98-857f-6111ece3242e&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-03-15</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1919</guid>
			<author>Piper Alderman Solicitors Aust</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata to expand McArtur iver Mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata must spend $900 million in order for the mine to remain viable.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.azomining.com/Details.asp?newsID=3696</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1918</guid>
			<author>Azomining</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Full Cost Accountuing Sinks Coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Each stage in the life cycle of coal-extraction, transport, processing, and combustion-generates a waste stream and carries multiple hazards for health and the environment. These costs are external to the coal industry and are thus often considered "externalities." We estimate that the life cycle effects of coal and the waste stream generated are costing the U.S. public a third to over one-half of a trillion dollars annually. Many of these so-called externalities are, moreover, cumulative. Accounting for the damages conservatively doubles to triples the price of electricity from coal per kWh generated, making wind, solar, and other forms of nonfossil fuel power generation, along with investments in efficiency and electricity conservation methods, economically competitive.]]></description>
			<link>http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05890.x/full</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1917</guid>
			<author>New York Academy of Sciences</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Greenhouse Gas Storage Bill 2010</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=4195a91a-06e9-46f9-9f34-69f4ca894c32&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-03-18</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1916</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The awful arithmetic of global warming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Garnaut-climate-change-carbon-tax-pd20110311-ETT3N?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1915</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Crowd shows concern at largest coal forum</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More than 450 people filled the Singleton Civic Centre to hear from the NSW planning department about the governments coal and gas strategy scoping paper and to have their say on the issue.... Mr Kelly was a bit "taken aback" by the number of people who attended]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/crowd-shows-concern-at-largest-coal-forum/2100070.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 23:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1914</guid>
			<author>DI SNEDDON AND DAYARNE SMITH - Muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Era of the blackboot brigade</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata is becoming impatient. Barely a day passes when the Tysons dont get an email or a phone call urging them to sit down and start negotiating a deal. Their options: Accept a compensation package and stay on, attempting to run a cattle business amid the noise, dust and fears of water pollution or sell and leave. The maximum they can expect if the fight goes to the Land Court is the valuation of the land as a grazing property plus 10 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/sunday-mail/era-of-the-blackboot-brigade/story-e6frep2o-1226016334485</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1913</guid>
			<author>Daryl Passmore From: The Sunday Mail (Qld)</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Life in a four degree world</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The world has made a political commitment to limit the extent of global warming to 2°C, but the current path of emission trajectories - and even the pledges made at the last climate change talks in Cancun - will take the world well beyond that.

According to a report dubbed the "Gigatonne Gap" prepared by the United Nations Environment Programme, the current commitments leaves a deficit of 5 gigatonnes to what the world aspires to achieve. Environmental groups believe that this scenario could lead to average global temperatures rises of 3.7°C or more.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/life-four-degree-world?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=b7db8486dd-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1912</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Scenes of destruction after Japans tsunami, quake</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The official casualty toll was 236 dead, 725 missing and 1,028 injured, although police said 200-300 bodies were found along the coast in Sendai, the biggest city in the area. Authorities said they werent able to reach the area because of damage to the roads.]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/50161/scenes-of-destruction-after-japans-tsunami-quake/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=813cd13512-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1911</guid>
			<author>AP - Asian Correspondent</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Businesses face carbon audits: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Thanks to a drop in the governments greenhouse gas reporting threshold from 87.5 kilotonnes to 50 kilotonnes, many medium-sized businesses will be required to report their emissions and energy consumption for the first time this year. 

However, on top of the lower threshold, companies and organisations that fail government audits may be fined up to $233,000 in addition to $11,945 per day the company fails to meet reporting obligations.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Businesses-face-carbon-audits-report-pd20110310-ETNR5?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1910</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The awful arithmetic of global warming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Garnaut update concludes that the oceans are warming, with more than 90 per cent of the extra heat stored by the earths systems in the last 50 years is found in the ocean; sea levels are continuing to rise at a rate considerably higher than the average rate over the 20th century; the acidity of oceans has increased by 30 per cent since pre-industrial times; and the area and mass of melt from the Greenland Ice Sheet is continuing to increase.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/awful-arithmetic-global-warming?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=b7db8486dd-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1909</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata plans $270m expansion of NT mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A previous expansion diverted the river for five kilometres around the mine site - a move that led to a string of court challenges from traditional owners.]]></description>
			<link>http://abc.com.au/news/stories/2011/03/11/3161433.htm?section=justin</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1908</guid>
			<author>Bridget Brennan - ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Twelve billion holes in plan to cut carbon</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its utter madness to try to curb emissions while subsidising fossil fuels.So why does Australias government effectively promote fossil fuel use at a cost of about $12 billion a year?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/twelve-billion-holes-in-plan-to-cut-carbon-20110309-1bny3.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1907</guid>
			<author>John Watson - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining deals may give farmers bum steer</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/mining-deals-may-give-farmers-bum-steer-20110310-1bpsy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1906</guid>
			<author>Debra Jopson - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Nuclear industry facing looming supply shortage</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TORONTO (Reuters) - An expected surge in demand for uranium to fuel new reactors may go unfilled if new supply does not soon come on stream, meaning a setback for China, the United States and other countries that are increasingly relying on nuclear energy to power their economies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/nuclear-industry-facing-looming-supply-shortage?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=fc36f59cf1-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1905</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Julie Gordon - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Deeper, faster, cheaper</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a new drilling technique?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/deeper-faster-cheaper?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=47d27037f6-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1904</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers continue to fight mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wandoan farmer John Erbacher said if deals werent done, any objections to the mining lease application put into the Queensland Governments Mining Registrar would slow the mine process down.

"Xstrata has been ramping up the pressure to sell," Mr Erbacher said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/story/2011/03/09/farmers-continue-fight-mine/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1903</guid>
			<author>Russel Guse - Central Telegraph</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Clean Water Advocates Bring Legal Action Against Kentucky Coal Companies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Outline of 3 US legal cases]]></description>
			<link>http://appvoices.org/waterwatch/ky-legal-action/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1902</guid>
			<author>Appalacian Voices (USA)</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>More haste, less speed hits coal seam surge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[For gassification, the future looks less rosy. Linc and Carbon are continuing their respective projects but Cougar says it may have to look overseas to keep the company afloat.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/more-haste-less-speed-hits-coal-seam-surge-20110307-1bl6a.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1901</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Whos afraid of clean power?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[High and volatile food prices are a growing global concern, partly fuelling the protests that toppled the rulers of Tunisia and Egypt this year. The aftershocks have been seen across North Africa and the Middle East from Algeria to Yemen.....The Rome-based FAO has already warned food-producing countries against introducing export curbs to protect local markets as world food prices push further above the levels that triggered deadly riots in 2007/2008.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/climate-change-biofuels-threaten-food-security-fao-0?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=186682fc37-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1900</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Kovalyova & Babington - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China to impose cap on coal consumption</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China will impose a hard limit on total energy use, capping consumption from all sources at the equivalent of 4 billion tonnes of coal (TCE) by 2015, the countrys former energy chief Zhang Guobao said on Friday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-impose-cap-coal-consumption?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=767145bfe9-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1899</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining profits reveal true greed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The original tax was supposed to raise about $99 billion starting from the 2012-13 financial year until 2020-21. But it now looks like this figure will be only $38.5 billion.

Thats $60.5 billion that could have been spent on health care, education or the shift to renewable energy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/46884</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1898</guid>
			<author>Kerryn Williams - Green Left</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunter Mine Water Carts faulty</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a Hunter Valley mine has agreed to repair two faulty water carts after they were discovered during a crackdown on dust by the Planning inspectors.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/03/3154337.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1897</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mayor attacks mine over pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Xstrata Mangoola mine was fined $100,000 after 46 megalitres of sediment-laden water washed from the mine site into Wybong Creek in early February.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/mayor-attacks-mine-over-pollution/2093324.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1896</guid>
			<author>Dayarne Smith - muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>State Government rejects Kores coal mine plan for Wyong</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This is despite a Planning Assessment Commission recommendation that it be approved.]]></description>
			<link>http://express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/state-government-rejects-kores-coal-mine-plan-for-wyong/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1895</guid>
			<author>ERROL SMITH - Central Coast Express Advocate</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Public left in dark about project approval</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The whole process makes a mockery of the supposed tough new rules [for coal seam gas projects] announced late last year, Greens upper house MP Cate Faehrmann said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/politics/public-left-in-dark-about-project-approval/2092730.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1894</guid>
			<author>Michelle harris - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rising tide activists win</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Protesters who shut down Newcastle port last year when they scaled coal loaders wont have to pay compensation and were even given their climbing ropes back yesterday in a Newcastle court.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/rising-tide-activists-win/2093307.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1893</guid>
			<author>ALISON BRANLEY - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Assessment of the Greenhouse Gas Footprint of Natural Gas from Shale Formations</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While it is true that less carbon dioxide is emitted from burning natural
gas than from burning coal per unit of energy generated, the combustion emissions are only part of story
and the comparison is quite misleading.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.eeb.cornell.edu/howarth/GHG%20update%20for%20web%20--%20Jan%202011%20%282%29.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1892</guid>
			<author>Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Marcellus shale gas "dirtier" than coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[researchers at Cornell University have projected that greenhouse gas emissions from shale gas production over the next 20 years could actually be higher than from surface-mined coal, possibly even twice as high.]]></description>
			<link>http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/green/2011/02/marcellus_shale_gas_dirtier_th.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1891</guid>
			<author>The Baltimore Sun</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Extreme winter weather linked to climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The only underlying explanation for these events is climate warming due to heightened greenhouse gas levels]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/extreme-winter-weather-linked-climate-change-0?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=72ec242b11-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1890</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Polluted Wybong Creek</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Mangoola Pty Ltd has agreed to pay $100,000 to help improve land and water quality in the Hunter River catchment. This follows an incident where 46 megalitres of sediment laden water were released into Wybong Creek from the Xstrata coal mine at Wybong, west of Muswellbrook, in February 2010.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/media/DecMedia11022507.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1889</guid>
			<author>DECCW</author>
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			<title>Carbon tax may close steel plants: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Steelmakers opposed to Prime Minister Julia Gillards plan to place a price on carbon have warned the move could lead to plant closures and the loss of as many as 15,000 jobs]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-tax-will-close-steel-plants-report-pd20110302-EKNJB?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1888</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal will still cost the earth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[there is absolutely no intention on the part of Julia Gillard and Greg Combet to stop burning coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/carbon-tax-emissions-coal-electricity-pd20110302-EK7DC?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1887</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Whats really greening Gillards gills</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The PM has said every dollar thus raised will get returned to help households and industries deal with the tax, which, translated, means she decides who gets the money.... the carbon tax will be a massive barrel of pork crackling to be sprinkled among deserving voters...Some of the cash has to go towards keeping factories open and avoiding a disastrous sovereign risk event. , for example, Bluescope Steel has to be paid to continue making steel at Port Kembla, since imported steel doesnt get taxed, and the foreign owned coal-fired electricity generators have to have their balance sheets restored, since their assets become worthless, or at least worth less, and their shareholders wouldnt be too pleased.

How much will be left for pork ??]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Julia-Gillard-Greens-carbon-tax-climate-change-pd20110303-EKRZS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1886</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>100% Renewables Action</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://100percent.org.au/front</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1885</guid>
			<author>100% Renewable</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Let them eat insects - is this for real?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As always, nature can be improved upon. Research in the Netherlands is focusing on ways to raise edible insects on food waste, and on extracting the protein from insects for use in processed foods. No doubt there will be artificially bred and cloned insects in future as well.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/insects-food-prices-commodities-pd20110228-EH7NT?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1884</guid>
			<author>David Leyonhjelm - Climate Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>ConocoPhillips wants LNG recognition in Australian CO2 plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[more pigs looking for a trough]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/conocophillips-wants-lng-recognition-australian-co2-plan?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=c62052881b-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1883</guid>
			<author>Reuters - James Grubel - Climate Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China minister warns pollution, waste imperil growth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China faces acute environmental and resource strains that threaten to choke growth unless the worlds second-biggest economy cleans up, the nations environment minister said in an unusually blunt warning.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-minister-warns-pollution-waste-imperil-growth?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=c62052881b-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1882</guid>
			<author>Bejing - Reuters - Chris Buckley - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australia spending billions more encouraging pollution than cutting it</title>
			<description><![CDATA["In 2007-08 our government spent $480 million on programs to tackle climate change, but then it spent $10.6 billion on subsidies that promoted fossil fuel use," said ACF executive director Don Henry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/australia-spending-billions-more-encouraging-pollution-cutting-it-acf?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=c62052881b-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1881</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The hard cell</title>
			<description><![CDATA[toyota on schedule to sell hydrogen cars by 2015 or sooner in California, Japan and Germany]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/cleantech-buzz-hard-cell?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=c62052881b-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1880</guid>
			<author>Sophie Vorrath - Climate Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Conservationists challenge Qld coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8217661/conservationists-challenge-qld-coal-mine</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1879</guid>
			<author>ninemsn</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Let them eat coal? Time to talk about food security</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The government has a choice: let mining, climate change and urban sprawl overrun agriculture, or devise a plan to protect the lands that nourish the state. IT is beyond strange for this long-time indigenous affairs reporter to hear a retired Sydney lawyer-turned-farmer complaining that his land rights are being trampled on by a coal seam gas company.Two centuries ago, it was pastoralists like himself who surged into the lands of the Kamilaroi people where he now farms, taking over their waterholes, hunting grounds and hideouts.Now, white farmers speak of their love of the land and their distress over the spectre of extraction companies wrecking the soil, watercourses and their own livelihoods.
As the Aborigines learnt at enormous cost, love of land and reliance on it for a livelihood is never enough when money can be made by exporting the riches of the earth.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/state-election-2011/let-them-eat-coal-time-to-talk-about-food-security-20110228-1bbsx.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1878</guid>
			<author>Debra Jopson - SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Billions spent on fossil fuel incentives</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TAXPAYERS spend about 12 times more encouraging the use of fossil fuels than on climate change programs - and the sum is growing.

Fossil fuel incentives and subsidies will cost about $12.2 billion this financial year, compared with $1.1 billion spent on programs designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost clean energy research.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/billions-spent-on-fossil-fuel-incentives-20110228-1bbsn.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1877</guid>
			<author>Adam Morton - SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Ports coal exports to triple</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/ports-coal-exports-to-triple/2087636.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1876</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - Newcastle Herald</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Regulation Lax as Gas Wells Tainted Water Hits Rivers</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Were burning the furniture to heat the house," said John H. Quigley, who left last month as secretary of Pennsylvanias Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "In shifting away from coal and toward natural gas, were trying for cleaner air, but were producing massive amounts of toxic wastewater with salts and naturally occurring radioactive materials, and its not clear we have a plan for properly handling this waste."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/us/27gas.html?_r=2&amp;src=me&amp;ref=homepage</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1875</guid>
			<author>New York Times</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China to cut energy intensity by another 17% by 2015</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China is the worlds biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas from using fossil fuels that is stoking global warming. The goals for 2011-2015 set out by Wen are generally in step with the governments pledge to cut carbon intensity by 40 to 45 percent by 2020, relative to 2005 levels.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-cut-energy-intensity-another-17-2015?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=b1764d6c7c-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1874</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Fearful Uighurs live under eye of security cameras</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The city is now a showcase of the police state tactics that the countrys rulers use in tandem with economic growth to maintain their vision of a harmonious society.... The ability and scale of this new surveillance is unparalleled ... police can take away and disappear people at any time,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/fearful-uighurs-live-under-eye-of-security-cameras-20110225-1b8kx.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1873</guid>
			<author>Tom Lasseter - SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Rural peace under threat when mines move in next door</title>
			<description><![CDATA[When we bought the land there were no mining leases across the valley, apart from Gloucester Coal to the south of us [at Stratford] ... We knew that coal mine was there but we were told that it wasnt going to encroach any closer, Mr Jackson said.

As that mine expands and AGL Energy prospects for coal seam gas in the area, the Jacksons fear that industry will roll over the top of them]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/rural-peace-under-threat-when-mines-move-in-next-door-20110225-1b8sb.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1872</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Ontario approves 40 new clean power projects</title>
			<description><![CDATA[40 new large-scale renewable power projects that will create 7,000 jobs and attract $C3 billion ($US3.06 billion) in private sector investment.This second round of projects will generate 872 megawatts of electricity from the sun, wind and water, enough power for more than 200,000 homes. It follows the April announcement of 180 projects that will generate 2,400 MW of clean energy.... About 13,000 jobs have been created in Ontario due to green energy legislation, the government estimates]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/ontario-approves-40-new-clean-power-projects-0?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=ff5dc6c826-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1871</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Susan Taylor & Peter Galloway - Climate Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Q&A: Christine Milne</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/qa-christine-milne?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=ff5dc6c826-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1870</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas oil Catch-22</title>
			<description><![CDATA[When Chinese leaders watch the Middle Eastern turmoil they are reminded of the events that led up to the Tiananmen Square revolt in 1989. A contributor to both the Tiananmen revolt and the Middle East turmoil was higher food prices. People close to the poverty line are ready to revolt when food prices rise. Australia has a vital stake in China making sure it does not fall into the Middle East trap. 

HSBCs Australian Chief Economist, Paul Bloxham believes that the China inflation rate is one of the most important economic indicators for Australia because if it breaks out China will have to curtail demand - including demand for our exports - more than it would like. And the required harsh measures could have social consequences]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-oil-food-prices-Middle-East-pd20110224-ED2Y3?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1869</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Let the carbon wars begin</title>
			<description><![CDATA[what will have ad agencies salivating is the delicious lack of clarity on most important aspects of the package - what the per-tonne impost will be, how much compensation trade exposed industries receive and exactly when and how cheap carbon credits from overseas will be allowed to return Australia to its carbon-guzzling ways. 

That opens the door for a frenzy of special-interest advertising, not seen since the mining industry put $22 million into discrediting the Rudd governments resource super profits tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Let-the-carbon-wars-begin-pd20110225-EDRXD?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1868</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A US recession would be fatal</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The world economy faces a problem of Gordian proportions, as it both cannot tolerate more US liquidity and it cannot live without it. 

"The Middle East crises have accelerated the endgame as it has both pushed prices higher and caused a shift to risk aversion, which is basically a need for more dollar liquidity." 

As a result, he warns that "markets could be starting their next major move lower at this time."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/oil-price-recession-middle-east-libya-pd20110225-EDSPU?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1867</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Carbon will crush manufacturing</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Fugitive emissions from coal mines and oil and gas projects, as well as direct fuel combustion emissions from LNG projects, account for almost half of the growth in Australias total emissions from 2010 to 2020....
 Australias greenhouse gas problem is switching from brown coal electricity generation to coal and gas exports,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-will-crush-manufacturing-pd20110225-EDRPG?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1866</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillard plans FY13 carbon price</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-price-set-from-July-1-2012-Gillard-pd20110224-ED2X9?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1865</guid>
			<author>Reuters/AAP with a staff reporter - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Labor told to go green for votes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Labor-told-to-go-green-for-votes-report-pd20110224-EDNNC?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1864</guid>
			<author>The Australian - Business Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Labor stops HSU questions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE federal government has blocked Fair Work Australia from answering questions about an investigation it is conducting into allegations of financial irregularities involving the Labor backbencher Craig Thomson.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/national/national/general/labor-stops-hsu-questions/2085669.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1863</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Green light for tax on carbon</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Gillard government and the Greens have pledged to legislate this year for a fair carbon price to be imposed from mid-2012, leaving just six months to bridge their differences on the complex and controversial details.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/green-light-for-tax-on-carbon-20110224-1b75j.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1862</guid>
			<author>Lenore Taylor - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Toowoomba Council backs mine protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[mining invasion. ..."It shouldnt go ahead in such a closely settled area," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/02/21/council-backs-mine-protest-toowoomba-gowrie-juncti/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1861</guid>
			<author>Marion Raats - Toowoomba Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fears over gas drilling more than hot air</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Why is an advanced wealthy country so compelled to sacrifice the integrity of swathes of productive land for financial gain from exporting a resource which we dont need for our own energy needs, can only be extracted once and which renders land useless for any other purpose thereafter?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/david-shearman-32834.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1860</guid>
			<author>Professor David Shearman - ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Methane gas leaks spark concerns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[methane was found to be leaking from sealed wells near Bentley and north-west of Casino..."Senior experts with Industry and Investment NSWs safety and environment units are currently carrying out a detailed assessment of the issue,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/story/2011/02/24/methane-gas-leaks-spark-concerns-grafton/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1859</guid>
			<author>Peter Weekes - The Daily Examiner - Nth'n NSW</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata to allegedly fire HIV+ workers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the dismissals came after the union partnered with the company to encourage employees to test annually in commemoration of World Aids Day on December 1 on condition that their results would be kept confidential..."We believed both union and management did not have access to the results..
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) condemned the alleged dismissals of workers due to their HIV status, describing it as "ghastly and barbaric".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/xstrata-to-allegedly-fire-hiv-workers-1.1031193</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1858</guid>
			<author>Business Report SA</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate change fuels "dire" threat to coral reefs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Reuters) - More than 500 million people around the world depend on coral reefs for food and income; the report estimated coral reefs provide $30 billion a year in benefits.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/climate-change-fuels-dire-threat-coral-reefs?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=5e917d47b7-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1857</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Could oil derail our boom?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The current turbulence in global commodity markets gives extra weight to the position of Reserve Bank boss, Glenn Stevens, who yesterday urged the country to make sure it saved, rather than spent, the extra income its receiving as a result of the surge in commodity prices.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Could-oil-derail-our-boom-pd20110224-ECSSA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1856</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Two oil shocks in one</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The oil price has touched $US100 a barrel and is at $US40 a barrel in real terms. The last two times that happened, in 1979 and 2007, there were immediate recessions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Two-oil-shocks-in-one-pd20110224-ECRPX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1855</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NZ earthquake causes ice to break off glacier</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The earthquake that struck Christchurch has caused some 30 million tons of ice to break off from New Zealands biggest glacier.]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/48895/nz-earthquake-causes-ice-to-break-off-glacier/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=4f9c8d1143-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1854</guid>
			<author>AP - Asian Correspondent</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Analysis: Discontent, but no revolt in China... yet</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The government has become so adept at silencing critics and suppressing protests, starting with the Tiananmen Square democracy movement in 1989, that scholars worry that it is becoming a well-worn tool. When that happens, police states can tire, and Claremont McKennas Pei said, regimes that look very stable sometimes collapse, like the communist bloc in Europe in 1989, Indonesia a decade later and seemingly Egypt this year.]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/48863/analysis-discontent-but-no-revolt-in-china-yet/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=38ee26cc3f-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1853</guid>
			<author>AP - Asian Correspondent</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China plans to rein in heavy metal pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The China Daily last week cited a study by a professor at Nanjing Agricultural University showing 10 percent of Chinas rice market, and more than 60 percent of rice grown in some southern provinces, may contain high levels of cadmium... Cadmium can damage the lungs, blood, heart and kidneys with long-term exposure.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-plans-rein-heavy-metal-pollution?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=3df796388b-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1852</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Michael Martina - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dozens killed in New Zealands darkest day</title>
			<description><![CDATA[New Zealand prime minister John Key has confirmed that at least 65 people are dead after a major earthquake devastated Christchurch]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/22/3145879.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1851</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Broke residents call for blast action</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/21/3143806.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1850</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Solar rising</title>
			<description><![CDATA[solar is rapidly narrowing the gap on fossil fuel energies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/solar-rising?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=bb10a8ead2-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1849</guid>
			<author>Tim Buckley - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australias efficiency shock</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/australias-efficiency-shock?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=bb10a8ead2-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1848</guid>
			<author>Rob Murray-Leach - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The not-so-clever country</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/not-so-clever-country?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=bb10a8ead2-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1847</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Great Disruption</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the ecological system that supports human society is hitting its limits, groaning under the strain of an economy simply too big for the planet.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/great-disruption</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1846</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A cloud over coal-seam gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[to see the chairman of Macquarie Bank, David Clarke, telling AGL (and by implication most of the other coal seam majors) that they had lost community trust should be a massive wake up call for the industry.... loss of community trust can be a disaster for any industry in todays environment.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-cloud-over-coal-seam-gas-pd20110222-EARV6?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1845</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas explorer fails standards</title>
			<description><![CDATA[of the 23 major chemicals used in this process, they have not been assessed by any national regulator]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gas-wells-could-leak-chemicals-into-water-EAQNK?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1844</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Oil surges on Libyan unrest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Oil-surges-by-over-1bbl-on-Libyan-unrest-EA6M9?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1843</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China tries to stamp out Jasmine Revolution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BEIJING (AP) - Jittery Chinese authorities staged a show of force Sunday to squelch a mysterious online call for a "Jasmine Revolution" apparently modeled after pro-democracy demonstrations sweeping the Middle East.

Authorities detained activists, increased the number of police on the streets and censored online calls to stage protests in Beijing, Shanghai and 11 other major cities. Citizens were urged to shout "We want food, we want work, we want housing, we want fairness" - a slogan that highlights common complaints among ordinary Chinese.
Chinas authoritarian government has appeared unnerved by recent protests in Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria and Libya. It has limited media reports about them, stressing the instability caused by protests in Egypt, and restricted Internet searches to keep people uninformed.]]></description>
			<link>http://asiancorrespondent.com/48785/china-tries-to-stamp-out-jasmine-revolution/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&amp;utm_campaign=50666aca21-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1842</guid>
			<author>AP - Asian Correspondent</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Cancer-Causing Hexavalent Chromium In Tap Water For 89% Of US Sampled Cities</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) draft toxicological review this year also found that tap water tainted with hexavalent chromium is "likely to be carcinogenic to humans".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/212079.php</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1841</guid>
			<author>Christian Nordqvist - Medical News Today</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Long and winding road for gas pipeline</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The pipeline to Newcastle would run from Coolah, crossing the Hunter River for the first time east of Denman, cut through Lake Liddell and travel through the areas of Dyrring, Mitchells Flat, Elderslie, Stanhope, Hillsborough, Gosforth and Maitland Vale, before passing through Largs, Morpeth, Woodberry, Tarro and Hexham.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/long-and-winding-road-for-gas-pipeline/2079904.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1840</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mt Isa mum Sharlene Body lodges $1 million compo claim over sons lead poisoning</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Law firm Slater and Gordon lodged the compensation claim by Sharlene Body, on behalf of Sidney, in the Brisbane court on Wednesday.

The lawyers have several other cases involving Mount Isa children progressing through the pre-court process.

Xstrata spokesman Steve de Kruijff said the company was prepared to answer the claim.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/business/m-claim-in-mt-isa-lead-poison-case/story-e6frfm1i-1226008830899</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1839</guid>
			<author>The Sunday Mail (Qld)</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas carbon crusade</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China plans to cut carbon intensity - the CO2 produced per unit of GDP growth - by 40-45 per cent from 2005 to 2020]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/chinas-carbon-crusade?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=ef0815810a-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1838</guid>
			<author>Reuters - David Stanway - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Floods linked to manmade climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/floods-linked-manmade-climate-change-studies?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=ef0815810a-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1837</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Gerard Wynn - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Coals hidden costs top $345 billion in US:</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The estimates came in the paper "Full cost accounting for the life cycle of coal," to be published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/coals-hidden-costs-top-345-billion-us-study?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=ef0815810a-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1836</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Scott Malone - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Howes - a megalomaniac wanker</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Howes appears to have decided that the workers who most need his representation are those earning $100,000 to $150,000 in the mines, the bulk of whom are now spared exorbitant rents due to the mining companies increased reliance in recent years to rely on fly-in, fly-out workers]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-Tinto-Paul-Howes-union-mining-pd20110217-E5S2H?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1835</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Breathing space offered in mining overview</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Upper Hunter MP says an assessment of the cumulative impacts the mining industry has had in the region may mean far fewer licences are issued in the future.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/breathing-space-offered-in-mining-overview/2078664.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1834</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS AND NEIL GOFFET - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Farmers will fight to retain their land</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GLOUCESTER farmers have vowed to fight to save one of the states last remaining repositories of prime agricultural land from being swallowed by mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/farmers-will-fight-to-retain-their-land/2078665.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1833</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Muswellbrook Rate Surcharge 4%</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Muswellbrook councillors voted to seek a rise 4per cent above the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal cap of 2.8per cent, to 6.8 per cent (Mayor Rush says rise will be levied mainly on the Mines)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/maitland-rate-rise-approved/2077105.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1832</guid>
			<author>Matt Carr - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Food security outranks mining in Nats land use policy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MINING would take second place to food security when assessing competing land use claims if the Coalition were elected at next months state election, with a halt proposed for all new mine and gas exploration licences for up to a year pending further study.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/state-election-2011/food-security-outranks-mining-in-land-use-policy-20110215-1av7k.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1831</guid>
			<author>Brian Robins - SMH</author>
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			<title>Taxpayers lose $60b in mining profits compromise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/taxpayers-lose-60b-in-mining-profits-compromise-20110215-1av7f.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1830</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey - SMH</author>
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			<title>Minimal mining impact</title>
			<description><![CDATA[in the words of Sharyn Munro]]></description>
			<link>http://sharynmunro.com/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1829</guid>
			<author>Sharyn Munro</author>
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			<title>Xstrata declares forces majeure on Ulan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[water leaked into the underground production area following heavy rains in January]]></description>
			<link>http://www.skynews.com.au/businessnews/article.aspx?id=577910&amp;vId=2183515&amp;cId=Business</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1828</guid>
			<author>Skynews</author>
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			<title>An opportunity missed on mining super tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It is all a far cry from the desperate claims made just nine months ago in the most successful advertising campaign in history. That was when the three big miners joined forces to lop off the central plank in the tax reform plan put forth by the Treasury secretary, Ken Henry.

Tugging at the heartstrings, we were subjected to an advertising barrage, orchestrated with military precision, that managed to convince an unsuspecting public that Henrys new tax would ruin the nation.

There was little mention that a similar tax had been successfully operating on offshore Australian petroleum leases for decades.

All up, the media blitz cost just $27 million. But if the current round of earnings is anything to go by, the mining industry will save itself untold billions when the new resources rent tax - the heavily diluted shadow of the rent tax proposed by Henry - finally kicks into gear next year.

The miners campaign ignored three crucial points. The first is that mining companies do not own the resources. They merely are given the right to exploit them, for which they pay rent. Those mineral reserves are owned by the Commonwealth.

The second is that those reserves are non-renewable. As a nation, you only get one chance to extract any benefit for the population and for the generations to come.

And third, the rental system - the ad hoc and inefficient system of state royalties - was hopelessly antiquated and had failed to capture fair value for Australian citizens.

The stunning victory by the mining houses over the federal government was a victory of renters over owners, and a triumph of misinformation and emotion over logic.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/an-opportunity-missed-on-mining-super-tax-20110214-1atq1.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1827</guid>
			<author>Ian Verrender - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NSW Opposition promises tougher scrutiny for exploration licenses</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A key element of the strategy will focus on protecting agricultural land and associated water resources from the impacts of mining developments.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theajmonline.com.au/mining_news/news/2011/february/february-17-2011/nsw-opposition-promises-tougher-scrutiny-for-exploration-licenses</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1826</guid>
			<author>Mike Foley - Aust Journal of Mining</author>
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			<title>food price spike</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As global food supplies become tighter, in a world of resource scarcity and climate impacts, similarly charged equity issues will arise over questions about whether the world can afford to use vast amounts of grain, land, water and energy for western diets or inefficient biofuels, when 925 million people remain undernourished.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/unscrambling-food-price-spike?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=b3165a3d53-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1825</guid>
			<author>Alex Evans</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Armageddon</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Demand is exploding, at the same time that disastrous weather conditions are crushing supply. And while we cant say definitively that the current Chinese drought is a direct consequence of rising temperatures, the correlation between Chinas changing diet, rapid economic growth, and surging emissions of greenhouse gases is hard to miss. The faster China grows and the more high-protein pork and beef and chicken the Chinese eat, the worse its going to get.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/armageddon-time-already?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=2f6e0969a2-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1824</guid>
			<author>Andrew Leonard is a staff writer at Salon.</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillard mulls $5 billion disability levy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gillard-mulls-5-billion-disability-levy-report-pd20110215-E4QAT?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1823</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Revised mining tax could miss targets</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Treasury figures show the originally proposed tax would have raised $99 billion between 2012/13 and 2020/21 but the revised tax will earn $38.5 billion during the period,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Revised-mining-tax-could-miss-targets-report-pd20110215-E4NFQ?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1822</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Wireless threat to National Broadband Network plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As Telstra prepares to unveil a massive upgrade to its mobile network to increase capacity and provide download speeds comparable with the NBN, a government-commissioned review has found competition from alternative technologies is a key risk to the NBN Cos ambitions to rapidly sign up homes.....Next-generation wireless is at the heart of President Barack Obamas plan to make wireless available to 98 per cent of US homes.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/industry-sectors/wireless-threat-to-national-broadband-network-plan/story-e6frg9hx-1226005989633</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1821</guid>
			<author>Annabel Hepworth and Mitchell Bingemann From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Nuclear powers great leap forward ?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Chinese Academy of Science announced on January 26 that it planned to finance the development of a program to develop thorium fuelled molten salt reactors (TFMSR). This is the first of four "strategic leader in science and technology projects" that the Chinese Academy of Science will be supporting....
It is also a clear and important endorsement of the benefits of the TFMSR, namely:

- Excellent nuclear and passive safety features;

- Greatly improved proliferation resistance;

- Significantly reduced high active waste production;

- Excellent resource utilisation as a result of the very high burn-up achieved;

- Overall economics that offer the prospect of being competitive with coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/nuclear-powers-great-leap-forward</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1820</guid>
			<author>Gerry Grove-White - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillards risky MRRT splurge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Calls for a sovereign wealth fund to be set up, to help cushion federal budgets during leaner years, make absolute sense.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Julia-Gillard-politics-government-MRRT-mining-heal-pd20110214-E2RW6?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1819</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A blow to state bureaucracy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[By setting up an Independent Hospital Pricing Authority (IHPA) that sends money directly to Local Health Networks (LHNs) on the basis of an activity based funding model, the state health bureaucracies are being cut out of the picture. They could be shut down, but probably wont be.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-blow-to-state-bureaucracy-pd20110214-E2RWP?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1818</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>All 14 locations now chosen for the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Advisory Committee Chairperson Cathy Cole said that the Committee had based their final decisions on recommendations from the Holmes Report as well as technical and strategic information from DECCW.

"The committee is confident that after reviewing all of the available information and undertaking location visits that we have recommended the most appropriate sites for a comprehensive network," Ms Cole said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/media/DecMedia11021001.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 01:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1817</guid>
			<author>DECCW</author>
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			<title>Air Quality Network Monitor to be installed at Wybong</title>
			<description><![CDATA[" 2 sites are operational, one at Muswellbrook and one at Singleton 
" 5 sites have been recommended for detailed planning and construction at Singleton North, Bulga, Maison Dieu, Camberwell and Mount Thorley
" 7 locations have been agreed in principle at Aberdeen, Merriwa, Singleton South, Jerrys Plains, Muswellbrook Northwest, Warkworth and Wybong
"The Wybong site for example was recommended after reassessing the number of Muswellbrook sites to ensure the network provides appropriate coverage to the northwest of mining operations.


"The Committee also accepted the Holmes report recommendation that a monitor at Denman would be less valuable to the network because it is south of the main airflow path that is influenced by coal mining in the Hunter Valley.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/upper-hunter-air-sites-decided/2073608.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1816</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Planning for food or coal?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[agriculture in the Liverpool Plains is now diminishing by the day as miners, more devastating than locusts, start eating up some of our countrys best arable land]]></description>
			<link>http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/blogs/property-values/planning-for-food-or-coal/20110210-1annk.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1815</guid>
			<author>Michael MacNamara - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Bylong Visit By Duncan Gay and George Souris (10/2)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bvpa.org.au/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1814</guid>
			<author>BVPA.org.au</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine water discharge laws unrealistic</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) says changes must be made to laws that govern the discharge of mine water into the Fitzroy Basin in the states central region.

A total of 20 mines, which account for half of the mines in central Queensland, have breached strict guidelines outlining water discharge rules.]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/australian-news/8816588/mine-water-discharge-laws-unrealistic/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1813</guid>
			<author>7 News</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas wells back on track after floods</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/australian-news/8816535/coal-seam-gas-wells-back-on-track-after-floods/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1812</guid>
			<author>7 News</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Wybong residents road woes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[some defective sealing work done by Xstrata but there were also underlying problems with the road ... The company is watering the road to keep the temperature down,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/wybong-residents-road-woes/2073847.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1811</guid>
			<author>Brooke Lees - Muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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			<title>Polar bears and walruses at risk as Arctic ice melts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Sea ice loss caused by climate change results in smaller polar bear litters, the study said. If the trend continues, "failure to reproduce could jeopardize population viability.

Last year, the loss of Arctic sea ice caused an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 Pacific walruses to come up on land]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1810</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1810</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coming through the smog?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas energy demand will peak between 2025 and 2030.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1809</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1809</guid>
			<author>Linden Ellis - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Taking the fat out of global warming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[climate policy necessarily affects two of the most important determinants of human health: nutrition and movement. Although medical professionals increasingly recognise the health benefits of policies to address climate change, they are not widely appreciated by policymakers themselves. The existence of these health benefits implies a dramatic reduction in the net cost of taking strong action to mitigate climate change - which means that failure to understand their importance could have serious environmental consequences.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/taking-fat-out-global-warming?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=18d1305a0e-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1808</guid>
			<author>Ian Roberts - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Feeling the heat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia could face damaging international fallout if it is unable to meet expectations from the global community on emissions reductions, saying that Australia is alone among the developed world in recording large increases in greenhouse gas emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/feeling-heat</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1807</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Why the Australian dollar is coming down</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Long term interest rates are heading inexorably higher and the Australian dollar is coming down,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/bonds-interest-rates-Australia-dollar-economy-pd20110211-DY4B9?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1806</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A housing market whodunit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[grants are directly linked to population figures and tax revenues generated in the area... Planners and councillors will bend over backward to attract new residents]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australian-house-prices-property-Germany-pd20110208-DUW53?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1805</guid>
			<author>Oliver Marc Hartwich</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Telcos push for protection from NBN:</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Both Optus and Telstra say they want the legislation to pass with protections to ensure that NBNs role does not extend beyond delivering infrastructure to customers homes, leaving the rest of service delivery to private companies, such as Optus and Telstra,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Telecoms-lobby-govt-hard-on-NBN-report-pd20110208-DVPGA?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1804</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Joel Fitzgibbon Indescretions alleged</title>
			<description><![CDATA[sensational allegations have now emerged about payments to the Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon and his alleged affair with the sister of the businesswoman said to have bankrolled him, Helen Liu.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/liu-alleges-forgery-during-legal-stoush/2072974.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1803</guid>
			<author>Kim Arlington - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Carbon price is no fix-all</title>
			<description><![CDATA[scientists have long predicted that one effect of global warming would be for extreme events to become more extreme, which is just what seems to be happening. So it would be a brave or foolhardy person who denied recent events had anything to do with climate change. And, certainly, the insurance industry, which keeps careful records of these events, is in no doubt that climate change is making things worse.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/carbon-price-is-no-fixall-20110208-1alk4.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1802</guid>
			<author>Ross Gittins - SMH</author>
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			<title>Muswellbrook Council oppose mine modifications</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A plan by global mining giant Xstrata to modify its mining plan for the new Mangoola mine in the Hunter Valley has failed to get the support of Muswellbrook Council.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/09/3133785.htm?site=newcastle</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1801</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>Dont breathe the air</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://sharynmunro.com/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1800</guid>
			<author>Sharyn Munro</author>
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			<title>Asia-Pacific at risk from climate migration</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The bank and climate scientists said the Asia-Pacific region, home to 4 billion people, will be among the regions most affected by the impacts of climate change, leading to major migration both within and between nations, stretching resources.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/asia-pacific-risk-climate-migration-report?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=005ab0bbb0-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1799</guid>
			<author>Reuters, David Fogarty, Climate Change Correspondent, Asia- Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Warming to a better way</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Excellent article explaining the benefits of the "reverse cycle"(heat pump) and why it leaves gas (and coal and the rest) for dead.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Swan-warns-economy-may-contract-report-pd20110207-DUNSC?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1798</guid>
			<author>Matthew Wright</author>
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			<title>Swan warns economy may contract: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Treasurer Wayne Swan has warned that the $7 billion collapse of Queenslands coal and agricultural exports may cause the national economy to contract for the first time since the global recession,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Swan-warns-economy-may-contract-report-pd20110207-DUNSC?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1797</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Bringing NBN investment undone</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-Co-business-case-wireless-Gillard-Yasi-pd20110204-DQVU4?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1796</guid>
			<author>Andrew Harris</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Disasters may cause re-insurers to leave Aust. market</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/disasters-may-cause-re-insurers-leave-aust-market?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=9cee669dfd-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1795</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Miners set to oppose carbon pricing scheme</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Labor and the Greens are set to clash over subsidies for big greenhouse gas emitters in the governments proposed new carbon pricing regime]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/miners-set-oppose-out-front-carbon-pricing-scheme?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=9cee669dfd-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1794</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Fully laden Coal Truck crash blocks road</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The truck overturned at around 7.45am on Friday near Muscle Creek causing chaos for peak hour traffic.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/truck-crash-blocks-road/2069602.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1793</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>No Labor candidate for Upper Hunter - yet</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SEVEN weeks out from the state government election and a Labor candidate is yet to be announced.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/no-labor-vote/2069595.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1792</guid>
			<author>SARAH LEE - Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>NSW coal and gas strategy released for comment</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The scoping paper will be discussed at a public meeting in Gunnedah on Thursday and Singleton is one of two places at which a public forum will be held on the topic. That forum is on March 9.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/nsw-coal-and-gas-strategy-released-for-comment/2069593.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1791</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Anger at lack of community representation on gas panel</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/anger-at-lack-of-community-representation-on-gas-panel/2069590.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1790</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>New gas committee appoints chair</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-gas-committee-appoints-chair/2067055.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1789</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Dust levels exceed national standards</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The 24 average rolling reading for the 7am to 8am period was 111 (very poor) and was above that of any other reading on the Department of Environment Climate Change and Waters (DECCW) Air quality index (AQI), including Sydney.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1788</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1788</guid>
			<author>SARAH LEE - Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Report says dust can be reduced by half</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/?page=2</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1787</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Coal Strategy Forums</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A public meeting to discuss the scoping paper is planned at Gunnedah Town Hall on February 10,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-strategy-out/2067014.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1786</guid>
			<author>Di Sneddon - Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Climate Camp protestors fined</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/climate-camp-protestors/2063773.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1785</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Mining pits homes against coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A coalmining company is on a collision course with a residential developer over a site on the southern shore of Lake Macquarie.
In an ironic twist, the developer is a coalmining company.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-pits-homes-against-coal/2067352.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1784</guid>
			<author>DAMON CRONSHAW - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>World entering era of food price volatility</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/world-entering-era-food-price-volatility?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=3f7f9b49f6-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1783</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Garnaut says more extreme weather events likely</title>
			<description><![CDATA[He says the odds of more extreme cyclones and bushfires are rising as greenhouse gas emissions lead to higher average temperatures across the globe.

"The science says that without mitigation and with the sorts of emissions growth that my analysis shows will follow from the industrialisation of China and India and Indonesia, and the acceleration of economic growth in Africa, then that first degree (of warming) is just the beginning," Prof Garnaut said.

"And so, if we are seeing an intensification of extreme weather events now, you aint seen nothing yet."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/garnaut-says-more-extreme-weather-events-likely?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=3f7f9b49f6-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1782</guid>
			<author>AAP - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Garnaut urges climate change action: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Garnaut-urges-climate-change-action-report-pd20110203-DQQRU?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1781</guid>
			<author>the australian</author>
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			<title>100% renewable by 2050? Yes, we can</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/100-renewable-2050-yes-we-can?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=0c44b24be8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1780</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>China plans to spend big on nuclear power, high-speed rail</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BEIJING (Reuters) - Nuclear power and high speed rail will top the focus of Chinas plan to invest $1.5 trillion in seven key industries and shift the worlds number two economy away from its role as a supplier of cheap goods, sources said]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-plans-spend-big-nuclear-power-high-speed-rail-0?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=155f846a2d-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1779</guid>
			<author>Benjamin Kang Lim - Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>we (THE MINING INDUSTRY) will decide who runs the country</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The miners saved $4.6 billion for an outlay of just $22 million, a return on investment of 20,800 per cent. This makes political activism one of the few activities in Australia more profitable than mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/give-us-52m-and-we-will-decide-who-runs-the-country-20110201-1aceo.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1778</guid>
			<author>Peter Hartcher - SMH</author>
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			<title>$22m to get rid of PM</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Thats how much the mining industry spent in six weeks last year on its campaign against Kevin Rudds plan for a resource super profit tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/a-snip-at-22m-to-get-rid-of-pm-20110201-1acgj.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1777</guid>
			<author>Mark Davis - SMH</author>
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			<title>The economic roots of revolution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE sudden increase in the prices of both food and energy is very bad news for both the world economy and world peace.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/egypt-revolution-cairo-food-prices-oil-pd20110201-DMRQ4?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1776</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Flood of poor policy decisions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Cutting climate change solutions to fix the consequences of climate change..... There are now two former Prime Ministers who met their political doom by underestimating the Australian publics commitment to comprehensive action on climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/flood-poor-policy-decisions?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=9901749917-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1775</guid>
			<author>Matthew Warren - Clean Energy Council - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>The easy way to cut power bills</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a lot cheaper to consume energy more efficiently than to go on building billions of dollars of infrastructure that is hardly ever used]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/easy-way-cut-power-bills?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=9901749917-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1774</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Solar dyes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[could lead to the mass manufacture of glass-based solar PV products on the sides of buildings]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/green-deals-solar-dyes?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=9901749917-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1773</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Big oils lust for tax loopholes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The oil and gas industry argues its tax breaks are essential to its ability to create jobs, but the evidence indicates that clean energy investments are a more cost-effective job creator. A University of Massachusetts study found that investment in clean energy creates anywhere from two to four times more direct and indirect jobs compared to the same investment in oil and gas production. Investing $1 million to retrofit buildings to make them more energy efficient creates three times more jobs than a $1 million investment in oil and gas. An investment in wind energy creates two and a half times more jobs compared to the same investment in oil and gas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/big-oils-lust-tax-loopholes?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=9901749917-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1772</guid>
			<author>Daniel J Weiss</author>
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			<title>Survey reveals Hunters sick rivers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[two-thirds of the 200 rivers and creeks that were monitored in the Upper and Lower Hunter.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/01/3126379.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1771</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>Chinas economic narcotics (implosion inevitable)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[it is inevitable that at some stage a catalyst emerges to trigger cataclysmic change, or even collapse. This ultimately occurs in all centrally controlled societies. It happened in the Soviet Union. And it will certainly come to pass in China.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-government-markets-Australian-economy-pd20110128-DJ6XS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1770</guid>
			<author>Christopher Joye - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Running out of steam - a national disgrace</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government is fond on quoting the GeoScience Australia statistic that tells us that exploiting the heat from just 1 per cent of Australias geothermal resources would be enough to power the country some 26,000 times over.

Just once would be enough.

Its ironic that, as public debate turns towards nuclear as a potential solution for the countrys future low-carbon energy supply, development of its less glamorous second cousin, geothermal energy, is grinding to a halt.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/running-out-steam?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=0fc26ad04f-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1769</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Woulod you vote for this person?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PREMIER Anna Bligh tried to cover up Labor MP Betty Kiernans involvement in the sacking of a constituent, government documents show]]></description>
			<link>http://www.alpwatch.observationdeck.org/?p=1012</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1768</guid>
			<author>Patrick Lion - The Sunday Mail</author>
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			<title>RICH PICKINGS</title>
			<description><![CDATA[when the rich start selling, its important to figure out why.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RICH-PICKINGS-The-art-of-selling-pd20110128-DJ56A?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1767</guid>
			<author>James Thomson</author>
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			<title>Underground mine cracks drain dam water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A CONTROVERSIAL underground coal mine has been blamed for draining about 30 billion litres of water from one of Sydneys biggest dams.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/property/underground-mine-cracks-drain-dam-water/story-e6freztr-1225996743162</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1766</guid>
			<author>LINDA SILMALIS AND TONY VERMEER From: The Sunday Telegraph</author>
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			<title>Baal Bone Colliery lease extended until 2014</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Local environmental groups near Lithgow in New South Wales are arguing against an expansion of a mining colliery, saying it will wipe out dozens of native flora species.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/lease-extended-until-2014-at-baal-bone-colliery</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1765</guid>
			<author>Jessica Bourke - Australian Mining</author>
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			<title>Government deems UCG trial risk unacceptable</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Queensland Government is shutting down a trial underground coal gasification (UCG) plant, citing unacceptable environmental risks.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/01/28/3124052.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1764</guid>
			<author>Maria Hatzakis - ABC</author>
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			<title>Gillards spinning in a straitjacket</title>
			<description><![CDATA[And now the government proposes to impose a completely unnecessary tax on middle and higher income earners for purely political purposes. The amounts involved might not be particularly significant in the context of the federal budget and the $41.5 billion deficit forecast for this year but the impact on the already fragile consumer sentiment and the wider economy could be quite material, and quite unpleasant.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Julia-Gillard-floods-levy-politics-pd20110127-DH7J5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1763</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Chinas carbon tax plan with Cabinet</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BEIJING - Chinas landmark environmental tax plan has been submitted to the State Council,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Chinas-environmental-tax-plan-now-with-Cabinet--As-DG55R?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1762</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Flood levy sparks fierce debate</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Overall, we suspect the floods will turn out to be a net positive for the economy." 
senior economist at RBC Capital Markets Su-Lin Ong said."It beggars belief that the government would choose to cut climate change programmes ... to fund disaster relief when such disasters will be made worse by climate change," Greens Acting Leader Christine Milne said in statement. 
At the World Economic forum in Davos, Trade Minister Craig Emerson said the floods will have a positive long-term impact by making farmland more productive.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-1-Australia-imposes-new-tax-to-fund-flood-r-DH4Q2?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1761</guid>
			<author>Reuters with AAP - Busineww Spectator</author>
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			<title>Natural Gas Far Less Green Than Claimed - Fracking Emissions 1000s Times Higher Than Reported: EPA</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/01/natural-gas-far-less-green-epa.php</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1760</guid>
			<author>by Matthew McDermott, New York</author>
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			<title>Climate policies as luxury goods</title>
			<description><![CDATA[So what is that government up to? Does it know? Is this just Pennys pay back? Penny Wong, the former federal climate change minister, now in finance and vested with the responsibility of identifying sacrificial lambs, was never a fan of these schemes. Most were constructs from the offices of energy minister Martin Ferguson and industry minister Kim Carr, and she didnt like them]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/climate-policies-luxury-goods?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=4e70518d12-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1759</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>The cost of our surplus obsession</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If Gillards proposed increase in the Medicare levy gets past the Lower House independents as well as the Senate, then spending power will be reduced at the worst possible time for the nations retailers. Warwick McKibbin is right: the economy will already be hit by the floods; raising taxes to pay for it will only exacerbate the impact.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-cost-of-our-surplus-obsession-pd20110127-DGREG?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1758</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>If only Gillard hadnt flushed away so many billions already</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More commentary on Gillards Save my own Ass Tax]]></description>
			<link>http://wotnews.com.au/like/if_only_gillard_hadnt_flushed_away_so_many_billions_already/6175921/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1757</guid>
			<author>wotnews</author>
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			<title>Gillard set to announce flood spending</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Timeline of before &amp; after commentary]]></description>
			<link>http://wotnews.com.au/like/rba_director_slams_flood_levy_report/6175493/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1756</guid>
			<author>wotnews</author>
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			<title>Experts seek Arctic climate early warning system</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/experts-seek-arctic-climate-early-warning-system</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1755</guid>
			<author>Alister Doyle, Environment Correspondent - Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>A Clean Start for US climate policy?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The plan Obama introduced in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday would require power plants to generate 80 per cent clean electricity by 2035.... a promising sign for Obamas plan was the power industrys cautious interest in at least considering the plan.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/clean-start-us-climate-policy?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=403d55eb10-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1754</guid>
			<author>Timothy Gardner & Tom Doggett - Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Italys solar boom</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This means that total capacity at end of 2010 is around 7,000 MW, up from just 1142 MW 12 months before.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/italys-solar-boom?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=403d55eb10-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1753</guid>
			<author>Carlo Ombello - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Obamas brand new green day</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Obama wants 80 per cent of the countrys electricity to come from clean energy sources, and he wants to fund the investment by slashing the billions of dollars of subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. I dont know if youve noticed, but theyre doing just fine on their own, he said. So instead of subsidising yesterdays energy, lets invest in tomorrows......The biggest argument that is mounted against investment in clean energy is the cost and the subsidies required to support it, at least in the initial phase. That argument glosses over the fact that cost increases that are likely to happen in any case, and the fact that fossil fuels, according to International Energy Agency, enjoy greater subsidies around the world by a factor of more than 10.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/obamas-brand-new-green-day?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=403d55eb10-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1752</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Big solar stalled on the grid</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Theres overwhelming interest  (but) the financial setting is not right, Grimes says. We have got the best solar resource in the world  and its a tragedy to have a natural advantage and not be making use of it. We should be keeping up with rest of the world, but we not on the map at all.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/big-solar-stalled-grid</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1751</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Swans bid will test his resources</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Treasurer has traded a fight with the miners for a stoush with the states.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/swans-bid-will-test-his-resources-20110125-1a4eh.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1750</guid>
			<author>Clancy Yeates - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners push to pump toxins in rivers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE coal industry wants the State to suspend environmental regulations to allow 44 mines to pump contaminated floodwater into creeks and rivers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/miners-push-to-pump-toxins-in-rivers/story-fn6ck51p-1225992608564</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1749</guid>
			<author>Brian Williams From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners under pump from Asia for coal imports</title>
			<description><![CDATA[QUEENSLANDS besieged mining industry is asking the state government that it be allowed to quickly pump water out of its flooded mines to prepare for the possibility of further heavy rains and flooding.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/queensland-floods/miners-under-pump-from-asia-for-coal-imports/story-fn7iwx3v-1225994522274</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1748</guid>
			<author>Andrew Fraser From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>42,000,000: Chinas mega city</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China is planning to create the worlds biggest "mega city" by merging nine cities to create a metropolis twice the size of Wales with a population of 42 million]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/42000000-chinas-mega-city-will-eat-wales-20110125-1a467.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1747</guid>
			<author>London Telegraph - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Argus fights MRRT inquiry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Argus said he is considering seeking legal advice over the call for him to appear before the inquiry next month, saying his obligation to participate in the mining tax debate ended when the policy transition group delivered its report]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Argus-fights-Senate-inquiry-call-report-pd20110124-DEMQM?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1746</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Cost of natural disasters $109 billion in 2010</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (Reuters) - Natural disasters caused $109 billion in economic damage last year, three times more than in 2009]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/cost-natural-disasters-109-billion-2010-un?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=a6e44ec732-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1745</guid>
			<author>Laura MacInnes - Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>.Chinas all-energy example</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HSBCs Low-Carbon China report from late last year demonstrates the nations efforts to de-carbonise are much greater than our own.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/chinas-all-energy-example</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1744</guid>
			<author>Matthew Wright</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Raging Waters In Australia and Brazil Product of Global Warming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[American Report]]></description>
			<link>http://climateprogress.org/2011/01/14/abc-news-australia-floods-extreme-weather-global-warming-climate-change/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1743</guid>
			<author>Climate Progress org</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australian water torture</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/australian-water-torture</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1742</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>California approves emissions trading scheme</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=b7e03612-0b5b-4565-8de1-c0422314ac3d&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-01-24</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1741</guid>
			<author>Freehills Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Sunstruck by rooftop solar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW government has been so overwhelmed by applications to install rooftop solar panels that it is poised to cancel its solar bonus scheme altogether, less than three months after reducing the feed-in tariff by 67 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/sunstruck-rooftop-solar</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Jan 2011 15:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1740</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining blasts give Upper Hunter the shakes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Upper Hunter residents are experiencing mining blasts as powerful as small earthquakes several times a week, independent seismological data shows.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-blasts-give-upper-hunter-the-shakes/2052246.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Jan 2011 02:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1739</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Court action over mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There was no independent assessment of the impacts of the mine expansion as is usually done when increases in impacts and environmental effects are so massive,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/court-action-over-mine/2053471.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Jan 2011 02:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1738</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Clean energy alternatives to allay Big Coals flood of tears</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Melbourne Universitys Zero Carbon Australia plan insists that, using only wind, solar, biomass and hydro, we could be carbon-free by 2020.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/clean-energy-alternatives-to-allay-big-coals-flood-of-tears-20110119-19wj0.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Jan 2011 02:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1737</guid>
			<author>Elizabeth Farrelly - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Planet warms up to a record</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Taken together with other observations, such as accelerating ice melt, increased humidity, more extreme events and rising sea-levels, climate change is progressing at what should be seen as an alarming rate.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/planet-warms-up-to-a-record-20110121-1a00b.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Jan 2011 01:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1736</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>2010 matches record for worlds hottest year</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/2010-matches-record-worlds-hottest-year-wmo-0?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=12f6b5132e-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1735</guid>
			<author>GENEVA (Reuters)</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate change growing risk for insurers: industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In Australia, rising coastal urbanization and a rapidly expanding mining sector means a growing risk of weather-related insurance losses. The government has said the floods since last month are expected to be the nations costliest natural disaster, with damage and reconstruction estimates between $5 billion and $20 billion.

"In some regions of the world, we have already seen changes in the patterns in terms of frequency and intensity of these events," said Ernst Rauch of global reinsurer Munich Re.
Munich Re says the number of weather-related natural catastrophes has more than doubled since 1980]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Climate-change-growing-risk-for-insurers--industry-D9BPA?opendocument&amp;src=rss</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1734</guid>
			<author>Reuters, David Fogarty, Climate Change Correspondent, Asia- Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A mountain of trouble for US coal-</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last Thursday, the EPA sent shock waves through the environmental movement and the coal industry when it announced it was revoking the permit for a huge mountaintop removal mine in West Virginia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/mountain-trouble-us-coal?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=f0714ce34b-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1733</guid>
			<author>Andrew Leonard - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Ahead of the low-carbon curve</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Over the next five years, China expects to raise its total power capacity by a further 50 per cent, and wants its ambitious investments in wind, solar and nuclear projects to raise the share of clean energy sources to one third. Its energy intensity  the amount of emissions it produces for each megawatt hour of electricity  is now lower than Australias.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/ahead-low-carbon-curve?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=f0714ce34b-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1732</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Ports coal rail network worse than expected</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/ports-coal-rail-network-worse-than-expected/story-e6frg8zx-1225991344059</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1731</guid>
			<author>Matt Chambers From The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) explained</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Under the proposed CFI, farmers and landholders will be able to generate credits from projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=2bc35b46-b011-4cd4-8635-f5be940ccf6b&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-01-20</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1730</guid>
			<author>Charmian Barton - DLA Phillips Fox Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Learning from disaster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[we have to act now to implement effective measures to adapt to climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/learning-disaster</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1729</guid>
			<author>Caroline Sullivan - Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Senator Brown says the coal-mining industry should foot the bill</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Senator Brown says the coal-mining industry should foot the bill for the Queensland reconstruction efforts, claiming their operations are partly responsible for the floods. 

"Its the single biggest cause, burning coal, for climate change and it must take its major share of responsibility for the weather events we are seeing unfolding now," he told reporters in Hobart.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Coal-miners-to-blame-for-floods-Brown-D65S9?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp2&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1728</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greening the Red Dragon</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Urbanisation and increasing demand for power are putting enormous pressure on the environment. ... rather than being driven by international treaty and policy requirements, such as the Kyoto Protocol, or by international pressure to take action on climate change, Chinas environmental initiatives are the consequence of a desire to ensure energy security, social stability, and increased competitiveness.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/greening-red-dragon</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1727</guid>
			<author>Mina Guli - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Pennsylvania allows gas drillers to dump pollution into drinking water supplies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/01/pennsylvania-gas-drillers-dump-pollution-drinking-water-supplies/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1726</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Floods steal precious topsoil - and future goes down drain</title>
			<description><![CDATA[When societies exhaust their topsoil, they collapse or are forced to move.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/floods-steal-precious-topsoil--and-future-goes-down-drain-20110109-19jrq.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1725</guid>
			<author>Paul Sheehan - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Methane behind Blakefield mine fire</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It could be some time before Blakefield operated again and the union was working with operator Xstrata to see if men could be moved to other Xstrata mines.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/methane-behind-blakefield-mine-fire/2044617.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1724</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Residents fear coalmine water will pollute rivers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ULAN, Moolarben and Wilpinjong coalmines have been granted temporary variations to their water licences to allow effectively unlimited saline discharges after heavy rain.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-fear-coalmine-water-will-pollute-rivers/2045847.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1723</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mines to expand</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/mines-to-expand/2047602.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1722</guid>
			<author>Di Sneddon - Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunter mine plans approved</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Camberwell &amp; Ravensworth]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-mine-plans-approved/2045848.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1721</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dust blast</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This pollution of the Hunter Valley  this sacrifice of the Hunter Valley to the fossil fuel industry has got to stop.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/dust-blast/2047583.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1720</guid>
			<author>SARAH LEE - Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Boy, 4, is 11th person killed in Queensland floods...</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Extensive Report from UK paper, video, in depth]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1346016/Australiaa-floods-Boy-4-11th-victim-falling-rescue-boat-family-tried-flee.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1719</guid>
			<author>Richard Shears - UK Daily Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Comments wanted on coal mine benchmark draft report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The draft report and details on how to submit a comment can be found at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/air/co alminingNSW.htm]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/comments-wanted-on-coal-mine-benchmark-draft-report/2044043.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1718</guid>
			<author>Di Sneddon - Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Offal spill delays traffic in main street of Muswellbrook</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I think we missed this one.. lol]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/offal-spill-delays-traffic-in-main-street-of-muswellbrook/2033915.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1717</guid>
			<author>Muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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			<title>Coalmine growth threatens to choke villages</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The spokeswoman said the department would consider additional measures following closure of the comments period for report, which is open until February 7.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coalmine-growth-threatens-to-choke-villages/2043463.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1716</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>State nod for third Hunter coal track</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/state-nod-for-third-hunter-coal-track/2044618.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1715</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS - Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillard warns of $13 billion hit to economy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/gillard-warns-of-13-billion-hit-to-economy-20110111-19mry.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1714</guid>
			<author>Peter Martin ECONOMICS CORRESPONDENT - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>All the wrong stars aligned for perfect storms</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia has been known for more than 100 years as a land of droughts and flooding rains, but what climate change means is Australia becomes a land of more droughts and worse flooding rains, David Karoly, from Melbourne Universitys school of earth sciences, said.

Professor Karoly stressed individual events could not be attributed to climate change. But the wild extremes being experienced by the continent were in keeping with scientists forecasts of more flooding associated with increased heavy rain and more droughts as a result of high temperatures and more evaporation.

On some measures its the strongest La Nina in recorded history &amp; [but] we also have record-high ocean temperatures in northern Australia which means more moisture evaporating into the air, he said. And that means lots of heavy rain.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/all-the-wrong-stars-aligned-for-perfect-storms-20110111-19mrr.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1713</guid>
			<author>Bridie Smith - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Its electric: from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds</title>
			<description><![CDATA[With a range of almost 400 kilometres, depending on driving style, that equates to as little as 3¢ per kilometre... will cost at least $206,000 - before on-road costs...can be recharged from a household power point for less than $12.]]></description>
			<link>http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-news/its-electric-from-0-to-100-kmh-in-4-seconds-20110110-19l4i.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1712</guid>
			<author>Barry Park - The Age</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Regulation of CSG in NSW</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Jan 2011 publication]]></description>
			<link>http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/publications.nsf/V3ListRPSubject</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1711</guid>
			<author>NSW Parliament</author>
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			<title>Brisbane residents brace for flood</title>
			<description><![CDATA["With more rain falling it could be months before the floodwaters clear and the extent of the damage to essential infrastructure is known," said J.P. Morgan chief economist Stephen Walters.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/WRAPUP-3-Floods-threaten-Australias-third-biggest--CYH87?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 02:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1710</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>The lights are on, but no ones at home</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the worlds longest alternating current system, extending 5,000 km from far-north Queensland to Tasmania and west to Port Augusta. It is made up of 40,000 km of cables.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Electricity-energy-prices-Martin-Ferguson-energy-pd20110106-CU4XA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1709</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>OFarrell shuts out mining colossus</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THOUSANDS of hectares of pristine wilderness on the edge of south-western Sydney, fought over by mining and environment interests for decades, will be saved and opened to the public as a national park if the NSW Coalition wins government in March.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/ofarrell-shuts-out-mining-colossus-20110107-19isy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1708</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby and Sean Nicholls - SMH</author>
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			<title>A carbon price is not enough</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia must effectively transition its whole energy system to renewable sources as soon as possible.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/carbon-price-not-enough</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1707</guid>
			<author>Leigh Ewbank - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Carrington West (nr Camberwell) mine hold-up</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/carrington-west-mine/2041664.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1706</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>A framework for the Minerals Resource Rent Tax and the expanded Petroleum Resource Rent Tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In Detail]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=75238a25-904f-4e79-a1b1-ef57a565a85e&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2011-01-06</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1705</guid>
			<author>Interpretation by 'Blake Dawson' in Association of Corporate Counsel</author>
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			<title>Carbon farming initiative</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In Detail]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8bbd5605-8724-4a6e-bc97-104443912d0e&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2011-01-07</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1704</guid>
			<author>Interpretation by 'Freehills' in Association of Corporate Counsel</author>
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			<title>Govt releases draft carbon laws for farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government has released draft laws outlining how its carbon offset scheme will work for farmers, forest growers and landholders... credits can be earned by removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in soil or trees]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Labor-releases-carbon-farming-draft-laws-CSCW2?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1703</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Xstrata not sure how long fire will burn</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata is considering redeploying the employees to other Xstrata coal operations until the mine is re-activated.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/xstrata-not-sure-how-long-fire-will-burn/story-e6frf7ko-1225983618407</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1702</guid>
			<author>AAP - Melbourne Herald-Sun</author>
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			<title>Mine on fire</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Blakefield South mine is an extension of the Beltana Mine at Bulga and is a new mine at which operations started last year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/mine-on-fire/2041650.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1701</guid>
			<author>Di Sneddon - Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Xstrata Shuts Coal Mine in Australia After Fire</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-06/xstrata-shuts-coal-mine-in-australia-after-fire-workers-safe.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1700</guid>
			<author>Elisabeth Behrmann - Bloomberg</author>
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			<title>Not enough known on CSG: experts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FEDERAL and State water experts are backing calls by landholders for an urgent study of the potential impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) development on the nations water resources.]]></description>
			<link>http://qcl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/not-enough-known-on-csg-experts/2041815.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1699</guid>
			<author>BRONWYN FARR - Queensland Country Life</author>
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			<title>Inundated coal mines pump residue-tainted water into the floods</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/inundated-coal-mines-pump-residue-tainted-water-into-the-floods/story-e6freoof-1225983758740</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1698</guid>
			<author>AAP - Brisbane Courier Mail</author>
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			<title>Mines permitted to discharge into Queensland floodwaters</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FLOODED mines in Queensland are being allowed to discharge water in the hope the size of the floods will dilute any damaging residues.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/mines-permitted-to-discharge-into-queensland-floodwaters/story-e6frf7jx-1225983752215</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1697</guid>
			<author>AAP - Melbourne Herald-Sun</author>
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			<title>Polluted water under investigation</title>
			<description><![CDATA[authorities are investigating the flow of black coal-fouled water through mangroves and a waterway at Hay Point and into the sea at Dalrymple Bay.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2011/01/06/coal-fouled-water-envirnment-authorities-dalrymple/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1696</guid>
			<author>Bruce Mckean - Mackay Daily Mercury</author>
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			<title>Fear for creeks in Lake mine plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/fear-for-creeks-in-lake-mine-plan/2040244.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1695</guid>
			<author>DAMON CRONSHAW - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Former union boss hits pay dirt with mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/former-union-boss-hits-pay-dirt-with-mine-20101221-194gg.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1694</guid>
			<author>Linton Besser - smh</author>
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			<title>Keneally targeted for power contempt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/keneally-targeted-for-power-contempt-20110102-19d29.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1693</guid>
			<author>Sean Nicholls State Political Editor - smh</author>
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			<title>States flag new mining tax row</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://Annabel Hepworth and Nicolas Perpitch</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 04:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1692</guid>
			<author>Annabel Hepworth and Nicolas Perpitch From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Runaway China puts on brakes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Professor Pettis said China must slow from the growth rates of 8 to 9 per cent over recent years as it reaches the limits of its investment-led export model. It will be very bad for commodity exporters, he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/runaway-china-puts-on-brakes-20101231-19c30.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 04:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1691</guid>
			<author>Ambrose Evans-Pritchard London - smh</author>
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			<title>Tick of Approval</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Environmentalists are devastated following the controversial expansion of two mines near Gloucester.]]></description>
			<link>http://taree.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/tick-of-approval-video</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 02:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1690</guid>
			<author>Prime Video</author>
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			<title>Policy to blame - not mines - says Harvey</title>
			<description><![CDATA[POLITICS - not the actions of mining companies - is the fundamental problem behind issues of competing land use in NSW, says Harvey Norman chairman and Thoroughbred owner-breeder, Gerry Harvey]]></description>
			<link>http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/political/policy-to-blame-not-mines-says-harvey/2035757.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 01:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1689</guid>
			<author>BRONWYN FARR - the land</author>
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			<title>Weekly living costs going/gone - up $100 - 50% increase in fruit &amp; veg</title>
			<description><![CDATA[After floods that have wiped out crops in Queensland and NSW, fruit and vegetable prices are predicted to rise by up to 50 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/lifematters/weekly-living-costs-up-100-20110101-19ciu.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jan 2011 01:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1688</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>QLD flood disaster reaches Biblical proportions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser warned yesterday there would be serious economic consequences from the flood crisis, with costs running beyond $1 billionIn many ways, it is a disaster of biblical proportions, he said from the flood-hit city of Bundaberg.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/qld-flood-disaster-reaches-biblical-proportions-20110101-19cio.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jan 2011 01:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1687</guid>
			<author>Tracey Ferrier ROCKHAMPTON - smh AAP with Erik Jensen</author>
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			<title>Coalition targets NBN over bribes scandal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The two senior men at the NBN along with Senator Conroy, they just cant wipe their hands of this thing. It is too big a program for Australia and transparency finally needs to be applied to the people running this big project.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/coalition-targets-nbn-over-bribes-scandal-20101231-19bzs.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 02:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1686</guid>
			<author>Vanda Carson and Dylan Welch - smh</author>
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			<title>A carbon price is not enough</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Concentrating solar thermal technology will play a large role in Australias future renewable energy mix. The technology uses molten salt storage to provide reliable baseload electricity day and night, all year round. Spain now has several operating plants and many more approved for construction. A 150 MW solar tower project was recently approved by the Californian Energy Commission and will receive millions of dollars worth of federal loan guarantees to ensure construction.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/carbon-price-not-enough</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1685</guid>
			<author>Leigh Ewbank - director of communications for Beyond Zero Emissions</author>
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			<title>S.Korea to spend $US42.6bn on power plants by 2024</title>
			<description><![CDATA[South Korea is expected to generate a third of its electricity from nuclear energy in 2024, compared to 25 per cent this year, according to the statement]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/SKorea-says-to-spend-426-bln-on-power-plants-by-20-CKA2N?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1684</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Floods cause havoc for Qld coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-1-Anglo-American-declares-force-majeure-on--CM5JP?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1683</guid>
			<author>AAP - with Reuters</author>
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			<title>Flooding paralyses coal industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE massive Queensland coal industry is at a standstill as flooding shuts mines, rail lines and ports, causing at least $2 billion in lost production]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad-application/flooding-paralyses-coal-industry/story-fn6bfmgc-1225978976039</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1682</guid>
			<author>the australian</author>
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			<title>Indias hunger for Aussie coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal India is the worlds largest coal producer and recently raised $3.5 billion in Indias largest initial public offering. The company is currently in negotiations with Peabody Energy on a multi-billion dollar deal that could potentially see it gain control of coal mines in Australia and the US.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-Tinto-Griffin-Coal-Riversdale-Coal-India-Adani-pd20101223-CDVVG?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1681</guid>
			<author>Supratim Adhikari</author>
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			<title>Rio declares force majeure on Qld operations</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-floods-Qld-pd20101229-CLAAZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 23:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1680</guid>
			<author>Reuters/AAP, with a staff reporter</author>
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			<title>Weather a dampener on coal exports</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A string of coal companies have already told their customers they cannot deliver as the stockpiles miners build to protect them from wet season disruptions to their mining operations have been exhausted.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/weather-a-dampener-on-coal-exports/story-fn6ck51p-1225978221167</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1679</guid>
			<author>Tony Grant-Taylor From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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			<title>CSG and Coalmines release polluted water</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Mines will be releasing huge amounts of heavy metals into the flood waters and much of this will pile up behind weirs in catchments like the Fitzroy and be a pollution problem for many years," Mr Hutton said.

"Pollutants include dangerous levels of copper, uranium, zinc, aluminium, lead, arsenic, cobalt and nickel.

"Even more worrying, flooding of coal seam gas areas is undoubtedly over-topping holding ponds containing large amounts of salty water.

"Once this salt hits the high clay content black soil plains of the Darling Downs it is likely to destroy the ability of these fields to produce again since salt on soil containing more than 30 per cent clay renders such soil unproductive."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2010/12/29/csg-and-coalmines-release-polluted-water/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1678</guid>
			<author>Kieran Moran - The Observer</author>
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			<title>The mineral scramble that led to some rare alliances</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Most countries have had supplies squeezed as China, the producer of 97 per cent of the worlds rare earth elements, restricted exports this year.

China said this week it would cut exports by a further 11 per cent in the first few months of next year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-mineral-scramble-that-led-to-some-rare-alliances-20101229-19a8k.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1677</guid>
			<author>Ian MacKinnon - smh</author>
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			<title>Weather a dampener on coal exports</title>
			<description><![CDATA[RAIN is playing havoc in Queenslands coalfields, with a queue of 42 ships standing off the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal near Mackay yesterday]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/weather-a-dampener-on-coal-exports/story-fn6ck51p-1225978221167</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1676</guid>
			<author>Tony Grant-Taylor From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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			<title>Wambo Homestead to be upgraded</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Pearson said that application does not alter the obligation on Wambo Coal to conduct the above maintenance works as required by the existing development consent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/wambo-homestead-to-be-upgraded/2031265.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1675</guid>
			<author>Di Sneddon - Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Climate change taints a good cuppa from the tea gardens of Assam</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Climate change is affecting the cultivation of Assam tea. Rising temperatures are reducing yields and altering the distinctive flavour of Indias most popular drink, researchers say.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/climate-change-taints-a-good-cuppa-from-the-tea-gardens-of-assam-20101228-199ci.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1674</guid>
			<author>Amarjyoti Borah - Guardian News & Media</author>
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			<title>Chinas repressive business reach</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What financial markets appear not to appreciate is that China is controlled by an exceedingly secretive central authority known as the Chinese Communist Party. Companies that many in the West consider private, which are listed on exchanges around the world, are, in fact, controlled by The Party. All senior executives are appointed by The Party. The Board of Directors is determined by The Party. The Party has its own political committee inside every private entity of consequence. And if The Party does not like your business strategy, you will change it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-financial-markets-Communist-Party-pd20101222-CD647?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1673</guid>
			<author>Christopher Joye</author>
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			<title>The Shanghai spill-over</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas share market fell by 1.7 per cent yesterday, its fifth consecutive decline as investors sold off shares in banks and property companies on concerns that Chinas central bank is getting serious about raising interest rates to tackle inflation. The latest fall left the Shanghai Composite Index at its lowest level in almost three months.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-interest-rates-Shanghai-Composite-ASX-Nikkei-pd20101229-CKT2R?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1672</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hold-up for mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal &amp; Allied has proposed mining on alluvial river plains.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/holdup-for-mine/2034833.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1671</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine blast rattles residents</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Shaken Camberwell residents have called for an end to the self-regulation of mine blasting following an explosion that smashed crockery and knocked a clock off the wall.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mine-blast-rattles-residents/2034871.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1670</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Green light for Duralie mine plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE federal government has approved the controversial expansion of the Duralie open-cut mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/green-light-for-duralie-mine-plan/2034456.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1669</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY ENVIRONMENT REPORTER newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Struggling Labor faces hot summer</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/struggling-labor-faces-hot-summer/story-e6frg6zo-1225975616195</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Dec 2010 00:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1668</guid>
			<author>Peter van Onselen, Contributing editor From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Labors hollow new year</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Labor-Liberal-Rudd-Gillard-Abbott-Arbib-pd20101223-CE5AV?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1667</guid>
			<author>Bernard Keane & Crikey: Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australias China cliffhanger</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As we head into 2011, the biggest cliffhanger for Australia is whether China will be able bring its inflationary threat under control, or whether rising food and energy prices will unleash a fresh wave of social unrest.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-inflation-interest-rates-bad-debts-pd20101224-CERYV?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1666</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Nikes run-away China costs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a sharp rise in the prices of low-end consumer goods is likely to result in a severe erosion in the purchasing power of western consumers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Nike-cotton-commodities-China-pd20101223-CDSF3?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1665</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Our limited carbon price options</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Finally, a higher carbon price will result in larger revenues to the federal Treasury. Instead of providing compensation to big polluters for the losses in the value of their high carbon-emitting assets, it would be economically preferable to use the carbon revenue to provide these companies with the capital to invest in lower-carbon emitting assets. In most cases these lower-carbon emitting assets are much more efficient and will actually save companies money. This is completely in line with the advice Ross Garnaut gave the federal government when it paid him to report on the costs and benefits of reducing carbon emissions in Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/our-limited-carbon-price-options?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=2c915b3017-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1664</guid>
			<author>Michael Molitor</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Inquiry into NSW power sell-off to begin today</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/inquiry-nsw-power-sell-begin-today?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=226df2d636-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1663</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Living on the edge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Deltas are areas of land formed from sediment where a river flows into the sea or another body of water. They are home to more than half the worlds population and many of its most valuable assets... "Deltas already have high vulnerability - high flood risk, weather extremes. With climate change, these get worse."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/living-edge?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=226df2d636-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1662</guid>
			<author>Olivia Boyd</author>
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			<title>Greens to push for lift in MRRT levy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Greens also want the government to scrap the plan to allow mining companies to offset their payments of state royalties against the MRRT, using the revenue instead to finance a sovereign wealth fund for social spending.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Greens-to-fight-for-40-mining-tax-report-pd20101222-CDMG9?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 21:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1661</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Fight to keep mines out of Denman</title>
			<description><![CDATA[These same people are happy to sacrifice their neighbours to the God of Coal until they are reminded to do so. In Yarrawa and Wybong we dont want no more coal anything.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/fight-to-keep-mines-out-of-denman/2028569.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1660</guid>
			<author>JAMIE FAKES</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Plan against Muswellbrook coal development</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Thoroughbred breeders across the Hunter have united behind a 10-Point Plan of Action to restore balance between mining and other industries in the region.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/plan-against-muswellbrook-coal-development/2028529.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1659</guid>
			<author>Brooke Lees</author>
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		<item>
			<title>New skills centre in Muswellbrook</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The new centre was built in close consultation with the mining industry with focus on training in the engineering and automotive trades.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-skills-centre-in-muswellbrook/2028604.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1658</guid>
			<author>Jamie Fakes</author>
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			<title>Labor wont co-operate on power sale inquiry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a clear attempt.. to try to silence witnesses. Its a clear attempt in my view to try to discourage people from attending this inquiry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/labor-wont-cooperate-on-power-sale-inquiry/2033287.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1657</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Denial of democracy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal, personally tried to stop the upper-house inquiry into the controversial electricity sale before the Premier stepped in yesterday and ordered that Parliament be shut down two months earlier than planned.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/denial-of-democracy-20101222-195mv.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1656</guid>
			<author>Alexandra Smith and Brian Robins</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillards caught in her own tax trap</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Julia Gillard and Wayne Swan are now caught in a trap of their own making. In their haste to end the damaging campaign by the big miners against the resource super profits tax they provided an assurance they couldnt deliver and now their own expert advisers on the minerals resource rent tax regime that displaced the RSPT have sided against them.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gillards-caught-in-her-own-tax-trap-pd20101221-CC7CA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1655</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Govt urged to credit royalties in tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Policy Transition Group (PTG) has recommended that all current and future state and territory royalties should be credited against the federal governments planned mineral resource rent tax (MRRT).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Mining-tax-recommendations-released-pd20101221-CC4P8?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1654</guid>
			<author>staff reporter, with Reuters/AAP</author>
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			<title>Nature council challenges Cobbora mine with ACCC</title>
			<description><![CDATA[two potential breaches of the Trades Practices Act that would result in a substantial lessening of competition.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/nature-council-challenges-cobbora-mine-accc?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=d5eb3fc7dd-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1653</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Julia Gillard to pay for sloppy tax deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the signed agreement between the parties which stipulates: "All state and territory royalties will be creditable against the resources tax liability.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/opinion/the-miners-will-use-an-error-in-wording-to-make-the-most-of-the-situation/story-e6frg9if-1225974660936</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1652</guid>
			<author>Peter van Onselen, Contributing editor From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Port risk too great</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CONSERVATIONISTS say Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe should reject Xstratas Balaclava Island Coal Port as the area is far too environmentally sensitive.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2010/12/21/port-risk-too-great/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1651</guid>
			<author>Kieran Moran - The Observer</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Supers High Court showdown</title>
			<description><![CDATA[an event happened that has the potential to blow Australias $1.4 trillion compulsory superannuation scheme apart. The High Court decided it would hear a constitutional challenge to the validity of the Superannuation Guarantee Act (SGA). 
The case has to be taken seriously. The fact that the High Court agreed to hear the challenge means the Court considers theres constitutional doubt that needs resolving.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australian-Taxation-Office-Cooper-Bill-Shorten-pd20101220-CB2ZQ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1650</guid>
			<author>Ken Phillips</author>
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			<title>Conroys creative NBN accounting</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The nominal value of the governments concessions alone would lift the potential taxpayer peak exposure to the network to almost exactly the $43 billion Rudd and Conroy originally estimated the NBN would cost. Its certainly a lot more than the $4.7 billion taxpayer commitment in Labors original fibre-to-the-node plan]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Stephen-Conroy-Julia-Gillard-broadband-NBN-pd20101220-CB6XA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1649</guid>
			<author>Steven Bartholomeuz</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Adelaide EV station offers free power</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An electric vehicle charging station has been installed in Adelaide, offering electric car owners free power.... can handle two cars at a time...the station was powered by an Australian-developed fuel cell... power produced with low emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/adelaide-ev-station-offers-free-power?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=aec2157c85-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1648</guid>
			<author>AAP - with Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>From Big Oil to Big Solar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - Texas has long been home to Big Oil companies that specialise in extracting petroleum from hard-to-reach places. Now the hip college town of Austin is vying to become the epicenter of a potentially giant market for carbon-free electricity generated by the hot Texas sun.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/big-oil-big-solar?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=aec2157c85-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1647</guid>
			<author>Chris Baltimore</author>
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			<title>Queensland Premier pitches for big miners on tax row with feds</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Miners found an ally on Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, who declared on Monday that the federal government needs to honour its royalty deal with BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata, regardless of the contentious issue on the agreements time frame.]]></description>
			<link>http://hken.ibtimes.com/articles/93615/20101220/queensland-premier-pitches-for-big-miners-on-tax-row-with-feds.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1646</guid>
			<author>Ricky Roxas International Businesss Times</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners warning over native title payments</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BHP Billiton has warned that arrangements to develop resources projects, which often involve "very large" native title payments, could be distorted if the deals are not exempted from the MRRT.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/miners-warning-over-native-title-payments/story-fn59niix-1225973582254</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1645</guid>
			<author>Annabel Hepworth From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Gillard to take mining tax to COAG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ms Gillard will renege on her promise that coal and iron ore companies facing the MRRT will be allowed to offset state mining royalties against their exposure to the tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/gillard-to-take-mining-tax-to-coag/story-fn59niix-1225974171014</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1644</guid>
			<author>Matthew Franklin and Amanda O'Brien From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chief quits clean coal project, citing inaction</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE internationally renowned scientist recruited by the Queensland government to head its clean coal research has resigned last month.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/chief-quits-clean-coal-project-citing-inaction/story-e6frg6xf-1225974140201</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1643</guid>
			<author>Andrew Fraser From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dont let Bylong become bygone</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Craig Shaw, interim secretary of the Bylong Valley Protection Alliance, said landowners in the region were opposed to the mine, which was proposing to produce about 5 million tonnes of coal a year.

He said it would "run across some of the best agricultural land in the Valley".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/dont-let-bylong-become-bygone/2029812.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1642</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunter coalmine dust breaches</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Department of Environment summary report released this month said of the breaches the Planning Department identified, 13 per cent were ranked "code orange" in a risk matrix, which was "still a significant risk of harm to the environment" but a "lower priority".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-coalmine-dust-breaches-low-risk/2029814.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1641</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS STATE POLITICS - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Child porn decision a bad look for MPs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Parliament has made an unwise and unfortunate decision not to refer evidence to the police that MPs or their staff may have accessed child pornography.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/child-porn-decision-a-bad-look-for-mps-20101220-1930u.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1640</guid>
			<author>George Williams is the Anthony Mason Professor of law at the University of NSW.</author>
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		<item>
			<title>WAG Submission on Wambo</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Clearly the claim of undue economic hardship due to the Heritage Listing is fanciful in the extreme and is made as a knowing contempt of the provision. The claim (designed to subvert continuance of a lawful Heritage Listing) is entirely without substance or merit.]]></description>
			<link>http://xstratamangoola.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/34023694/Wambo.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1639</guid>
			<author>WAG</author>
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			<title>Colonial heritage undermined by big coal interests</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wambo Coal, owned by the American giant Peabody and Japans Sumiseki, has applied to the NSW Heritage Council for permission to demolish the homestead on the basis that the company will suffer undue financial hardship if it must sacrifice coal to protect it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/colonial-heritage-undermined-by-big-coal-interests-20101220-1935u.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1638</guid>
			<author>Debra Jopson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas waning appetite for inflation</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Beijings obvious reluctance to raise interest rates is fuelling speculation that China faces an even greater problem than rising prices - and thats the level of bad debts in its banking system.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-inflation-interest-rates-Mingkang-Xiaochuan-pd20101220-CAS9S?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1637</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>the revolution will be televised</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the NBNs business, which will probably not be spelt out clearly in the business plan today, is video delivery.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-Conroy-bit-torrent-NetFlix-broadband-pd20101220-CARWF?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1636</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Bligh backs miners in royalties dispute</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ms Bligh said that "royalty means its royalty now, and royalty into the future", putting her at odds with Treasury Secretary Ken Henry in the fight over the levy. 

Ms Bligh has also clarified that the states will reserve their right to lift their level of royalties, regardless of any federal deal on the proposed tax]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Bligh-backs-miners-in-royalties-dispute-report-pd20101220-CAQS7?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp2&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1635</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Rally against Sydneys St Peters gas exploration</title>
			<description><![CDATA[New rules governing coal seam gas exploration in NSW have come too late for residents of inner-Sydney St Peters, where drilling has already been approved.

About 100 campaigners, including residents and farmers, rallied near the St Peters drilling site on Sunday to protest against the revised legislation which they claim fails to protect agricultural land and aquifers]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/campaigners-rally-against-nsw-gas-exploration?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=86490f1c10-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1634</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>China rising</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China is a giant in both carbon emissions and low-carbon technologies - the worlds largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) as well as the largest market for wind turbines and the largest manufacturer of solar PV]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/china-rising?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=86490f1c10-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1633</guid>
			<author>Robert Clover</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Cancún or cantcún? Summary of COP 16</title>
			<description><![CDATA[summary of progress (or lack thereof) on key international issues]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=76e162d4-5542-4fc5-93e4-d45519edbdb9&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-12-20</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1632</guid>
			<author>Reed Smith LLP</author>
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			<title>Land access and compensation changes for mining exploration tenements</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Queensland Government]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=604f41d6-9fa9-4153-8802-d13c0c51be61&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+body+-+general+section&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2010-12-20</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1631</guid>
			<author>Hopgood Ganim Laywers</author>
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			<title>The illusion of clean coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA["FACTORIES of death" is how James Hansen, a crusading American scientist, describes power stations that burn coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.economist.com/node/13235041?story_id=13235041</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1630</guid>
			<author>the economist</author>
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			<title>Queenslands coal project turns to dust</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a major blow to the states carbon reduction strategy, the Government will give away the state-owned company ZeroGen and scrap its planned $4.3 billion clean coal power station in central Queensland...."The Queensland Government cannot have its cake and eat it too, profiting from exports while being unwilling to invest in the R&D necessary to reduce emissions," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/queenslands-coal-project-turns-to-dust/story-e6frf7l6-1225973323935</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1629</guid>
			<author>Patrick Lion From: The Sunday Mail (Qld)</author>
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			<title>Betrayed miners get set for war over tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining giants BHP Billiton, Xstrata and Rio Tinto are convinced Labor is preparing to double-cross them a second time by refusing to honour an agreement to offset "all" state royalties as part of the new minerals tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/betrayed-miners-get-set-for-war-over-tax/story-e6frg9df-1225972993719</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1628</guid>
			<author>Dennis Shanahan and Matthew Franklin From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>NSW gas exploration laws too late for some as inner-Sydney residents protest drilling</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/nsw-gas-exploration-laws-too-late-for-some-as-inner-sydney-residents-protest-drilling/story-fn3dxiwe-1225973482633</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1627</guid>
			<author>AAP - the australian</author>
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			<title>Communities given voice in gas drilling</title>
			<description><![CDATA[gas drilling companies will have to submit proposed work plans detailing environmental impacts and what chemicals would be used during extraction..... &amp; made public before any drilling begins.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/communities-given-voice-in-gas-drilling-20101218-191bw.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1626</guid>
			<author>Heath Aston</author>
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			<title>Australias prosperity illusion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-economy-resources-mining-investment-pd20101213-C464Q?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1625</guid>
			<author>Amy Auster</author>
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			<title>NSW Government releases latest mine performance stats</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There has been a three-fold increase in the number of enforcement actions taken against coal mines by the NSW Department of Planning in the past year]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/15/3093394.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1624</guid>
			<author>ABC news</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Locked out of lending</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Older borrowers, the self employed seeking lo doc loans and retirees looking to access a reverse mortgage, may find their access to credit reduced]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Senate-banking-interest-rates-ANZ-CBA-NAB-WBC-pd20101213-C456D?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1623</guid>
			<author>Deborah Ralston</author>
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			<title>Abbotts shot at the Lodge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Both Oakeshott and fellow independent Tony Windsor have been told in no uncertain terms by their electorates that backing Julia Gillard was not what the voters expected.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Tony-Abbott-Rob-Oakeshott-politics-Julia-Gillard-pd20101215-C69FH?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1622</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottleibsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Angry miners prepare ad campaign</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Angry-miners-prepare-ad-campaign-report-pd20101217-C8LXW?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp2&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1621</guid>
			<author>the australian</author>
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			<title>Setback for Caroona coal group</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/setback-for-caroona-coal-group/2026897.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1620</guid>
			<author>Northern Daily Leader</author>
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			<title>MRRT Tax Stunk from its Inception</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The MRRT deal was made with three large multi-national, multi commodity companies, and not with the industry as a whole. The signed agreement between the three companies and the Government has not been made public despite numerous requests for the Government to share this information with the mining industry and the Australian public."..Mr Bennison claimed that there was no mandate for the three companies like BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata to represent the rest of the industry in any discussions, or enter into a heads of agreement on behalf of the industry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.steelguru.com/raw_material_news/Resource_super_profit_tax_-_AMEC_continues_to_push_anti_mining_tax_barrow/181309.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1619</guid>
			<author>Steel Guru</author>
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			<title>Betrayed miners to revive campaign</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MINING companies are planning a damaging new advertising campaign against the government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad-application/betrayed-miners-to-revive-campaign/story-fn6bfmgc-1225972984404</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1618</guid>
			<author>the australian</author>
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			<title>Ravensworth North open cut coal mine approved</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://crusherhome.blogspot.com/2010/12/xstrata-to-invest-136bn-in-australian.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1617</guid>
			<author>coal crusher</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine royalties row puts investment at risk</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/15/3093477.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1616</guid>
			<author>ABC news</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Begins Search for New Chairman to Replace Strothotte</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Zug, Switzerland-based company hired recruitment firm Egon Zehnder International SpA to look for possible candidates, the person said, declining to be identified because the matter is confidential.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-14/xstrata-begins-search-for-new-chairman-to-replace-strothotte.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1615</guid>
			<author>bloomberg</author>
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			<title>Mining tax deal will be resolved: Swan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Government has signed an agreement stating all royalties will be refunded under the new tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/14/3093247.htm?section=justin</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1614</guid>
			<author>ABC news</author>
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			<title>Miners want clarity over new tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Gillard promised the unconstitutional !]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/14/3092764.htm?section=justin</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1613</guid>
			<author>ABC news</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Launches Boardroom Shake-Up</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://blogs.news.sky.com/kleinman/Post:6b6f17a3-132e-4b35-85cb-9c45815a3e80</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1612</guid>
			<author>Mark Kleinmann - skynews</author>
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		<item>
			<title>All royalties sealed mining tax deal for Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata posturing]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/13/3092248.htm?section=justin</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1611</guid>
			<author>ABC news</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas a risk: JPMorgan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One of the worlds leading investment banks has poured cold water on Queenslands emerging $50 billion coal seam gas industry]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/coal-seam-gas-a-risk-jpmorgan-20101215-18xzw.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1610</guid>
			<author>AAP - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Cancun strategy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Cancun outcomes]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=06e7190e-0427-422c-8707-54165baab3d0&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-12-17</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1609</guid>
			<author>Freehills</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Breaking oils grip</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian economy will be importing 80 per cent of its oil by 2015, which means we will be forking out as much as $66 billion for imported oil per year from 2015]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/breaking-oils-grip</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1608</guid>
			<author>Matthew Wright</author>
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		<item>
			<title>WHITE ENERGY SIGNS OPTION TO ACQUIRE TWO SIGNIFICANT COAL DEPOSITS IN NEW SOUTH</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.whiteenergyco.com/documents/option_to_acquire_two_signific_attachment_1.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1607</guid>
			<author>ASX</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Indigenous leader shows Oprah third-world conditions in NT communities</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Oprah has come here and she has chosen to close her eyes to the needs of Australias first people, the indigenous Australians and gone along with all the pomp and ceremony thats been offered to her.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/indigenous-leader-shows-oprah-third-world-conditions-in-nt-camps/story-e6frfmyi-1225970842679</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1606</guid>
			<author>Daniela Elser, Entertainment Editor, news.com</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Only a small part of our good fortune is down to minerals</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/only-a-small-part-of-our-good-fortune-is-down-to-minerals-20101214-18wqm.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 01:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1605</guid>
			<author>Ross Gittins - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australia left behind after Cancun</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This is the first time weve seen the US together with China and all other major emitters anchoring their national pollution targets in a formal UN agreement.... Australia risks being left behind the emerging low pollution economy]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/australia-left-behind-after-cancun-campaigners?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=762af865a5-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1604</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Breaking oils grip</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A $US200 per barrel oil price by mid-decade is consistent with Beyond Zero Emissions internal analysis and will have massive economic consequences for Australia..... The Australian economy will be importing 80 per cent of its oil by 2015, which means we will be forking out as much as $66 billion for imported oil per year from 2015... Although this huge figure is equivalent to a quarter of the Australian federal budget, federal and state energy ministers refuse to acknowledge it, despite several years of trying to bring these facts to their attention.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/breaking-oils-grip?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=762af865a5-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1603</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Audits and inspections to increase</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Dust pollution from coal mines in the Hunter Valley has been a catalyst for the new policy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/audits-and-inspections-to-increase-20101206-18mxy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1602</guid>
			<author>Harvey Grennan - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tinklers $25m Coalworks deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tony Maher, general president of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Unions energy division, said the coal industry was in the grip of profiteers.

These guys are buying and selling mining tenements. Theyre real estate transactions rather than mining. Its a monopoly game for these people, Mr Maher said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/tinklers-25m-coalworks-deal/2017966.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1601</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD - newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Residents concerned about Tahmoor Colliery plans</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata set to anniahialate Tahmoor Residents]]></description>
			<link>http://macarthur-chronicle-wollondilly.whereilive.com.au/news/story/residents-concerned-about-tahmoor-colliery-plans/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1600</guid>
			<author>Ben Pike - Macarthur Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australias power outage</title>
			<description><![CDATA[with the privatisation and disaggregation of the industry over the past 15 years, long-term planning for major electricity infrastructure has all but stopped.... there is no cohesive plan on what the mix of renewable plants will be, where such plants will be located and what supporting infrastructure will be required.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/australias-power-outage?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=a7d4f679bd-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1599</guid>
			<author>Andrew Dyer</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Our last NBN hope</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the internationally verified key to competition is to invite all forms of competitive broadband infrastructure, often using joint technologies...The big story in the information sector is generating competition between all four sources of broadband  copper (ADSL), wireless (mobiles and satellite), fibre and HFC cable. Which one works for you depends where you are, what you have already and what you wish to spend to upgrade...It would be surprising if the Federal Court and eventually the High Court would not rule against establishing an NBN monopoly by euthanising cable and copper.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1598</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1598</guid>
			<author>Michael Porter</author>
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			<title>MP linked to prostitutes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/mp-linked-to-prostitutes-20101206-18mxe.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1597</guid>
			<author>Geesche Jacobsen - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal-loader idea divides community</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coalloader-idea-divides-community/2015213.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1596</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farting Central Coast kids put wind up bureaucrat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The department occupational health and safety officer issued a notice after inspecting a classroom and finding a primary school teacher had not provided cross-ventilation to take into account children passing wind.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/farting-central-coast-kids-put-wind-up-bureaucrat/2016863.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1595</guid>
			<author>JOANNE MCCARTHY - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate Camp activists arrested at Bayswater</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/climate-camp-activists-arrested-at-bayswater/2016927.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1594</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY- newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate Camp 2010</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Arrests at Antienne Rail Unloader]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuwD1E9NVf8</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1593</guid>
			<author>Climate Camp 2010</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate Camp 2010</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Action at Ravensworth]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9itpLiWQsw4</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1592</guid>
			<author>Climate Camp 2010</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Climate Camp 2010</title>
			<description><![CDATA[March &amp; Action at Antienne Rail]]></description>
			<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9itpLiWQsw4&amp;feature=player_embedded</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1591</guid>
			<author>Climate Camp 2010</author>
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		<item>
			<title>National Water Commission urges caution on Coal Seam Gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Commission takes the view that mining activities should operate under the same rules as other water users, said Ms Munro.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nwc.gov.au/www/html/2958-coal-seam-gas.asp?intSiteID=1</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1590</guid>
			<author>NWC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Coal Seam Gas and water challenge: National Water Commission position</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Principles for managing CSG and water]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nwc.gov.au/www/html/2959-coal-seam-gas.asp?intSiteID=1</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1589</guid>
			<author>NWC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mt Pleasant opposition</title>
			<description><![CDATA[All just making noises as the project can proceed on its original approval.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/mt-pleasant-opposition/2009089.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1588</guid>
			<author>Muswellbrook Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>wetland warriors celebrate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ONE of the states last remaining wild rivers, linking a World Heritage area and the biggest water bird wetland in NSW, was spared because the NSW Planning Department deployed the precautionary principle.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/vindicated-wetland-warriors-celebrate-20101128-18cfk.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1587</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - environmental editor- smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>WA coal mine takes a step forward</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Underground operations for the mines will range from approximately 100 to 850 metres in depth and produce coking coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/wa-coal-mine-takes-a-step-forward?utm_source=20101201&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletters</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1586</guid>
			<author>Australian Mining</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate Camp activists arrested at Bayswater</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Pictures of Sundays Protest and Action. Coalmining companies like Xstrata are eating up the landscapes of the Hunter Valley and Gunnedah Basin and contributing to the regions place as one of the global hot spots of greenhouse gas pollution, she said.

There is a large and growing movement of ordinary people concerned about the impacts of coal  not only climate change, but loss of agricultural land, impacts on water, damage to peoples health, and environmental destruction.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/climate-camp-activists-arrested-at-bayswater/2016927.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1585</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY- newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Margaret River Mine Proposal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[EIS for Margaret River mining]]></description>
			<link>http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/EIA/referralofProp-schemes/pages/referral.aspx?lid=15</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1584</guid>
			<author>EPA- WA</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NSW must audit mining royalties better</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Auditor-General has called for an overhaul in the way the state government collects mining royalties, saying taxpayers are being shortchanged by millions of dollars.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/nsw-must-audit-mining-royalties-better-20101130-18eon.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1583</guid>
			<author>AAP - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Upper Hunter gas community group disbanded</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Bulga Community Consultative Committee disbanded by Ministerial Proclamation]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/upper-hunter-gas-community-group-disbanded/2011406.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1582</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Activists charged for break-in at mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Two activists from Camp for Climate Action 2010 chained themselves to a conveyor belt that transports coal to the Bayswater power station at about 9.30am (AEDT) on Saturday.
Police Rescue arrived and after a three-hour operation the men were removed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/activists-charged-for-breakin-at-mine-20101204-18khm.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1581</guid>
			<author>AAP - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Carbon Farming Initiative</title>
			<description><![CDATA[22 November, the Government formally released its Consultation Paper on the design of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=88dae7b3-6ebd-43c0-8f50-d09d09b88652&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-12-01</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1580</guid>
			<author>Norton Rose International Legal</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The timing of implementation, and ultimate form, of any Australian carbon reduction scheme or tax is at this stage a complete unknown.

However if and when such a scheme or tax is finally implemented, there is a very real possibility that there may be direct or indirect adverse impacts on Australian mining projects in the form of additional costs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=b42fbee5-6ef1-4ea8-b839-c61793b4322a&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-12-01</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1579</guid>
			<author>Corrs Chambers Westgarth</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mining tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The MRRT also faces legal challenges. There is significant doubt over whether the Federal Government has the constitutional power to make the MRRT law. There is a very real possibility that, even if the MRRT is introduced, it may face legal challenges based on constitutional grounds.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=2d52dfb5-0fce-4fc0-922b-9205315911fc&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-12-01</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1578</guid>
			<author>Corrs Chambers Westgarth</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The road from Copenhagen: will Cancun be a milestone or a crossroads-</title>
			<description><![CDATA[main issues]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e23ce85a-d0ef-4394-a865-0782807c3b1e&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-29</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1577</guid>
			<author>Herbert Smith LLP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NSW Mining Act amendments</title>
			<description><![CDATA[with effect from 15 November 2010, the uncommenced provisions of the Mining Amendment Act 2008, except for 23 specific provisions which are listed in the Proclamation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/sessionalview/sessional/sr/2010-617.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1576</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Scores arrested at NSW power plant protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Im disappointed that the organisers of Climate Camp 2010 failed to maintain the agreement which they developed with police and mine operators."

Supt Organ added that organisers could not control the various groups they had brought together and police would keep this in mind in future events of this type.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/scores-arrested-at-nsw-power-plant-protest-20101205-18l2c.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1575</guid>
			<author>AAP - smh</author>
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			<title>Climate activists shut down Australian coal conveyor</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Camp for Climate Action protesters chained themselves by their necks, stopping movement of coal for more than two hours, group spokeswoman Ellen Roberts said. They were cut free by police and arrested, and the belt restarted.]]></description>
			<link>http://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFB27573220101204</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1574</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Africa</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Activists protest against Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Two activists have chained themselves to a conveyor belt at a Hunter Valley coal mine in New South Wales bringing operations to a standstill]]></description>
			<link>http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=547629&amp;vId=</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1573</guid>
			<author>Skynews</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Confusion over land class for mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An Xstrata Cal spokesperson said unfortunately, the use of a variety of different land-classification systems has created confusion in the discussion of land quality and rehabilitation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/story/2010/12/03/confusion-over-land-class-for-mine/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1572</guid>
			<author>Russel Guse - Central Telegraph</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners Declare Force Majeure on Unseasonal Rains in Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-12-03/miners-declare-force-majeure-on-unseasonal-rains-in-australia.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1571</guid>
			<author>bloomberg</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Royalties critical to miner tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[According to a government website on the MRRT, "all state and territory royalties will be creditable against the resources tax liability".

But that was later thrown into doubt, after Resources Minister Martin Ferguson said any royalty rate increase not scheduled before May 2 this year would not be creditable.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/royalties-critical-to-miner-tax/story-e6frfh4f-1225964761365</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1570</guid>
			<author>Xavier La Canna From: Herald Sun</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Margaret River WA : coal mine takes a step forward</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Vasse Coal project, LD Operations (LDO), submitted their proposal to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/wa-coal-mine-takes-a-step-forward?utm_source=20101201&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletters</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1569</guid>
			<author>Australian Mining</author>
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		<item>
			<title>SA to set emissions limit for new coal-fired power plants</title>
			<description><![CDATA[South Australia will set a carbon emissions limit for new electricity production that will prevent the future construction of coal-fired power plants in the state]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/sa-set-emissions-limit-new-coal-fired-power-plants?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=7067c51402-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1568</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas risky rates gamble</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the countrys inflation rate, which jumped 4.4 per cent in October, largely due to a 10.1 per cent surge in food prices. Most economists expect that Novembers inflation figure will be even higher.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-interest-rates-inflation-yuan-dollar-pd20101202-BQS2M?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1567</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>ASICs still groping in the dark</title>
			<description><![CDATA[regulators are still groping in the dark as they try to come to terms with the increasing use of high-frequency and algorithmic trading strategies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/ASIC-ASX-Chi-X-Nomura-high-frequency-algo-pd20101201-BQ32D?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1566</guid>
			<author>Steven Bartholomeuz</author>
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			<title>Carbon capture project launched in Qld</title>
			<description><![CDATA["If the trial is successful and carbon storage sites are identified, this PCC technology has the potential to lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from not only Tarong Power Station, but also from other coal-fired generators throughout Queensland and Australia," Mr Carpenter said. 

The technology is expected to take about 15 years to commercialise.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-capture-project-launched-in-Qld-BR8MZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1565</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Food supply vulnerable: govt report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A new report from the Prime Ministers Science, Engineering and Innovation Council warns that while Australia may presently have an abundance of food, the future supply is far too vulnerable]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Think-big-on-food-experts-BQQHX?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1564</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China hydro push may slow wind, solar growth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-hydro-push-may-slow-wind-solar-growth--media-BQDQM?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1563</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Govt scales down solar subsidies a year early</title>
			<description><![CDATA[subsidies for solar photo voltaic panels fall from $6200 to $5000.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Solar-subsidies-scaled-down-a-year-early-BQB8B?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1562</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Reading between Rio Tintos lines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[remarks from Albanese caught my attention. First he expects a China slow down and thinks it this in the best long term interests of Rio Tinto and Australia. 
Second, between 2011 and 2013 there is likely to be a substantial fall in the iron ore price. Albanese is confident about the fall..
there is a strong swing to gas power generation in the US which will hold back the demand of uranium until the decade beginning 2018. BHP Billiton has a similar view to Rio Tinto on the uranium outlook]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-Tinto-BHP-Billiton-MRRT-Gillard-Albanese-pd20101202-BR5RP?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1561</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottleibsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Time to get serious about cutting emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[You would think that our leaders  political, corporate &amp; NGO  had got the message, .. that human-induced climate change is a serious threat to our future ... and must be addressed with decisive action. 
But that is where it ends,,, virtually nothing has been done to address escalating global carbon emissions  Australias actual emissions continue to rise rapidly and there is little prospect of that changing any time soon.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/time-get-serious-about-cutting-emissions?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=7067c51402-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1560</guid>
			<author>Ian Dunlop</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate deaths more than double in 2010</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Climate-related disasters killed 21,000 people in the first nine months of this year, more than double the number in 2009, the humanitarian organization Oxfam reported on Monday]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/climate-deaths-more-double-2010-oxfam?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=02d99b0f8f-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1559</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Govt may phase in MRRT for small miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Govt-may-phase-in-MRRT-for-small-miners-report-pd20101201-BPR2T?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1558</guid>
			<author>Reuters with staff reporter</author>
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			<title>Boom should be used to boost savings: RBA</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The commodities boom should be used to increase national savings and the focus on boosting productivity should not be lost,Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Glenn Stevens says.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Boom-should-be-used-to-boost-savings-RBA-BNDPX?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1557</guid>
			<author>AAP - with staff reporter</author>
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			<title>Gillards gas problem</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Victoria, NSW (including the ACT) and Queensland now consume 176,000 gigawatt hours of power a year. The industry forecast is that they will require 206,000 GWh by 2018-19.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gillards-gas-problem-pd20101202-BQTPA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1556</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
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			<title>Will Australia follow Ireland-</title>
			<description><![CDATA[You have to wonder what it will take for serious people to realize that punishing the populace for the bankers sins is worse than a crime;]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Will-Australia-follow-Ireland-pd20101129-BMSBP?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1555</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Conroy and the NBN fast-talkers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the $25 million NBN implementation study couldnt test any fast broadband alternative]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-broadband-Telstra-TLS-Turnbull-Conroy-pd20101201-BQ433?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1554</guid>
			<author>Andrew Harris</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Conroys NBN health hustle</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Why, Mr Speaker, does the government involve key stakeholders in the design of e-health services, but refuses to consult on the design of the NBN with the 22 million stakeholders who are paying for it-]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Stephen-Conroy-NBN-broadband-internet-Turnbull-pd20101202-BQRRC?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1553</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NBN noise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Gillard and Conroy will need to pay close attention to the ACCCs objections.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BREAKFAST-DEALS-pd20101130-BNRAX?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1552</guid>
			<author>Supratim Adhikari</author>
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			<title>Labor downplays critical report on NBN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ahead of the vote, the study found the claimed benefits of a national broadband network have been "grossly overstated", and accuses the federal government of misusing research to build the case for it]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-benefits-grossly-overstated-study-BMQP4?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1551</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>China out of control</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the country is now faced with a serious inflation problem, and that the Chinese authorities need to move quickly to prevent price rises getting out of control, and inflaming social tensions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-debt-crisis-interest-rates-commodities-infla-pd20101126-BJRW8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 01:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1550</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Coal mine cops flak from farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/story/2010/11/26/xstrata-is-killing-our-community-says-farmer-mine-/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1549</guid>
			<author>Russel Guse - Central Telegraph</author>
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			<title>Environmental offenders in Qld to be shamed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[(new legislation) includes a Monetary Benefit Order to require an offender to pay back any financial benefit from cutting environmental corners, as well as a Public Benefit Order, under which an offender would be required to restore the environment for the public benefit.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/New-laws-to-shame-environmental-offenders-BH5NU?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=2</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1548</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Wandoans defiant mine stance</title>
			<description><![CDATA["This mine should be stopped - it is short-term financial greed versus-long term viability of "A" Class food-producing land."]]></description>
			<link>http://qcl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/wandoans-defiant-mine-stance/2007123.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1547</guid>
			<author>GRAHAM FULLER</author>
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			<title>New National Coalition to fight Coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On 6 November 2010 representatives from over 40 community, professional and environmental groups facing down the challenges of unchecked mining for coal and gas from across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia convened in Broke, NSW.]]></description>
			<link>http://lockthegate.org.au/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1546</guid>
			<author>Lock the Gate Alliance</author>
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			<title>Scientist warns of impact of mines on farming soil</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/scientist-warns-of-impact-of-mines-on-farming-soil/story-e6frerhx-1225958408122</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1545</guid>
			<author>Des Houghton - courier mail</author>
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			<title>Time for some NBN clarity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[overall cash outflows associated with the NBN could approach $60 billion before NBN Co starts generating positive net cash.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-Co-broadband-Telstra-business-case-pd20101126-BK2ZL?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1544</guid>
			<author>Steven Bartholomeuz</author>
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			<title>GRIP launches new campaign</title>
			<description><![CDATA[residents are worried about the prospect of a mine that close]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/grip-launches-new-campaign/2008087.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1543</guid>
			<author>Gloucester Advocate</author>
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			<title>Protest against gas drilling</title>
			<description><![CDATA[About 100 people attended a rally outside Newcastle Town Hall]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/protest-against-gas-drilling/2009509.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1542</guid>
			<author>Damon Cronshaw - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gas drill protest rally</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/gas-drill-protest-rally-today/2008517.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1541</guid>
			<author>Damon Cronshaw - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Thousands of police battle gangs for control of Rio slums</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/thousands-of-police-battle-gangs-for-control-of-rio-slums-20101126-18all.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1540</guid>
			<author>Robin Yapp</author>
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			<title>When fields yield to houses per hectare</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Urbanisation will put our food supplies under pressure]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/when-fields-yield-to-houses-per-hectare-20101126-18ao0.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1539</guid>
			<author>Elizabeth Farrelly</author>
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			<title>Offshore gas drilling closer</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW government has quietly approved a controversial plan for exploratory gas drilling 55 kilometres off Newcastle.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/offshore-gas-drilling-closer/2007245.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1538</guid>
			<author>Damon Cronshaw - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Caught in Chinas inflation cycle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas half-hearted attempts to control inflation are causing a dangerous build-up in inflationary pressures. The worry is that the longer the Chinese government delays raising interest rates, the more aggressive the tightening will eventually become, which could cause a huge slump in commodity prices.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-inflation-interest-rates-banks-pd20101125-BHSKP?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1537</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Create a window into the past with ABC Opens Now and Then</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Muswellbrooks Colin McIntyre has opened up his personal archive of historic photos from around the region for next Tuesdays free Now and Then photography workshop at Muswellbrook Neighbourhood Centre.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/11/24/3075070.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1536</guid>
			<author>ABC upper hunter</author>
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			<title>Greenhouse gases at record levels: U.N. agency</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (Reuters) - Concentrations of the main greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have reached their highest level since pre-industrial times, the World Meteorological Organization said on Wednesday]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/greenhouse-gases-record-levels-un-agency?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=39d9790b85-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1535</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>2010 so far "tied for hottest year"</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON/OSLO (Reuters) - This year is so far tied for the hottest year in a temperature record dating back to 1850 in a new sign of a warming trend, the three major institutes which calculate global warming estimates told Reuters.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/2010-so-far-tied-hottest-year?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=39d9790b85-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 21:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1534</guid>
			<author>Gerard Wynn and Alister Doyle -Reuters</author>
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			<title>Hunter stud owner shuts the gate to stop mining companies bolting across his land</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Bylong Valley Stud owners incl Gerry Harvey REVOLT !]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/hunter-stud-owner-shuts-the-gate-to-stop-mining-companies-bolting-across-his-land-20101124-187j2.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1533</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>managing the impacts of CSG on groundwater</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=efcbdc7b-fea8-410e-96e9-e6aa4bf8a2ea&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-24</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1532</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Environment East Gippsland Inc v VicForests - the precautionary principle in action</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=bc677b71-7213-426e-bb3b-53183cdc4eb8&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-24</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1531</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson Lawyers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>High Court gets the vibe - important decision on acquisition of property and carbon sequestration rights</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In 2007, Peter Spencer commenced proceedings in the Federal Court claiming that certain Commonwealth legislation and intergovernmental agreements had effected an acquisition of his property other than on just terms (particularly his rights to carbon sequestration).
The High Court has ruled that the Federal Court erred in summarily dismissing those proceedings, because it could not be said that Spencer has "no reasonable prospect" of success.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ff765d34-fbb5-4fa9-a235-ae1e81cd459f&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-24</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1530</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson Lawyers</author>
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			<title>Is baseload power necessary?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Using hourly data for energy use of the entire United States economy in 2006, Mills will demonstrate how it could have been powered almost exclusively by wind and solar (with storage and the help of biofuels for aircraft and some biomass capacity for certain smelting operations).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/renewable-energy-baseload-power-David-Mills-solar-wind?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=bae11f03b2-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1529</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The future of an Australian carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=053eb27f-03d3-45df-baf8-1d4d350a05fb&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-23</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1528</guid>
			<author>Hopgood Ganim Laywers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>People power is changing business</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/People-power-is-changing-business-pd20101123-BFRLX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1527</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottleibsen</author>
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			<title>Growing NBN uproar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Todays CEDA-Business Spectator Big Issues survey should ring loud alarm bells for the Gillard government: a large majority of business people surveyed think the national broadband network is a waste of money.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/broadband-internet-NBN-Gillard-Conroy-government-pd20101123-BFS78?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1526</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Reputational roulette for banks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Whatever the spinmeisters may say, ANZ mysterious approach to a funding deal with Verve Energy last week show that when it comes to building or refurbishing coal-fired power stations in Australia, the community has withdrawn the social license to operate. Moreover, it suggests that ANZs ongoing funding of the coal power sector will be conducted under a vale of secrecy and confidentiality clauses.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/reputational-roulette-banks?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=41fe4bb046-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1525</guid>
			<author>Julie Macken</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Taking the power back</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The risks of not acting are enormous, but the benefits, if we are successful, may be profound. As Al Gore said: "We have at our fingertips all of the tools we need to solve the climate crisis." Here in Australia we have abundant energy sources, relative wealth, an educated population, and a history of good global citizenry. Its time we applied all these to a new national project - addressing climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/taking-power-back?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=41fe4bb046-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1524</guid>
			<author>Fiona Armstrong</author>
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			<title>No Credit for Future Mining Royalty Rises, Henry Says</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-21/no-credit-for-future-mining-royalty-rises-henry-says-update1-.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1523</guid>
			<author>bloomberg</author>
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			<title>Carbon price seen having less impact than rising $A</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian economy is well placed to withstand the impact of a carbon price and has endured a much bigger shock from the rapid appreciation of the Australian dollar, according to a new report]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/carbon-price-seen-having-less-impact-rising?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=990eec7f08-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1522</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Farmers on the Darling Downs to lock gates against coal seam gas miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HUNDREDS of farmers in southeast Queensland have vowed to lock their gates to keep coal and gas explorers at bay.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/farmers-on-the-darling-downs-to-lock-gates-against-coal-seam-gas-miners/story-e6freoof-1225958637653</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1521</guid>
			<author>AAP Courier-Mail</author>
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			<title>Workshop and forums on climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LAKE Liddell recreation area will be the location for a group of Climate Change Activists who are calling on anyone interested in finding out more about the controversial issue to come along.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/climate-change-activists-workshop-and-forums-on-climate-change/2002365.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1520</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Coal seam gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A CAMPAIGN to stop coal seam gas exploration in Singletons grape growing areas has won the support of Singleton Council.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-seam-gas/2002398.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1519</guid>
			<author>RACHEL OLDKNOW - Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FOR the first time a panel of state government representatives fronted the community in Singleton last Thursday in an open dialogue exchange seen by some as the start of a new era of dealing with coal mining issues.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/singleton-shire-healthy-environment-group/2002406.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1518</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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			<title>Pristine wilderness, pure profit</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Its more sinister than just what they want at James Price Point," Tucker argues. "Barnett has a hidden agenda to industrialise the whole Kimberley - five years ago they got the Department of Industry and Resources to draft the blueprint for the extraction of every mineral known to man.

"James Price is the Trojan Horse. Theres uranium everywhere up here. Join the dots - theyll need a port to export it. Theres been no development up here because its isolated and rugged; theres no infrastructure. But with this thing on Broomes doorstep, itll be so easy for its tentacle-like pipelines to deliver energy to mine sites across the region. Heavy industry wants to get its claws into this wonderful wilderness."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/pristine-wilderness-pure-profit-20101119-18168.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1517</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>Resource super profit tax - BHP and Rio called to testify to Australia senate committee</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.steelguru.com/raw_material_news/Resource_super_profit_tax_-_BHP_and_Rio_called_to_testify_to_Australia_senate_committee/175912.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1516</guid>
			<author>Steel Guru</author>
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			<title>Just how plump are bank profits?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The big four banks earn returns on equity of between 14 and 16 per cent, while analysts estimate the returns on equity notched up by the mining giants, such as BHP Billiton, and successful retailers, such as Woolworths, exceed 25 per cent]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/CBA-Ralph-Norris-Wayne-Swan-interest-rates-margins-pd20101118-BB92K?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1515</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>The NBN is in Xenophons hands - nations only chance to see the true cost</title>
			<description><![CDATA[He vowed yesterday to use his power within the finely balanced Senate to achieve what the opposition could not - a cost-benefit analysis.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-NBN-is-in-Xenophons-hands-pd20101119-BBRVC?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1514</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess</author>
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			<title>Our murky NBN future - Windsor blind to cost</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The independents, and the government, agreed on a number of core principles, one of which was a commitment to "transparent and accountable government." Oakeshott today voted in line with that principle. Windsor didnt. 

Windsor, along with the Greens Adam Bandt and the other two independents, Bob Katter and Andrew Wilkie, voted with the government to defeat Malcolm Turnbulls attempt to have the national broadband network referred to the Productivity Commission so that it could conduct a cost benefit analysis of the $43 billion project. Turnbulls private members bill was defeated by a solitary vote.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-Co-broadband-Malcolm-Turnbull-Stephen-Conroy-pd20101118-BB8EF?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1513</guid>
			<author>Steven Bartholomeuz</author>
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			<title>Productivity Commission to look at climate policies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The study will look at carbon taxes, emissions trading schemes, renewable energy targets and subsidies for low-emission technologies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Commission-to-look-at-climate-policies-B7VKJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1512</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Westpac shuns high-emission projects</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Westpac Banking Corp is slated to become the first major bank to announce it will avoid financing emissions-intensive projects ahead of the federal governments plans to introduce a carbon tax]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Westpac-becomes-first-bank-to-shun-polluters-repor-pd20101115-B8RFT?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3#Scene_1</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1511</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>UAE, Australia, US top list of carbon emitters</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Reuters OSLO - The United Arab Emirates, Australia and the United States have the worst overall records for emitting greenhouse gases, according to an index published on Wednesday combining current and historic emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UAE-Australia-and-US-top-list-of-carbon-emitters-BA2M4?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1510</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Poor nations say rich fail on climate aid pledge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OSLO (Reuters) - Poor nations accused donors on Thursday of failing to keep a promise of extra climate aid, which the U.N. says will be the "golden key" to successful global warming talks in Mexico this month.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/poor-nations-say-rich-fail-climate-aid-pledge?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=f1bdd26a98-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1509</guid>
			<author>Alister Doyle, Environment Correspondent</author>
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			<title>UN climate talks must solve forest carbon riddle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON (Reuters) - UN climate talks will struggle to agree new greenhouse gas targets next month unless they can solve a complex loophole where developed countries currently ignore emissions from logging plantation forests.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/un-climate-talks-must-solve-forest-carbon-riddle-0?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=f1bdd26a98-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1508</guid>
			<author>Gerard Wynn</author>
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			<title>China starves world of "Rare Earths" while raping Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Prices have surged for these minerals, used in everything from iPods to fluorescent light bulbs, since authorities in Beijing slashed their rare earth exports by 40 per cent this summer, saying China needed them for its own economic development.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/rare-resources?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=f1bdd26a98-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1507</guid>
			<author>Scott Malone and Reuters</author>
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			<title>Rewriting Australias future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Business as usual wont cut it anymore. In areas like urban infrastructure, electricity generation, or paid parental leave, Australia is pursuing policies designed for a world that no longer exists: a world of cheap oil, or endless credit, or single-income families, or a climate that will remain stable forever.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/rewriting-australias-future?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=f1bdd26a98-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1506</guid>
			<author>Mark Davis & Miriam Lyons</author>
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			<title>Repricing China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the Chinese government has to resort to using price controls to combat mounting inflationary pressures - especially food prices which are rising at an annual rate of 10 per cent.

Chinese households are responding to the steep price increases by stockpiling goods and other commodities, such as gold, which is putting further pressure on prices. There are also reports that speculators are hoarding food, oil and coal, confident in the expectation that prices will move higher.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Repricing-China-pd20101118-BASAS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1505</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Xstratas Ulan Full Bench appeal fails</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=c26c65c9-fbac-4efc-9813-c9556dc10696&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-18</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1504</guid>
			<author>Minter Ellison</author>
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			<title>Coal crash coming?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The IEA .. tells us that if we are to have a reasonable chance of limiting warming to 2°C degrees, coal demand will have to peak by 2020, and by 2035 will have dropped to levels last seen in 2003.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/coal-industry-energy-market-crash-world-energy-outlook-IEA-coal-demand?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=967b2a966e-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1503</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding</author>
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			<title>Toxins found at third site as fracking fears build</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TRACES of toxic chemicals have been found at a fracking operation to extract coal seam gas - the third time this year that gas producers have detected contamination at a drill site.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/toxins-found-at-third-site-as-fracking-fears-build-20101118-17zfv.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1502</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - smh</author>
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			<title>Pauline Hanson in Hunter move</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The former One Nation leader revealed she was moving to the region]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/please-explain-pauline-hanson-in-hunter-move/1999738.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 02:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1501</guid>
			<author>MARTIN DINNEEN - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Booming China model has its ups and downs for others</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad last month called democracy a "failed" ideology. He told a conference: "The Beijing consensus shows that having a non-democratic country can also give a good life for the people. If you find good people to run a country, even dictators can make a country develop and develop very well."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/booming-china-model-has-its-ups-and-downs-for-others-20101115-17ual.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 02:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1500</guid>
			<author>Peter Hartcher - political editor - smh</author>
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			<title>Suits us to be deluded on climate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Far from being the country thats leading the way and making sacrifices while others hang back and marvel at our naivety, Australia - a country with more to lose than most - is dragging the chain]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/suits-us-to-be-deluded-on-climate-20101116-17vtg.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1499</guid>
			<author>Ross Gittins - smh</author>
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			<title>The power of poverty</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Macquarie Bank has published an observation that "rising utility charges have been a key contributor to consumer price inflation in recent years and this provides an interesting policy dilemma for the Reserve Bank." Rising inflation adds to the case for monetary policy tightening, the bankers point out, but the price rises are not a reflection of stronger demand.

"Indeed," says MacBank, "the mostly non-discretionary use of energy, gas and water implies that rising prices for these goods provides a contradictory force on consumer spending - which is potentially more significant than the impact of a one-off increase in interest rates."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-power-of-poverty-pd20101117-B9TD7?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1498</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
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			<title>Labors NBN shaming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the OECD emphasises the importance of rigorous cost benefit analysis of major infrastructure projects and notes the absence of such analysis in the case of the NBN. The OECD also shares the concern of the Opposition that the creation of a new government owned telecommunications fixed line monopoly will be anti-competitive.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/OECD-NBN-Malcolm-Turnbull-Liberal-Labor-pd20101115-B827C?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1497</guid>
			<author>Malcolm Turnbull</author>
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			<title>Chinese whispers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas concern over inflation is mounting and reports are circulating that the government will soon impose food price controls and take moves to limit commodity speculation. Expectations for further rate increases have heightened and of course inflation concerns are not confined to China. The Bank of Korea hiked rates by 25 basis points in an unexpected move yesterday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-equities-QE2-Federal-Reserve-commodities-pd20101117-B9RP8?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1496</guid>
			<author>Adam Carr</author>
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			<title>Up to 100% subsidy for accredited Certificate IV in Carbon Management training for NSW residents and employers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.carbontraininginternational.com/carbon-management-qualifications/certificate-iv-in-carbon-management-nsw-subsidy</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1495</guid>
			<author>cti</author>
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			<title>Greener pastures for NBN dollars</title>
			<description><![CDATA[if pricing carbon and reducing emissions is such a priority, why has the government allocated more money to the roll-out of top-quality broadband to the nation?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/greener-pastures-nbn-dollars?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=3b767eedcb-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1494</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess</author>
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			<title>Investors say its time to act</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A group of 258 investors with $US15 trillion under management - or about one quarter of the globes market capitalisation - have declared that they stand ready to invest in new technology and have implored governments to give them the mechanisms to do so]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/investors-low-carbon-technology-policy-super-funds-IGCC-investment-cleantech-climate-change</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1493</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Gas drilling licence nabs most of city</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Macquarie Energy, was granted petroleum exploration licence 463 in October 2008, allowing it to drill within 3285 square kilometres - most of greater Sydney - from Kurnell to Gosford and west to Eastern Creek.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/gas-drilling-licence-nabs-most-of-city-20101115-17uf5.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1492</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - smh</author>
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			<title>China still living beyond its environmental means</title>
			<description><![CDATA[overall changes in consumption patterns and the shift from rural to urban lifestyles were putting more pressure on Chinas already threadbare environment -- and the implications are global]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-still-living-beyond-its-environmental-means-wwf?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=8c2dc74e65-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1491</guid>
			<author>Reuters & David Stanway</author>
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			<title>Troposphere is warming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Not only is Earths surface warming, but the troposphere -- the lowest level of the atmosphere, where weather occurs -- is heating up too, U.S. and British meteorologists reported on Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/troposphere-warming-too-decades-data-show?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=8c2dc74e65-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1490</guid>
			<author>Reuters & Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent</author>
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			<title>Westpac to avoid high carbon emitting assets and instead focus on clean energy solutions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The key phrase is the one that commits the bank to "avoid involvement in transactions which support the establishment or long-term continuation of inefficient and high carbon emitting assets into the future."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/Westpac-Bank-ANZ-emissions-Christine-Milne-big-business-carbon-price-sustainability?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=8c2dc74e65-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1489</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>A gold mine for environmental class actions in Australia?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining companies in Australia might be most vulnerable to a claim in private nuisance, particularly since the law has for a long time recognised claims relating to the emission of smells, dust particles, noise and other pollutants. Potential liability is not limited merely to those who created the nuisance, but also to those who have adopted it, negligently permitted or failed to remedy the nuisance.

To be successful, the claimant must show that the defendants conduct substantially or materially interfered with some proprietary interest it held in land. A court will consider the reasonableness of such conduct; having regard to such matters as the locality of the land and the practical means available to avoid harm. This will depend on the circumstances of each case. In addition to seeking damages, a claimant may seek orders for the abatement of the nuisance.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=b5b61086-6958-40ff-91da-bb776c6ef380&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Other+top+stories&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-15&amp;utm_</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1488</guid>
			<author>Freehills</author>
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			<title>Arid Israel recycles waste water on grand scale</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Thirty years ago, Israeli farmers faced a daunting choice -- find a new water source or go under. Their solution was waste water recycling. Now climate change is presenting other nations with a similar choice....More than 80 percent of household waste water is recycled, amounting to 400 million cubic meters a year, the Environment Ministry says. That ratio is four times higher than in any other country, according to Israels water authority.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/arid-israel-recycles-waste-water-grand-scale-0</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1487</guid>
			<author>Ari Rabinovitch - Reuters</author>
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			<title>Arab world among most vulnerable to climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Dust storms scour Iraq. Freak floods wreak havoc in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Rising sea levels erode Egypts coast. Hotter, drier weather worsens water scarcity in the Middle East, already the worlds most water-short region.

The Arab world is already suffering impacts consistent with climate change predictions]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/arab-world-among-most-vulnerable-climate-change</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1486</guid>
			<author>Alistair Lyon, Special Correspondent</author>
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			<title>OECD warns on MRRT, NBN budget impact</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Spending decisions should be disconnected from resource tax revenues," the Paris-based institution says....Treasury said the NBN program carries significant risks, including financial risks for the public balance sheet and risks around competition and efficiency in telecommunications and related markets.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/OECD-warns-over-MRRT-NBN-budget-impact-pd20101114-B77FS?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp2&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1485</guid>
			<author>AAP - with Reuters</author>
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			<title>Critique of the NBN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the Paris-based organisation is concerned that an NBN monopoly "could forestall the development of, as yet unknown, superior technological alternatives".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-bizarre-critique-of-the-NBN-pd20101115-B7S9E?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1484</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Is Swan undermining the MRRT?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[there is much uncertainty about what redressing global imbalances would do to our greatest cash cow - the China-led minerals boom that has saved Australias hide since the GFC. In the OECDs latest Economic Survey of Australia, released yesterday, there was a warning that MRRT revenues should not be included in budget spending]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-yuan-US-dollar-Australian-dollar-Wayne-Swan--pd20101115-B7R4Y?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1483</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess</author>
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			<title>How are our states and territories tackling climate change?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[State &amp; Federal summary &amp; details]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=96023d6e-e8fa-4e0c-a4db-c0e789c1ff2d&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Other+top+stories&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-15&amp;utm_</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1482</guid>
			<author>Freehills</author>
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			<title>Climate finance: Billions of reasons to get it right</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If carbon pricing is to remain limited, then greater contributions from national budgets will be needed,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/climate-finance-billions-reasons-get-it-right?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=c8577e3fac-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1481</guid>
			<author>Jonathan Pickering & Frank Jotzo</author>
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			<title>Green guidelines, advertising and challenges around the world</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=b2d4fbba-2fc8-49b0-9572-1abb92b0543a&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-15</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1480</guid>
			<author>Heenan Blaikie LLP</author>
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			<title>Coal Seam Gas Mine coming to Tempe (as well as Rouse Hill)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW government has granted approval for gas miner Macquarie Energy to begin drilling a test well in the inner-west suburb of St Peters to explore for coal-seam methane gas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/sydneys-secret-power-grab-20101113-17ru0.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1479</guid>
			<author>Heath Aston-smh - EXCLUSIVE RPT</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The coal bosses plan: mine coal, sell coal, repeat until rich</title>
			<description><![CDATA[using more coal to generate electricity is good for our health and good for our wealth.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/the-coal-bosses-plan-mine-coal-sell-coal-repeat-until-rich-20101113-17rv5.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Nov 2010 23:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1478</guid>
			<author>Guy Pearse - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata agrees to $4m deal with Mid Western Regional Council</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A company which wants to extend its mining operations in the Mudgee district will have to invest more than four-and-a-half million dollars into the region, if the expansions approved]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/12/3064321.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 23:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1477</guid>
			<author>ABC news</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas feeling the heat again</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinese inflation is on the rise, putting greater pressure on the Chinese authorities to actually slow their economy down.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Chinas-feeling-the-heat-again-pd20101112-B4RJ5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1476</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottleibsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining project costs may feed inflation</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Mining-energy-project-costs-may-feed-inflation-rep-pd20101111-B4QSW?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1475</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>How are our states and territories tackling climate change?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=96023d6e-e8fa-4e0c-a4db-c0e789c1ff2d&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-11-12</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1474</guid>
			<author>Freehills</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Clean energy? Its a gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One of the major problems identified by the IEA is the glut in gas, which it says is proving to be a major barrier to the development of renewable energy, cleaner coal plants and nuclear power, because it is proving to be so cheap.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1473</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1473</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>World should eradicate fossil fuel subsidies: IEA</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Eradicating subsidies to fossil fuels would enhance energy security, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollution, and bring economic benefits," said the IEA, the energy watchdog to 28 industrialized countries, in its annual set-piece World Energy Outlook.

The report estimated such subsidies at $312 billion in 2009, mostly in developing countries, compared with $57 billion in subsidies for renewable energy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/world-should-eradicate-fossil-fuel-subsidies-iea-1?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=70f7e93100-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1472</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Gerard Wynn</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Deficit masked by coal, iron ore</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/deficit-masked-by-coal-iron-ore/story-e6frg6zo-1225950412402</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1471</guid>
			<author>Michael Stutchbury, Economics editor From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Treasury warns over costings for the NBN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/treasury-warns-over-costings-for-the-nbn/story-fn59niix-1225950465763</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1470</guid>
			<author>Sid Maher and Stefanie Balogh From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining strategy delayed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-strategy-delayed/1990241.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1469</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS STATE POLITICS - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Queensland farmers vow to lock out coal seam gas drillers from their properties</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE coal seam gas industry is facing a rural revolt, with farmers yesterday threatening to risk arrest and lock their gates to drilling companies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-farmers-vow-to-lock-out-coal-seam-gas-drillers-from-their-properties/story-e6freoof-1225946346533</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1468</guid>
			<author>John McCarthy From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>AGL has licence to drill a Rouse Hill Residential Subdivision for CSG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a project so secret it would do James Bond proud, energy supplier AGL holds a petroleum exploration licence for the area to explore the deposit for coal methane gas.

AGL has demanded it be allowed access at its leisure to drill in unspecified areas in the future housing development.]]></description>
			<link>http://rouse-hill-times.whereilive.com.au/news/story/agl-demands-licence-to-drill-alex-ave-land-release-for-coal-seam-gas/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1467</guid>
			<author>Rouse Hill Times</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Forrest hits at bastard child mine tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/fsumf_forrest-hits-at-bastard-child-mine-tax-1291285.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1466</guid>
			<author>trading markets.com</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Another coal seam gas chemical scare</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/another-coal-seam-gas-chemical-scare-20101109-17kz5.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1465</guid>
			<author>AAP - Kym Agius and Jessica Marszalek - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Senate mining tax hearing gets nasty</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/08/3060485.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1464</guid>
			<author>ABC news</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Biofuel worse for climate than fossil fuel</title>
			<description><![CDATA[European plans to promote biofuels will drive farmers to convert 69,000 square km of wild land into fields and plantations, depriving the poor of food and accelerating climate change, a report warned on Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/biofuel-worse-climate-fossil-fuel-study?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=91a38f9494-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1463</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Solar Roof Tiles - half your homes gross power for $6000</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/new-direction-american-solar?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=91a38f9494-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1462</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Upper Hunter Asthma Persists - New Air Quality Report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/upper-hunter-asthma-persists/1989625.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1461</guid>
			<author>newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Wambo Workings blamed for Creek Demise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/workings-blamed-for-creek-demise/1989624.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1460</guid>
			<author>newcastle herald</author>
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			<title>Green gain from Labor pain</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We have shown were not the Democrats," says Brown. "We have broken into the House of Representatives. We have the highest share of the vote for any minor party since World War II. We arent there to keep the bastards honest" [the famous slogan of the now-defunct Democrats]. "Were there to replace the bastards."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/green-gain-from-labor-pain-20101105-17hdh.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1459</guid>
			<author>Peter Hartcher - political editor - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Solar as cheap as coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[in Germany, a new report suggests that solar could be produced, rather than just consumed, as cheaply as power from new gas and coal plants within five to eight years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/solar-cheap-coal?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=75aa8d77bd-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1458</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Greens - more than a protest vote</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Labor-Party-Liberal-Party-Greens-Victorian-electio-pd20101105-AW48B?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1457</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Arab world faces worsening water crisis</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Arab world, one of the driest regions on the planet, will tip into severe water scarcity as early as 2015, a report issued on Thursday predicts.

By then, Arabs will have to survive on less than 500 cubic meters of water a year each, or below a tenth of the world average of more than 6,000 cubic meters per capita, said the report by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/arab-world-faces-worsening-water-crisis-report?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=75aa8d77bd-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1456</guid>
			<author>Alistair Lyon, Special Correspondent</author>
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			<title>Gas pipeline study for Murray region</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gas-pipeline-study-for-Murray-region-Ryan-AU93T?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1455</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>NSW taxpayers may suffer in coal sell-off</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Taxpayers in NSW may be forced to subsidise $1 billion towards the states beleaguered part-privatisation of coal-fired power stations, according to a report in The Australian.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NSW-taxpayers-may-suffer-in-coal-sell-off-report-pd20101102-ATP2W?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1454</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>NSW power assets of dubious value: auditor</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW government will not delay the sale of state-owned electricity assets despite uncertainty about their value and opposition claims that bad timing could result in billion-dollar losses.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NSW-power-assets-of-dubious-value-auditor-AU3KA?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1453</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Montara oil spill report still undisclosed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government is opening new areas for petroleum exploration off Australias coast while sitting on the report into the disastrous Montara oil spill....the Indonesian government is reportedly seeking $2.3 billion in compensation from PTTEP for environmental damage and economic loss.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Montara-oil-spill-report-still-undisclosed-ATQKS?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1452</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China central bank adviser calls QE2 huge risk</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Unbridled printing of US dollars is the biggest risk to the global economy]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/US-dollar-printing-is-huge-risk--China-cbank-advis-AV55C?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 01:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1451</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>AGLs power warning to NSW govt: Report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AGL Energy CEO Michael Fraser has told the NSW government that his company will build new power stations to better compete with state-owned electricity retailers if household power prices were pushed higher by the states privatisation plans, The Australian reports.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/agls-power-warning-nsw-govt-report?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=4739c86e27-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1450</guid>
			<author>the australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine threatens nature refuge: green group</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining magnate Clive Palmers office has been blockaded by environmentalists protesting against the threatened bulldozing of a central Queensland nature refuge to make way for the miners latest coal project]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/mine-threatens-nature-refuge-green-group-20101104-17ew3.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1449</guid>
			<author>AAP - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Labor eyes new mining tax concession: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government is considering making more changes to its proposed resources rent tax amid renewed pressure from the industry during recent key negotiations on the policy, The Australian Financial Review reports.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Labor-eyes-mining-tax-concession-pd20101103-AUPTL?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1448</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A public meeting at Club Singleton on November 11 on the link between air quality and human health.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Representatives from the Department of Health, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and the Department of Planning have been invited to attend.

The meeting will be held at Club Singleton in William Street, on Thursday, November 11, at 7pm.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/addressing-mine-concerns/1982937.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1447</guid>
			<author>DI SNEDDON</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Alluvial flats mining issue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW Office of Water draft guidelines requests a minimum of 150 metres buffer between open cut mining and any third order stream and no mining of alluvial flats.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/alluvial-flats-mining-issue/1982942.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1446</guid>
			<author>DI SNEDDON</author>
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		<item>
			<title>240 unit accommodation development</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A site on the New England Highway on the eastern entrance of town has been chosen for the temporary accommodation village that will bring some relief to the expected increase in real estate demand.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/temporary-living-in-sight/1982904.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1445</guid>
			<author>JAMIE FAKES</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coalmine dangerous to public, says health boss</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This concern exists because any increased exposure to particulate pollution is associated with increased adverse health outcomes, even if the levels are below the current guidelines.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coalmine-dangerous-to-public-says-health-boss-20101102-17cdk.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1444</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners accountable for water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Murray-Darling Basin Authority has assured farmers the mining sector will also be held accountable for water it extracts from rivers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2010/11/02/254725_latest-news.html?referrer=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1443</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Sustainable Management of Victorias Groundwater Resources</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://download.audit.vic.gov.au/files/20100510_Groundwater_report.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1442</guid>
			<author>Victorian Auditor-General's Report</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Groundwater threat to rivers worse than suspected</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.csiro.au/news/Groundwater-threat-to-rivers-worse-than-suspected.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1441</guid>
			<author>CSIRO</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NSW Gov Increases Subsidy to Coal Power while cutting solar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Even as the NSW government is cracking down on subsidies for renewable energy generation such as rooftop solar, it is ramping up the level of subsidies provided to its coal-fired power stations by ensuring the cheap supply of coal for the next few decades.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/cobbora-coal-mine-subsidy-utilities-power-electricity-price-carbon-price?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=a4dcd50a07-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1440</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Resource states seek to retain mining royalties</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Resource-rich-regions-seek-to-retain-mining-royalt-pd20101101-ASP3U?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1439</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>The Effect of Mining &amp; CSG on NSW Farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Effect of Mining &amp; CSG on NSW Farmers]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-189-mining-info-sheet-agquip-aug-2010.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1438</guid>
			<author>NSW Farmers Association</author>
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			<title>Margaret River at Risk</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-188-coal-blight-spreads-in-margaret-river.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1437</guid>
			<author>a WA ALP Politician</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Upper Hunter Thoroughbred breeders support calls for a moratorium</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-187-media-release---thoroughbred-breeders-support-calls-for-a-moratorium.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1436</guid>
			<author>Upper Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Ripper leaves open possible royalty hikes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Although supporting the MRRT, Mr Ripper said WA should not surrender its right to control royalties and left open the possibility of increases if elected.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/ripper-leaves-open-possible-royalty-hikes-20101031-178r7.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1435</guid>
			<author>AAP, Josh Jerga</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BGs LNG project to deliver $32bn over 10 yrs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The executive vice-president of the BG Group, Catherine Tanna, says the project will increase economic activity in Queensland by $32 billion over the projects first decade...saline water that was part of the extraction process would be treated "to quite a pure quality" and returned to farms and communities... Extensive feasibility studies were underway to dispose of the salt extracted from the water, with the hope it could be commercialised,

"We also expect to pay about $1 billion a year in federal taxes and a further $300 million or so each year in royalties to the Queensland government," Ms Tanna told reporters on Sunday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BGs-LNG-decision-to-boost-Qld-Bligh-AR5FL?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp2&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1434</guid>
			<author>AAP, with Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate phenomenon may grip Europe this winter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NAO has been negative since last autumn, pointing to a possible repeat of last years winter with wind and hydro dampening Spanish gas demand, cold weather stoking UK gas use, and reduced German wind power lifting fossil fuel demand.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/analysis-climate-phenomenon-may-grip-europe-winter-0</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1433</guid>
			<author>Reuters, Daniel Fineren</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Biodervisity deal raises hopes for climate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Nearly 200 nations agreed on Saturday to a sweeping plan to stem the loss of species by setting new 2020 targets to ensure greater protection of nature and enshrine the benefits it gives mankind.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/biodervisity-deal-raises-hopes-climate#Scene_1</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1432</guid>
			<author>Reuters, Chisa Fujioka and David Fogarty</author>
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		<item>
			<title>GREEN DEALS: Solar takes to the streets</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the industry fears a drop in business of 80-90 per cent in NSW. "Thousands of jobs will go as a result of this decision, and millions of dollars will be lost in investment."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/green-deals-solar-takes-streets</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1431</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal dust warning</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A SENIOR NSW health official says exposure to coal dust particulates can harm peoples health, even if the pollution is within state guidelines."Any increased exposure to particulate pollution is associated with increased adverse health outcomes, even if the levels are below the current guidelines," Dr Lewis wrote.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-dust-warning/1983284.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1430</guid>
			<author>Damon Cronshaw - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>H2O before CSG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[online petition]]></description>
			<link>http://www.otfordeco.com/WaterBeforeCSG.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1429</guid>
			<author>Otform Eco</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Biodiversity baby steps</title>
			<description><![CDATA[World Wildlife Funds most recent Living Planet Report shows that our planet has lost over 30 per cent of its biodiversity since 1970.

In tropical regions, which are home to thousands upon thousands of known species, and innumerable ones waiting to be discovered, that figure jumps to 60 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/biodiversity-baby-steps?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=64d9285e1f-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1428</guid>
			<author>Gilly Llewellyn</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NSW solar cuts jeopardise industry: AMWU</title>
			<description><![CDATA["This move by the NSW government is hasty and ill considered," AMWU secretary Tim Ayres said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Solar-cuts-jeopardise-industry---AMWU-AM7SV?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1427</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Solar cuts may bust industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Greens will move an amendment in parliament for a smaller reduction.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Solar-cuts-may-bust-industry-NSW-Greens-AM5M4?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1426</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>What really killed NSW solar?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the greatest demand in Sydney for solar PV under the scheme came from the western and south-western "Aussie battler" suburbs of Prospect, Seven Hills, Mt Druitt and Liverpool....And the highest numbers per locality were recorded in country areas - Including Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Port Macquarie, Ballina and Gosford in the north, Bega in the south, Armidale and Wagga Wagga further inland, and in numerous localities in the central coast. The country areas had particularly large appetites, ordering systems of an average size of 2.8kW, compared to 1.9kW in the city.

And while some social service groups had complained about the inequality of the scheme, the report noted that the cost of solar panels had come down so quickly in the last 12 months - from $12,600 per kilowatt to $6,000/kW (they had been $17,000/kW in 2001) - that installations had been offered for zero up front cost by some retailers. Clearly, the battlers in the mortgage belt were quicker to seize a bargain that the toffs in the inner suburbs.

The report also reveals that the Keneally government appears to have ignored the reports advice that a low cap on rooftop solar would cause the states solar industry to come to a shuddering halt.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/what-really-killed-nsw-solar?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=836eceb846-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1425</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Solars rollercoaster ride</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/solars-rollercoaster-ride?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=64d9285e1f-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1424</guid>
			<author>John Grimes</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chasing the wrong energy villain</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Here we go again - boom and bust in the clean-tech sector. NSW Premier Kristina Keneally declared herself to be judge and jury in the case of rising energy prices and, urged on by a baying mob from the tabloid media and talkback radio, promptly shot the wrong villain]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/solar-power-feed-in-tariff-NSW-Kristina-Keneally-eletricity-prices-renewable-energy-coal-power?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=64d9285e1f-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1423</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>An advanced approach to renewables</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Before making its surprising decision, NSW should have looked to the renewable energy policy progression of Ontario, Canada for inspiration.

Ontario is fast developing into a renewable energy powerhouse. One year after the region introduced North Americas most advanced renewable energy feed-in tariff (FiT), the region has 15,000 MW of renewable energy projects in the pipeline, and is on its way to meet its target of 50,000 jobs in three years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/advanced-renewable-feed-in-tariff-Ontario-Australia-NSW-solar?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=836eceb846-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1422</guid>
			<author>Daniel Kogoy</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China can no longer plead poverty</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-can-no-longer-plead-poverty-pd20101026-AL3XS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1421</guid>
			<author>Rachman, Financial Times</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Conroys fading NBN vision</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Conroys-fading-NBN-vision-pd20101027-ALRTK?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1420</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Our food bowl is filling with rocks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/food-etc-pd20101028-AMRNH?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1419</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess - The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>breach of condition of development consent limiting production of saleable coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It is plain that the defendant has derived substantial financial advantage from its conduct.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/nsw/NSWLEC/2008/271.html?query=title(271</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1418</guid>
			<author>Land & Environment Court</author>
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		<item>
			<title>One man approves his own project, another mans dream dies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[you dont even have to be qualified]]></description>
			<link>http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/political/one-man-approves-his-own-project-another-mans-dream-dies/1868365.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1417</guid>
			<author>NICK O'MALLEY - The Land</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BHP Billiton rethinks longwall mine project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Illawarra Coal yesterday revealed it had submitted an amended proposal for mining of the Bulli Seam, removing five large mining areas near the Woronora River, Cataract River, OHares Creek and the 226 swamps that feed the rivers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/bhp-billiton-rethinks-longwall-mine-project/1979646.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1416</guid>
			<author>BEN LANGFORD - illawarra mercury</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Senate demands release of mining tax docs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.tradingroom.com.au/apps/view_breaking_news_article.ac?page=/data/news_research/published/2010/10/299/catf_101026_181300_7591.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1415</guid>
			<author>Trading Room</author>
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			<title>Resource super profit tax - WA vows to fight for mining royalties</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.steelguru.com/raw_material_news/Resource_super_profit_tax_-_WA_vows_to_fight_for_mining_royalties/171864.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1414</guid>
			<author>Steel Guru</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Liberal &amp; National Party to Revoke Part 3A</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-186-re--removal-of-part-3a-legislation-and-restore----.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1413</guid>
			<author>Barry O Farrell</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Margaret River (WA) faces 11 coal mine applications</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-185--coalcommunities--coal-blight-spreads-in-margar---.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1412</guid>
			<author>Adele Farina MLC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Centennial Coal fined for Fassifern pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/centennial-coal-fined-for-fassifern-pollution/1978548.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1411</guid>
			<author>JOANNE MCCARTHY - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Collinsville v Big Mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[a conglomerate of mining companies - including mine owner Xstrata - tried to slap a federal court injunction on the whole town.]]></description>
			<link>http://xstratafacts.com/2010/10/26/collinsville-community-takes-on-big-mining/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1410</guid>
			<author>xstratafacts</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Grim fuel poverty predictions for average australians</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the number of people living in "fuel poverty" in New South Wales and Queensland alone will exceed the population of Canberra by 2015.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/fuel-poverty-energy-electricity-government-power-pd20101022-AG6VV?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1409</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining tax risks years of litigation</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/mining-tax-risks-years-of-litigation/story-e6frg9df-1225943449499</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1408</guid>
			<author>Andrew Burrell From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Endangering our precious water will threaten all life</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://media.mediamonitors.com.au/ArticlePresenter.aspx?GUID=32a9f6b7-9c17-4f33-8efd-c2cda074f2a5&amp;ArticleID=81339427&amp;output=pdfsearchable</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1407</guid>
			<author>Toowoomba Chronicle</author>
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		<item>
			<title>This article outlines the environmental impacts of CSG activities</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8c0f6a8d-93d8-4ad4-99b4-943f41cd3d86&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-10-26</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1406</guid>
			<author>Norton Rose International Legal</author>
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			<title>Newcastle CBDs mine subsidence issues</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the biggest single CBD area unaffected by mine subsidence is the railway corridor.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/newcastle-cbds-mine-subsidence-issues/1978556.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1405</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD - newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greens vow to block Tillegra levy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Greens would move to block any legislative attempts of a new Coalition government to charge Hunter Water users for an infrastructure fund, upper house MP John Kaye says.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/greens-vow-to-block-tillegra-levy/1977470.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1404</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS STATE POLITICS - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Labor MP questions motives of Tillegra dam</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A study by a wetlands expert, Richard Kingsford, has warned the dam would increase salinity levels in the internationally recognised Hunter Estuary wetlands, damaging the most important site in the state for migratory shorebirds.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/labor-mp-questions-motives-of-tillegra-dam-20101024-16z97.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1403</guid>
			<author>Louise Hall - smh</author>
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			<title>Money talks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The chief executives of nine of the biggest investment managers and superannuation funds in the country - including Colonial, AMP and BT - have stepped into the carbon price debate, calling for clarity and certainty on climate change policy and forming a high-level panel to have input on the design of a carbon price]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/money-talks</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1402</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>America is courting yet another crisis</title>
			<description><![CDATA[About a quarter of American homes with mortgages have negative equity but "honest" Americans have kept making their payments. Many are starting to get angry and they see that those who are not making payments are still living in their houses and may do so for years because of the misrepresentations by the banks in the courts. 

Now even some of the "honest" Americans are questioning whether they should stop paying - especially as they watch their houses fall further in value.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/US-foreclosure-Wall-Street-banks-recession-pd20101025-AJS4L?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1401</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottleibsen</author>
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			<title>From economic gloom to the next mining boom</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=810d3278-d862-48c5-8faa-7204cafad515&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-10-25</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1400</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson</author>
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			<title>PPC plans renewables renaissance, giant solar park</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PPC, the EUs second-biggest producer of lignite, plans to decommission up to 20 of its total 24 thermal plants by 2020.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/ppc-plans-renewables-renaissance-giant-solar-park-0?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=d31c782bd9-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1399</guid>
			<author>Reuters By Harry Papachristou</author>
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			<title>Freshwater losses pose risks for food, health: UN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TOKYO (Reuters) - Damage to rivers, wetlands and lakes threatens to destabilize the diversity of freshwater fish species, posing risks for food security, incomes and nutrition, a U.N.-backed report said on Friday.

Rivers and lakes are the source of 13 million tonnes of fish annually, which in turn provide employment to 60 million people, the study by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Fish Center showed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/freshwater-losses-pose-risks-food-health-un?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=d31c782bd9-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1398</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Qld LNG projects given conditional approval</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Burke said he had placed 300 conditions on each of the projects.Australian Greens senator-elect and environmental lawyer Larissa Waters said the number of conditions showed the measure of the risks involved. 

Ms Waters said coal seam gas was no cleaner than coal. 

"By the time it gets extracted, transported and liquified its 98 per cent as greenhouse gas intensive as coal, so its a furphy to say this is clean when we have genuine clean alternatives in renewable energy that arent threatening farmland," she said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Qld-LNG-projects-given-conditional-approval-pd20101022-AG973?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1397</guid>
			<author>AAP/Reuters, with a staff reporter</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rio calls on Gillard to honour spirit of agreement</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/rio-calls-on-gillard-to-honour-spirit-of-agreement-20101024-16zay.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1396</guid>
			<author>Barry FitzGerald - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Carbon price delay leaves super savings vulnerable</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A study being circulated by the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors warns that three-quarters of coal, oil and gas reserves would be worthless if governments take strong action to control climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/carbon-tax-delay-hurts-superannuation-funds/story-e6freqmx-1225941808388</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 23:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1395</guid>
			<author>Kerrie Sinclair From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal, climate and a well-heeled sleight of hand</title>
			<description><![CDATA[five of the top ten emitters, including the top two, are not owned by evil and nasty mining companies or oil firms, but by the same state governments urging their citizens to take action on climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/40332.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1394</guid>
			<author>ABC the drum unleashed</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Potential environmental monitoring programs and levies for clusters of industries in NSW</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If passed, amendments currently before the NSW Legislative Assembly to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) (POEO Act), may require clusters of industries to comply with new environmental monitoring programs and to pay levies for the cost of these programs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=94f9a74a-c18a-4ef5-9f65-b7ce605f22ba&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-10-22</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1393</guid>
			<author>Corrs Chambers Westgarth</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Plants clean air pollution better than expected</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Scientists have long known that plants take in carbon dioxide, a naturally occurring gas that can build up in the atmosphere and trap heat beneath it. But they did not know that some plants excel at sucking up a class of chemicals known as oxygenated volatile organic compounds, or oVOCs]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/plants-clean-air-pollution-better-expected?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=fd09da7b1d-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1392</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mid Western Council pushes for $12m agreement for new mines approval</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The mining company, Xstrata, is being asked for $12-million to be invested in the Mid-Western Region as part of its plans to extend a local coal mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/21/3043995.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1391</guid>
			<author>ABC news</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Burke to make call on gas projects</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This week, four toxic chemicals - benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) - were discovered in eight exploration wells owned by the Australia Pacific LNG in the Surat Basin in southwest Queensland.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Burke-to-make-call-on-gas-projects-AF9Y3?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1390</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Abbott says mining tax unravelling</title>
			<description><![CDATA["This is the problem with the Gillard government," he said.

"You couldnt trust the government on carbon tax, you couldnt trust the government on detention centres.

"Now its pretty obvious you cant trust the government on the mining tax."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/abbott-says-mining-tax-unravelling-20101021-16uq7.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1389</guid>
			<author>AAP - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coalition maintains its attack on the government over the mining tax deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the agreement between the government and the big three miners clearly stated that "all state and territory royalties will be creditable against the resources tax liability".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/mining-tax-was-an-election-fix-says-tony-abbott/story-fn59niix-1225941598428</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1388</guid>
			<author>Joe Kelly From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A royal pain in the MRRT</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The miners - BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata - thought they had a deal under which any future increase in state royalty rates would be offset against the MRRT.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/MRRT-mining-tax-government-politics-budget-pd20101020-AE2VJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1387</guid>
			<author>Steven Bartholomeuz</author>
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			<title>Trillions of reasons to value biodiversity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/trillions-reasons-value-biodiversity?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=224fc61922-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1386</guid>
			<author>Charlie Parker & Matthew Cranford</author>
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			<title>Miners call meeting, may abandon MRRT</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The tax targets 320 iron ore and coal miners, with the three biggest - BHP Billiton, Xstrata and Rio Tinto - likely to account for 85 per cent of total revenue from the tax]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Miners-call-meeting-consider-abandoning-tax-agreem-pd20101020-AEQE7?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1385</guid>
			<author>AAP/Reuters, with a staff reporter</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Environmentalists claim Kentucky coal mines faked water data</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Robert Kennedy Jr. and other environmentalists claim three surface coal mining operations in Eastern Kentucky falsified pollution data, failed to submit reports or exceeded permit limits on more than 20,000 occasions in the last two years]]></description>
			<link>http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20101007/NEWS01/310070048/Environmentalists-claim-Kentucky-coal-mines-faked-water-data</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1384</guid>
			<author>jbruggers@courier-journal.com</author>
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			<title>Maitland coalmines bid to clear forest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Bloomfield open-cut mine near Maitland is seeking approval to clear seven hectares of endangered gum forest to make way for powerlines and other electrical supply equipment.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/maitland-coalmines-bid-to-clear-forest/1971829.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 01:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1383</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Origin stops coal seam gas drilling after chemicals found in water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The discovery of BTEX - a mixture of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene - around eight coal seam gas wells near Miles, west of Brisbane, marks the first time a resources company has admitted to contaminating water at a fracking site.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/energy-smart/origin-stops-coal-seam-gas-drilling-after-chemicals-found-in-water-20101020-16ud7.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1382</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby</author>
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			<title>Miners challenge Gillard over tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The governments mining tax is under threat of unravelling with the big miners demanding they be compensated for existing state royalties as well as for all future increases.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/miners-challenge-gillard-over-tax-20101020-16uct.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1381</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>New report targets global threats to rivers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8bb79148-ad0e-4bca-a44a-4c14473b2bc1&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-10-20</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1380</guid>
			<author>Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP</author>
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			<title>End Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mountaintop removal has a devastating impact on the economy, ecology, and communities of Appalachia. To date, over 500 mountains have been leveled, and nearly 2,000 miles of precious Appalachian headwater streams have been buried and polluted by mountaintop removal.]]></description>
			<link>http://appvoices.org/end-mountaintop-removal/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1379</guid>
			<author>Appalachian Voices</author>
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			<title>Inconvenient China truths</title>
			<description><![CDATA[America has so willingly used its power to create the conditions in which Chinas power could grow to displace it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-government-America-politics-economy-defence-pd20101018-AC689?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1378</guid>
			<author>Hugh White</author>
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		<item>
			<title>MRRT: the Policy Transition Groups new Issue Paper</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=49576834-8386-4daa-8d7e-b09b570f28e7&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-10-19</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1377</guid>
			<author>Clayton Utz</author>
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			<title>List reveals toxic chemicals used in coal seam mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIAN mining companies are using highly toxic chemicals to extract coal seam gas during the controversial process known as fracking, documents obtained by the Herald show]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/list-reveals-toxic-chemicals-used-in-coal-seam-mining-20101018-16qt5.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1376</guid>
			<author>Joel Tozer and Ben Cubby - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Trading in the dark</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australias major trade partners already have a significant price on carbon]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/shadow-carbon-price-trading-market-commodity-ETS?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=f9589fcdf8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1375</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>UK crops to face water supply crunch, may relocate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LONDON (Reuters) - Agricultural crops in Britain may need to be moved to new areas as the threat of both drought and flooding rises in the coming decades, a report commissioned by the Royal Agricultural Society of England said on Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/uk-crops-face-water-supply-crunch-may-relocate?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=f9589fcdf8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1374</guid>
			<author>Nigel Hunt</author>
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			<title>UN calls for urgent action to prevent species loss</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The world cannot afford to allow natures riches to disappear, the United Nations said on Monday at the start of a major meeting to combat losses in animal and plant species that underpin livelihoods and economies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/un-calls-urgent-action-prevent-species-loss?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=f9589fcdf8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1373</guid>
			<author>Chisa Fujioka</author>
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		<item>
			<title>New cracks in the mining tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/New-cracks-in-the-mining-tax-pd20101019-ACRMM?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1372</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Green group costs capped in court first</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Land and Environment Court ruled yesterday that costs for the Blue Mountains Conservation Society be capped at $20,000 - the first time a green group in NSW has been able to guard itself against rising court costs while running a public interest case against a state-owned corporation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/green-group-costs-capped-in-court-first-20101018-16qxe.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1371</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Shamed by Japans energy vision</title>
			<description><![CDATA[we really must get our energy act together]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Shamed-by-Japans-energy-vision-pd20101018-ABSPL?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1370</guid>
			<author>Ziggy Switkowski</author>
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			<title>AGL Energy AGM Protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Join Hunter Valley Protection Alliance Protest... bus leaves Broke store 6:30am sharp... Booking here (essential)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.hvpa.broke.nsw.au/action/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1369</guid>
			<author>HVPA & WAGE</author>
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		<item>
			<title>GREEN DEALS: Who pays?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[who should carry the carbon liability - the buyer or the seller, the importer or the exporter?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/green-deals-who-pays?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=0ecbdfff2f-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1368</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Jobs in danger with wage pressures</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The shortages were felt most across the building, engineering professionals, construction, metal, automotive and wood tradespersons.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Jobs-in-danger-with-wage-pressures-ABQ95?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1367</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata breached international OECD standards</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If Xstrata is found to have breached the international OECD standards, then the damage to their reputation could hurt their investment opportunities and their share price.]]></description>
			<link>http://xstratafacts.com/2010/10/15/xstrata-reported-to-oecd-for-breach-of-international-guidelines-in-australia/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 23:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1366</guid>
			<author>CFMEU</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Brace for new currency shocks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australians should be ready for carnage in not just universities, tourism and manufacturing, but in a wider range of areas including apartments]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Brace-for-new-currency-shocks-pd20101015-A8SAN?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 22:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1365</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottleibsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greens want investigation into drying-up of heritage lakes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/14/3038069.htm?site=sydney</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 22:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1364</guid>
			<author>ABC 702 Sydney</author>
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		<item>
			<title>$500million upgrade of the ageing Munmorah power station has been approved</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/500m-power-lifeline-munmorah-to-be-upgraded/1966947.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1363</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS STATE POLITICS - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Brown makes a stand against proposed biggest gas plant on the planet</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Visiting the iconic, raw-beef red escarpment 60 kilometres north of Broome at the invitation of dissident traditional landowners, Senator Brown said: The agenda is money and the question is this - will anywhere be out of bounds, or is all of Australia to be a quarry?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/brown-makes-a-stand-against-proposed-biggest-gas-plant-on-the-planet-20101013-16k49.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1362</guid>
			<author>Paul McGeough CHIEF CORRESPONDENT BROOME</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Call to fine-tune new vehicle rebate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The car makers want the rebates increased to $5000, but far more strictly targeted at people buying the most environmentally friendly cars on the market, models that at present have a tiny share of sales.]]></description>
			<link>http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/call-to-finetune-new-vehicle-rebate-20101013-16k40.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1361</guid>
			<author>Mark Davis - smh</author>
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			<title>Xstrata lead probe seeks access to homes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining giant Xstrata is seeking access to homes in Mount Isa, in north-west Queensland, as part of a research program looking at sources of lead in the community (You can bet these bastards are only looking for evidence to blame parents for childrens lead ingestion - dont let the mongrels in)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/13/3036871.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1360</guid>
			<author>Chrissy Arthur - abc news</author>
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			<title>Philippine Open-Pit Ban Temporary Setback for Xstrata Project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The national government is holding talks on the ban]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-13/philippine-open-pit-ban-temporary-setback-for-xstrata-project.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1359</guid>
			<author>Cecilia Yap - bloomberg</author>
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			<title>Carbon price round table too small for Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One of the nations largest coal producers has been left off the list of mining companies the government wants to help advise it on a carbon price.

As differences appeared yesterday between the Greens and the government over the best way to price carbon, it emerged that the coalmining giant Xstrata had not been invited to advise the government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/carbon-price-round-table-too-small-for-xstrata-20101012-16hsz.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1358</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT - smh</author>
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			<title>Sacrificed Zones are Predominantly Poor Minority areas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rents and home prices in areas close to heavy industry, especially known polluters, are invariably lower than in areas that are farther away from these sites. People with lower incomes tend to move into these toxic zones, and, as a result, are more likely to be afflicted with some disease or condition - sometimes even premature death - caused by the harmful nature of their environment. Yet, companies in these residential/industrial zones continue to pollute with seemingly no oversight and pay little heed to current Environmental Protection Agency regulations.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.ecori.org/sacrifice-zones-are-predominan/2010/10/4/sacrifice-zones-predominantly-poor-minority.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1357</guid>
			<author>DAVE FISHER/ecoRI staff</author>
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			<title>Stalinist ALP will FORCE consumers to sign up to NBN if they want a fixed line phone service !</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Under current plans, citizens who live within the borders of NBN coverage must opt-in to the NBN program before a home with a fixed-line phone can choose a telecommunications provider.
(Will the copper line service be retained in non-NBN areas and will it be FREE ? Should be.)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Consumers-may-be-forced-to-sign-up-to-NBN-pd20101011-A5QTN?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1356</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Nobbys protest over gas drills</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Moving to a clean, renewable economy is doable and the barriers arent technological, they are political."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/nobbys-protest-over-gas-drills/1964777.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1355</guid>
			<author>Damon Cronshaw - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Newcastle gas project oil spill risk</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A confidential report on an exploratory gas drilling project off the coast of Newcastle has revealed the proposals potential environmental risks, including the possibility of oil spills.
The NSW government refused to release the report, saying it did not have to be made public under Commonwealth law]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/newcastle-gas-project-oil-spill-risk/1964781.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1354</guid>
			<author>Damon Cronshaw - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Chinas growth expected to slow</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The newspaper said Chinas economy was experiencing a "quasi-stagflationary" cycle, but that it would not last for a long time.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/chinas-growth-expected-to-slow-20101011-16fn7.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1353</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Chinas security apparatus is as Orwellian as ever</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/chinas-security-apparatus-is-as-orwellian-as-ever-20101010-16dzm.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1352</guid>
			<author>JOHN GARNAUT - smh</author>
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			<title>Currency war casualties</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Washington is now openly accusing China of keeping its currency artificially suppressed in order to boost its exports. As a result of this policy, China is running huge trade surpluses, and the country has amassed $2.45 trillion in foreign currency reserves, nearly 30 percent of the global total.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/IMF-currency-war-greenback-yuan-pd20101011-A4RZZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1351</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Southern Highlands Coal Action Group</title>
			<description><![CDATA[No more coal mining in the]]></description>
			<link>http://shcag.com/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1350</guid>
			<author>SHCAG</author>
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			<title>The Effect of Mining and Coal Seam Gas On NSW Farmers></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Current legislation fails to adequately protect agricultural resources and farmers property from the impacts of mining and coal seam gas (CSG) extraction and development.eb37]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nswfarmers.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/66257/Mining_Info_Sheet_AgQuip_Aug_2010.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1349</guid>
			<author>NSWFA</author>
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			<title>Forrest says MRRT erodes mining competition</title>
			<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Forrest-says-MRRT-erodes-mining-competition-pd20101010-A48PW?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1348</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Carbon Capture &amp; Storage - Ambre Energy style</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Watch the video of the Ambre Energy chemical engineer explaining the companys plan for CCS at Felton (recommended!)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.fof.org.au/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1347</guid>
			<author>Friends of Felton (F Of)</author>
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			<title>Hunt on for dust spots</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Committee member Carol Russell, representing the Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group, was glad to see work start on the network but was concerned the government appeared to be considering using some existing coal industry monitors instead of building the all-new network she believed had been promised.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunt-on-for-dust-spots/1964049.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 23:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1346</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Residents thirsty for pollution reports</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Scientists are investigating potential coal mining dust contamination of drinking water in the Gloucester Valley.
A team of Macquarie University researchers and students took tap-water samples from 101 tank water dependent properties last week.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-thirsty-for-pollution-reports/1964048.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1345</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY, HEALTH REPORTER - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Worlds fresh water flow rises rapidly</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The volume of fresh water pouring from the worlds rivers has risen rapidly since 1994, in what researchers say is further evidence of global warming.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/worlds-fresh-water-flow-rises-rapidly-20101008-16c0k.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 23:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1344</guid>
			<author>Los Angeles Times</author>
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			<title>Timber industry agrees to phase out logging of native forests in Tasmania</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian can exclusively reveal that the Forest Industries Association of Tasmania, which had opposed elements of the "principles" agreement, will later today announce it can support the deal subject to minor changes acceptable to green groups.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/industry-drops-opposition-to-tasmanian-forest-deal/story-e6frgczx-1225935956542</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1343</guid>
			<author>Matthew Denholm, Tasmania correspondent From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Minerals sector needs a new way</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There is mounting criticism of the NSW minerals industry from groups as diverse as academics, the farmers association, vignerons, iconic industrialists, community groups, environmental and social justice fighters and anti-corporate campaigners. As an industry its important we understand whats happening, but there is so much noise that its understandably difficult to navigate. By Dr Nikki Williams.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.environmentalmanagementnews.net/storyview.asp?storyid=1542850&amp;sectionsource=s0</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1342</guid>
			<author>WME Environmental Management News</author>
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			<title>Australia says wont widen mine tax as talks start</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Weve come into the consultation process with a very serious view to making sure that this tax impost has minimal impact on the industry,"]]></description>
			<link>http://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFSGE6950MY20101007</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1341</guid>
			<author>Morag MacKinnon - Reuters</author>
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			<title>Miners meet with fed govt on tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Junior and mid-tier miners have railed against the tax, with some saying it favours the giant companies BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata, which negotiated the basic shape of the new profits-based tax]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/miners-meet-with-fed-govt-on-tax-20101007-168xn.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1340</guid>
			<author>AAP - smh</author>
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			<title>Xstrata plans put regions farms at risk</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DON Lethbridge fears there wont be any farms around Taroom and Wandoan, with Xstrata looking to expand its Wandoan coal project further west with a third stage...
"It was a rude shock to find out someone might go and take the land off you where youd lived your life."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/story/2010/10/07/xstrata-plans-put-regions-farms-at-risk/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1339</guid>
			<author>Russel Guse - Central Telegraph</author>
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			<title>Professor Tim Flannery hangs on to frail hope in Here on Earth: An Aurgument for Hope</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An internationally renowned professor of neuroscience has found that some children in Mount Isa are suffering from brain damage and retardation caused by their prolonged exposure to lead in the town.

The mining giant Xstrata has long disputed claims that emissions from the companys mine were causing the lead poisoning. But in the report, Queensland Health chief medical officer Jeanette Young said a cause was emissions being released from the smelter, going up in the air and being deposited across the outback Queensland town.

Prof Flannery is appalled. "What is happening in Mount Isa is absolutely shocking. Its been going on all this time and those kids have been living there, playing in that dirt, breathing that air.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
"People say thats the price you pay for having a mining industry. Yes, that is the price you pay. Brain damage and retardation in children. What a price! And think about it, thats just one incident with just one mine that we know about."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/books/professor-tim-flannery-hangs-on-to-frail-hope-in-here-on-earth-an-aurgument-for-hope/story-e6freqkx-1225936233372</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1338</guid>
			<author>Kathleen Noonan From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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			<title>Victims of toxic Hungarian flood can never go home</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It will probably be necessary to clear a new area for the villages and pull down the destroyed parts for good. It will be impossible for people to live here, Mr Orban said, adding that his country had experienced an unprecedented ecological disaster.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/victims-of-toxic-hungarian-flood-can-never-go-home-20101008-16c0d.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1337</guid>
			<author>Matthew Day and Elisabeth Rosenthal - smh</author>
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			<title>Sludge cleanup begins in Hungary as search for victims goes on</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Untreated, the sludge contains heavy metals, which cause burns and eye irritation,,,
Four people -- two children ages 1 and 3, an elderly woman and a 35-year-old man whose SUV overturned in the sludge -- have been confirmed dead in the environmental disaster, which occurred 160 km (99 miles) west of Budapest, near the town of Ajka.]]></description>
			<link>http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/06/hungary.toxic/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1336</guid>
			<author>CNN</author>
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			<title>Carbon price is on the table</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Coalition has refused to join because the prerequisite is advocacy of a price on carbon]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/energy-smart/carbon-price-is-back-on-the-table-20101007-169vy.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1335</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT - smh</author>
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			<title>NSW Solar Bonus Scheme</title>
			<description><![CDATA[frequently asked questions]]></description>
			<link>http://C:\Documents and Settings\J\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\K5P1MWFT\NSW Solar Bonus Scheme - frequently asked questions.mht</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1334</guid>
			<author>NSW Dept of Industry & Investment</author>
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			<title>Energy shift</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There have been some pretty silly things written about climate change and clean energy these past few years, but the rubbish written in recent weeks about renewable energy and its impacts on retail energy costs plunges new depths. Although its not entirely clear whether this is out of ideology or ignorance, or both.

The overwhelming cause for more than 90 per cent of the price increases experienced along the eastern seaboard in the past few years (NSW is up 61 per cent) is due to the pass-through costs of new and replacement connections, the poles and the wires, to support our predominantly coal-fired energy grid and the spiraling peak demand - much of it from home air-conditioning, clothes dryers and plasma TVs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/Gillard-govt-energy-efficiency-report-prices-solar-subsidies?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=f9718b2ea8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1333</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Green energy not reason for bill hikes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Climate Institute claims bill hikes are due mainly to investment of $42 billion in poles and wires over the next five years. 

The Clean Energy Council, the peak body for clean energy and energy efficiency industries, backs that figure]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Green-energy-not-reason-for-bill-hikes-9Z9AL?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1332</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Chinas currency powder-keg</title>
			<description><![CDATA[When US export demand fell and created around 20 million jobless in China during the global financial crisis, China responded with one of the worlds biggest stimulus packages reflecting the social dangers being created in Western China.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Chinas-currency-powder-keg-pd20101007-9YRTA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1331</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottleibsen</author>
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			<title>Curbing the NBNs cost</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Unless you are one of the lucky ones whove predicted this and wired your house with Cat5 or Cat6 cable already, you could be looking at an average (according to a Melbourne builder I know) of around $500 in total to get access points throughout your house to make full use of that fibre connection everywhere youd want it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NBN-Malcolm-Turnbull-broadband-Australia-network-p-pd20101007-9YUDX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1330</guid>
			<author>Andrew Harris</author>
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			<title>Time to come clean on the NBN</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Yesterday three company chairmen joined the chorus - John Morschel of ANZ, Michael Chaney of NAB and Woodside and Bob Every of Wesfarmers. Theyre used to the quaint business idea of looking at a cost-benefit analysis before they make a final investment decision (FID); with the NBN the FID was made long ago and the board (federal cabinet) was locked in behind it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Time-to-come-clean-on-the-NBN-pd20101007-9YS2D?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1329</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>End to Cessnock coal rigs urged</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a rescission motion, Cr Dale Troy moved to amend the councils draft Local Environment Plan in an attempt to protect the citys booming tourism and vineyard industries against any possible damage from extractive industries.

Although the motion was supported, NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly will have the final say.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/end-to-cessnock-coal-rigs-urged/1961868.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1328</guid>
			<author>DONNA SHARPE - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Cessnock Council Unanimously Votes Against Coal Seam Gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[At the Cessnock Council Meeting last night, Councillor Dale Troy moved a rescission motion on part of the Cessnock LEP 2010 to put an amendment to exclude mining and extractive activities from the zone containing the vineyards.

 

This motion, seconded by Councillor James Ryan, welcomed by WAGE and the Hunter Valley Protection Alliance (HVPA) was supported without contest by the Council.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.facebook.com/notes/hunter-valley-protection-alliance/cessnock-council-unanimously-votes-against-coal-seam-gas/157882974232933</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1327</guid>
			<author>Hunter Valley Protection Alliance</author>
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			<title>EU should not press China on yuan: Wen</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A sharp appreciation of the yuan, also known as the renminbi, could lead to social unrest in China, with severe consequences for global stability, the Chinese Premier said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-2-EU-should-not-press-China-on-yuan---Chine-9YLSH?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1326</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Budgeting for global turmoil</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We are watching a dramatic game of global money flows which is changing the shape of the world. Inevitably Australia becomes caught in the swirl.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Budgeting-for-global-turmoil-pd20101006-9XSPC?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1325</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>NSW Coastal Planning Guidelines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As a consequence of sea level rise, there is likely to be an increase in the frequency, duration and height of coastal flooding in low lying areas, resulting in emergency evacuations and likely property and infrastructure damage. Areas where tidal waters currently flow back up the stormwater system during king tides will also be subject to more frequent tidal inundations under changing climatic condition.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a4523f8f-96bd-4349-b53e-cdbd9caa08e3&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-10-05</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 02:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1324</guid>
			<author>DLA Phillips Fox...</author>
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			<title>Worlds biggest solar project powers up in Canada</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The worlds largest solar energy facility, the 80-megawatt Sarnia photovoltaic project in Ontario, is now fully operational and is supplying energy to the Canadian provinces power grid, its owner and operator said on Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/worlds-biggest-solar-project-powers-canada?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=8f5ef9089a-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 02:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1323</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>South Koreas solar awakening</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Samsung said it would invest $US20.6 billion in solar cell production and other growth projects over the next decade.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/south-koreas-solar-awakening?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=8f5ef9089a-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 02:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1322</guid>
			<author>Ju-min Park & Leonora Walet</author>
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			<title>Govt could be forced to release MRRT data</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Labor government could be required to release additional information on the mineral resource rent tax, after key senators pledged to use parliamentary reforms to push for the release of commodity price assumptions used to model the tax]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Senate-Gillard-mining-tax-pd20101005-9WQYY?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 02:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1321</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Muswellbrook is Hunters sickest town</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Muswellbrook is the Hunters sickest town, with the regions highest number of premature deaths that could have been prevented by health service intervention, according to experts.
The Upper Hunter town had the largest number of "potentially avoidable deaths", with a rate significantly higher than the NSW average.

It ranked seventh worst out of 155 NSW local government areas, only behind the disadvantaged areas of Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Moree Plains, Narrabri and Gwydir.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/muswellbrook-is-hunters-sickest-town/1958365.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1320</guid>
			<author>DONNA PAGE - newc herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Officials dam submission watered down</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An official submission advising against the construction of the $477 million Tillegra dam was retracted and replaced with a weakened version that omitted concerns about incomplete hydrological modelling and adverse environmental impacts.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/officials-dam-submission-watered-down-20101004-164eh.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1319</guid>
			<author>Louise Hall</author>
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			<title>Gillard warned of threat to surplus</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Department of Finance has urged the government to wind back retiree, health and family payments with tougher income and eligibility tests, and reduce defence spending, warning that immediate cuts are needed to ensure the budget returns to surplus.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Finance-Dept-urges-spending-cuts-9TUWN?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1318</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Climate talks put top emitter China in hot seat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The meeting in the northern port city of Tianjin will be the first time China has hosted the tortuous U.N. talks over what succeeds the current phase of the Kyoto Protocol, the key treaty on climate change, which expires in late 2012.

The United Nations says rich and poor countries need to agree on a tougher pact that curbs fossil fuel emissions blamed for heating up the planet.

Scientists say the world is on track for temperatures to rise well beyond 2 degrees Celsius, risking greater weather extremes like this years floods in Pakistan and drought in Russia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/climate-talks-put-top-emitter-china-hot-seat?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=72e1001e59-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1317</guid>
			<author>Reuters - By Chris Buckley</author>
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			<title>your grandfathers emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The world is waking up to the stark reality that it is not enough to set targets for emissions reductions in the future to deal with climate change. It is the existing load, your grandfathers emissions - the carbon released into the atmosphere 70 years ago - that is causing climate problems.

We know how to deal with future emissions: switch from coal-fired energy to renewables. We also know how to deal with your grandathers emissions: only photosynthesis can extract CO2 from the atmosphere. But renewables will not be ready to take on the task for up to 50 years, if then.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/tapping-soil-solution?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=72e1001e59-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1316</guid>
			<author>Michael Kiely</author>
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			<title>What Gillard isnt telling us - Petrol price will rise substantially with Carbon Tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Greg Hunt has hurled a molotov cocktail into the midst of the battle over carbon pricing. It may not explode for a few days or weeks yet, but when it does it should create quite a bang - because this ones filled with petrol....
while the national vehicle fleet only contributes 14 to 16 per cent of emissions directly, the entire downstream petroleum sector - the refineries, distribution network and motor vehicles themselves - is responsible for around 23 per cent of emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Greg-Hunt-Julia-Gillard-climate-change-parliament--pd20101004-9VRSX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1315</guid>
			<author>Rob Burgess</author>
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			<title>Blow to Tillegra Dam plans from reports</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tillegra Dam has been dealt a possible mortal blow with the release of two more independent reports attacking Hunter Waters case for the dam, and highlighting its damaging effect on associated waterways and industries.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/blow-to-tillegra-dam-plans-from-reports/1956815.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1314</guid>
			<author>JOANNE MCCARTHY - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Rutherford residents fight for clean air</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A group of Maitland residents has invited Environment Minister Frank Sartor to spend a few days with them in windy Rutherford to experience first hand stink and dust from mines and a nearby industrial estate....
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water has received the highest rate of complaints in the state from residents in Rutherford and Telarah. We think we deserve the courtesy of them telling us what is actually in the air, Mr Jordan said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/rutherford-residents-fight-for-clean-air/1956800.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 23:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1313</guid>
			<author>DONNA SHARPE - newc herald</author>
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			<title>September the wettest on record</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia has had its wettest September in history, smashing a century-old record with almost three times the long-term average rainfall for the month, latest statistics show.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/september-the-wettest-on-record-20101001-1610d.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 23:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1312</guid>
			<author>Tom Arup - smh</author>
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			<title>Power prices set to surge over next 4 years</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Power prices set to double over next 4 years - Chief Exec Energy Supply Assoc]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/KGBTV?Readform&amp;groupid=SADI-89RT47&amp;chp=1</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 23:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1311</guid>
			<author>KGB TV</author>
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			<title>Argus brings small miners to tax table</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LED by Don Argus, the mining tax review is seeking to address a key grievance of small miners during a round of meetings with the industry.....BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata could soon face pressure to front a public hearing to reveal their role in shaping the governments watered-down minerals resource rent tax.

A Senate select committee on tax, formed this week by the opposition, will examine how the government reached its assumption that the tax will raise $10.5 billion in its first three years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/argus-brings-small-miners-to-tax-table-20101001-1612y.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 22:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1310</guid>
			<author>Clancy Yeates - smh</author>
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			<title>Tax deal guarantee sought by miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The MCAs submission says the Prime Minister must deliver on her pre-election promise to legislate based strictly on the compromise struck with the big miners on the MRRT, which is a watered-down version of Labors abandoned resource super-profits tax.

This follows weeks of speculation in the mining industry that Treasury has been lobbying for the MRRT to be raised beyond its effective rate of 22.5 per cent or to be expanded beyond iron ore and coal]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/tax-deal-guarantee-sought-by-miners/story-fn59niix-1225933021955</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 22:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1309</guid>
			<author>Andrew Burrell From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Irelands warning for America</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the US government will have to bow to the inevitable and restructure some of the major US banks. At that point the US banking system will have to recognise hundreds of billions of dollars in losses from the deflation of the US mortgage bubble.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Irelands-warning-for-America-pd20101001-9ST4L?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1308</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Death duty resurrection</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Everyone needs to remember that an inheritance tax at its harshest would only be relevant to the top 10 per cent of Australian households... Over 40 per cent of Australias wealth is in the hands of the top 10 per cent of households over 65 years old so the generational transfer is imminent.... the descendants of Australias richest families are going to get this money tax free when most people pay 30 per cent, 40 per cent and nearly 50 per cent tax...A $10 million threshold should eliminate the angst of grandparents worrying about the legitimate housing or education needs of their offspring.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/death-tax-duties-duty-rich-wealthy-bequest-tax-pd20100930-9S8HA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 22:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1307</guid>
			<author>Mark Carnegie</author>
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			<title>A carbon tax: back on the agenda?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The experience of Europe demonstrates that it is crucial that the carbon tax is introduced in a revenue neutral manner. All of the revenue must be fed back into the economy - for example, by reducing the taxes on jobs, compensating low income households, compensating vulnerable economic sectors, and incentives for investing in energy efficiency or renewable energy (Ekins, see above). For example, in Denmark where a carbon tax was introduced in the early 1990s, payroll tax was substantially reduced at the same time as the carbon tax introduced. This was a key factor in ensuring revenue neutrality. In addition, all of the revenue from the tax was recycled back into the economy through a range of measures including revenue being returned to companies who achieved emissions reduction targets]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=114d5d95-4996-4b47-ba6b-d1a093c57011&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-10-01</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 22:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1306</guid>
			<author>Blake Dawson</author>
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			<title>Worlds richest man doubts broadband value</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE WORLDS richest man, Mexican telecommunications tycoon Carlos Slim, has upped the pressure on the federal government over the national broadband network by claiming it is too expensive.

Echoing criticisms from other business leaders, Mr Slim said it was very important for broadband to be accessible to all, but the $43 billion cost of the project was too high.

Its too much money. Its not necessary to invest so much money because technology is changing all the time, Mr Slim said in Sydney.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/worlds-richest-man-doubts-broadband-value-20100929-15x6l.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1305</guid>
			<author>Clancy Yeates and Philip Wen - smh</author>
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			<title>Half states dust comes from Hunter centres</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Almost half of the states fine particulate matter dust emissions are produced in Singleton and Muswellbrook, National Pollutant Inventory data shows.
The data has been revealed on the eve of the first meeting of the Upper Hunter air quality monitoring network advisory committee tomorrow. 

The pollution inventory reveals 53million kilograms of the states 110million kilograms of PM10 emissions for 2008-2009 were produced in Muswellbrook and Singleton.

Similarly, 3.2million kilograms of the states 6.7million kilograms of PM2.5 emissions for the same period came from the two towns.

Although the chemical composition of the dust varied, particles of that size made up a large proportion of dust able to be drawn deep into the lungs.

Among community concerns is the potential link between mercury emissions from power stations and the incidence of autism.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/half-states-dust-comes-from-hunter-centres/1953212.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1304</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY, HEALTH REPORTER - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Risky business</title>
			<description><![CDATA[if we assume a one-in-five chance of a manageable future, our carbon budget is 890 billion tonnes. This is the amount that can be emitted between 2000 and 2050. Given were well into this period, and assuming growth as forecast, the next question becomes - when is the budget all used up? The answer is quite startling. Its all gone by 2024, just 14 years away. The other startling conclusion was that a full 75 per cent of proven reserves of oil, coal and gas would then be still in the ground, never to be used, meaning they are today probably worth nothing.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/carbon-risk-climate-change-markets-investors-emissions?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=f8ec5c1ce5-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1303</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding & Phil Preston</author>
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			<title>CARBON-INDUCED FINANCIAL DISRUPTION</title>
			<description><![CDATA[coal, oil and gas extraction companies face substantial risks, including 75% of their reserves being potentially worthless.
At some point, and most likely ahead of government action, the consensus view in the market will shift, leading to a substantial level of protracted disruption for investors.b
3]]></description>
			<link>http://paulgilding.com/fileshare/Carbon-Induced-Financial-Disruption-Gilding-and-Preston.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1302</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding & Phil Preston</author>
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			<title>Shortens hidden tax agenda</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Just last week the new Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten declared his intention to continue a push to upset the business tax arrangements of Australias 2 million self-employed people. Its the Personal Services Income (PSI) tax issue again.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/PSI-personal-services-income-government-julia-gill-pd20100927-9P4Z4?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1301</guid>
			<author>Ken Phillips</author>
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			<title>Greens oppose coal conversion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Greens are declaring it will oppose the conversion of coal into liquid in the Hunter Valley.

This follows questions to the NSW parliament regarding investigations into the Denman-Scone area from Greens senator Lee Rhiannon.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/greens-oppose-coal-conversion?utm_source=20100929&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletters</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1300</guid>
			<author>Cole Latimer - Aust Mining</author>
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			<title>IMF sees further RBA rate rises</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Interest rate hikes will be necessary if Australias mining investment boom continues to be the countrys main economic driver, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said....Some reports suggest RBA governor Glenn Stevens will embark on the most aggressive round of interest rate increases yet by a G20 country, as early as next week. 

The need for interest rate hikes amid an accelerating economy was highlighted by the RBA earlier this month, stoking expectations that rates will grow.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Higher-interest-rates-likely-necessary-for-Austral-pd20100929-9RPWP?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1299</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator & Reuters</author>
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			<title>Whos afraid of the green economy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rising energy costs and environmental imposts are clearly exercising the minds of large corporates, and Pratt believes there are immense opportunities in cutting energy use. He pointed to the experience of DuPont, which has saved an estimated $2-$3 billion by becoming more energy efficient. Pratt said most business people underestimate the potential of cost savings.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/whos-afraid-green-economy?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=fd557d950f-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1298</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Why Hazelwood has got to go</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Victoria produces the nations dirtiest electricity, relying on soggy brown coal to keep the lights on. Which makes it noteworthy that both sides of the states parliament last month voted to legislate for a 20 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/why-hazelwood-has-got-go?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=fd557d950f-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1297</guid>
			<author>Mark Wakeham</author>
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			<title>Canadas energy shift</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Oil and gas companies, and conventional electricity producers that use coal or natural gas, are snapping up wind, solar and geothermal projects, or even swallowing smaller companies whole, for reasons beyond good optics]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/canadas-energy-shift?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=fd557d950f-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1296</guid>
			<author>Nicole Mordant & Susan Taylor</author>
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			<title>Forrest goes feral against mining giants</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FORTESCUE Metals boss Andrew Forrest has launched a ferocious attack on the three mining giants that co-authored the Minerals Resource Rent Tax with the Federal Government, claiming they had made it virtually impossible for new mining companies to emerge.

The outspoken mining chief said the MRRT was an "absolute barrier to entry" for new companies wanting to build mines and mining infrastructure]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad-application/forrest-goes-feral-against-mining-giants/story-fn6bn4mv-1225931996049</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1295</guid>
			<author>Jenny Dillon From: Herald Sun</author>
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			<title>Miners fear Greens influence on Labor minerals tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As parliament resumed yesterday, local mid-tier and junior miners, locked out of the tax deal with global giants BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata, said it was a "very real" concern the government could again change the tax goalposts.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/miners-fear-greens-influence-on-labor-minerals-tax/story-e6frg8zx-1225931195807</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1294</guid>
			<author>Sarah-Jane Tasker From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Activists shut down Newcastle coal exports</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Climate activists brought Newcastles billion-dollar coal-loaders to a grinding halt yesterday, suspending themselves midair to effectively shut down the worlds largest coal export operation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/activists-shut-down-newcastle-coal-exports/1952319.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1293</guid>
			<author>Ben Smee - newcastle herald</author>
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			<title>Tillegra review deeply critical</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hunter Waters case for Tillegra Dam has been dealt another blow after an independent review rejected the $477million dam as the best way to meet the Hunter Regions future water needs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/tillegra-review-deeply-critical/1953204.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1292</guid>
			<author>JOANNE MCCARTHY - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Newcastle Harbour clean-up continues following oil spill</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A month after a coal ship spilled 12 tonnes of oil into Newcastle Harbour, crews are continuing to clean up oil from marine life and rocks]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/newcastle-harbour-cleanup-continues-following-oil-spill/1954348.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1291</guid>
			<author>ALISON BRANLEY - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Italy solar capacity seen at 2,500 MW yr-end</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Italy, Europes No. 3 solar market, is expected to boost installed photovoltaic capacity to 2,500 megawatts at the end of 2010 from 1,500 MW now]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/italy-solar-capacity-seen-2500-mw-yr-end-gse-0?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=7e7d189887-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1290</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>The green jobs challenge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While Australian politicians continue to take the slowly-slowly approach to tackling climate change, the lack of coordinated national policies to scale the clean energy industry to secure jobs, manufacturing capacity, and research and development, is setting us even further behind.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/green-jobs-challenge?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=7e7d189887-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1289</guid>
			<author>Lisa Tarry</author>
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			<title>Mining companies may seek victims compensation from climate activists</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Port Waratah Coal Services, controlled by Xstrata and Rio Tinto two of the worlds largest mining companies, may be seeking $97,000 in "victims compensation" due to the disruption to coal loading due to the protest. Pursuit of such a claim would be the latest SLAPP (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) used to attempt to silence environmental, climate and public interest protestors. The prosecution of 20 activists by Gunns (The Gunns 20) is the best known SLAPP case in Australia, which ultimately failed. (See Sourcewatch - SLAPPs in Australia)

[if they dare then we dare... in any case Victims Compensations is not payable for property loss... by the way have they managed to put out the fire at Centralia, Pennsylvania yet ???]]]></description>
			<link>http://indymedia.org.au/2010/09/26/mining-companies-may-seek-victims-compensation-from-climate-activists</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1288</guid>
			<author>independent media centre australia</author>
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			<title>Activists shut down Newcastle coal exports</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Climate activists brought Newcastles billion-dollar coal-loaders to a grinding halt yesterday, suspending themselves midair to effectively shut down the worlds largest coal export operation.
Police arrested 41 members of the Rising Tide group, which launched a simultaneous protest at three coal-loader sites at dawn yesterday.

The group said it was staging an "emergency intervention" into the main cause of global warming in Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/activists-shut-down-newcastle-coal-exports/1952319.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1287</guid>
			<author>Ben Smee - newcastle herald</author>
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			<title>Scare over rare-earth minerals underlines fear of a rising China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Chinese stockbroking analyst, Min Li of Yuanta Securities, was quoted by Reuters as saying: "Rare earth for China is like oil to the Middle East." Except Chinas rare-earth dominance makes the OPEC cartel, controlling 40 per cent of global oil, look like a wide-aisle 24/7 supermarket by comparison... China controls 97 per cent of the global output....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/scare-over-rareearth-minerals-underlines-fear-of-a-rising-china-20100927-15u0j.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1286</guid>
			<author>PETER HARTCHER</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chainsaws roar before the peace</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Native forests are still being logged in Tasmania as confidential peace talks between industry and environmentalists near a deal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/chainsaws-roar-before-the-peace-20100927-15u5r.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1285</guid>
			<author>Andrew Darby -smh, age</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Independent review rejects Tillegra Dam</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hunter Waters case for Tillegra Dam has been dealt another blow after an independent review rejected the $477 million dam as the best solution to meet the Hunter Regions future water needs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/independent-review-rejects-tillegra-dam-20100927-15u5d.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1284</guid>
			<author>Joanne McCarthy - smh</author>
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			<title>Natural Gas Companies Benefit from the Status Quo</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There wont be any national or international movement on climate policy for the rest of this year, at the very least. And while Washington waits to act on climate change, at least one group is benefiting. The natural gas industry is flourishing, despite reports that its practices lead to flammable tap water, poisoned aquifers, and multiple health problems.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.care2.com/causes/environment/blog/weekly-mulch-how-the-status-quo-benefits-natural-gas-companies/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1283</guid>
			<author>Sarah Laskow</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Our banks guarantee addiction</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the real equity in the financial industry is not so much shareholder capital but "its limitless access to the public purse making banking the most subsidised industry in the world]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Our-banks-guarantee-addiction-pd20100927-9NTVW?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1282</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottleibsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Coal calls for carbon tax talks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The chief executive of Swiss-Anglo mining giant Xstrata Coal has weighed into the carbon tax debate, urging the Federal Government to begin negotiations. Peter Freyberg has called on the Federal Government to initiate a proper consultation process on how a price on carbon dioxide emissions would be administered.
[What a hide... Freyberg should get the same proper consultation process as the one his mongrel company gives the people of Wybong. Asshole.]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/xstrata-coal-calls-for-carbon-tax-talks</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1281</guid>
			<author>Australian Mining</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Key report on biodiversity and ecosystems impacts for businesses launched</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A report initiated by the G8 and five major developing economies following on the Stern Report.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=dd6fcc8a-2c3f-4e1e-b100-df1166694d4f&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-09-27</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1280</guid>
			<author>Freshfields,Bruckhaus Deringer LLP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Victoria takes action on climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Victorian Government has committed to a 20 per cent cut in greenhouse emissions below 2000 levels by 2020 under new legislation recently passed by State Parliament.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=3267daf4-a1f9-4195-9cd5-c608623ed70b&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Other+top+stories&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-09-27&amp;utm_</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1279</guid>
			<author>Minter Ellison & ors</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Genetically Modified Baby food UNLABELLED</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Independent testing commissioned by Greenpeace has found that some major infant formulas are contaminated with genetically modified (GM) organisms. These GM organisms havent been proven safe for people to eat, let alone for newborns. Parents are being kept in the dark because the products arent labelled GM.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.greenpeace.org.au/rp//1238/process.clsp?EmailId=1000017141&amp;Token=2A571B6CD0111B0D7913AAA50F3D960A6</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1278</guid>
			<author>Greenpeace</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata &amp; BHP AGAINST passenger services on Upper Hunter Line</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TWO of the regions mining giants, Xstrata Coal and BHP Billiton, declined to support a plan for additional passenger rail services to Singleton and the Upper Hunter. These (WAG ED: assholes) prefer their employees and the general public to die in vehicle accidents on the peak hour gridlocked New England Highway.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/no-support-for-singleton-rail-plan/1950636.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1277</guid>
			<author>DONNA SHARPE - newc herald</author>
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			<title>Hunter contractors bruised by coal loader</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Thomas and Coffey told the stock exchange last month that it had made an after-tax loss of $10.4million on revenues of $330million after its engineering and construction division incurred a substantial loss on the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group project.Youve got the company saying they are creating two to three jobs in fabrication and engineering for every job on the Kooragang site, and theyre right, but most of them are overseas, he said]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-contractors-bruised-by-coal-loader/1951651.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1276</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD - newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>No catch in an empty sea</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There are some signs that our national regulator, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, under Tony Burke, has played down the crisis southern bluefin faces. In the authoritys most recent annual assessment, the "grave concern" that the southern bluefin conservation commission expressed was described by the authority as simply "concern". Anyone who hears a police view of a missing person knows the difference between the two.

The Fisheries Managements assessment backed continued fishing of bluefin, unsurprisingly. Burkes challenge is to forget that this report was prepared when he was the minister responsible for the authority.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/no-catch-in-an-empty-sea-20100920-15j8z.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1275</guid>
			<author>Andrew Darby -smh, age</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Debate about gas drilling turns toxic</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Many are just beginning to wade through a thicket of potential lawsuits being brought by communities that have found high levels of toxins in their drinking water. In one case this month the township of Dimock in Pennsylvania found the toxic compound ethylbenzene in its water supply.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/debate-about-gas-drilling-turns-toxic-20100924-15ql3.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1274</guid>
			<author>Debra Jopson and Ben Cubby - smh</author>
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			<title>The nations food bowl will soon be only a memory</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FARMERS are warning that plans to drill for coal seam gas beneath the nations prime food bowl will end agriculture as we know it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/this-is-producing-land--not-just-a-pretty-picture-20100924-15qkr.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1273</guid>
			<author>Debra Jopson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Warning: get ready to pay for carbon</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIANS have paid a high price for the emissions trading scheme delay and the Gillard government should establish a carbon market as soon as possible, according to blunt advice from the federal Treasury in the normally top-secret red book prepared for an incoming Labor administration.

The red book, which landed on Wayne Swans desk the morning after the election, also warns the $43 billion national broadband network carries significant financial risks, that the strong economy could fuel inflation and the rapidly rising population projections both parties disavowed during the election campaign were largely unavoidable.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/warning-get-ready-to-pay-for-carbon-20100924-15qkq.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1272</guid>
			<author>Lenore Taylor and Jacob Saulwick - smh</author>
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			<title>SCRAP PART 3A</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BE IN IT TO WIN IT !
With the NSW State government election looming in March 2011, the successful party will no doubt be one that commits to the removal of Part 3A Legislation - the most autocratic environmentally damaging Planning legislation Australia has seen for over fifty years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.stoppart3a.com/index.php</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1270</guid>
			<author>Otford Eco Inc</author>
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			<title>Climate policy in a spin as mining giants fan heated debate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Greens welcomed the miners instigating discussion, but deputy Greens leader Christine Milne said the rules of engagement were now different as parliament will be in charge of designing any scheme, not lobbyists in ministerial offices.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/climate-policy-in-a-spin-as-mining-giants-fan-heated-debate/story-e6freqmx-1225929078487</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1269</guid>
			<author>Kerrie Sinclair From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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			<title>Canadas largest environmental class action judgment based on pollution: nickel refinery to pay $36m to homeowners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In Canadas largest ever environmental class action decision based on pollution, damages were assessed against Vale (formerly Inco Limited) in the amount of $36 million. This represented compensation to a class of homeowners whose property values declined when it became public that their properties were contaminated with nickel. This was the first environmental class action to proceed to trial in a common law province.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=5bf25dc3-60c9-4578-b05f-1271d4fdbde2&amp;utm_source=lexology+daily+newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=html+email+-+international+developments&amp;utm_campaign=lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=lexology+daily+newsfeed+2010-0</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1268</guid>
			<author>Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Abbott slams Gillard on carbon backflip</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The carbon tax is the first product of the secret deal between the Labor Party and the Greens, which has enabled the current government to be formed," he told reporters in Sydney. 

"What that means is that this government is essentially based on a lie.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Abbott-slams-Gillard-on-Carbon-backflip-9K9C8?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1267</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Can we afford the carbon premium?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Anyone who is advocating a reduction in greenhouse gases needs to acknowledge that they are asking the people of Australia to accept a lower standard of living today to protect the environment for tomorrow. There is no way around it. You cannot provide subsidies out of thin air nor can you tax just the polluters. Anything the government contributes will have to be paid for as increased taxes, anything business pays for will be passed on as increased prices and this burden will fall on the average person.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/carbon-price-BHP-Kloppers-fossil-fuels-pd20100923-9JU3R?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 22:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1266</guid>
			<author>Mark Carnegie</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Selling contaminated land: does silence constitute misleading or deceptive conduct?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This decision has consequences for both purchasers and vendors. For purchasers, it demonstrates the importance of comprehensive due diligence pre-exchange. For vendors, it highlights the need to satisfy statutory disclosure obligations in relation to land contamination. But importantly, vendors should be cautious about entering into discussions about the quality and prospective use of land, as incomplete disclosure may form the basis of a claim for misleading or deceptive conduct.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ea83f761-b5e7-49bd-83e9-4b9d56c5642e&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-09-24</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 22:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1265</guid>
			<author>Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-09-24</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China renewables update</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China is targeting that non-fossil fuels (including hydro and nuclear) will account for 10% of final energy consumption by this year and 15% by 2020, up from approximately 9% in 2008. Achieving these targets will require a massive amount of new investment in technology and infrastructure. China was the global leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency investment in 2009, with $34.6 billion invested, almost double that of second-place United States]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=da564c03-d971-45e6-a1cc-08c5a79f7768&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+International+developments&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 23:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1263</guid>
			<author>Chris Flood - Chadbourne & Parke LLP</author>
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			<title>Sacked minister Ian McDonald did it for his mate and his training mine fraud.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The disgraced former mines minister Ian Macdonald approved a valuable exploration licence for a company associated with his friend, the former union boss John Maitland, even though his department had recommended against the proposal.

A ministerial briefing note given to Mr Macdonald in February 2007 - nearly 18 months before he wrote to Mr Maitland asking him to apply - spelt out the departments opposition.

There would be major policy difficulties, potential probity issues and environmental sensitivities involved in considering a proposed direct resource allocation for a training mine, a probity report prepared recently for the government found.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/sacked-minister-ignored-licence-advice-20100922-15n0r.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 01:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1262</guid>
			<author>Brian Robbins - smh</author>
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			<title>Cover-up: secret plans to mine gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Billions of dollars worth of coal seam gas will be mined around Sydney and the profits split among giant coal companies, including Peabody Energy and Rio Tinto, leaked confidential company document reveals....
What makes it even worse is that the Department of Planning was complicit in agreeing to remove the gas drilling from the Metropolitan mine impact statement which protected the company from bad publicity.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coverup-secret-plans-to-mine-gas-20100922-15n0p.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 01:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1261</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal industry to reflect on MRRT following election result</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Legal opinion - MRRT examined and explained]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=79116c13-0a6c-4202-a8a6-689f478bb59e&amp;utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed&amp;utm_medium=HTML+email+-+Body+-+General+section&amp;utm_campaign=Lexology+subscriber+daily+feed&amp;utm_content=Lexology+Daily+Newsfeed+2010-09-22</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 01:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1260</guid>
			<author>Nick Heggart, Nicola Yeomans, Tristan Boyd - Freehills</author>
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			<title>Abbott criticises BHP carbon price call</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The notion that Australia should henceforth treat coal as it has long treated uranium - as something thats alright to be exported elsewhere but too environmentally suspect to be used here - is more environmental snobbery than serious analysis of our national interest."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/abbott-criticises-bhp-carbon-price-call</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 01:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1259</guid>
			<author>climate spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Central America taps volcanoes for electricity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Dotted with active volcanoes, Central America is seeking to tap its unique geography to produce green energy and cut dependence on oil imports as demand for electricity outstrips supply]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/central-america-taps-volcanoes-electricity-1?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=7552391be8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1258</guid>
			<author>Sarah Grainger</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Interest rate bombshell</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Within 24 hours of being appointed by HSBC as chief economist for Australia and New Zealand, former senior Reserve Bank economist Paul Bloxham has dropped a bombshell, predicting the RBA will raise official interest rates by 125 basis points by the end of next year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RBA-Reserve-Bank-interest-rates-stevens-paul-bloxh-pd20100921-9H39W?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1257</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hand off our homes!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The compulsory acquisition of peoples homes is on Labors agenda. Premier Kristina Keneally made the admission in a live TV interview.* That means no ones home is safe.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.handsoffourhomes.com.au/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1256</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Twiggy gives Kloppers a backhander</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Switching the national conversation away from the mining tax -- which is a sweetheart deal for BHP -- and on to the idea of a carbon tax is brilliant politics," he said, describing the BHP boss as a "very clever politician" and "very resourceful in making the speech"...The comments demonstrate the depth of the ill feeling in the rest of the mining industry towards the deal negotiated by BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata with Julia Gillard to replace the resource super-profits tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/twiggy-gives-kloppers-a-backhander/story-e6frg8zx-1225927532602</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1255</guid>
			<author>Jennifer Hewett, National affairs correspondent From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata launches Hunter rail service</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata will operate ten locomotives and 300 wagons, complementing existing services operated by Pacific National.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/xstrata-launches-hunter-rail-service-20100921-15l4b.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1254</guid>
			<author>Xavier La Canna -smh</author>
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			<title>WA to fund nations largest grid-connected solar plant</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the project would generate up to 10 megawatt hours of electricity each year .. "Significantly, this will be the largest solar array ever to be connected to the grid in Australia, providing clean and secure energy supply and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tonnes per year," he said.

The project will support about 50 jobs during construction and three full-time job once completed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/wa-fund-nations-largest-grid-connected-solar-plant</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 23:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1253</guid>
			<author>climate spectator</author>
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			<title>Wal-Mart to try thin-film solar technology</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc plans to expand the use of renewable energy in its stores by installing thin-film solar panels in up to 30 of its locations]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/wal-mart-try-thin-film-solar-technology?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=5c43b873fa-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 23:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1252</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>The lucky country stripped bare</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia, he said, was badly placed in a low-carbon world. It ranked 15th (well below China) among G20 countries in terms of competitiveness. In cricketing terms, its required run rate was formidable, and rising all the time.
 
Hepburn had other myths to dispatch. He said China will likely have an ETS before Australia, India already has a carbon tax on coal at the equivalent of $3 a tonne (far in excess of what was contemplated in the CPRS),]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/cameron-hepburn-nsw-miners-climtate-change-policy-US-China-Australia-resources</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 23:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1251</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>No to offshore gas drilling</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Opposition is building to an exploratory gas drilling project planned off Newcastle, with environment groups banding together to fight the project.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/no-to-offshore-gas-drilling/1945854.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1250</guid>
			<author>DAMON CRONSHAW newcastle herald</author>
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			<title>Conduct code draws flak from all sides</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Three members of the Legislative Council, David Shoebridge, Marie Ficarra and Robert Borsak, had said the code of conduct was being used for political purposes by majority councillors to intimidate their rivals....Ms Perry said the review of the code would include the establishment of a central panel of conduct reviewers to be used by all councils and the ability for councils to request that a person be declared a vexatious complainant.

The division is also working on a standard code of practice for council meetings, she said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/conduct-code-draws-flak-from-all-sides-20100920-15jue.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1249</guid>
			<author>Harvey Grennan - smh</author>
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			<title>Public loses all faith with planning process</title>
			<description><![CDATA[COMMUNITIES across NSW are so frustrated and cynical about the planning system they doubt it is worth the effort of even engaging with it, according to a report funded by the Department of Planning.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/public-loses-all-faith-with-planning-process-20100920-15ju7.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1248</guid>
			<author>Matthew Moore URBAN AFFAIRS EDITOR smh</author>
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			<title>Justification for Tillegra Dam unrealistic and absurd</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Tillegra Dam is being built for drought conditions predicted to occur only once in every 10 million months, or 830,000 years...
An email on September 1 from Anna Scott, a senior water official in the Department of Planning, to Amir Deen, SMECs manager of water services, confirms Hunter Water stated today that this criteria alone underpins the justification for needing the dam]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/justification-for-tillegra-dam-unrealistic-and-absurd-greens-say-20100920-15jty.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1247</guid>
			<author>Louise Hall - smh</author>
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			<title>Xstrata vows to fight Aussie class action</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Plc, owner of lead and zinc operations in western Australia, said it will counter allegations of lead poisoning in children from its mines in Queensland in a court of law.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.financialpost.com/2010/09/20/xstrata-vows-to-fight-aussie-class-action/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1246</guid>
			<author>Bloomberg</author>
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			<title>Danger in the air for mining towns children</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The hidden danger was brought into sharp focus this week with the release of expert medical reports on children found to have dangerously high lead levels in the 2008 blood screening. Lawyer Damian Scattini, of Slater &amp; Gordon, who is representing five families suing Xstrata, the Queensland government and the local council, says the reports are the first scientific confirmation of the effect on children of lead pollution from the hardrock mine and smelters in Mount Isa.

The reports focused on two children - Sidney Body, 5, and Bethany Sanders, 4 - who recorded the worst lead poisoning. Sidney had a blood-lead level of 31.5mcg/dL - three times the international safety limit - while Bethany posted 27.4mcg/dL.]]></description>
			<link>http://mesotheliomaattorneys.ztnewstoday.com/danger-in-the-air-for-mining-towns-children/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1245</guid>
			<author>MESOTHELIOMA ATTORNEYS</author>
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			<title>Electricity consumers to pay thru the nose</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australian households and businesses should start preparing for a steep increase in electricity prices starting next year.

more than half of Australias greenhouse gas emissions result from coal-fired electricity generation, as a result of which this country is the highest per capita emitter in the OECD and one of the half-dozen highest in the world.

So just as the resources tax cash grab is focused on the two richest mineral exports - coal and iron ore - carbon abatement will focus on electricity.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-clear-road-to-carbon-pricing-pd20100920-9FSSA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1244</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Peru protesters attack Xstrata copper mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Peruvian protesters attempted to seize Xstrata Plcs Tintaya copper mine in the southern Andes after clashes with police left 2 dead and wounded 44 others.

Mr Jose Antonio Chang cabinet chief of Peru said that police reinforcements will be sent to the Cuzco region tomorrow after 26 policemen were hurt by protesters throwing stones. Villagers concerned that the Majes Siguas II irrigation project will divert water supplies from local farming failed in their attempt to take over the Tintaya mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.steelguru.com/metals_news/Peru_protesters_attack_Xstrata_copper_mine/166023.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1243</guid>
			<author>steel guru .com</author>
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			<title>Mount Isa Lead Poisoning Confirmed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata and the Queensland Government are being held to account for toxic emissions from the Mount Isa lead smelter and the high blood lead levels in local children.

An internationally renowned neuroscientist and expert on lead, Professor Theodore Lidsky, has found that long term exposure to lead is causing grossly elevated blood lead levels, brain damage and retardation, ABC 3 News reported.

The mining giant Xstrata and the Queensland Government have long dismissed claims that emissions from the companys Mount Isa mine causes lead poisoning.

But Queensland Health chief medical officer, Jeannette Young, confirmed the Mount Isa mine was responsible for the toxic emissions, the Australian newspaper reported.

The admission has forced Xstrata to finally agree to be interviewed and has sent the Government into full damage control, ABC reported.

Related Articles
Mount Isa Children Suffer Lead Poisoning
Solving the E-Waste Problem
By the end of the same day, Sept. 17, Dr Youngs office had issued a statement saying Young had expressed an unqualified opinion.

Five of eight families that commissioned Professor Lidskys report are suing the mining giant Xstrata, the Queensland Government and the local council. Their lawyer, Damian Scattini, says while the study strengthens the legal case, the families are going through difficult times.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/42862/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1242</guid>
			<author>Raiatea Tahana-Reese from Epoch Times Staff</author>
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			<title>Fireball tragedy in California suburb brings gas industry under scrutiny</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The natural gas industry is coming under intense scrutiny today, after a massive fireball ripped through a ruptured pipeline in a suburban town near San Francisco, killing at least four people, injuring dozens more, and burning more than 50 homes to the ground]]></description>
			<link>http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/10/fireball-gas-industry-scrutiny</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1241</guid>
			<author>Suzanne Goldenberg, US environment correspondent - Guardian UK</author>
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			<title>Coolah to Newcastle Gas Pipeline</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Eastern Star Gas has engaged CNC to project manage all the regulatory and
permitting of its proposed Gas Pipeline between .... Coolah to Newcastle in NSW (295km).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.cncprojects.com.au/CNC_Statement_of_Capabilities.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1240</guid>
			<author>cnc project mgt</author>
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			<title>Gas company confident drilling will go ahead</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Advent Energy say theyre confident theyll get approval for gas exploration off Newcastle and the Central Coast.

The Perth-based Advent Energy is towing an oil rig from Victoria to the waters off Newcastle to explore the Sydney basins massive gas reserves.

The company doesnt yet have environmental approval but they say drilling will begin as planned in October.]]></description>
			<link>http://newcastle.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/gas-company-confident-drilling-will-go-ahead</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1239</guid>
			<author>iprime.com.au</author>
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			<title>Gas drilling off Newcastle starts in October</title>
			<description><![CDATA[EXPLORATORY drilling for natural gas will take place about 30 kilometres from the coast of Port Stephens in October.
Advent Energy, which has government approval to extract gas and holds the states only offshore petroleum licence, said its first exploration well would be directly east of Newcastle.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/gas-drilling-off-newcastle-starts-in-october/1925840.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1238</guid>
			<author>BEN SMEE - newcastle herald</author>
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			<title>Plan to mine coal gas off Newcastle coast</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A MAJOR conservation fight is looming over an energy companys plan to use seismic tests to explore almost 6000 square kilometres of ocean along the Newcastle to Sydney coast in search of coal under the seabed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/plan-to-mine-coal-gas-off-newcastle-coast/1267747.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1237</guid>
			<author>PAUL MAGUIRE - newcastle herald</author>
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			<title>Mount Isa scattered with high lead levels</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Dr Youngs comments this week that the childrens lead poisoning was caused by the emissions from the mine contradicted Xstratas claims it was caused by a naturally occurring presence of lead in the city]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/mount-isa-scattered-with-high-lead-levels/story-e6frg6nf-1225925596082</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1236</guid>
			<author>Michael McKenna From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Bush wants rail lines, not phone lines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FARMER Andrew Thibault has nothing against Labors ambitious National Broadband Network. 
Hed just prefer some of the $43 billion set aside for the project was spent on more pressing infrastructure needs - such as a decent rail line to get his bumper winter harvest to market.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/bush-wants-rail-lines-not-phone-lines/story-fn59niix-1225925642465</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1235</guid>
			<author>Jodie Minus From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>China powers booming world climate change industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE global climate change industry is now worth more than $528bn, powered by Chinas rise as one of the top nations for climate revenues....The research also shows that private sector climate-related investment in China, which had grown thirtyfold since 2004, coupled with focused climate stimulus spend, is set to propel China to the forefront of developments in the emerging low-carbon economy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/china-powers-booming-world-climate-change-industry/story-e6frg8zx-1225925596796</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1234</guid>
			<author>Sarah-Jane Tasker From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Americans wealth fell in last quarter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Net worth - the value of assets like homes and investments, minus debts such as mortgages and credit cards - fell 2.7 per cent last quarter, or $US1.5 trillion ($A1.6 trillion), the Federal Reserve said on Friday. That left net worth at $US53.5 trillion ($A57.1 trillion)....Their stagnating wealth is likely to keep Americans reluctant to spend freely - and the struggling economy from picking up strength. Consumers tend to spend according to how wealthy they feel. And their spending accounts for about 70 per cent of the economy.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/americans-wealth-fell-in-last-quarter-20100918-15gnc.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1233</guid>
			<author>Jeannine Aversa - smh</author>
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			<title>Xstrata Thermal coal drops 7%</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Coal has agreed to sell Australian thermal coal to major buyer Tokyo Electric Power at $97.75 a tonne for October 2010 to September 2011 - a $5 a tonne decline from prices agreed in July.]]></description>
			<link>http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFSGE68F0CC20100916</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1232</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Cutting through the smoke</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There are many lessons we can learn from curbing the emitting of cigarette smoke as we tackle the carbon emissions of our electricity generation portfolio. Perhaps the most important is that, while price signals may curb activity, the only real way to get the desired result is to turn something completely off. In the case of power generation, we need not only to turn things off, we also need to turn new, appropriate power plants "on".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/cutting-through-smoke?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=3a1e572b39-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1231</guid>
			<author>Andrew Dyer</author>
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			<title>Solars quantum shift</title>
			<description><![CDATA[solar is rapidly moving in a cost competitive direction.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/solars-quantum-shift?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=7452cab4e7-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1230</guid>
			<author>Tim Buckley & Alex Wilkins</author>
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			<title>Carbon countdown</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Potsdam Institute research says that, if we are to have a reasonable chance of containing global warming to within 2 degrees, we only have a "budget" of 890 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions. This is a fixed budget, because carbon stays in the atmosphere for hundreds of years. So what is important is how much we emit - not when we emit it. If we continue to burn fossil fuels in line with our current business-as-usual approach, then we use up our budgeted emissions by 2024!

To add insult to injury, the quantum of fossil fuels required to emit 890 billion tonnes of CO2 is equivalent to only 25 per cent of proven, economically recoverable reserves. This means that, in theory, 75 per cent of known proven and probable reserves have no economic value.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/market-view-carbon-countdown?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=78454b46e8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1229</guid>
			<author>Phil Preston</author>
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			<title>Kloppers plays strategic card by backing a carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hes advocating a carbon tax, and only the limited use of an emissions trading scheme. Why? Because a tax would be set at a particular level whereas the price of carbon under an ETS could fluctuate wildly.

And if you can have the tax introduced at a low level, a level at which coal still would be by far the cheapest form of fuel, then your coalmines could remain hugely profitable for many years to come.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/kloppers-plays-strategic-card-by-backing-a-carbon-tax-20100917-15g87.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1228</guid>
			<author>Ian Verrender - smh</author>
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			<title>Debate begins now the tax is out of the bag</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MARIUS KLOPPERSS call for Australia to act first and introduce a carbon tax has put him at odds with business leaders who have urged the government not to adopt the BHP bosss one size fits all climate policy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/debate-begins-now-the-tax-is-out-of-the-bag-20100916-15emd.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1227</guid>
			<author>Mathew Murphy - smh</author>
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			<title>Bring lead cases to court: Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Slater &amp; Gordon lawyer Damian Scattini said he had been battling for two and a half years to get Xstrata to come to a compulsory conference, which is required in Queensland under the Personal Injury Proceedings Act (PIPA) before a matter can go to court.

"If Mr de Kruijff wants to have a compulsory conference next week well do it," Mr Scattini told AAP.

"We have many times asked Xstrata to waive PIPA but they say no."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/bring-lead-cases-to-court-xstrata-20100917-15evx.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1226</guid>
			<author>Petrina Berry - smh</author>
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			<title>Children in Mount Isa of Australia suffer brain damage caused by mine pollution: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An international expert on Friday found some children in Mount Isa of Queensland, Australia are suffering from brain damage and retardation caused by their prolonged exposure to lead.

According to The Australian newspaper, the reports - commissioned by five families suing mining giant Xstrata, the Queensland government and the local council - are the first scientific evidence of the effect on children of lead pollution from the hard-rock mine and smelters in the central Queensland town.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gtz-legal-reform.org.cn/2010/09/children-in-mount-isa-of-australia-suffer-brain-damage-caused-by-mine-pollution-report/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1225</guid>
			<author>gtz legal reform - canada</author>
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			<title>High toll of lead on mining town children</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An expert report found children in one of Australias most lucrative mining centres, Mount Isa, are suffering from brain damage and retardation caused by their prolonged exposure to lead,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/national/high-toll-of-lead-on-mining-town-children/story-e6frfkvr-1225925081831</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1224</guid>
			<author>news.com</author>
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			<title>Legal Action against Xstrata Get Stronger with Medical Reports of Two Children</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Lead exposure from a northwest Queensland mine has caused brain damage in two children, as per a medical report.The lead poisoning has been caused by the emissions from the mine, as confirmed by Jeannette Young, Chief Medical Officer of Queensland Health]]></description>
			<link>http://topnews.us/content/226092-legal-action-against-xstrata-get-stronger-medical-reports-two-children</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1223</guid>
			<author>Jayden Roberts - TOPNEWS</author>
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			<title>Xstrata set to axe 30 jobs at Baal Bone</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A DECISION by Xstrata not to go ahead with a controversial new longwall section at Baal Bone Colliery is to cost 30 jobs at the mine.
And in a further shock announcement yesterday it was indicated the mine might have only 12 months operational life remaining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/xstrata-set-to-axe-30-jobs-at-baal-bone/1938619.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1222</guid>
			<author>Len Ashworth - Lithgow Mercury</author>
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			<title>Coal station deal raises eyebrows</title>
			<description><![CDATA[environmentalists have criticised the plant and the state government, accusing it of introducing emissions standards that fail to back up its commitment to limit pollution contributing to global warming. The average emissions intensity of power stations across wealthy nations is about half the Victorian standard - about 0.45 tonnes of gas per megawatt hour.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/coal-station-deal-raises-eyebrows-20100912-1570p.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1221</guid>
			<author>Adam Morton</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Peru Protesters Attack Xstratas Copper Mine; Clashes Kill 2, Injure 44</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata this year approved $5.7 billion in projects in Peru, part of $41 billion in mining investment commitments in the Andean country over the next decade. Protests by farmers over water in the Andes in have delayed projects]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-16/peru-protesters-attack-xstrata-s-copper-mine-clashes-kill-2-injure-44.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1220</guid>
			<author>Alex Emery</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BHP boss warns government not to alter mining tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BHP boss Marius Kloppers sent a clear signal to Julia Gillard to resist calls to change the structure of the mineral resources rent tax]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/bhp-boss-warns-government-not-to-alter-mining-tax/story-e6frg9df-1225923992799</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1219</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Palmer again critical of the tax deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The current proposed tax has been accepted by the large three miners for one reason only, it keeps small Australian mining companies - new entrants in major projects - out of the business."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/14/3010797.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1218</guid>
			<author>abc</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Miners May Cut Coal Shipments on Newcastle Port Jam</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Delays have hit all 14 major Hunter Valley coal producers with handling through Newcastle expected to fall about 10 million metric tons short of contracts,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-13/miners-may-cut-coal-shipments-on-newcastle-port-jam-review-says.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1217</guid>
			<author>Robert Fenner - Bloomberg</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dad, son from Wyong killed in Hunter Valley crash</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its been reported that Wyong subcontractors Greg Smith, 51, and Mark Smith, 23, were heading home from Xstratas Blakefield coalmine, just south of Singleton at about 8am on Tuesday when the accident occurred]]></description>
			<link>http://express-advocate-gosford.whereilive.com.au/news/story/dad-son-from-wyong-killed-in-hunter-valley-crash/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1216</guid>
			<author>Central Coast Express-Advocate</author>
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		<item>
			<title>National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A document from 1992 showing how little has been achieved in bringing the coal industry to book.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.environment.gov.au/about/esd/publications/strategy/mining.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1215</guid>
			<author>Ecologically Sustainable Development Steering Committee</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal Ashtoxic threat to our health and environment</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal ash is the waste product left over after
coal is combusted, or burned...coal
ash commonly contains some of the worlds deadliest toxic metals: arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and selenium. These and other toxicants in coal ash can cause cancer and neurological damage in humans. They can also harm and kill wildlife, especially fish and other water-dwelling species.]]></description>
			<link>http://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/CoalAsh_Earthjustice.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1214</guid>
			<author>Earthjustice.org</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australia Moving To China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[At the rate of a million tons a day, Australia is excavated, poured into trucks, loaded aboard barges, and floated off to the Middle Kingdom. There it is employed in the service of high-winding the national economy so that the Chinese may live like Americans. Which is their right: if Americans can live like Americans, everyone else should be able to, too. Problem is, it would require the resources of 5.3 earths for everyone to live like an American. And we only have one.]]></description>
			<link>http://bluenred.wordpress.com/2010/09/12/australia-moving-to-china/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1213</guid>
			<author>bluenred</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A clean view</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As an industry, clean energy must continue to focus on the things that will drive business growth today so that it can build the industry capacity to meet tomorrows climate challenges]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/clean-agenda</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1212</guid>
			<author>Rob Grant</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Combet says coal industry is safe</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian newspaper says the former union leader has predicted the coal industry "absolutely" has a future as he pursues his three key policy reform objectives: pursuing renewable energy; energy efficiency; and the development of a carbon price for Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Combet-says-coal-industry-is-safe-98RQ6?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1211</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Eastern Star proposes CSG to Bayswater pipeline</title>
			<description><![CDATA[See Pipeline development Stage 2 - CSG to Bayswater II....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.easternstar.com.au/operations.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1210</guid>
			<author>Eastern Star</author>
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		<item>
			<title>GRAPHIC PHOTOS OF AGLs CRIMINAL ACT near Bulga</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AGL caught out badly with lies and deceit at the highest level. Check this out. The camera records the truth. AGL - i didnt know Criminal was spelt with a G.]]></description>
			<link>http://huntervalleyprotectionalliance.com/Windermere_spill1.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1209</guid>
			<author>Hunter Valley Protection Alliance</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Fear-mongering Xstrata cries wolf (again) on tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata has form when it comes to politically-motivated statements of fact.

Were not quite sure how you send a coal mine offshore, but current business figures suggest a mass offshoring of Aussie mining jobs is very unlikely.

Figures released this week shown very healthy profits in the Australian resources sector.

Bureau of Statistics figures showed that just as the mining sector was waging its anti-tax campaign, profits were soaring due to sharp increases in commodities prices. Just a statement of fact.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.xstratafacts.com/content/fear-mongering-xstrata-cries-wolf-again-tax</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1208</guid>
			<author>xstratafacts.com</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Alliance, AGL in dispute over water discharge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hunter Valley Protection Alliance spokesman John Thomson said AGL and the state government had "intentionally whitewashed" the community over the discharge of 120,000 litres of underground water that flooded and killed an adjoining pasture.

Mr Thomson said AGL was obliged to cart the water for treatment but discharged it to save costs. He said the alliance would hold a protest against coal-seam gas exploration at Sundays Broke village fair.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/alliance-agl-in-dispute-over-water-discharge/1937866.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1207</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD - newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Anger as council shuts Aboriginal library</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Under the guise of a stocktake last year ... without any consultation, our reference collection was changed to borrowing and ... split and distributed to seven other libraries. Theyve taken everything. I dont even have paper. I cant see the point in going to work because theres nothing to work with, she said. I think were being forced out.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/anger-as-council-shuts-aboriginal-library-20100910-154yp.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1206</guid>
			<author>Saffron Howden - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>AGL dumps 120,000 litres of saline water onto land at Bulga</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AGL is required to provide a full report to the state government regarding the release of approximately 120,000 litres of saline water onto land at Bulga.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/agl-120000-litres-of-saline-water-onto-land-at-bulga/1938419.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1205</guid>
			<author>SARAH LEE - singleton argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>AGL accused of dumping tainted water in Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[VINEYARD owners accuse the energy company AGL of dumping contaminated water in the Hunter Valley, where it is planning to extract coal seam gas]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/agl-accused-of-dumping-tainted-water-in-hunter-20100908-151co.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1204</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby, ENVIRONMENT EDITOR - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Environmentalists back Gunns native forestry exit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Gunns chief executive officer Greg LEstrange told an industry conference in Melbourne on Thursday that loggers had lost the public battle for the right to log native forests.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gunns-pd20100910-95RM7?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1203</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Miners drop bid for QR assets</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Queensland Coal Industry Rail Group (QCIRG) has dropped its $5.1 billion bid for the coal-haulage rail network of QR, the group said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Miners-pull-out-of-rail-offer-95B9M?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1202</guid>
			<author>AAP, with Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata fined for deliberate pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Coppers Ernest Henry Mine was fined $100,000 in the Brisbane Magistrates Court this week when it discharged stormwater containing high levels of sulphates into the local creek system near Cloncurry, east of Mount Isa.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/10/3007863.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1201</guid>
			<author>Stephanie Fitzpatrick - abc</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>More on Xstratas Standover Tactics</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Freyberg said that multinational companies could send their investments offshore if they did not like Australias tax policies. Government needs to understand how decisions are made by industry and what impact policy decisions can have on investor confidence and perceptions of sovereign risk.

He said that it was not a threat to the incoming government over the mining tax. Its not a threat. Its a statement of fact.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.steelguru.com/raw_material_news/Resource_super_profit_tax_-_Mining_tax_still_a_major_challenge_-_Xstrata/164788.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1200</guid>
			<author>SteelGuru.com</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining tax is the dilemma that wont go away</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE government certainly has big plans for the money from its new mining tax. Wayne Swan is counting on an extra $10.5 billion in the first two years of the tax, due to start in July 2012.
Theres one basic problem. No one outside Treasury, certainly no one in the resources industry, thinks the revised mining tax as constituted will raise anything like that figure of $10bn. This is one reason BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata were willing to cut their deal with Julia Gillard before the election was called.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/mining-tax-is-the-dilemma-that-wont-go-away/story-e6frg6zo-1225917684615</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1199</guid>
			<author>Jennifer Hewett, National affairs correspondent From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata warns Canberra not to increase mining tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As Treasurer Wayne Swan vows to press ahead with the mining tax, the CEO of the mining giant Xstrata Coal is urging the new government not to alter the deal that has already been done. 

Peter Freyberg says his company is happy with the agreement that the Labor Government struck with Xstrata, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto before the election and he told Sue Lannin that he would consider moving the companys investments elsewhere if that deal changes and the tax rate is increased.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2010/s3006009.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1198</guid>
			<author>Sue Lannin - abc</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Resource issues set to escalate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[JULIA Gillards deal with the three big miners was always a rickety pre-election fix. 
Post-election, Labors problems with the revamped mining tax are only going to escalate.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/resource-issues-set-to-escalate/story-e6frg6zo-1225916104399</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1197</guid>
			<author>Jennifer Hewett, National affairs correspondent From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata: Well expand Indonesian output if Aust changes MRRT</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Coal chief executive Peter Freyberg said demand for thermal coal (used for power generation) would continue

there is likely to be further growth of Indonesian production, (a veiled threat)

Carbon capture will form a very large part of future energy use around the world, Mr Freyberg said.]]></description>
			<link>http://bigpondnews.com/articles/National/2010/09/07/Coal_boss_sees_strong_mid-term_demand_510290.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1196</guid>
			<author>bigpond news</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata tries to tell Australians what to do: Standover II</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XSTRATA has called on the new minority government to tread softly on climate change policy, saying the mining giant would oppose a cap on carbon emissions until other countries make similar moves.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/follow-dont-lead-world-on-carbon-cap-says-xstrata-20100907-14zpy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1195</guid>
			<author>CLANCY YEATES - the age</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Doubts on whether resource rent tax will reach start line</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The fear among companies and investors is that Labors need to consult the independents who gave it power mean the minerals resource rent tax may not be set in stone just yet.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/doubts-on-whether-resource-rent-tax-will-reach-start-line-20100907-14zkd.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1194</guid>
			<author>Barry FitzGerald - smh</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata tries its stand over tactics on Australian</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Freyberg told a business audience in Sydney that multinational companies could send their investments offshore if they did not like Australias tax policies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/07/3005372.htm?section=justin</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1193</guid>
			<author>Sue Lannin - abc</author>
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		<item>
			<title>WA Government: No commitment to stop Margaret River coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The WA Government welshes on commitment to stop coal mining at Margaret River in WA. Tourism, Dairy, Vineyard and Forestry at risk.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-182--coalcommunities--government-gives-no-commitment-to-stopping-mr-coal-mine.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1192</guid>
			<author>WA No Coal!tion</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Water Trading - another BER or Insulation scandal awaits</title>
			<description><![CDATA[anyone can become a trader in the burgeoning water market, with no licensing requirement of any kind.
It will only take one broker to run off with a whole lot of money or whatever and the whole thing will collapse in a heap. When you consider that 1000 megalitres of water was worth $2.5 million at the height of the market, you dont have to be attracting too many customers to be putting $100 million or more through your accounts.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/lack-of-controls-exposes-farmers-to-water-market-rorts-20100906-14y1x.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1191</guid>
			<author>Deborah Snow and Debra Jopson - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>mining tax faces an $8 billion shortfall in revenue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The report estimates the mineral resources rent tax will raise about $2.5 billion in its first two years, compared with the $10 billion the government forecast, the newspaper said on Tuesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/MRRT-faces-8bn-shortfall-report-pd20100907-92KPC?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1189</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Lloyds oil price energy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the trade gap for these essential products has grown from $12 billion annually two years ago to $16 billion in 2010 and is heading for $30 billion by 2015?

These projections are based on current crude oil price ranges and the current value of the Aussie dollar.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Lloyds-oil-price-energy-pd20100906-925WY?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1188</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Australias capital leak</title>
			<description><![CDATA[But if the leaders of global industrial giants such as GE, Siemens, Hyundai, Samsung, Honda, Panasonic are right, and the world is heading into a period of massive investment into what the leaders of the US and China describe as the green economy, then that trickle of funds and business opportunities leaving our shores will potentially turn into a steady river and affect more than just a handful of innovative start-ups.

"The risk for Australia is for our capital flows to go offshore," says IGCC CEO Nathan Fabian. "Miners talk about carbon leakage, but there is just as great a risk of capital leakage - money moving offshore for low-carbon exposure, the money that will go to china, Europe or south America where governments are setting policies in place.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/australias-capital-leak</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1187</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A direct line to the Lodge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[on the Monday after the Hayman retreat, August 30, officials from the national broadband network met with the three independents Bob Katter, Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor. The officials would have explained that the Telstra deal and the separation of the privately funded investment areas in cities from the government-funded rural areas gave rural Australia its one and only chance of gaining full broadband access.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Election-Julia-Gillard-Tony-Abbott-Katter-Windsor--pd20100906-8ZRYS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1186</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Low-carbon market to treble by 2020: HSBC</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The worlds low-carbon energy market is likely to treble by 2020, HSBC analysts forecast on Monday, saying that rising concerns about resource scarcity would support broad consensus on the threat of climate change.

The electric vehicle market would benefit most, growing more than 20 times by 2020 to reach $473 billion, said HSBCs "Sizing the climate economy" report.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/low-carbon-market-treble-2020-hsbc-0?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=8f9492c76a-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1185</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Opportunities and options</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Its not good to stand aside and wait until someone else takes the lead. Sometimes if you take the lead, you dont just suffer a cost, but gain a benefit. We always believed that Australia should take the lead, because it would achieve abatement a least cost. That still applies today as much as it did 20 years ago."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/opportunities-and-options?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=8f9492c76a-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1184</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The decoupling myth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We have become so addicted to growth and so reliant upon it for political stability that it is currently heresy to question it. But have no doubt, the laws of physics still apply - even when the consequences are uncomfortable. This means the growth issue will come to the fore in due course and when it does, tackling climate change will seem like a walk in the park.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/decoupling-myth</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1183</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>No Compulsory Acquisition</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Aboriginal land in one of our most fragile ecosystems has just been earmarked for compulsory acquisition by the Western Australian Government. The reason? Energy giants including BP, Woodside, Chevron and Shell want to build a gas pipeline, and they dont want to wait for Indigenous consultation. Some traditional owners are in favour of the pipeline, others disagree. But one thing is clear: compulsory acquisition means no genuine consultation, and far less compensation if the project goes ahead.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-181-no-compulsory-acquisition--.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1182</guid>
			<author>Mick Dodson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Margaret River (WA) Mine Rejected by Liberal Premier</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Western Australias peak environment group strongly welcomed statements made by the Premier Colin Barnett that the Liberal-National Government would consider special legislation to protect the Margaret river region from coal mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-180-margaret-river-mine-rejected.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1181</guid>
			<author>WA Conservation Council</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Kimberley gas project under fire</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The idea of big corporations being involved in a process that involves them being beneficiaries of land that is compulsorily acquired from native people is an issue thats likely to resonate around the world.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/kimberley-gas-project-under-fire-20100903-14uh9.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1180</guid>
			<author>Paddy Manning - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers: Put coal on hold</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WANDOAN farmers have called for the Wandoan Coal Project to be put on hold until the recently announced legislation for the protection of strategic cropping land is made law.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/story/2010/09/03/farmers-put-coal-on-hold/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1179</guid>
			<author>Russel Guse - central telegraph</author>
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		<item>
			<title>If the big miners are right on mining tax revenue, Labor has dug itself into a financial hole</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THERE is a huge gap between what Labor expects its minerals resource rent tax to raise and what the big three miners expect to pay. 
The new mining tax, according to Treasury, will raise $10.5 billion in its first two years of operation. But the three companies -- BHP, Rio Tinto and Xstrata, which negotiated the revised deal and would supposedly pay the vast majority of the new tax -- dont believe it will cost them more than a few hundred million dollars extra each year.

That only adds up to around $1bn a year in total from them in contrast to the $5bn-$6bn a year extra predicted by Treasury and promised by Labor.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/if-the-big-miners-are-right-on-mining-tax-revenue-labor-has-dug-itself-into-a-financial-hole/story-e6frg8zx-1225913995456</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1178</guid>
			<author>Jennifer Hewett, National affairs correspondent From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners take up fight against rent tax again</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The mining industry is concerned at Labors deal with the Greens 
THE Minerals Council of Australia has re-entered the debate over Labors proposed $10.5 billion mining tax with full-page advertisements appearing in newspapers across the country today aimed at convincing the three rural independents to reject the plan.

In a last-ditch bid to stop the tax, the mining industrys peak body -- backed by BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata -- has drawn on its huge war chest to resume advertising just as the independents decide whether to back Labor or the Coalition]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/miners-take-up-fight-against-rent-tax-again/story-fn59niix-1225914015218</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1177</guid>
			<author>Andrew Burrell From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Business calls for carbon tax intensify</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The head of property giant Lend Lease has called on business leaders to support the introduction of a price on carbon and an emissions trading scheme, saying climate change should be put firmly back on the political and business agenda.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/business-calls-for-carbon-tax-intensify-20100903-14u0s.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1176</guid>
			<author>Nicole Stevens - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>United call for a price on carbon</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Environmentalists, unions and major church groups have put aside their differences to call for the federal government to introduce a price on carbon in 2011. 

Twenty Australian organisations, ranging from Greenpeace, WWF and World Vision to the Uniting Church and the ACTU, have taken advantage of the current political situation to voice their climate change concerns.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/United-call-for-a-price-on-carbon-8W5YD?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1175</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The great pyramid of China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinese banks went on a massive lending spree in 2009, making a record $US1.4 trillion in new loans. But doubts are now emerging about the credit quality of some of their lending, particularly to local government financing vehicles, and on some property developments. This could leave the Chinese banks exposed to rising problem loans in future.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-great-pyramid-of-China-pd20100901-8VAPU?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1174</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Industrys better broadband plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There is an underlying commonsense to the themes of the Alliance for Affordable Broadbands arguments for version three of the national broadband network. 

The Alliance, a group of senior telco executives that includes AAPT CEO Paul Broad and Pipe Networks founder Bevan Slattery, issued an open letter this week arguing the case for a largely wireless-based NBN with high-speed fibre deployed to deliver speeds of up to 1G to schools, hospitals and businesses. 

The alliance advocates a mix of broadband technologies and public and private funding rather than the government mandated and taxpayer-funded $43 billion monopoly wholesale network envisaged by the federal government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/nbn-telstra-optus-alliance-of-affordable-broadband-pd20100901-8V3Y2?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1173</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Growth visions from Hayman</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China plans to reduce its carbon power generation from 90 to 85 per cent with massive investment in nuclear, wind, solar and hydro power generation. They are also replacing dirty coal mines. But despite that investment, the increase in Chinas total power generation will mean that carbon energy generation will continue to rise in China. But this green investment at home means that they are headed towards domination of global green technology.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Growth-visions-from-Hayman-pd20100901-8UT2J?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1172</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gas hub would be a blow for tourism</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A controversial new gas terminal on Australias north-west coast is "not compatible" with tourism in the Kimberley area and would damage the regions international appeal, a Curtin University report says.

The report found the the worlds largest humpback whale breeding sanctuary would be seriously disturbed by Woodside Petroleums proposed liquid natural gas port near Broome.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/whale-watch/gas-hub-would-be-a-blow-for-tourism-20100830-147ew.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1171</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby, ENVIRONMENT EDITOR smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillards Con - Coal crackdown will not reduce emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LABORS promised emissions standards for new coal electricity generators would not cut greenhouse gas emissions from any of the 12 coal power plants proposed in Australia, an analysis of the carbon profiles of each project shows.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/coal-crackdown-will-not-reduce-emissions-20100830-147en.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1170</guid>
			<author>Tom Arup, ENVIRONMENT CORRESPONDENT smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BHPs new China threat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[According to the Financial Times, iron ore prices are expected to drop by between 10 per cent and 15 per cent in the final three months of the year, while coking coal prices will likely fall by 5 per cent to 10 per cent. The final prices will be announced on Tuesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-Billiton-Rio-Tinto-China-Vale-Iron-ore-steel-pd20100830-8TAK8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1169</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Whats troubling global leaders</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China looks like leading the world in clean energy and clean technology exports, but has a deep carbon problem]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Whats-keeping-leaders-awake-pd20100830-8SSG7?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1168</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas leaves the west behind on renewable energy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Beijing aims to cut carbon intensity as much as 45 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020 and increase the share of renewables to 15 per cent of primary energy consumption. That is nearly double the current ratio and would make the country a leader in green energy manufacturing and use.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/chinas-coal-price-catch</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1167</guid>
			<author>Chen Aizhu and Jim Bai</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Asia powers on</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the trend towards clean energy and low-emission technologies is best summed up by the listed Chinese energy company China Longyuan Power Group, one of the "big five" energy producers in China that was the first to push into renewable energy in a major way.

The company still produces some 60 per cent of its energy from coal trading and coal-fired energy production, but that will quickly diminish as China Longyuan adds a further 2GW of wind power a year over the next three years, part of a staggering pipeline of 50GW (more than the nameplate capacity of Australias grid) of wind resources, including offshore installations]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/asia-powers?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=a67f1d9dbd-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1166</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Upper Hunter Air Monitoring Fraud and Deception</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There is only one PM2.5 monitor (Muswellbrook) where the annual average for 2009 was 10.3 [considerably above the maximum PM2.5 of 8 microgm permitted].]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-179-dust-monitoring-edo-fact-sheet.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1165</guid>
			<author>Steve Robinson - Air Monitoring Expert</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal ship oil spill coats Kooragang shoreline</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Thick black oil pumped accidentally from a coal ship on Kooragang Island has coated rocks on the island shore despite efforts to contain the spill.
Fuel oil was pumped into the harbour from the Magdalene, a 21-year-old "flag of convenience" ship at Kooragang No 4 berth.

The German-owned, Liberian-flagged Cape-class vessel was taking coal from the Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) Kooragang terminal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-ship-oil-spill-coats-kooragang-shoreline/1924942.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1164</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD - newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine inspectors for Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA["It will be important to establish the inspectorate office as soon as possible in the Upper Hunter, in either of the shires of Singleton or Muswellbrook, as these two shires together account for the vast bulk of the extracted tonnage of coal," Mr Souris said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/mine-inspectors-for-hunter/1893569.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1163</guid>
			<author>DAYARNE SMITH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tale of two cities</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Based on the lives of fictional people, these two tales contrast a business-as-usual, fossil fuel future out to 2050 and beyond (Bleak House), with a more optimistic future (Great Expectations) in which new clean technologies have been rapidly adopted to provide citizens with safe and secure energy services at all times, at a relatively cheap price, while also giving a reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/tale-two-cities</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1162</guid>
			<author>Ralph Sims</author>
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		<item>
			<title>What Chinas huge traffic jam reveals</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The traffic jam on the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Highway puts any congestion we have - such as on Sydneys M5 or Melbournes Monash Freeway - to shame. It began on August 13 and stretches 100 kilometers from the outskirts of Beijing to the border of Inner Mongolia. Vehicles are moving along at about 400 meters each day. Amazingly, traffic authorities believe that the traffic jam will continue until at least September 17 when new traffic lanes will open up following significant road construction. Unsurprisingly, almost a fortnight after it began, vehicles are spilling on to smaller feeder roads when they have a chance, meaning that the impasse is spreading to surrounding areas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/What-Chinas-huge-traffic-jam-reveals-pd20100826-8NSLK?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1161</guid>
			<author>John Lee</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tahmoor miners locked out again as Xstrata plays it tough</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WORKERS at the Tahmoor Colliery have been locked out of their workplace until September 7 as the dispute between them and mine owners Xstrata Coal escalates]]></description>
			<link>http://www.wollondillyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/tahmoor-miners-locked-out-again-as-xstrata-plays-it-tough/1922858.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1160</guid>
			<author>KERRIE ARMSTRONG - wollondilly advertiser</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Extreme Weather and Climate Change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Extreme weather is putting hundreds of thousands of lives and livelihoods at risk all around the world. In order to avoid the worst and most devastating impacts of the severe weather events that are consistent with climate change, we must begin to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Get the Facts here: Extreme Weather and Global Climate Change]]></description>
			<link>http://acp.repoweramerica.org/page/invite/extremeweather?source=em-fwd&amp;utm_source=crm_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=extremeweather?-20100826&amp;utm_content=link1</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1159</guid>
			<author>Reppower America</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Cougar Energy environmental report on Kingaroy water scare rejected by Queensland Government</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE State Government has rejected an environmental report prepared by the company at the centre of a water contamination scare near Kingaroy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/cougar-energy-environmental-report-on-kingaroy-water-scare-rejected-by-queensland-government/story-e6freoof-1225910103665</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1158</guid>
			<author>John McCarthy From The Courier-Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Margaret River Coal Opposed by Council (unlike in Muswellbrook)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[West Australias peak environment group has congratulated the
Margaret River Council on taking a strong stand to protect local
community, industry, environment and the Margaret River Brand
from proposed coal mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-178-margaret-river-lng-opposed-by-councillors.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1157</guid>
			<author>CCWA</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The good tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The introduction of a simple carbon tax of $25 per tonne has the potential to raise $13 billion, but this should not be seen as a cost that is taken out of the economy but as a redistribution of from polluters and towards other groups in society that are deemed to be most deserving of assistance. There is enormous potential to make direct payments to families, cut other taxes, invest in services, or any combination of the three.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/good-tax?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=0fb59036d6-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1156</guid>
			<author>Richard Denniss & David Richardson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Playing politics on a cliff edge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Yesterday three things happened which should create nervousness among all Australians. First the Shanghai Composite Index fell by 2 per cent. Second BHP Billiton forecast China growth rates for 2011 well below Treasury estimates and third the three "independents" want to become a virtual second government and go through the books.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Playing-politics-on-a-cliff-edge-pd20100826-8NU5K?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1155</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rural revolution is coming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Prepare for an Australia that we have not seen since the 1950s and 1960s when Sir John Black Jack McEwen dominated so many areas of government under the prime-ministerships of Menzies, Holt and Gorton.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rural-revolution-is-coming-pd20100824-8LSPD?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1154</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Feds Evans says double-dip risk has increased</title>
			<description><![CDATA[INDIANAPOLIS - The risks of a double-dip US recession have risen in the last six months, Chicago Federal Reserve Bank President Charles Evans said on Tuesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-2-Feds-Evans-says-double-dip-risk-has-risen-8MJWY?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1153</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>An emerging stimulus disaster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xie argues that globalisation has severely reduced the effectiveness of economic stimulus policies. It is possible to stimulate demand in the local economy, but that doesnt mean that producers will respond by boosting investment in the local economy and creating new jobs to meet the increased demand. Multinational companies are now able to invest anywhere in the world, which means that they can respond to an increase in demand in one economy by boosting production elsewhere. As Xie puts it: "Essentially, demand is local, but supply is global. This is why the old assumptions on stimulus are no longer reliable."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/stimulus-US-China-Greek-debt-ECB-Asian-Financial-c-pd20100824-8LSU5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1152</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Declining trees spell gloom for planet</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LESS rainfall and rising global temperatures are damaging one of the worlds best guardians against climate change: trees.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/declining-trees-spell-gloom-for-planet-20100824-13qfn.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1151</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby ENVIRONMENT EDITOR - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Paying price for botched koala advice</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AN ENVIRONMENTAL expert has agreed to 16 months of koala community service after giving a developer advice that was so deficient a local council says it caused the deaths of 30 breeding females.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/paying-price-for-botched-koala-advice-20100820-138y2.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1150</guid>
			<author>Matthew Moore URBAN AFFAIRS EDITOR - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Votes, shoots and leaves</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The delivery of a hung parliament presents, for the first time in living memory, an opportunity to deal with the substantive policy issues that have been ignored in this campaign. This is something the three conservative independents, Bob Katter, Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor, appear ready to seize with some relish.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/australia-federal-election-2010-greens-hung-parliament</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1149</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - climate spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata intimidating community in Collinsville dispute</title>
			<description><![CDATA[During the course of the strike, a helicopter carrying Xstrata senior managers has been buzzing overhead, keeping an eye on whats going on.

Weve also had security guards following our members and their families around, taking photos and intimidating them.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.xstratafacts.com/content/xstrata-intimidating-community-collinsville-dispute</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1148</guid>
			<author>Xstrata Facts</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fears for mine takeover of Wandoan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Greens have sparked fears the Wandoan township could be bought out and bulldozed to expand Xstratas Wandoan Coal Project, just like Acland in the Darling Downs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/story/2010/08/20/will-town-be-bulldozed-for-mine-xstrata-denies-acl/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1147</guid>
			<author>Russel Guse - central telegraph</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Inflation set to become a problem: RBA</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Strong exports are set to push Australias national income up by 10 per cent in 2010 while unemployment continues to fall, and inflation is set to become a problem over the next two years, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) says.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/inflation-set-to-become-a-problem-rba-20100820-13358.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1146</guid>
			<author>Reserve Bank of Australia - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate change: the biggest campaign gaffe</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Climate change is costing us now - and its both a challenge and an opportunity - but you wouldnt know it from the election campaign.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/climate-change-the-biggest-campaign-gaffe-20100820-138hz.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1145</guid>
			<author>Barrie Pittock - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coalmine admits noise levels will exceed limits</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The coalmine, which Xstrata Coal owns, said activities at its "pit-top" had the "potential to exceed . . . noise levels in Killingworth and Barnsley]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coalmine-admits-noise-levels-will-exceed-limits/1918353.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1144</guid>
			<author>DAMON CRONSHAW - newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillard cuts clean energy funding</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a speech to the National Press Club on Thursday she vowed to "continue our record investments in solar and renewable energy". 

But Ms Gillard has cut $416 million from renewable energy, from large solar-powered power stations and solar hot water heaters.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gillard-cuts-clean-energy-funding-8GDQG?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1143</guid>
			<author>AAP - business spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>US jobless claims climb to 9-month high</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON - The frail US economy was dealt fresh setbacks as new US jobless claims scaled a nine-month high last week and Mid-Atlantic factory activity contracted in August for the first time in more than a year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/US-jobless-claims-touch-9-mth-high-8GGVS?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1142</guid>
			<author>Reuters - business spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Path of least resistance</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Both the ALP and the Coalition have brought policies that most independent analysis suggests will fail to reach the presumed bipartisan target of a 5 per cent reduction in emissions from 2000 levels by 2020.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/path-least-resistance-0?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=a5bcf06f72-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1141</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson - climate spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Oz mining tax under threat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MINING groups are nervously awaiting the results of a closely fought election in Australia, as current Prime Minister and mining tax enthusiast Julia Gillard fights to keep her job.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/oz-mining-tax-under-threat</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1140</guid>
			<author>City AM - London</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Injured Xstrata worker files human rights complaint</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A laid-off Xstrata worker filed a complaint earlier this week with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northernlife.ca/news/localNews/2010/08/xstrata070810.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1139</guid>
			<author>Heidi Ulrichsen - Sudbury Northern Life Staff</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Thousands oppose plans for new Hunterston coal plant</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More than 14,000 people have objected to plans for a new coal-fired power station at Hunterston in Ayrshire]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-11029411</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1138</guid>
			<author>BBC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Spin wont solve Mt Isas problems with pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In the corporate world, spin is more important than substance. Faced with a crisis, businesses would rather spend $10 million on a PR campaign than $5m on fixing the problem.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/spin-wont-solve-mt-isas-problems-with-pollution/story-e6frg9gx-1225906957206</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1137</guid>
			<author>Terry Ryder From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coalmine to affect bush site</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE West Wallsend underground coalmine near Killingworth would create up to 2.5 metres of mine subsidence above its new workings, plans on display with the state government indicate.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coalmine-to-affect-bush-site/1917325.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1136</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD INDUSTRIAL REPORTER - newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas shaky second-place pace</title>
			<description><![CDATA[before we get too excited about Chinas overtaking Japan, we should remember that this has as much to do with Japans astonishing decline as with Chinas astonishing rise, and that there is at least some small chance that the policies responsible both for Japans breakneck rise and equally breakneck decline may be being replicated in China]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Chinas-shaky-takeover-pd20100816-8D9UL?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1135</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Why the NBN will fail</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Coalitions broadband alternative is less risky and less costly. Lofty talk about vision and imagination is all very well. But Australians deserve policies that are practical, deliverable and affordable too - and nowhere is this more the case than for broadband.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Telstra-broadband-NBN-Labor-Gillard-Rudd-wireless-pd20100816-8D3V8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1134</guid>
			<author>Malcolm Turnbull MP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Sorry, Labor, but pension spin wont win</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The total couples pension rate, including allowances, after the September rise had been reduced from 167 per cent (163 per cent after allowances) to 150 per cent of the single persons pension and it was the same in March.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Sorry-Jenny-but-spin-cant-win-pd20100817-8DT2K?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1133</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Breaking the carbon addiction</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Step 1: Recognise that coal is the worlds most expensive energy carrier. I know this one is difficult, because it means letting go of our large supply of the worlds reserves, but coal has not been commercially viable for decades. Coal is artificially cheap because its production and use is directly subsidised, as well as its transport. If you price in the full health, social, economic and environmental costs then you quickly realise that coal is the worlds most expensive energy carrier - not the cheapest. Eliminate all fossil fuel subsidies and force coal companies to bear the full cost of its extraction, use and waste and you will see how fast renewable and distributed energy technologies grow and flourish.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/breaking-carbon-addiction</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1132</guid>
			<author>Michael Molitor - climate spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Stanbroke sues Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Stanbroke, one of Australias largest family-owned landholders, claims an overflow last year from storage structures on the Ernest Henry copper-gold mine, 38km north east of Cloncurry, spilled pollutants into creeks running through adjacent paddocks.]]></description>
			<link>http://qcl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/livestock/news/stanbroke-sues-xstrata/1912750.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1131</guid>
			<author>queensland country life</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Residents, developers fight coal train track</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Land earmarked for more than 3000 housing lots could be affected by noise from the proposed third Minimbah to Maitland rail track, the state government has been warned.
The NSW Planning Department has received about 50 public submissions on the $355million project, with developers joining residents angry over the potential impact of noise and vibrations from the 30 kilometres of track.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-developers-fight-coal-train-track/1914556.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1130</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS - newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Camberwell water worries confirmed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE NSW Office of Water has told Ashton Coal its proposed open-cut mine south of Camberwell village poses potential risks to Hunter River water-use systems and alluvium areas near Glennies Creek.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/camberwell-water-worries-confirmed/1912939.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1129</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS - newcastle herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunter Environmental Institute seminar - the Great Eastern Ranges Project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As a gap in the Great Dividing Range, the Upper Hunter Valley is the subject of a current project by government and NGO organisations. Gabriel Anderson from Ozgreen will talk about the importance of this part of the Great Eastern Ranges, the studies that have been undertaken and their findings, together with the plans that are being put in place to enhance the values of this area.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/eventdetails/hunter-environmental-institute-seminar-the-great-eastern-ranges-project/42354.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1128</guid>
			<author>http://bit.ly/bhq5u0</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Green car fund throttled back</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Car manufacturers could miss out on money from the governments green car fund after Labor quietly slashed $200 million from the scheme.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/green-car-fund-throttled-back-20100816-1270c.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1127</guid>
			<author>Ari Sharp - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Scientists say global warming is undeniable</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The report unambiguously supported the conclusion that a continued reliance on fossil fuels would lead to a warmer world, with predictions ranging from a 2 to 7 degree increase by 2100.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/climate/scientists-say-global-warming-is-undeniable-20100816-12701.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1126</guid>
			<author>Deborah Smith SCIENCE EDITOR - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Another fiery crash ahead</title>
			<description><![CDATA[With the outlook for the US economy beginning to sour, there are growing fears that we could be on the cusp of a sharp decline in US share markets. These worries have been heightened by last Thursdays appearance of the "Hindenburg Omen". 

This Omen - named after the ill-fated German airship that became engulfed in a spectacular blaze as it tried to land in New Jersey in 1937 - is a technical indicator. For the omen to be activated, the market must fit a number of criteria, including that 2.5 per cent of stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange must be hitting new 52-week highs, while the same proportion hit 52-week lows. The Omen is particularly feared because it predicts market crashes, rather than simply market declines.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/US-economy-markets-Hindeburg-Fed-FMOC-pd20100816-8CTFY?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1125</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - business spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Big solars big potential</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The IEA went even further, reporting that concentrating solar power would be able to provide 40 per cent of Australias electricity by 2050.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/big-solar-large-scale-Australia-renewable-energy-target</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1124</guid>
			<author>John Grimes - climate spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Regional Resource &amp; Energy Community Discussion Day</title>
			<description><![CDATA[9 Sept 2010.. Landholder Rights &amp; Access Agreements, NSW Planning etc includes the big players such as Kitto (Head honcho Dept Planning) &amp; others, Caroona Coal Action Group, NSW Farmers etc chaired Peter Couchman.. Full Day - sponsored by Gunnedah Council... Read for details]]></description>
			<link>http://www.resourceandenergyforum.com.au/programme.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1123</guid>
			<author>Gunnedah Council</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Big miners have secret tax info</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Forrest claims the "big three" miners, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata, have been given special treatment in secret talks with Julia Gillard on the new tax to replace Kevin Rudds resource super-profits tax and "left 317 of their peer companies" at a commercial disadvantage.

Because the big three miners were sworn to secrecy about the details of the new tax, Mr Forrest said there was now "an uninformed market" and the three big companies were now the beneficiaries of "a tax shelter of at least $100 billion".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/big-miners-have-secret-tax-info/story-fn59niix-1225905092575</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1122</guid>
			<author>Dennis Shanahan, Sarah-Jane Tasker From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Contaminated creek test results kept from property owners</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Why would they not put the results out? They say everything is open for landholders to be able to get this information, however in one of their letters to us they said we had to FOI the information if we wanted the test results," she said.

Ms Lohse says their lawyer has been given a press release on the Government test results, but not the results themselves.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/13/2981737.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1121</guid>
			<author>Sam Burgess - abc</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Labors pension pinching</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Current Affair is expected to take up the issue either tonight or Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Pensions-pension-Tax-Gillard-election-Abbott-pd20100813-89S6W?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1120</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>$1m for person who reduces population</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Wilberforce Award, and the $1 million prize, will go to a young Australian under 30 who can impress Mr Smith by coming up with alternatives to "our population and consumption growth-obsessed economy".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/1m-for-person-who-reduces-population-886ML?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1119</guid>
			<author>AAP - business spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Farmers make stand against mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA["(Theyve) turned easygoing farmers into angry advocates for reform to the Acts covering the mining and gas industries."
"This exploration is out of control. 
"Countless generations of families producing clean safe food is being sacrificed for 30 years of financial gain." Another farmer Daryl Waugh, who at 60 thought he had 10 more years on his property which is also in the lease, called for a halt in the "avalanche of applications with CSG and coal mines".....
"50 years of greed for hundreds of years of destruction," he said. "I think our great great grandchildren will wonder why did the old buggers let that happen."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/story/2010/08/13/farmers-make-stand/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1118</guid>
			<author>Russel Guse - central telegraph</author>
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			<title>Xstrata denies unethical tactics</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MINING giant Xstrata and the coal seam gas (CSG) industry has hit back at farmers taking a stand to keep their properties.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/story/2010/08/13/xstrata-denies-unethical-tactics/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1117</guid>
			<author>Russel Guse - central telegraph</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Moolarben fined for clearing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Moolarben Coal has been ordered to pay a fine of $70,000 along with $55,000 for NSW Government court costs after a Land and Environment Court decision announced by the Minister for Planning on Wednesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/moolarben-fined-for-clearing/1912604.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1116</guid>
			<author>DARREN SNYDER - mudgee guardian</author>
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			<title>South-west wind farm the biggest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere will be built in south-western Victoria, with backers claiming it will generate enough power to run more than 220,000 homes.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/southwest-wind-farm-the-biggest-20100812-121j0.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1115</guid>
			<author>Adam Morton - smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China must reform or die</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If a system fails to let its citizens breathe freely and release their creativity to the maximum extent, and fails to place those who best represent the system and its people into leadership positions, it is certain to perish, writes General Liu Yazhou in Hong Kongs Phoenix magazine, which is widely available on news stands and on the internet throughout China.

The fact of General Lius article suggests Chinas political and ideological struggles are more lively than commonly thought, ahead of a rotation of leaders in the Central Military Commission and then the Politburo in 2012.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/china-must-reform-or-die-20100811-11zxd.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1114</guid>
			<author>JOHN GARNAUT - SMH</author>
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			<title>Huge rise in sea levels forecast if global warming ignored</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Sea levels could rise by up to seven metres if greenhouse gas emissions were not scaled back, a panel of leading geoscientists has told the US Congress.

The warning came as a vast ice shelf, about 260 square kilometres in size, continued to fall away from Greenlands Petermann glacier, the largest iceberg shed by the island in half a century]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/huge-rise-in-sea-levels-forecast-if-global-warming-ignored-20100811-11zqc.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1113</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - SMH</author>
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			<title>Greenland under threat from warming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The entire ice mass of Greenland could melt if temperatures rise by as little as 2C, with dire consequences for the rest of the world, a panel of scientists has told US Congress]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/greenland-under-threat-warming?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=d712fb401c-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1112</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Force majeure called on Collinsville domestic supply</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Strike action by Thiess contracted miners at the Xstrata owned Collinsville mine in the Bowen Basins north, now entering its fourteenth day, has seen the coal giant declare force majeure on domestic supplies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.steelguru.com/raw_material_news/Force_majeure_called_on_Collinsville_domestic_supply/159822.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1111</guid>
			<author>Steel Guru.com</author>
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			<title>Legal action keeps striking miners away from rail line</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) says Xstrata has taken legal action preventing its members from going near a north Queensland rail line. 

Workers have been stopping coal trains from leaving the Collinsville coal mine site, north-west of Mackay]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/11/2979559.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1110</guid>
			<author>Penny Timms -ABC</author>
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			<title>Pensions - tax by stealth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I have just realised that I and other journalists have made a serious mistake. As a result of believing Canberra spin, we thought pensioners had been well looked after by the Labor government. Now, with the help of accountant Robert Parry, I have looked past the spin and discovered pensioners have been treated very badly. There is probably no major group in the community that has been treated so harshly.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Pensions-tax-by-stealth-pd20100810-86SPN?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1109</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Russias fires cause "brown cloud," may hit Arctic</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OSLO (Reuters) - Smoke from forest fires smothering Moscow adds to health problems of "brown clouds" from Asia to the Amazon and Russian soot may stoke global warming by hastening a thaw of Arctic ice,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/russias-fires-cause-brown-cloud-may-hit-arctic?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=143d56b8f0-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1108</guid>
			<author>Alister Doyle, Environment Correspondent - Reuters</author>
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			<title>Russias heatwave fallout</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MOSCOW - Scorching heat will keep hammering Russia for the next 10 days, a top weather official has said, and seeding for the winter grain crops is in danger if there is no rain after that.

Russias worst heatwave on record has stoked wildfires and parched crops in last years No. 3 global wheat exporter, leading to a grain export ban, sending prices of wheat to two-year highs at one point and prompting the World Bank to warn against hasty restrictions on exports]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/russias-heatwave-fallout?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=143d56b8f0-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1107</guid>
			<author>Aleksandras Budrys - Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>China to unveil $739 billion "new energy" plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China will soon publish a plan for what it called "newly developing energy industries" that will involve 5 trillion yuan ($739 billion) in investment through 2020....
The newly developing energy industries include nuclear, wind, solar and biomass energy, as well as clean coal, smart grid, distributed energy and new energy sources for vehicles,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/china-unveil-739-billion-new-energy-plan-soon-report-0?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=b9c95675c8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1106</guid>
			<author>Reuters - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Floods and heat fit climate trend</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OSLO - Devastating floods in Pakistan and Russias heatwave match predictions of extremes caused by global warming even though it is impossible to blame mankind for single severe weather events, scientists say.

This year is on track to be the warmest since reliable temperature records began in the mid-19th century, beating 1998, mainly due to a build-up of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels, according to the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/floods-and-heat-fit-climate-trend?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=b9c95675c8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1105</guid>
			<author>Alister Doyle - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Feeling the heat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We now know that 2010 has, so far, been the hottest year on record, following on from the hottest decade on record. But while such numbers provide clear evidence of the trends, its when high global temperatures translate into extreme weather that people start to take notice.

In Russia they have experienced a heatwave during which the all-time record highest temperature in Moscow was broken, or should I say shattered, not just once but five times in 11 days! Weather Undergrounds expert Jeff Masters has described it as "one of the most remarkable weather events of my lifetime." People have fled the city, which is covered in thick smoke from fires. Elsewhere there are warnings from the Emergencies Ministry that if the fires reach areas affected by Chernobyl then radioactive contamination could be spread with the smoke]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/climate-change-extreme-weather-security-geopolitical?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=b9c95675c8-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1104</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Mt Isa ridicule must stop over lead poisoning</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last week, an analysis published in the Medical Journal of Australia claimed on average one child every nine days was developing lead poisoning in the city.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/10/2978350.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1103</guid>
			<author>Chrissy Arthur and Stephanie Fitzpatrick - ABC</author>
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			<title>Beef company sues Xstrata over alleged contamination</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A major beef company has launched legal action against mining company Xstrata over the alleged overflow of chemicals from a mine in Queenslands north-west. 

The Stanbroke Pastoral Company has lodged a statement of claim in the Brisbane Supreme Court for damages caused when heavy metals allegedly ran-off the site of the Ernest Henry mine near Cloncurry, east of Mount Isa, last year. 

The company is suing Xstrata for nearly $2 million in damages for negligence]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/10/2978529.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1102</guid>
			<author>Chrissy Arthur and Caitlyn Gribbin - ABC</author>
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			<title>Tara residents blockade Queensland Gas Company to stop seismic testing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A SHOWDOWN is under way between one of the worlds biggest energy companies and Taras "blockies" on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. 
About 20 residents, led by environmental activist Drew Hutton, have forced Queensland Gas Company to stop seismic testing by blocking access to an expensive fleet of trucks.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/tara-residents-blockade-queensland-gas-company-to-stop-seismic-testing/story-e6freoof-1225903149452</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1101</guid>
			<author>John McCarthy From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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			<title>Qld farmers block gas workers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An unlikely coalition of landowners and environmentalists have vowed to continue a blockade which is hampering the work of a major gas company in south west Queensland.

Residents at Tara, west of Brisbane, have blocked the Queensland Gas Company from continuing seismic testing in the gas rich Surat Basin amid concerns over the companys operations.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/qld-farmers-block-gas-workers-20100809-11tos.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1100</guid>
			<author>AAP - SMH</author>
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			<title>Government defends water contamination testing time</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Queensland Government says it took about six months to do follow-up tests after a water contamination scare at Kogan on the states Darling Downs. 

Local farmers think a trial underground coal gasification (UCG) operation run by Carbon Energy may be linked to dead turtles and higher-than-normal mercury levels in nearby Kogan Creek, north-west of Dalby.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/07/30/2968952.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1099</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>$900 million second stage for third coal-loader</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Newcastles third coal-loader has announced a $900 million second stage that will increase its capacity by 75 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/900-million-second-stage-for-third-coalloader/1908757.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1098</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Plans yet to come on new power plant emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[But a series of freedom-of-information requests that Greenpeace has put to the government show that no work has yet been done on how the emissions would be offset, despite the NSW government developing a new strategy for deeper greenhouse gas cuts.

Demand for cheap electricity in NSW is not rising as quickly as predicted in the Owen inquiry into electricity supply, with the most recent data suggesting a trend towards more gas-fired power.

Greenpeace said the lack of work done so far to factor in the greenhouse impact of the two plants suggested that many in government did not believe they were necessary.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/plans-yet-to-come-on-new-power-plant-emissions-20100809-11u67.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1097</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - SMH</author>
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			<title>Mine applications prompt fear for future of agriculture</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A BATTLE is looming over the Hunter Valleys water resources and farming future, with coal companies seeking approval to mine riverlands previously regarded by many as off limits.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mine-applications-prompt-fear-for-future-of-agriculture/1907393.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1096</guid>
			<author>GREG RAY - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Red meat can be green</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Over the past few decades some pioneering graziers, following Savorys methods, have been doing things very differently. They use electric fencing to divide their land into small paddocks, and pull all of their livestock together in just one of these paddocks. Within a day or two, the cattle have eaten everything they can reach, and the ground has been churned into a bare, dung-filled mass. The farmer then releases the cattle into the next small paddock, and so on until, at harvest time, the cattle enter the pen next to the stockyards, whence they can be taken with minimal effort and fuss to market.

The result of this practice is that the weeds as well as the best pasture grass on the property are eaten, and as the plants regrow in the dung-enriched soil, those that put less energy into chemical defences (which make them unpalatable) are able to colonise the greatest area. 

These species, lacking in chemical defences, are of course the sweetest feed for cattle, so in a single blow the battle against the weeds is won. Farmers using holistic management also find that they need to administer less medicine, because their cattle do not return to the same small paddock for a year or so, and this breaks the reproductive cycle of many parasites. 

Even more impressively, farmers are able to increase the number of stock they hold, often to an astonishing extent. Ive visited farms practising holistic management that have more than seven times the number of cattle they could feed using conventional methods. 

Just imagine what this means for farm economics: 700 healthy cattle where there were previously just 100. The land on such farms is also much better off; trees thrive in the paddocks, and native species such as kangaroos, wallabies and birds are present in abundance, drawn to the green pick and fertile soil.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/red-meat-can-be-green-20100809-11sn0.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1095</guid>
			<author>Tim Flannery - SMH</author>
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			<title>A mighty wind - turbine power growth hit 40 per cent last year</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wind power generation across the eastern states grew by 40 per cent last year as several large farms began operating]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/energy-smart/a-mighty-wind--turbine-power-growth-hit-40-per-cent-last-year-20100808-11qar.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1094</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby - SMH</author>
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			<title>NSW considers new climate plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The paper also reported that a slower-than-predicted rise in energy use in NSW has partially undermined the case for building two coal-fired plants at Mount Piper near Lithgow and Bayswater in the Hunter Valley.

However, it quoted Simon Smith, the deputy director-general of the climate change department, as saying that the two new plants would displace other plants with higher emissions.

If they are built, what theyre going to do is knock over some of the other less efficient plants either here or in Victoria, he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/nsw-considers-new-climate-plan-report?utm_source=Climate%20Spectator%20daily&amp;utm_campaign=3579c2ec11-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1093</guid>
			<author>Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>Italys solar lead</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last month, the Italian utility Enel unveiled "Archimede", the first concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in the world to use molten salts for heat transfer and storage, and the first to be fully integrated to an existing combined-cycle power plant]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/italys-solar-lead?utm_source=Climate+Spectator+daily&amp;utm_campaign=3579c2ec11-&amp;utm_medium=email</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1092</guid>
			<author>Carlo Ombello - Climate Spectator</author>
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			<title>NY coal seam gas verdict inspires greens, farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Queensland environmentalists and farmers have called for a moratorium on the process of "fracking" in the extraction of coal seam gas, following a similar decision in New York. 

According to the New York Times, the New York State Senate voted 48 to 9 on Tuesday night to issue a temporary moratorium on the natural gas exploration, which uses hydraulic fracturing and the injection of millions of gallons of chemically treated water underground.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/NY-coal-seam-gas-verdict-inspires-greens-833L4?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=3&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1091</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Huge ice island calves off Greenland glacier</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An ice island four times the size of Manhattan broke off from one of Greenlands two main glaciers, scientists said on Friday, in the biggest such event in the Arctic in nearly 50 years.

The new ice island, which broke off on Thursday, will enter a remote place called the Nares Straight, about 620 miles south of the North Pole between Greenland and Canada.

The ice island has an area of 100 square miles (260 square km) and a thickness up to half the height of the Empire State Building, said Andreas Muenchow, professor of ocean science and engineering at the University of Delaware]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/huge-ice-island-calves-greenland-glacier</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1090</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Mount Isa lead poisoning victims driven out of town</title>
			<description><![CDATA["It is straightforward: there is no safe level of lead exposure. The levels of lead showing up in some of these kids will have a deleterious effect on lifetime health and intelligence."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mount-isa-lead-poisoning-victims-driven-out-of-town/story-e6freoof-1225902276439</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1089</guid>
			<author>Peter Michael - The Courier-Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Slap in the face</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Some local leaders are calling Xstratas latest announcement disgusting and a slap in the face. 

Just a day after the mining giant announced a 300% rise in its profits, many people in Timmins are questioning the human cost. In May, Xstrata closed the smelter at the Kidd Creek Met Site. The company is now shipping ore concentrate to Quebec for smelting. 


MP Charlie Angus (NDP -- TimminsJames Bay) said the next step will be seeing Northern Ontario natural resources being shipped to countries like China, so Xstrata can see profits rise 400%. 

"Surprise, surprise, Xstrata was making money all along," Angus told The Daily Press. "We knew the Timmins operation was a profitable operation and could have been made even more profitable if the provincial government was willing to sit down and hold Xstratas feet to the fire."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.timminspress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2699573</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1088</guid>
			<author>CHELSEY ROMAIN, THE DAILY PRESS (TIMMINS, CANADA)</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine plan spells environmental death knell</title>
			<description><![CDATA["For Xstrata to now put on the table yet another mine proposal on top of all of that will be the death knell to the Goulburn River and to the environment and the community in the Ulan area," she said.

"There are major problems with the management of the groundwater systems in this region, another mine is just not sustainable.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/05/2974023.htm?site=centralwest&amp;section=news</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1087</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Expert urges lead levels review</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An environmental physician is calling for stricter national guidelines for air monitoring for lead.

A new study in the Medical Journal of Australia this week suggests one child develops lead poisoning every nine days in Mount Isa in north-west Queensland.

But Xstrata says it has never exceeded limits for respirable lead at any of its air monitoring sites in the mining community.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/05/2973839.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1086</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>$1b mine promises hundreds of jobs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The board of mining company Xstrata has approved the investment to develop the Ulan West underground thermal coal mine at the existing Ulan site.

About 270 jobs would be created during the construction period and 350 employees will be needed once the mine is operating. 

The companys spokesman, James Rickards, says it is a significant investment in the central west. 

"The positive thing for the region is that it will provide new jobs in the area as we start both the construction phase and also its ongoing once we commence production in 2014," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/04/2972835.htm?site=westernplains&amp;section=news</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1085</guid>
			<author>ABC News</author>
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			<title>Miners stop production after residents stop trains</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The rail system connecting mines to the 25 million tonne per annum terminal was blockaded for two days at the beginning of the week in an unrelated protest by local residents angered by the prospect of increased rail traffic.

The terminal said the blockade did not impact on exports as the terminal had enough cargos, so there were no losses. It said that but with stocks somewhat depleted as a result, there is more potential for strike action by miners to impact sooner rather than later. The miners have downed tools calling for a pay rise from AUD 105,000 per annum to USD 140,000 per annum in line with wages paid to workers at other mines in the region. There is no indication how long the strike is expected to last.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.steelguru.com/raw_material_news/Miners_stop_production_after_residents_stop_trains/158499.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1084</guid>
			<author>SteelGuru.com</author>
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			<title>No end in sight to Tahmoor dispute</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Miners at the Tahmoor Colliery in the New South Wales Southern Highlands say it is unlikely there will be an end to industrial action soon in a 21-month-old dispute.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/02/2970638.htm?site=sydney&amp;section=news</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1083</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>NSW Farmers Federation on Property Rights</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While most Australian citizens may feel secure in their
property rights, but like the scenario in the famous
Australian movie, The Castle, the property rights of all
Australians are not as safe as they may imagine. This is
because there are no constitutional protections that prevent
State Governments from compulsorily acquiring land on any
terms that they may pass in legislation.<]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nswfarmers.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/65722/NSWFA_Fed_Elec_2010_handbook.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1082</guid>
			<author>NSW Farmers Federation</author>
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			<title>Qld exports record amount of coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Queensland exported a record amount of coal last financial year, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data. 

Treasurer Andrew Fraser told state parliament that the state exported a record 183.1 million tonnes of coal in 2009/10, an increase of 14.9 per cent from 2008/09. 

"As the industry grows, so will the businesses that will do the heavy lifting, getting the coal from mine to port," he said. 

"QRs (Queensland Rail) coal and freight business, operating now as QR National, carried a record 262.3 million tonnes of freight over the last financial year - 14.5 million tonnes more than the previous year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Qld-exports-record-amount-of-coal-8234Y?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1081</guid>
			<author>AAP & Business Specttor</author>
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			<title>Greens and farmers unite at Qld rally</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Farmers and environmentalists are gathering outside Queensland parliament concerned about the expansion of the mining industry. 

They want governments to safeguard Queenslands food bowl region, particularly in the wake of pollution scares. 

The protest comes as the Queensland government flagged a ban on the use of BTEX chemicals in coal seam gas extraction. 

BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) is a group of chemicals found mainly in petroleum products.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Greens-and-farmers-unite-at-Qld-rally-7YVQ2?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1080</guid>
			<author>John ShewanAAP & Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>MRRT panel faces industry backlash</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Small miners have hit out at a panel chosen by the federal government to review its proposed resource rent tax, saying it is dominated by big mining interests, The Australian reports. 

The group, designed to advise on the design and implementation of the new tax, is headed by BHP Billiton Ltd chairman Don Argus and includes former executives from Woodside Petroleum Ltd and Rio Tinto Ltd. 

According to the Australian Financial Review, Fortescue Metals Group Ltd chief executive Andrew Forrest attacked the panel for shutting out junior players, warning a campaign by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies against the tax would continue if Labor is returned to power this month.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/MRRT-panel-faces-industry-backlash-pd20100804-7YQWE?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1079</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz of Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Latest tests clear bore water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[New tests have cleared bore water near a Queensland underground gas project of dangerous levels of cancer-causing chemicals. 

But more tests will be needed before residents around the Cougar energy plant near Kingaroy, northwest of Brisbane, are allowed to resume use of bore water. 

Cougar was forced to shut down its pilot project last month after the Queensland government learnt traces of benzene and toluene had been found in ground water at the site and a neighbouring property.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Latest-tests-clear-bore-water-7XUM9?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=3#Scene_1</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1078</guid>
			<author>AAP & Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Child poisoned every 9 days in mine town Mount Isa</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Macquarie University associate professor Mark Taylor, the reports co-author, said that mining giant Xstrata and the Queensland government had continually denied that mining activity was the cause of high lead levels in blood in the town.

"This study finally puts that theory to rest -- weve looked at the evidence, that includes . . . things like soil and geology, and they all point in the same direction -- that its the processing of the soil, not whats in the soil, which is the cause of the problem.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/child-poisoned-every-9-days-in-mine-town-mount-isa/story-fn59niix-1225900248172</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1077</guid>
			<author>Michael McKenna and Andrew Fraser - The Australian</author>
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			<title>Tax deal gives Big Three a $100bn break</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A TAX deal between Australias three biggest miners and the federal government will save those companies more than $100 billion in tax, the nations richest man says. 
Fortescue Metals Group chief Andrew Forrest told ABC TV the deal struck between the big miners and Prime Minister Julia Gillard would create at least a $100 billion tax shelter for those companies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tax-deal-gives-big-three-a-100bn-break-says-andrew-forrest/story-e6frf7kf-1225899592132</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1076</guid>
			<author>AAP & Herald-Sun</author>
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			<title>Senate committee slams rent tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A coalition-dominated Senate inquiry into the federal governments proposed mineral resources rent tax has recommended it be scrapped....
"The 99 per cent of mining companies who were excluded from those negotiations remain very concerned about how the tax will impact on mining jobs and competitiveness," he told reporters.

"Significant mining projects remain on hold because of the new tax and the governments refusal to provide basic information to the industry and the parliament on (its) impact."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/senate-committee-slams-rent-tax-20100730-10z58.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1075</guid>
			<author>AAP-SMH</author>
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			<title>Coalmine discharge fouls Georges River</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CONTAMINATED water from a coalmine is flowing into the Georges River, south of Sydney, at levels that are toxic to aquatic life, an independent water quality report has shown.

A plume of saline water stretched along the river for 15 kilometres from the discharge point of an underground mine operated by Endeavour Coal, a subsidiary of BHP Billitons Illawarra Coal.

Discharges from West Cliff colliery near Appin are causing serious water pollution that is very likely to be damaging in-stream ecosystems, says the report, which was completed on a voluntary basis by researchers from the University of Western Sydney.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coalmine-discharge-fouls-georges-river-20100803-115gr.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1074</guid>
			<author>BEN CUBBY ENVIRONMENT EDITOR SMH</author>
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			<title>Howard would have delivered</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The unpleasant reality for Australias Labor-leaning climate advocates is that a vote for John Howard at the last election would have yielded exactly the sort of ETS that Rudd failed to deliver]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/howard-would-have-delivered</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1073</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Tackle climate change now: AMA</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australian Medical Association (AMA) president Andrew Pesce has called on the federal government to set up a national climate change and health strategy.

"Failure on the part of governments internationally to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions is likely to result in significant public health problems," Dr Pesce said in a statement.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Tackle-climate-change-now-AMA-7TDFM?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1072</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Solar research centre to close</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An award-winning solar research centre has lost its funding as part of Labors proposed cuts to finance a "cash-for-clunkers" low-emissions car program, the Greens say....
But the fine print on the announcement has revealed its funded by raiding existing environmental programs from solar power to low-emissions technology...
In 2007, researchers at the centre won several Eureka Prizes for producing the worlds most efficient and low-cost solar cells.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Solar-research-centre-to-close-Greens-7TB88?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1071</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Mining tax rift widens</title>
			<description><![CDATA[He also lashed out at the chiefs of the big miners, BHPs Marius Kloppers, Xstratas Mick Davis and Rios Tom Albanese as the "self-appointed powerbrokers" of "international companies".

"A lot of mining people are seriously cranky about this fake settlement of spin and the stealing of our fight. Julia Gillard must have thought were just one big happy union and these were our leaders.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/mining-tax-rift-widens/story-e6frfh4f-1225898694241</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1070</guid>
			<author>Rachel Hewitt - Herald Sun</author>
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			<title>Miners tell Gillard to scrap MRRT</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The head of Pilbara iron ore miner Atlas Iron, David Flanagan, added that the concept the Government "had done a deal" with the mining industry as a whole was wrong, and that the proposed tax would cause his company to go backwards if implemented.

"A deal hasnt been done," he said, calling on the Government to explain how it had forecast a gain in federal revenue from the iron ore industry when the iron ore price had actually fallen by 30 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Miners-tell-Gillard-to-scrap-resources-tax-pd20100726-7Q926?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1069</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Another gas contamination scare</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tests will be carried out at a second underground coal gasification (UCG) trial in Queensland.

Local farmers fear that UCG trials have contaminated the waters in Kogan Creek, near Dalby in southwest Queensland.

A UCG pilot plant at Kingaroy, 210km northwest of Brisbane, was closed down earlier this month after traces of the cancer-causing chemicals benzene and toluene were found in bores near the plant.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Another-gas-contamination-scare-7UC35?OpenDocument&amp;src=rab&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED%20REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1068</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Europes coal-face makeover</title>
			<description><![CDATA[European Commission released a new proposal that would only allow states to subsidise unprofitable hard (black) coal mines if the mine had a plan for closing down within the next four years. Further, the EU said that subsidies paid to unprofitable mines were to be used for retraining miners and cleaning up the mines, rather than for expanding production. The level of subsidy will be progressively decreased over the next four years, and those mines that fail to close by the October 2014 deadline will have to repay their subsidies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/coal-mining-Europe-subsidies-EU-pd20100726-7Q8YK?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1067</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Civilisation goes west, leaving empire on the edge of ruin</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The sovereign debt crisis in Europe, the US and Japan is, he says, far from over. The situation is dire. But not in Australia. Instead, he posits a different challenge for this country: We are shifting into an era of Asian dominance . . . Australia is effectively part of the Chinese economy . . . Do you want to be a colony of the Chinese empire?...
You have a fantastic opportunity to do things that other Anglo-Saxon countries can only dream of. You should be setting up a sovereign wealth fund like Norway, he says. This would serve as a buffer to the inevitable downturn in the global commodities market and any stumbles by China. You had the golden opportunity, but it was frittered away in a pseudo-Keynesian spending binge.

So much for Kevin Rudds and Julia Gillards claim to have saved Australia from the global economic crisis. The worlds most famous economic historian has just given them an F.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/civilisation-goes-west-leaving-empire-on-the-edge-of-ruin-20100725-10qeu.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1066</guid>
			<author>Paul Sheehan -SMH</author>
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			<title>Huntlee housing project resurrected</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An internal department email tabled in Parliament has revealed that a chief planner, Michael File, told the proponent in January that the fee for a second application would be approx $70K. Under the Part 3A schedule of fees a new project of this size would ordinarily cost more than $900,000.]]></description>
			<link>http://smh.domain.com.au/huntlee-housing-project-resurrected-20100725-10qod.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1065</guid>
			<author>Kelsey Munro - SMH URBAN AFFAIRS</author>
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			<title>Ministers mate link to grant</title>
			<description><![CDATA[JOHN MAITLAND, an associate of the disgraced former minister Ian Macdonald, was a beneficiary of a NSW clean coal grant worth up to $159,000 that was approved by Mr Macdonald before he left Parliament.... Their relationship first hit the headlines last year, when it was revealed Mr Macdonald had granted a mining exploration licence on Christmas Eve 2008 to Doyles Creek Mining, part-owned by Mr Maitland, for $1.2 million. The licence was not subject to tender and when Doyles Creek Mining was floated as NuCoal, Mr Maitlands original $165,623 stake rocketed in value to about $10 million.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/ministers-mate-link-to-grant-20100725-10qob.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1064</guid>
			<author>Linton Besser - SMH INVESTIGATIONS</author>
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			<title>Miners plan anti-tax ads this week</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Prime Minister Julia Gillard will be given another headache this week with junior and mid-tier miners set to relaunch their advertising campaign against the governments proposed mining tax...

Mr Forrest has called the proposed mining tax a secret and "sinister" deal between Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Xstrata.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Miners-to-launch-anti-tax-ads-this-week-7P8Y4?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp2&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1063</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Lead in blood forces worker from Xstrata mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A new report has found a worker had to be removed from an Xstrata mine in Mount Isa in north-west Queensland because of high levels of lead in his blood.... The mining giant is facing a series of lawsuits after extensive testing in recent years revealed a number of children in Mount Isa had lead poisoning... The report also shows one person died at its George Fisher site last year, and a number of employees who suffered serious injuries at the same mine had significant time off]]></description>
			<link>http://www.ourbrisbane.com/news/articles/4126538.lead-blood-forces-worker-xstrata-mine</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1062</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>Addiction to plastic is fuelling marine disaster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The UN Environment Program estimates that plastic debris causes the deaths of more than 1 million seabirds and more than 100,000 marine mammals every year. In 2006, the UN concluded that every square mile (260 hectares) of ocean contained 46,000 pieces of floating plastic.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/addiction-to-plastic-is-fuelling-marine-disaster-20100724-10pki.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1061</guid>
			<author>Tim Elliott - SMH</author>
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			<title>Plan to block motorways</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Funding for Sydneys incomplete motorway network would be strangled by the Greens in favour of a huge investment in public transport.

The party, which is likely to hold the balance of power in the Senate after the election, may also consider converting motorways to rail corridors.

Senate hopeful Lee Rhiannon yesterday launched the Greens transport vision for sustainable transport in western Sydney from the bicycle track above what she called the pollution-laden tangle of motorways where the M4 crosses the M7 at the Light Horse interchange.

Ms Rhiannon, who has been given a 50-50 chance by pollsters of securing a Senate berth, said the federal government had spent $58 billion on roads over the past 30 years compared with just $1.5 billion on public transport.

She said the Greens would support funnelling at least half of all federal transport funding into public transport.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/plan-to-block-motorways-20100724-10pkf.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1060</guid>
			<author>Heath Aston</author>
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			<title>Critics blast emissions forum as more hot air</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Labors proposal for a citizens assembly on climate change has been derided by environment groups, scientists and economists who say it will delay urgently needed action.

Economist and Reserve Bank board member Warwick McKibbin said the governments climate policy was extremely disappointing.

The science and expert input has made a strong case for action for more than a decade, he said. What would be required to come out of a citizens assembly to convince the government to take action? An absolute majority? A majority in key electorates? This appears to be another 2020 summit-style delay to make it appear that action is being taken when the purpose is purely delay for political advantage.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/climate/critics-blast-emissions-forum-as-more-hot-air-20100724-10pke.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1059</guid>
			<author>Stephanie Peatling - SMH</author>
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			<title>Greens say coal must go</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Greens want to completely replace Australias reliance on coal with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Greens Senator Christine Milne said yesterday: "Australia can harness our tremendous resources of the sun, wind, ocean, Earth and human ingenuity to replace our reliance on coal with 100 per cent renewable energy within decades."

Senator Milne said this could be achieved by 2030 with the right preparation and infrastructure.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/climate/greens-say-coal-must-go-20100724-10pmh.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1058</guid>
			<author>Stephanie Peatling - SMH</author>
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			<title>15 new power stations wait in the wings</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Up to 15 new coal-fired power stations, generating the equivalent of half NSWs electricity needs, could still go ahead under the Labor policy the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, says will ensure we never again have a dirty power station built.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/15-new-power-stations-wait-in-the-wings-20100723-10oz7.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1057</guid>
			<author>Lenore Taylor - SMH</author>
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			<title>Labor climate policy farcical: Greens</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Labors climate change policy has been described as a farcical stunt straight from the script of televisions political satire The Hollowmen.... The Australian Greens were less than impressed, saying the announcement added hot air to the global warming problem. 

Climate change spokeswoman Christine Milne described the assembly as a "gabfest" and "ideally suited to the Hollowmen", the ABCs hit comedy series.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Greens-say-policy-belongs-with-Hollowmen-7M4FS?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=wes</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1056</guid>
			<author>AAP - Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>400 still laid off at Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I was watching a news report on tv saying almost all the laid off employees for Xstrata are back at work.Far from the truth.Of the 686 that were sent to the curb like trash,180 are back to work,92 have quit and moved on and still 400 wondering why the community,the government or even why Xstrata doesnt care about the human suffering and getting these people back to work]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thesudburystar.com/Community/NewsDisplay.aspx?c=57699</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1055</guid>
			<author>Sudbury Star</author>
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			<title>Palmer rejoins anti-mining tax campaign</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining billionaire Clive Palmer says he is rejoining the campaign against the Labor governments proposed minerals resource rent tax.

Small and medium-tier miners, including outspoken Fortescue Metals boss Andrew Forrest, have threatened to relaunch an anti-mining tax ad campaign, possibly as early as this weekend.

"They lied to the people about the tax to start with," Mr Palmer said. "They did a deal with Xstrata and everyone to make it better and theyve reneged on that deal by giving the Greens preferences. "And then theyre going to say that theyll have to pass the Greens bill, which is the same as their first bill."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/palmer-rejoins-antimining-tax-campaign-20100723-10o0a.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1054</guid>
			<author>DAVID BARBELER - SMH, AAP</author>
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			<title>Resource super profit tax - Tax favors BHPB Rio Tinto and Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[According to Mr Andrew Forrest CEO of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, Australias proposed tax on iron ore and coal mine profits favors Rio Tinto Group, BHP Billiton Ltd. and Xstrata Plc over smaller producers.

Mr Forrest told reporters that the tax should be changed to exclude magnetite iron ore projects. Fortescue would be prepared to support an advertising campaign against the tax should the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies decide to put in one in place.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.steelguru.com/raw_material_news/Resource_super_profit_tax_-_Tax_favors_BHPB_Rio_Tinto_and_Xstrata_-_Mr_Forrest/156468.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1053</guid>
			<author>Steel Guru</author>
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			<title>Metres from death in Drayton mine explosion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FIVE miners are lucky to be alive after a "one in a million" faulty explosive blew up only metres away from them yesterday]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/metres-from-death-in-drayton-mine-explosion/1894098.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1052</guid>
			<author>TYRON BUTSON - Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Great procrastinator takes reins of inaction on climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Like her so-called population policy, in which she talks about everything except the two determinants of population - the birth rate and immigration - this is a non-policy. It creates talking opportunities, the chance to sound sympathetic to every concern, without commitment to any action.

We see the creation, before our very eyes, of the archetypal professional prime ministerial procrastinator.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/great-procrastinator-takes-reins-of-inaction-on-climate-change-20100723-10oqw.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1050</guid>
			<author>PETER HARTCHER - SMH</author>
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			<title>Gillards carbon masquerade</title>
			<description><![CDATA[she has squibbed yet again the need for a major drive to achieve greater end-use efficiency. Without this, the target for 2020 is not going to be achievable.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gillard-speech-climate-decarbonisation-policy-pd20100723-7M4GZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1049</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison - Business Spectator</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>An empty centre</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Is she kidding? A citizens assembly? A commission of climate change experts? This sounds like something dreamt up by the government of North Korea. Even the Chinese Communist Party has abandoned this sort of nonsense.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-middle-ground-is-empty-pd20100723-7LTCG?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1048</guid>
			<author>Michael Gawenda</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Ageing key to population policy: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The surge means that by 2050 only 2.7 people of working age will support each Australian over 65, compared to a ratio of 5:1 today.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Ageing-is-a-population-issue-report-7L6WC?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1047</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Cutting to the stimulus chase</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The time has come for developed countries to kick away their economic crutches and to start raising taxes and cutting spending, according to the head of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Trichet-grabs-the-scissors-pd20100723-7LSUZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1046</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gillard will be forced to redesign minerals tax, says Fortescue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Forrests comments came as a key Chinese investor in the Australian mining industry lashed out at the minerals resources rent tax at a high-level meeting in Shanghai, claiming the impost had done damage to Australias reputation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/gillard-will-be-forced-to-redesign-minerals-tax-says-fortescue/story-e6frg9df-1225895817386</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1045</guid>
			<author>Andrew Burrell and Michael Sainsbury From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fortescue may resume tax ads</title>
			<description><![CDATA[is prepared, for the first time, to invest in an advertising campaign against the MRRT if the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) relaunches its campaign.... "Now that the sinister process of secret negotiations (with BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto Ltd and Xstrata) has been allowed to run its course and resulted in the MRRT, I can say that I personally will be sympathetic to supporting AMEC."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/FMG-wants-Greens-in-mining-tax-talks-7L4PV?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1044</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>The sleeper issue awakes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the governments position remains that they plan to turn most independent contractors into employees]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Election-2010-marginal-seats-independent-contracti-pd20100721-7JS7D?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1043</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Has China reached tipping point?</title>
			<description><![CDATA["This is a momentous change: for years, businesses have simply assumed that China has an unlimited supply of young people who can be had for modest wages and replaced at will. Over the next 15 years this will cease to be the case: businesses will have to pay more for entry level workers, and then work harder to retain them for longer, because they will not be so easy to replace." 

One consequence of hitting the tipping point is that China can no longer rely on simply adding more capital and labour to drive economic growth. Instead, economic growth will increasingly depend on using capital and labour more efficiently.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-gdp-asian-growth-interest-rates-labour-short-pd20100721-7JSTX?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1042</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley - Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NZ government drops mining plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[New Zealands government has yielded to public pressure to scrap a proposal that would have allowed mining in some of the countrys most pristine landscapes.

The ruling National Party had sought to open 7000 hectares of conservation land to minerals exploration, arguing New Zealand needed to pursue new avenues of economic growth, but backed down following fierce public opposition.

The government received more than 39,000 submissions on the proposal,]]></description>
			<link>http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/nz-government-drops-mining-plan-20100720-10iim.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1041</guid>
			<author>Associated Press</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China worlds largest energy user</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BEIJING - China overtook the United States last year to become the worlds largest energy user, the Financial Times reported on Monday, citing the International Energy Agency]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-now-worlds-largest-energy-user--FT-7J33V?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1040</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>When election intentions fall apart</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In the 24 hours before Julia Gillard called the 2010 election two things happened that will have a profound effect on the economic numbers that both parties are using. In short, the optimistic Australian Treasury global forecasts are starting to fall apart. 

The first event came from that close China watcher, HSBC, which put out a special bulletin on Friday saying Chinas industrial production had fallen more than they expected as a result of the domestic demand tightening and the slowing of infrastructure investment. Chinas June industrial production growth fell from 16.5 per cent to 13.7 per cent. 

The Australian Treasury expected China to grow 9.5 per cent in 2011 compared with 10 per cent in the current year. HSBC says 2011 growth will be only 8.9 per cent. Treasurys optimistic mining tax estimates rely on big rises in mineral prices which will not happen if Chinas growth follows the HSBC forecast. 

Our second pre-election event took place in the US, where consumer confidence fell by a historic 9.5 points and led to a sharp fall on Wall Street]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Treasury-forecasts-look-shaky-pd20100719-7GSS3?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1039</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Local Govt Plea to Mining Companies Not to Follow Xstrata Path</title>
			<description><![CDATA[With mining community councils within weeks of bringing down their annual budget, the Local Government Association of Queensland is urging mining companies not to follow the same path as Swiss company Xstrata, which took legal action to drastically cut its rates.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lgaq.asn.au/web/guest/news/-/asset_publisher/pG32/content/local-govt-plea-to-mining-companies-not-to-follow-xstrata-path?redirect=%2Fweb%2Fguest%2Fnews</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1038</guid>
			<author>LGA Qld</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Evicted families dont shop</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In the average American street, one in 12 owner-occupied dwellings houses a family that is way behind on their mortgage. They are facing foreclosure. 

And, of course, averages mask areas of threatened foreclosure concentration where, say, one in four houses contain families facing eviction.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Evicted-families-dont-shop-pd20100715-7CSSR?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1037</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Roasting Julia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Get me a cold spoon, I feel an election coming on. An update of the Federal budget, a Treasurer tap dancing through the accounts and the cost of Julia Gillards power grab and resources tax backflip for everyone to see. Shes the $7.5 billion woman, because thats the cost to taxpayers of sorting out the tax after she grabbed power from Kevin Rudd. Its also a cost that the likes of Bill Shorten, AWU leader, Paul Howes and NSW right-winger, Mark Arbib, (some of those who installed her) should also share. Julia spruiks her economic cred today, shes starting $7.5 billion behind the game.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/THE-DISTILLERY-pd20100715-7CSPA?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1036</guid>
			<author>Glenn Dyer</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata fined over Aboriginal site</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XSTRATA Mount Isa Mines has been fined $80,000 after pleading guilty in a Brisbane Magistrates Court for damaging an Aboriginal cultural heritage site.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/news/xstrata-fined-over-aboriginal-site/story-e6frg90f-1225889986169</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1035</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Swans price gymnastics</title>
			<description><![CDATA[So now we know. The election-driven decision to gut the proposed resource tax on super profits wiped $7.5 billion off the governments forward estimates of revenue and would have left the budget in deficit if it werent for the very convenient revision of commodity price forecasts.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/budget-RSPT-MMRT-BHP-billion-Rio-Tinto-Xstrata-Res-pd20100714-7C6SW?OpenDocument&amp;src=sph</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1034</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstratas Tahmoor, Australia met coal mine hit by 1 week strike</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Swiss Xstratas Tahmoor metallurgical coal mining complex in Australias
New South Wales has been hit by a week-long strike that started Friday as a
long-running dispute with miners and other staff over a working agreement
continued.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews.aspx?xmlpath=RSSFeed/HeadlineNews/Metals/8903944.xml</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1033</guid>
			<author>Platts</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mine air pollution breaches safety limits</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Greens said Camberwell had been ravaged by mining. Fine particulate standards are breached on up to 9 per cent of days a year, and predicted to rise in future, the Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/mine-air-pollution-breaches-safety-limits-20100713-109ij.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1032</guid>
			<author>BRIAN ROBINS AND BEN CUBBY - SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas projects face delay</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ALMOST $30 billion worth of planned coal seam gas projects in Queensland have hit a snag, with the federal government asking Santos and BG to revise and resubmit their environmental impact statements.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/coal-seam-gas-projects-face-delay-20100713-109fy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1031</guid>
			<author>MATHEW MURPHY - SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Bureaucrat stood down over carcinogenic water</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Queensland Government official has been stood aside for not acting sooner on concerns about water contamination caused by an underground coal gasification trial in states South Burnett region.

Cougar Energy has been ordered to shut down its underground coal gasification trial at Kingaroy and landholders in the area have been told not to use bore water pending test results. 

The company detected carcinogenic chemicals, benzine and toluene, in monitoring bores in April but did not notify the department until the end of June.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/07/16/2955669.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1030</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Underground coal gasification plants must all be shut down now</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The decision by the Department of Resource Management to shut down Cougar Energys underground coal gasification (UCG) plant at Kingaroy is welcome but far too late. 

In fact, this plant and two others like it should never have been given the go-ahead by the Queensland Government in the first place given what is known (and what is not known) about the impacts of this technology.

In these three experiments, the companies are testing whether they can extract gas by burning coal seams underground. The Government has shut down the Cougar Energy Plant after it was discovered that local bores had become polluted and poisoned with carcinogenic chemicals.
Friends of the Earth spokesperson Drew Hutton, who has been working with Queensland farmers on gas issues, said environmentalists had told the Bligh Government at the start that UCG pilot plants should not be allowed because of their bad environmental record around the world.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sixdegrees.org.au/content/underground-coal-gasification-plants-must-all-be-shut-down-now</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1029</guid>
			<author>SixDegrees.org.au</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gas trial shut down over chemical concerns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Cougar Energy is testing whether it can extract gas by burning coal seams underground at a plant near Kingaroy. 

But the Environment and Resource Management Department says the company has reported traces of carcinogenic chemicals in tests on monitoring bores.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/07/16/2955249.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1028</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miner wants Camberwell Common</title>
			<description><![CDATA["[Ashton Coal] intends to negotiate with the Minister for Lands for the purchase of the land or to seek an agreement to allow mining in accordance with any mining lease granted," it said.

In April, Ashton was granted an access and grazing licence for land near its existing operations after the government revoked the two-part, 90-hectare village common, in place for 120 years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/miner-wants-camberwell-common/1885814.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1027</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mangrove forests endangered</title>
			<description><![CDATA[protected mangrove forests near urban areas, such as those around Sydney Olympic Park, could be lost with rising sea levels.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/mangrove-forests-endangered-20100714-10b5z.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1026</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Latest spin fails to hide emperors con job</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Strip out that price effect and real activity across the economy is forecast to be slower than anticipated. The economy is expected to grow 3 per cent this financial year, down from the budgets forecast of 3.25 per cent.

As the mining sector streaks ahead, other parts of the economy are being left behind. Household spending growth is slowing as the stimulus fades and interest rates rise. The pace of home construction has stalled, putting upward pressure on house prices. Treasury has pushed its inflation forecast into the upper limits of the Reserve Banks 2 to 3 per cent comfort band - from 2.5 per cent to 2.75 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/latest-spin-fails-to-hide-emperors-con-job-20100714-10b6w.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1025</guid>
			<author>Jessica Irvine</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Angry residents label report a whitewash</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly handed down three reports on air quality, noise and drinking water yesterday, which concluded that mining companies were adhering to the rules.

I think its just a whitewash over the lot of us and they dont care about us one bit at all, resident Col Stapleton said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/angry-residents-label-report-a-whitewash/1884338.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1023</guid>
			<author>JULIEANNE STRACHAN</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal seam gas projects face delay</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last month the Coordinator-General, Colin Jensen, expressed doubts after reading BGs 9000-page environmental submission.

"I am concerned regarding the potential for widespread, irreversible, serious environmental harm associated with the widespread application of highly saline and sodic water, due to the potential for movement of those salts and displaced clay particles, and hence long-term environmental impacts and economic loss consequences.

I am concerned that the cost to future generations will be substantial should rehabilitation works associated with coal seam gas industry activities be ineffectively undertaken.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/coal-seam-gas-projects-face-delay-20100713-109fy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1022</guid>
			<author>MATHEW MURPHY</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Camberwell waits on coal report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It will confirm Newcastle Herald reports that experts found daily fine dust concentration levels exceeded limits at monitoring stations in and near the village between 10 to 30 days a year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/camberwell-waits-on-coal-report/1883190.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1021</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Lake Council supports fight against new coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Lake Macquarie City Council agreed last night to support a campaign against new coal-fired power stations in NSW.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/lake-council-supports-fight-against-new-coal/1883195.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1020</guid>
			<author>DAMON CRONSHAW</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>East coast corridor to protect wildlife</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The establishment of a conservation corridor spanning 2800 kilometres along the east coast of Australia, which would allow wildlife to relocate as the climate warms, is vital for the survival of many species, a report has found.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/east-coast-corridor-to-protect-wildlife-20100713-109ip.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1019</guid>
			<author>Nicky Phillips</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>MP linked to Xstrata sacking</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A SENIOR Bligh Government MP has been linked to the sacking of a constituent after emails were sent to the politician from a work email account. 
Documents obtained by The Sunday Mail reveal Parliamentary Secretary Betty Kiernan twice tipped off management at mining giant Xstrata after receiving emails from one of its employees.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/sunday-mail/parliamentary-secretary-betty-kiernan-linked-to-sacking-of-xstrata-employee/story-e6frep2f-1225890203916?from=public_rss</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1018</guid>
			<author>Qld Sunday Mail</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>MP linked to Xstrata sacking</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A SENIOR Bligh Government MP has been linked to the sacking of a constituent after emails were sent to the politician from a work email account. 
Documents obtained by The Sunday Mail reveal Parliamentary Secretary Betty Kiernan twice tipped off management at mining giant Xstrata after receiving emails from one of its employees.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/sunday-mail/parliamentary-secretary-betty-kiernan-linked-to-sacking-of-xstrata-employee/story-e6frep2f-1225890203916?from=public_rss</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1017</guid>
			<author>Qld Sunday Mail</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>MP linked to Xstrata sacking</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A SENIOR Bligh Government MP has been linked to the sacking of a constituent after emails were sent to the politician from a work email account. 
Documents obtained by The Sunday Mail reveal Parliamentary Secretary Betty Kiernan twice tipped off management at mining giant Xstrata after receiving emails from one of its employees.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/sunday-mail/parliamentary-secretary-betty-kiernan-linked-to-sacking-of-xstrata-employee/story-e6frep2f-1225890203916?from=public_rss</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1016</guid>
			<author>Qld Sunday Mail</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Fears for Hunter mines over MRRT</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW Minerals Council boss Nikki Williams said the Hunter would not receive its share of funding from the new minerals resource rent tax until politicians recognised the regions significance to the mining sector.

The minerals council chief executive spoke at a Singleton Business Chamber function yesterday, and was adamant the region would not get a proportionate share of the $6billion in regional infrastructure funding over the next three years]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/fears-for-hunter-mines-over-mrrt/1880559.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1015</guid>
			<author>NEIL GOFFET</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Upper Hunter blasting delayed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hunter conservationists have lost a legal battle to prevent a limestone quarry being developed at Timor Creek in the Upper Hunter Valley, but have claimed a minor victory by slowing down blasting by at least a year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/upper-hunter-blasting-delayed/1882114.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1014</guid>
			<author>JULIEANNE STRACHAN</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Valley mine jobs concern</title>
			<description><![CDATA[$1 billion worth of Hunter mining proposals have been "on hold" for about six weeks as the state government grapples with mounting community pressure over air quality and health concerns in the region.
The NSW Planning Department ordered mining companies behind three applications to build new mines or expand existing ones around the village of Camberwell to produce more air quality data while the projects were stalled.

About the same time, the department received final reports from independent experts it commissioned to investigate the cumulative effects of mining on the village.

The Newcastle Herald understands the brake on the applications prompted at least one miner to voice concerns for jobs if the project was not determined soon.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/valley-mine-jobs-concern/1882155.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1013</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Full steam ahead for Chinas territorial ambitions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In an assertive redefinition of its place in the world, China has put the South China Sea into its "core national interest" category of non-negotiable territorial claims - in the same league as Taiwan and Tibet. China has drawn a red line down the map of Asia and defies anyone to cross it.

It brings China into direct conflict with the claims of five neighbours, and challenges the US Navys dominance of the waters. One-third of all commercial shipping in the world passes through the waters now claimed exclusively by China, the sea bounded by Taiwan in the north, Vietnam in the west, the Philippines in the east and Malaysia and Brunei in the south.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/full-steam-ahead-for-chinas-territorial-ambitions-20100712-107sp.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1012</guid>
			<author>Peter Hartcher</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Planner raises potential for corruption</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The urban planner John Mant has again questioned the probity of the Part 3A process under which the Minister for Planning can take over the approval of major developments.

Mr Mant, who is also a lawyer, former commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the man who wrote South Australias planning laws and rewrote the NSW Local Government Act, made the comments in a submission to the review of the Central Sydney Planning Committee.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/planner-raises-potential-for-corruption-20100712-107zc.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1011</guid>
			<author>Harvey Grennan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Blue-tongue lizards banished from backyard to city outksirts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Blue-tongue lizards were once the lords of Sydneys backyards, but high-density development is banishing them to the citys fringe. Wildlife groups are reporting that blue-tongues and other natives, such as the tawny frogmouth, are being pushed to the edge of the city by more intense development and higher human population density]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/bluetongue-lizards-banished-from-backyard-to-city-outksirts-20100712-107yy.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1010</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The heat is on for change: coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Each step of the coal life cycle -- mining, transportation, washing, combustion and disposing of post-combustion wastes -- affects human health. In Australia, research is lacking but there is no reason to believe similar effects are not occurring in coal communities here. To deny it would be akin to holding smoking causes lung cancer in the US but doesnt in Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/the-heat-is-on-for-change-coal/story-e6frg8y6-1225889568496</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1009</guid>
			<author>David Shearman From: The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>New tax cost budget $35bn</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The findings of Goldman analyst Hamish Tadgell suggest that although the new minerals resource rent tax (MRRT) would collect $20.9 billion in revenue this decade, the RSPT would have raised more than $56 billion over the same period.]]></description>
			<link>http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/33348/20100707/new-tax-cost-budget-35bn-report-says.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1008</guid>
			<author>International Business Times</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Govt must rein in demand growth: McKibbin</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Reserve Bank of Australia board member Warrick McKibbin has called on the federal government to tighten its economic policy in order to rein in the effects of the countrys commodities boom, according to Dow Jones newswire.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Govt-must-rein-in-demand-growth-McKibbin-pd20100708-75QTP?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1007</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Report claims $35bn tax loss</title>
			<description><![CDATA[By 2020, budget revenue is forecast to be $35 billion less than it would have been under the original proposal, designed by Treasury secretary Ken Henry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/report-claims-35bn-tax-loss-20100707-100qy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1006</guid>
			<author>CLANCY YEATES</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The irony of the MRRT</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Spot prices for seaborne iron ore are tumbling. According to Goldman Sachs, citing resources information provider Platts, last week the spot price for fines delivered to China was $US130.50 per dry metric tonne, its lowest level for 18 weeks. In the derivatives market, third-quarter swaps are being settled at $US117 a tonne. The further out one looks in that market, the lower the forward price.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Tax-Treasury-Ken-Henry-MRRT-Mining-pd20100706-747TE?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1005</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>China ore bust</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the big yarn from the weekend, the continuing fall in Chinas imports of iron ore, went all but unreported,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/07/05/2944515.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1004</guid>
			<author>Glenn Dyer</author>
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			<title>A precarious Beijing balance</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a frank admission of the economic challenges facing the country, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has acknowledged that Chinese policy-makers "face increasing dilemmas" as they try to rein in growth against the backdrop of a sharply deteriorating global economy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-bubble-economic-growth-GDP-Goldmans-pd20100705-72T73?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1003</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Smaller miners to seek exemption from new tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Gillard governments hopes of a quick end to its war with the mining sector may prove premature. 
The first delegation of mine bosses to meet Resources Minister Martin Ferguson since Fridays breakthrough are planning to demand significant changes to the new tax.

Second-tier iron ore mine companies Gindalbie Metals, Atlas Iron and Grange Resources claimed yesterday the compromise deal for the minerals resources rent tax was heavily weighted in favour of the major mining firms that negotiated it - BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.

They will meet Mr Ferguson in Perth this morning, with some planning to demand exemptions from the MRRT.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/smaller-miners-to-seek-exemption-from-new-tax/story-e6frg9df-1225887782253</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1002</guid>
			<author>Richard Gluyas From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Miners -- one, Canberra -- zero</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Miners have won a major victory in the fight over tax reform in Australia. While they will still pay higher taxes than before, new Prime Minister Julia Gillard has retreated across the board on the tax proposal that helped lead to her predecessors ousting.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.financialpost.com/Miners+Canberra+zero/3231724/story.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1001</guid>
			<author>Una Galanixc, Breakingviews.com</author>
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			<title>Out with fossil fuel subsidies and in with a carbon tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia, as a member of the G20, signed up to eliminating fossil fuel subsidies but so far the government has not taken any action.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/out-with-fossil-fuel-subsidies-and-in-with-a-carbon-tax-20100702-zu5o.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jul 2010 23:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1000</guid>
			<author>Helen Pitt smh</author>
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			<title>A Colossal Fracking Mess</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The dirty truth behind the new natural gas...But a new preliminary assessment by Cornell ecology and environmental-biology professor Robert Howarth of the emissions generated throughout the fracking process suggests that, when the thousands of truck trips required to frack every single well are counted, natural gas obtained by fracking is actually worse than drilling for oil and possibly even coal mining in terms of greenhouse-gas production. While Howarth explains that his estimates are subject to uncertainty because of the lack of complete, concrete data about fracking, he concludes, "There is an urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of the full range of emission of greenhouse gases from using natural gas obtained by high-volume, slick water hydraulic fracturing.... Society should be wary of claims that natural gas is a desirable fuel in terms of the consequences on global warming."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.vanityfair.com/business/features/2010/06/fracking-in-pennsylvania-201006?currentPage=all</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/999</guid>
			<author>Christopher Bateman of Vanity Fair</author>
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			<title>Barnett says mining deal still flawed</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Its a strange scenario when a national government will sit down with probably the worlds three largest mining companies to negotiate an arrangement and the Australian-owned companies are basically left out in the cold," Mr Barnett said.

"Its an agreement of sorts reached between a federal government in an election environment with three major mineral companies.

"Its not an agreement with the broader mining industry and its certainly not an agreement with the states of Western Australia and I suspect Queensland and others."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/barnett-says-mining-deal-still-flawed-20100702-ztnm.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/998</guid>
			<author>LLOYD JONES SMH</author>
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			<title>Mixed reaction to new mining tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Im disappointed that three major mining companies, whore predominantly foreign owned, as the government kept reminding us two weeks ago, of being allowed to negotiate on behalf of the whole industry, and the rest of the industry has been excluded."
Not included in the tax are companies which make less than $50 million profits or industries such as gold, nickel, or uranium.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/07/02/2943410.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/997</guid>
			<author>ABC News</author>
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			<title>Production gets underway at Narrabri coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Whitehaven Coal has begun coal production at its Narrabri mine in north-west New South Wales.

When ramped up to full production, the mine is expected to produce around six million tonnes per annum of low-ash, high-energy, low-sulphur thermal coal and Pulverised Coal Injection (PCI) material.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/production-gets-underway-at-narrabri-coal-mine-1</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/996</guid>
			<author>Michael Mills</author>
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			<title>Gillards rent tax treasure</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Now the unpleasant surprise - Gillard better go to the polls quickly because the global share market is telling us there is a slowdown in the global economy on ahead. We have already seen a significant slowdown in Asian manufacturing in the last two months and sharemarkets from Shanghai to New York and London are telling us that we are not looking at a rapid recovery, but rather (at best) a slowdown. Metal prices and the Australian dollar deliver the same message.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RSPT-rent-tax-MRRT-BHP-mining-resources-pd20100702-6Y29R?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/995</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Govt strikes deal on resource tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The renamed Mineral Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) will apply to iron ore and coal projects, at a rate of 30 per cent, while onshore oil, gas and coal seam methane projects will be taxed under the existing Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT), at a rate of 40 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Govt-seals-agreement-on-new-RSPT-pd20100702-6XTPD?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/994</guid>
			<author>Reuters AAP</author>
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			<title>Australias High carbon footprint and poor energy efficiency embarassment</title>
			<description><![CDATA["It is an embarrassment, quite frankly, that a country with as many qualified engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs (has) not just a high carbon footprint but poor energy efficiency," Stanford Universitys Steven Schneider told journalists this week.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/energy-efficiency-carbon-emissions-climate-change--pd20100701-6X7LG?OpenDocument&amp;src=eiw&amp;ir=3</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/993</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Mining and the economy: Parliamentary Report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The total externality cost from coal-fired power stations in NSW for 2007-08 was approximately $3 billion.35 The total externality cost from coal-fired power stations in Australia for 2007-08 was approximately $8.3 billion.36]]></description>
			<link>http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/publications.nsf/key/MiningandtheEconomy/$File/Mining+and+the+economy+e-brief+8+2010.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/992</guid>
			<author>Daniel Montoya</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BMW Weaves City Car Out of Carbon Fiber Used in Formula One</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Worldwide, for cars ,Steel is out - Carbon Fibre is in - from 2013 Ed.] 
The worlds largest luxury carmaker is racing to build battery-powered vehicles as governments and consumers push for viable alternatives to fuel-burning cars.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-01/bmw-weaves-battery-powered-city-car-from-carbon-fiber-used-in-formula-one.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/991</guid>
			<author>Bloomberg</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners split over big three deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A POTENTIALLY damaging split has emerged within the mining sector over a backroom deal thrashed out between the Gillard government and industry heavyweights BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/miners-split-over-big-three-deal-20100701-zqny.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/990</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW MURPHY AND BARRY FITZGERALD smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Endangered species can be saved, says UN scientist</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The worlds chief environmental scientist says it is too early to give up on any endangered plants or animals which are struggling in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/endangered-species-can-be-saved-says-un-scientist-20100630-zmvf.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/989</guid>
			<author>Tom Arup</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Philippine open pit ban risks Xstrata project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The outgoing governor of a southern Philippine province on Tuesday approved a ban on open-pit mining in the area, jeopardising a $5.2 billion Tampakan copper-gold project majority owned by global miner Xstrata Plc that is due to start up in 2016..."The Mining Act of 1995 implies that by promoting mining, all methods are allowed. But what we are saying is if the national law does not specifically prohibit, any interpretation should be in favour of devolution of powers," Avance-Fuentes said]]></description>
			<link>http://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFSGE65S0F820100629?sp=true</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/988</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Govt nears tax deal for CSG sector</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government may be close to a deal with the coal seam gas sector on a proposed tax regime, with a report in The Australian saying that the cabinet is considering proposals to place the sector under the existing Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) model....The proposed policy will see all oil and gas projects face a 40 per cent tax rate on profits, but the regime will not apply to existing projects...
industry groups have warned that the truce will not hold unless the issue is resolved swiftly.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Govt-eyes-tax-deal-for-coal-seam-gas-sector-pd20100629-6V487?OpenDocument&amp;src=tnb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/987</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Deadline set for RSPT talks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Newly appointed Prime Minister Julia Gillard has expressed confidence that she will end the damaging mining tax row, as speculation grows she may call an election within weeks to capitalise on her honeymoon period as leader...The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has since expressed doubts over Ms Gillards commitment in the talks and said it wanted a quick compromise. 

It warns it will restart its anti-tax advertising campaign if a deal isnt done with the government in a matter of weeks. 

"I have really serious doubts about the governments commitment to finding a workable solution. They have had four days to get something to us," ....The Minerals Council said the tax row needed to be resolved before an election, expected between August and year-end.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Deadline-set-for-RSPT-talks-report-says-pd20100629-6UKW7?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/986</guid>
			<author>Reuters AAP</author>
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			<title>Fuel for the RSPT fight - Australia rating like Italy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[in the next day or so a compromise deal will be put on the table by the government which may still be devastating for Australia because I am not sure how many government politicians fully understand just how serious a mistake Rudd and Treasurer Wayne Swan made with the resource super profits tax. 

But many miners will be tempted to accept a bad compromise deal because they dont want to rock the boat too much and Gillard will place immense pressure on the industry. She can be very persuasive. ...At least at this stage the miners are saying that they are not interested in secret mining tax promises and want a clear statement from the government - even though that involves a huge back down by the government. But once the deal is done nothing will stop Labor being re-elected. There can be no more powerful bargaining tool....Australian banks require that Asian and other institutions to lend them about 40 per cent of every loan they make. Australias enormous overseas bank borrowing puts Australian debt into a similar range to Italy and not far behind Spain when related to GDP.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-Billiton-Rio-Tinto-Kevin-Rudd-Julia-Gillard-RS-pd20100629-6USNY?OpenDocument&amp;src=edbyo&amp;ir=4</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/985</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australias get out of the GFC free card?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We have a household sector that is even more indebted than its US counterpart. The odds are that this sector will be debt-constrained in its spending, and the recovery will be stalled as a result.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/sovereign-debt-government-US-recession-Great-Depre-pd20100628-6U573?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/984</guid>
			<author>Steve Keen associate professor of economics UWS</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fragile global economy at risk of new crisis</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is warning of the threat of a new global credit crash and a deep recession.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/28/2939353.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/983</guid>
			<author>ABC News</author>
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			<title>Rio Tinto opens automated Pilbara Operations Centre</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rio Tinto today opened an automated hub which can control its rail systems, infrastructure facilities and port operations in Western Australias Pilbara region....the facility located alongside Perth domestic airport uses "cutting-edge networks" to ensure all Pilbara operations up to 1500 km away can be controlled from Perth with the maximum efficiency.... features 200 controllers and schedulers and more than 230 technical planning and support staff... Our driverless trucks, remotely operated drill and blasting, automated train systems and remote train loading functions are just the start of a revolution that is transforming the way we extract value from our resources,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/rio-tinto-opens-automated-pilbara-operations-centr?utm_source=20100628&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletters</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/982</guid>
			<author>Michael Mills</author>
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			<title>Key concerns of resource sector still not addressed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining companies BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata today met with the Federal Government in Canberra.... At present there is no formal acknowledgment from Government that these key issues will be addressed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.xstrata.com/media/news/2010/06/16/0700CET/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/981</guid>
			<author>Xstrata</author>
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			<title>Zijin cancels Indophil deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Zijin Mining Group Co., Chinas largest gold producer, canceled its A$545-million ($472-million) purchase of Indophil Resources NL after South Cotabato where the Australian company operates banned open-pit mining...Zijin abandoned the agreement to buy Indophil because of "uncertainties" over the deal, the Chinese producer said in a statement Friday, without elaborating. Zhao Jugang, head of the companys board secretary office, said June 11 the open-pit ban "would add uncertainties" to Indophils Tampakan project.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2010/june/26/business1.isx&amp;d=2010/june/26</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/980</guid>
			<author>Manila Standard Today</author>
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			<title>Grisly thud of kneecapped Rudd</title>
			<description><![CDATA[something very wrong has happened, that an elected first-term prime minister has been treated shamefully, assassinated by a cabal of unionists and ALP machine men, using media leaks to accelerate a murderous frenzy]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/grisly-thud-of-kneecapped-rudd-20100625-z9lc.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/979</guid>
			<author>MIRANDA DEVINE smh</author>
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			<title>Calls to back mining towns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[will enable local communities and their councils to fund the sort of social and other infrastructure, which is vital if mining projects are to be approved in rural communities into the future."

[Cr Rush is as ALP happy as the rest,, willing to trade the rural sector and its people for Muswellbrook City and dollars. There is more pro-mine than environmentalist in this bunny.]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/calls-to-back-mining-towns/1866899.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/978</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Federal Labor the new NSW ALP as the rats infect a new ship</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal Labor Party has started behaving like the NSW Labor Party.

When in doubt, chuck em out. It is not an enduring strategy.

As well as changing leaders, the government will start changing policy. It will reappraise its approach to climate change, asylum seekers and the mining tax.

The whole approach is a bit like the poor cricket captain who moves his fieldsman every time the batsman finds a gap, rather than set a field and stick to a plan. Such panic brought the government to its knees. Now it is being relied upon as its salvation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/labor-decides-salvation-lies-in-panic-20100624-z0gb.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/977</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT smh</author>
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			<title>The faceless men who conspired to bring down the Prime Minister</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SENATORS David Feeney and Don Farrell are hardly household names but they led the push that brought down a prime minister....They, along with the Victorian MP Bill Shorten, initiated the moves against Kevin Rudd yesterday...Senator Farrell is .. a former long-time South Australian Secretary of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association... feared ... powerbroker ... kingmaker in the Right faction ... Senator Farrell entered the Senate at the last election...

Senator Feeney is.. a former Victorian Labor State Secretary... controversial ..right-wing powerbroker from Melbourne. 

Mr Shorten, frontbencher.. former Union Secretary.. Victorian Right.. 

All disliked Rudd due to issues of self-interest (the paring back of MPs entitlements &amp; snubbed for recognition.)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/the-faceless-men-who-conspired-to-bring-down-the-prime-minister-20100623-yz8u.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/976</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT smh</author>
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			<title>Big swings against Kevin Rudd in key marginals</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SUPPORT for Labor has crashed so far in marginal seats in Queensland and western Sydney that the government would lose an election now. 
Seats Labor won in 2007 in regional Queensland and outer Sydney, which effectively delivered its victory, are showing swings against the ALP of between 6 per cent and 12 per cent and voters have turned against the Prime Minister.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/big-swings-against-kevin-rudd-in-key-marginals/story-e6frgczf-1225882496183</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/975</guid>
			<author>Dennis Shanahan, Political editor From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Kevin Rudd plays down Ken Henrys comments on super-profits tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[.... Telstra, Woolworths, Coca-Cola, JB-Hifi and Fosters had all recorded more profits than Rio Tinto last year..... "Will he (Mr Rudd) confirm that they all face a super-profits tax like the great big new tax on mining if his logic to the new tax were applied across all sectors as suggested by the Secretary of the Treasury?"
The questions were triggered by the Treasury Secretarys comments at a tax conference in Sydney yesterday in which he said a super-profits tax should be rolled out for all companies, including retailers and banks, as part of a long-term reform agenda.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/kevin-rudd-plays-down-ken-henrys-comments-on-super-profits-tax/story-e6frgczf-1225882890491</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/974</guid>
			<author>Joe Kelly From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>3 earthquakes shake Hunter Region</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Camberwell has been shaken by three earth tremors within 24 hours, the latest in a series of quakes to hit the Hunter Region...The tremors add to another 51 Hunter earthquakes in the past 20 years, prompting questions over whether they are linked to the regions booming mining industry...."Until we get independent observers using the right equipment in the right locations we cannot make dogmatic statements," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/3-earthquakes-shake-hunter-region/1864406.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/973</guid>
			<author>MELISSA LYONS</author>
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			<title>Solar, wind power may meet 2020 energy use</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A MASSIVE introduction of solar-thermal power plants and wind farms would allow Australia to generate all its energy needs from renewable technologies by 2020, research shows.

The report, to be announced today by the retiring Liberal Victorian senator Judith Troeth, the Greens senator Christine Milne and the Independent Nick Xenophon, finds a 100 per cent renewable plan by 2020 would cost $37 billion a year, in public and private money - or 3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product.

The report is the result of a research collaboration between an environment group, Beyond Zero Emissions, and Melbourne Universitys Energy Research Institute, with input from engineering firm Sinclair Knight Merz.

Zero Carbon Australia Stationary Energy Plan analyses the best technical approach to reach 100 per cent renewable energy production by 2020.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/energy-smart/solar-wind-power-may-meet-2020-energy-use-20100621-ysdt.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/972</guid>
			<author>Tom Arup, ENVIRONMENT CORRESPONDENT, smh</author>
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			<title>No govt backdown on RSPT: Henry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Treasury Secretary Ken Henry says speculation of a federal government backdown on its proposed resources super profits tax (RSPT) is adventurous and premature... "What I am witnessing at the moment is not surprising. It doesnt surprise me in the least," Dr Henry said. .."This particular tax policy proposal is still two years away from commencement...
"There is still quite a journey ahead of us before this particular tax is scheduled to start."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/No-govt-backdown-on-RSPT-Henry-pd20100621-6M8L5?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/971</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Extraordinary Intervention - Back the tax, Henry tells economists</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Treasury chief, Ken Henry, has re-entered the tax debate, issuing an extraordinary call for economists and tax experts to put down their weapons and get behind proposals such as the resources super profits tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/back-the-tax-henry-tells-economists-20100621-ysek.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/970</guid>
			<author>PETER MARTIN</author>
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			<title>Chinas cynical currency ploy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Through the boom years of the last decade, Beijing printed yuan to purchase hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign exchange markets. That made the yuan and Chinese products on US store shelves artificially cheap, and imports from China, coupled with higher prices for imported oil, pushed the US trade deficit to more than 5 per cent of GDP from 2004 to 2008............
China continues to recklessly print yuan to buy dollars and US Treasuries, and all those yuan are creating inflation and real estate speculation in China that Beijing cant contain....as China continues to print yuan, buy dollars and US securities, and make its products woefully cheaper than its comparative advantage warrants in the United States and Europe.

Coupled with its high tariffs and administrative barriers to imports on anything the Chinese can make themselves, no matter how awkwardly or inefficiently, Beijing is hogging growth and jobs, and spreading unemployment and budget misery among workers and governments from Sacramento to Athens.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/yuan-renminbi-China-Federal-Reserve-interest-rates-pd20100622-6MSBY?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/969</guid>
			<author>Peter Morici</author>
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			<title>Americas economic cliff-hanger</title>
			<description><![CDATA[John Hussman of Hussman Funds says that the US economy is in a real "cliff-hanger" situation. In fact, if this were an action novel, wed be at the point where our hero - the US economy - was hanging over a steep precipice, clutching onto a rock of uncertain strength. We readers would be hoping that things would turn out well for our hero, but wed be fearing the worst....
"So right now the choice is really either a 2002-style growth relapse or an outright double-dip recession - pick your poison. "]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Dow-Jones-debt-Wall-Street-US-economy-sharemarket--pd20100622-6MSPP?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/968</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Levy may push rail plan off the track</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PLANS to build an inland railway from Melbourne to Brisbane have suffered a setback... The first leg of the project is likely to be put on hold because of the row over Canberras proposed resource super-profits tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/levy-may-push-rail-plan-off-the-track/story-e6frg6nf-1225882480974</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/967</guid>
			<author>Sid Maher From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Coal trains to cause dangerous delays in Scone</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE bustling Upper Hunter rural hub of Scone could soon be "cut off" for up to four hours a day, the result of a projected 500 per cent increase in the number of coal trains that pass through the town.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-trains-to-cause-dangerous-delays-in-scone/1863249.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/966</guid>
			<author>DONNA SHARPE</author>
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			<title>All of Hunters ALP members could go</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ALL five of the Hunters state ALP members could lose their seats next year if the 25 per cent swing in Saturdays Penrith byelection is repeated at the March 2010 general election.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/all-of-hunters-alp-members-could-go/1863264.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/965</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Risks to global recovery growing, IMF says</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE International Monetary Fund has warned the risks to global recovery are escalating and that the European crisis has the potential to undermine commodity prices and world trade. 
The warning, delivered to G20 finance ministers including Wayne Swan in Korea two weeks ago, was made public by the fund yesterday. It called for urgent action by European governments to forestall a renewed global crisis.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/risks-to-global-recovery-growing-imf-says/story-e6frg8zx-1225881079035</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/964</guid>
			<author>David uren From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Met coal producers gearing up for golden age</title>
			<description><![CDATA[METALLURGICAL coal producers such as BHP Billiton and Alpha Natural Resources are gearing up for a "golden age", with demand likely to remain high for years to come. 
Higher demand for the raw material needed to feed steel industry growth in Brazil, India and China, coupled with delays in new supply projects, means prices will remain high for at least the next two years, Michael Dixon, new business development manager of Sydney-based AME Mineral Economics, said at an industry meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

Higher demand will push global export trade in metallurgical, or coking, coal up to 240 million tonnes in 2010, from last years 220 million tonnes, Mr Dixon said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/met-coal-producers-gearing-up-for-golden-age/story-e6frg9e6-1225881232496</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 23:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/963</guid>
			<author>Diana Kinch From: Dow Jones Newswires</author>
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			<title>Prepare for an election brawl</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The chairmen of the three biggest mining companies operating in Australia - BHPs Jacques Nasser, Rio Tintos Jan du Plessis and Xstratas Willy Strothotte - know they are playing the most dangerous game in international business - taking on an elected government as an election approaches. The miners will be asking the people of Australia to decide whether to back the government or the miners. 

Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan are trapped because unless they make enormous concessions on the retrospective nature of the tax, BHP, Rio Tinto and Xstrata will keep up the fight. If Rudd and Swan make big retrospectivity concessions their credibility and their forward revenue estimates will be in tatters.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-Billiton-Rio-Tinto-RSPT-resource-super-profits-pd20100617-6H33N?OpenDocument&amp;src=spb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 23:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/962</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Americas renminbi rumble</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Long-running tensions between the United States and China are threatening to escalate, with senior US lawmakers threatening to introduce legislation unless China moved quickly to allow its currency to strengthen. 

Earlier this week, a senior US lawmaker threatened that US Congress would introduce legislation if China did not change its exchange rate policy by next week when the heads of worlds major economies sit down to thrash things out at the G20 meeting in Toronto. 

Sander Levin, the Democrat chairman of the US House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee warned that after seven years, US patience had run out.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Americas-renminbi-rumble-pd20100618-6HSQN?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/961</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Swimming with debt sharks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It will be like that with our foreign debt. Decades of it being fine and then a month of it coming back to bite us like a hungry bronze whaler. The shape of what is swimming in the water can be seen by looking at the price some European countries are having to pay to borrow money - Greece pays 9.5 per cent, while Germany only pays 2.6 per cent for the same 10-year money in euros. In the end, all Australians are going to have to pay higher interest rates just like those countries and there is nothing the Reserve Bank is going to be able to do about it.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/admin/news_edit.cfm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/960</guid>
			<author>Mark Carnegie</author>
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			<title>Chinas RSPT resentment</title>
			<description><![CDATA[When Chinas Vice President, Xi Jinping meets Kevin Rudd later this month, one would expect that one of the key issues he will raise is the proposed resource super profits tax. China has as much reason as any of the miners to feel blind-sided by the tax. 

Last year Chinas Minmetals, a state-owned enterprise, made its biggest acquisition in Australia, the $US1.4 billion purchase of a portfolio of assets from the then-beleaguered Oz Minerals. It gave Minmetals and China, through what is now known as MMG, a 100 per cent-owned beachhead in the Australian mining industry and access to a team of experienced miners.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RSPT-China-tax-Kevin-Rudd-pd20100618-6HR7M?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/959</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Tampakan owners step up pressure vs open-pit ban</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SHAREHOLDERS in the $5.2-billion Tampakan copper and gold project in Mindanao are building up pressure on the governor of South Cotabato to overturn a provincial ban on open-pit mining, which could derail the countrys largest single investment. 

The house of South Cotabato Governor Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes, whose term ends on June 30, was picketed by supporters of Tampakan operator Sagittarius Mines, Inc. hours before a meeting with executives of Switzerlands Xstrata Copper, the main shareholder.

Ms. Fuentes said she would veto the open-pit ban in the provinces new environment code if Sagittarius Mines presents proof the Tampakan project wont be disastrous to the environment and the livelihood of thousands of farmers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=12734</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/958</guid>
			<author>Business World - Manila</author>
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			<title>Philippine New Governor to Review Planned Open-Pit Mining Ban</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the incoming governor of Philippines South Cotobato "Local rulings cant supersede national law which doesnt prohibit open-pit mining"... current governor, Daisy Fuentes, has until June 30 to approve the ban ... Her government this month passed an environment code that included a proposed ban on the use of open-pit mining in the province]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-17/philippine-new-governor-to-review-planned-open-pit-mining-ban.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/957</guid>
			<author>Cecilia Yap Business Week</author>
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			<title>BHP, Rio Tinto, Xstrata Unite Against Australian Mining Tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[After a joint meeting with the Australian government, executives of three of the largest mining companies, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata, issued a joint statement in which they complained that there had been no movement by the government on the proposed resource super profits tax (RSPT).

While the Minerals Council of Australia has continued its campaign against the tax on behalf of the sector, the joint statement by the three mining companies is unprecedented. However, the companies appear to be frustrated by the governments stance. As Jac Nasser, the Chairman of BHP Billiton had already said, in a letter to shareholders, the government is not consulting on the "nature and design" of the RSPT.

The joint statement said: "During the meeting the companies outlined three fundamental areas of concern with the RSPT - ensuring the RSPT is not applied retrospectively, so existing projects where investment decisions have already been made are not affected; the need for an effective tax rate that retains Australias international competitiveness as an investment destination; and stability arrangements for taxes and royalties for existing and new projects."

"At present," it concluded, "there is no formal acknowledgment from government that these key issues will be addressed."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.tax-news.com/news/BHP_Rio_Tinto_Xstrata_Unite_Against_Australian_Mining_Tax____43858.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/956</guid>
			<author>Tax News - Hong Kong</author>
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			<title>The RSPT house-price risk</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If they are right, then home-owners will continue to sleep well and house prices will be maintained or will rise. But if treasury is wrong about global events, then those visiting Spain should have a peep at the Spanish housing market which is down sharply because banks cant fund the old levels. Thats where we are headed without our security blanket for tough times.]]></description>
			<link>http://money.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=1066898&amp;rf=true</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/955</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Labors destructive path</title>
			<description><![CDATA[..you dont need to rely on polls to locate disillusioned past Labor voters: just walk out of your front door and ask around... 
Make no mistake: if Labor is defeated this year, it is unlikely to recover. Julia Gillard would not come to the partys rescue the next election around because there would not be much to rescue. The Labor Party would be a joke, a mess of finger-pointing, squabbling, habitual losers. The so-called progressive or centre-left vote would remain hopelessly split between Labor and the Greens. The union movement, still the superstructure on which the Labor Party is built, would be reduced to an ineffective, politically denuded rump....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/labors-destructive-path-20100615-yd60.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/954</guid>
			<author>Shaun Carney is associate editor smh.</author>
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			<title>Divided miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the Baltic Dry Index (BDI), which is fast approaching its April lows in a plunge of 30 per cent over the past couple of weeks. According to Pragmatic Capitalist, the BDI is dominated by capesize vessels which are, in turn, dominated by iron ore and metallurgic coal which constitute roughly half the loads. It is therefore an excellent proxy for Australias most crucial exports.... So what do we make of its current collapse? China might be easing up on purchases as the quarterly pricing stoush is underway again. Or, it could be an early warning that the same nation is already proving effective in slowing its fixed-investment boom. Too early to tell, but a couple more days of plunging and it will have violated the technical pattern of higher highs and lows in place since late 2008, which doesnt bode too well for the dollar, ASX or the selling of the resource super profits tax (RSPT).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/THE-DISTILLERY-Divided-miners-pd20100617-6GVM3?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/953</guid>
			<author>David Llewellyn-Smith</author>
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			<title>Olympic Dams vanishing value</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Morgan Stanleys analysis of the implications of the resource super profits tax for BHP Billitons proposed $US20 billion-plus expansion of its Olympic Dam project should be required reading for all the members of the Rudd government cabinet because it shows how the tax would kill off one of the largest resource developments in modern Australian history.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Olympic-Dam-BHP-Kevin-Rudd-RSPT-pd20100616-6G93C?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/952</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Turnbull trashes the tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Malcolm Turnbull has put his finger on Australian industrys second greatest problem - the carbon policies of both political parties are preventing much needed investment in power generation, and we face extended brown outs and power shut-downs in the next few years in all mainland states. 

Australias greatest industrial problem is, of course, the mining tax disaster.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Malcolm-Turnbull-carbon-policy-mining-tax-RSPT-pd20100616-6GAD5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/951</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Miners holding firm against tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIAS biggest miners have called for the Rudd government to sign tax guarantees similar to those in developing and unstable nations after the first round of top-level negotiations on the resource super-profit tax failed to make progress yesterday. 
While Kevin Rudd, Wayne Swan and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson all confirmed the government was prepared to give special treatment to different projects and resource sectors, the chief executives of BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto Australia and Xstrata Australia collectively declared the government was not negotiating and had given "no formal acknowledgement" that their key concerns "will be addressed".

But a separate deal on the mining super tax is expected to be settled with the new coal-seam gas industry, primarily in Queensland, within a week.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/miners-holding-firm-against-tax/story-e6frg9df-1225880653104</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/950</guid>
			<author>Dennis Shanahan From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Rudd hints at RSPT flexibility - the old miners divide &amp; conquer strategy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government will consider treating sectors of the mining industry differently under its proposed mining tax but the headline 40 per cent rate will stay, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said... So far, more than $23.2 billion of new resource investment in Australia has been put on hold by miners because of the tax....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-2-Australia-PM-some-mining-tax-flexibility--6G8U2?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/949</guid>
			<author>Reuters, with AAP</author>
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			<title>Americas next housing crash</title>
			<description><![CDATA[bank repossessions hit a record monthly high in May, with a total of 93,777 US homes being repossessed by lenders during the month. This is 44 per cent higher than May last year....the build-up in unsold homes "is a potentially negative trend for housing." 

Another sign of distress in the US housing market is the decline in housing starts. Figures released overnight showed that US housing starts plunged by 10 per cent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 593,000 in May, as builders lose confidence in their ability to sell newly-constructed homes.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Spain-Spanish-banks-US-economy-Greece-crisis-housi-pd20100617-6GSTN?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/948</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Rudd denies he "sent a message" to miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has denied claims he "sent a message" to the mining industry at the governments mid-winter ball, where he was quoted saying that Labor had "a long memory" in regards to the current negotiations over the federal governments proposed resources super profit tax (RSPT). 

Mr Rudd laughed off the comments, and said that they were taken out of context and were intended to be light-hearted. 

"The ball is just a fun and frivolous occasion, last time I heard it was supposed to be sort-of off the record, its just a throwaway line, thats all," Mr Rudd told the ABC TVs 7:30 Report. 

In his speech at the Canberra midwinter ball on Wednesday night, Mr Rudd directed a comment at a table of mining executives, saying he had a long memory. 

That was interpreted by some as a promise of payback after the next election.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudd-denies-he-sent-a-message-to-miners-pd20100617-6HDCL?OpenDocument&amp;src=tnb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/947</guid>
			<author>AAP with Business Spectator Reporter</author>
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			<title>Barrick says RSPT is affecting investment decisions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The worlds largest gold miner, Canadas Barrick Gold Corporation, says the Rudd governments planned new mining tax is affecting its investment decisions in Australia. 

"I cant go into details, but it is impacting investment decisions were making right now," Sean Jermy, Barricks senior manager of taxation for Western Australia, told reporters]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Profit-tax-affecting-decisions-Barrick-6HDRS?OpenDocument&amp;src=tnb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/946</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Nothing can save Spain</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Suddenly, the weak foundations of Spains economy are exposed, especially its over-reliance on debt coupled with low productivity. The slump in construction has contributed to a jump in unemployment with one in five Spaniards out of work. Spains public finances have turned deep into the red. Even more worryingly, Spains financial system now faces massive write-downs. 

It is estimated that the building sector alone owes Spanish banks some ¬300 billion. The banks also had to buy more than 1.5 million dwellings, although it is very unlikely they are ever going to recover the purchasing costs. Earlier this year, the Bank of Spain told lenders to write down the value of their property related assets by 20 percent]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Spain-Greece-eurozone-crisis-banks-Germany-pd20100616-6G5DY?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/945</guid>
			<author>Oliver Marc Hartwich</author>
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			<title>RSPT will stall BHPs Olympic Dam expansion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Morgan Stanley analyst Craig Campbell has said in a note that the development work at the project could be curtailed if the design of the tax remained in its present form. 

"Under the RSPT as proposed, the project has no economic value, in our view," Mr Campbell said in the note. 

"Our modeling of this project shows that the resources super profits tax reduces the net present value of the project to an extent that it becomes negative," Mr Campbell said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RSPT-could-stall-BHPs-Olympic-Dam-expansion-report-pd20100616-6G4P8?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm#Scene_1</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/944</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Local doctors and nurses to be locked out of Kevin Rudds Health Networks</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The COAG agreement signed with the States is clear, Mr Rudd and the Labor Premiers are only prepared to allow clinicians external to a Local Hospital Network on to that networks Governing Council,"]]></description>
			<link>http://nsw.nationals.org.au/news/latest-news/local-doctors-and-nurses-to-be-locked-out-of-kevin-rudds-health-networks.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/943</guid>
			<author>Luke Hartsuyker MP</author>
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			<title>Australias own-goal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Unless Rudd and Swan are prepared to give substantial ground on the retrospective elements of the tax, majors like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto will be ready for the Rudd government to let the Australian people decide on the issue at the upcoming election. If Rudd wins the election then the vast riches of Australian mining accrued by our biggest miners will be used to develop other countries resources.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-Billiton-Rio-Tinto-mining-RSPT-rent-tax-resour-pd20100615-6ESEB?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/942</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>The RSPT taxes everyone</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The more immediate effect, however, is to diminish the savings and income of existing shareholders. If the RSPT were introduced as it is now constituted, the net present value of many existing mines would be ravaged and sharemarket prices would adjust to reflect that.

Australian shareholders would lose both capital (as a consequence of that one-of adjustment) and the income flowing from it.

BHP has said that its effective tax rate in Australia under the RSPT would be about 55 per cent and Wayne Swan has conceded that some mines would pay the theoretical maximum of 58 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-RSPT-is-not-a-tax-on-the-rich-pd20100615-6ESNY?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/941</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Mining giant Xstrata may quit Mt Isa over Rudd super profit tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HAVING put a major part of its development plans in north-west Queensland on hold in the face of the proposed resource super profits tax, there is now speculation international mining giant Xstrata might abandon Mount Isa altogether. 
The suggestion is, RSPT or not, that Xstrata has other places where it could better deploy its capital given a number of issues facing it in the Mount Isa district, particularly in its copper operations.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/mining-giant-xstrata-may-quit-mt-isa-over-rudd-super-profit-tax/story-e6freqmx-1225879656077</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/940</guid>
			<author>Tony Grant-Taylor From: The Courier-Mail</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fiscal time bomb yet to explode</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If this global financial crisis seemed bad, just wait for the one well see when investors no longer trust the US government.
That is the risk we must avoid at all costs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/fiscal-time-bomb-yet-to-explode-20100614-ya3c.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/939</guid>
			<author>Tim Colebatch - smh</author>
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			<title>Striking China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One major risk in China is if Chinese authorities become alarmed about industrial unrest and decide to launch a crack-down on labour organisers. This could escalate pay disputes into a major political confrontation, and potentially damage Chinas reputation as a dependable supplier.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Striking-China-pd20100614-6DUCM?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/938</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Rudd facing backlash</title>
			<description><![CDATA[June 13 (Bloomberg) -- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, facing an electoral backlash over plans to introduce a 40 percent tax on mining profits, will remain as the leader going into the next election, Federal Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner said.

The Western Australian market has been unsettled by the combined impacts of the instability in Europe, the uncertainty caused by the proposed resource super profits tax in Australia and declining commodity prices," Keith Jones, managing partner of Deloitte in the state, said in an e-mailed statement today.

The value of Western Australian-listed companies in May decreased by A$20.7 billion, or 13 percent, to A$143.8 billion, Deloitte said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-13/australia-s-rudd-facing-tax-revolt-backed-as-leader-update1-.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/937</guid>
			<author>Jason Scott - Bloomberg</author>
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			<title>17 June 2007 Environment Committee Agenda</title>
			<description><![CDATA[17-june-2010-environment-committee-agenda
Your invitation, Our Welcome. Free. Bengalla &amp; Xstrata.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/936</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/936</guid>
			<author>Muswellbrook Shire Council</author>
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			<title>17-june-2010-environment-committee-agenda</title>
			<description><![CDATA[17-june-2010-environment-committee-agenda]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/935</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/935</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Communism-capitalism in crisis</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Across China the red phones must be ringing about a more urgent crisis in manufacturing. In the export factory zones of Guangdong and the Yangtze valley, waves of strikes have beset the once disciplined workforce. Workers at a Honda transmission plant in Guangdong last week won wage rises of between 24 and 33 per cent from a strike that paralysed production. This has inspired others across China.

Foxconn has handed out two wage rises in the past fortnight at its Shenzhen plant, and promised to employ psychologists and limit overtime to three hours a day. In Taiwan, newspapers have reported a decision to shift production to Vietnam and India.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/communismcapitalism-in-crisis-20100611-y3fs.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/934</guid>
			<author>Hamish McDonald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal and autism link study</title>
			<description><![CDATA[EMISSIONS from Hunter power stations will be central to a study proposed by Melbourne researchers who are investigating the relationship between mercury and autism.
The study would build on recent US research highlighting a potential link between industrial mercury emissions and high autism rates. The National Pollution Inventory shows coal-fired power stations produce about 30 per cent of mercury emissions. Meanwhile, autism levels have soared in recent decades.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-and-autism-link-study/1856303.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/933</guid>
			<author>Matthew Kelly</author>
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			<title>Hunter mining a shock</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Five weeks into his role as deputy director general at the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, Greg Sullivan took to the skies yesterday to witness the impact of mining and industry in the region.

"I was struck by the scale of the operations with open-cut mining," he said.

"It is not until you are above them that you get a proper understanding."

"It was obvious from a brief flight that there are some pretty significant environmental challenges in the area, which has a strong concentration of industry as well as things like agriculture and residential."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-mining-a-shock/1856309.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/932</guid>
			<author>MELISSA LYONS Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Kurri, Tomago smelter cuts disputed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CLAIMS that the Hunters aluminium smelters have scrapped $4.6 billion worth of upgrades because of government policies have been disputed by one of the companies and by the Australian Workers Union.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/kurri-tomago-smelter-cuts-disputed/1856310.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/931</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Change in the air as Labor thinks defeat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AS Labor MPs prepare to return to Canberra for what is likely to be the last parliamentary sitting of the Rudd government, they are facing two formerly unthinkable propositions. Will they be the first one-term government in 88 years and will they have to replace Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister before the election?

Rudd is trapped in a vortex of lost credibility, broken promises, botched programs wasting billions of economic stimulus dollars, inability to stop illegal boat arrivals and mortal combat with the mining industry over the new super-profits tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/change-in-the-air-as-labor-thinks-defeat/story-e6frg6zo-1225878638970</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/930</guid>
			<author>Dennis Shanahan, Political editor From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Rudd told he has two weeks to fix tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LABOR figures and the mining industry have given Kevin Rudd two weeks to settle the damaging dispute over the resource super-profits tax as the ALP faces a call to dump the Prime Minister before the election. 
Mr Rudd has rejected calls for an early settlement of the deep differences over the proposed $12 billion tax and warned that the fight could last for months, through to the election.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/rudd-told-he-has-two-weeks-to-fix-tax/story-e6freuzr-1225878738947</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/929</guid>
			<author>Dennis Shanahan and Tony Koch From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Ban on coal-fired power plants in NSW</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Cabinet minute prepared by the Climate Change Department for Environment Minister Frank Sartor and Energy Minister Paul Lynch outlines options for the Governments clean energy strategy that is expected to form a major plank of the Governments green election agenda]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-act/ban-on-coal-fired-power-plants-in-nsw/story-e6freuzi-1225878660822</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/928</guid>
			<author>Simon Benson From: The Daily Telegraph</author>
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			<title>Labor members are ready to dump Rudd</title>
			<description><![CDATA[EITHER Kevin Rudd is finished or the Labor Government he leads is for the chop, according to some of the most senior voices in the federal ALP caucus.]]></description>
			<link>http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/piersakerman/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/labor_members_are_ready_to_dump_rudd/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/927</guid>
			<author>Piers Akerman</author>
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			<title>Profits from waste water....</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Some interesting concepts &amp; solar realities]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/osmotic-power-renewables-carbon-pd20100611-6ARTH?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/926</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Rudd wont back off on tax: Barnett</title>
			<description><![CDATA["(WA) Attorney-General Christian Porter has made the observation that this is getting very close to levying a tax on a natural resource," the premier told reporters after the business luncheon. 

"Constitutionally, the commonwealth cannot do that - the natural resource belongs to the state]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Consultation-a-charade-says-Forrest-69RLX?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm#Scene_1</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/925</guid>
			<author>AAP, with Reuters</author>
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			<title>Rudds fiscal straitjacket</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The government is already under real pressure to significantly amend or abandon the tax. The difficulty it has is that it has already spent the $12 billion it expects to raise from the tax in its first two years. It cant meaningfully reform the tax - and in particular it cant excise the retrospectivity which is its most objectionable feature and the element that has driven the perceptions of heightened sovereign risk - without putting a $12 billion hole in its budget.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Crackdown-on-the-dancefloor-pd20100521-5N75K?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/924</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Will Australias Resource Mining Supertax Destroy The Australian Economy Or Save The Environment?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Business leaders continue to insist that the tax will massively dent future investment, provide scant benefits to the environment, while significantly hurt foreign direct investment. If this occurs, many of Australias largest mining companies and foreign investors may start re-directing investment to countries such as Canada and Zambia, both whom have tax structures and resource capacity that are amenable to natural resource exploration and development.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.justmeans.com/Taxed-death-Will-Australia-s-Resource-Mining-Supertax-Destroy-Australian-Economy-Or-Save-Environment/17834.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/923</guid>
			<author>www.justmeans.com/editorialauthor/355.html</author>
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			<title>Xstrata says job loss real</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE loss of Xstrata-related jobs is no exaggeration, the Anglo-Swiss mining giant claims.

The worlds fifth-largest miner announced it had suspended two major projects last Thursday, and said 3250 new jobs that would have been created were now at risk because of the proposed resources tax.

However, the Rudd government claims that Xstrata is exaggerating and trying to create fear within the community.

Xstrata spokesman James Rickards told The Observer yesterday that Xstrata was a publicly listed company with a legal obligation to ensure information was accurate and not misleading. 

"All of Xstratas public statements, including those regarding the suspension of two Queensland projects and the resulting impact on jobs, remain accurate," Mr Rickards said. 

"The two projects would have created over 3250 new jobs, which are now at risk. At Ernest Henry, approximately 60 contractors positions, originally planned to commence construction work within the next three months, have been cancelled.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2010/06/10/xstrata-says-job-loss-real-mining-giant/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/922</guid>
			<author>Gladstone Observer</author>
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			<title>Philippines eyes open pit mine ban; Xstratas project hangs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MANILA, Philippines - The southern province of South Cotabato is likely to ban open pit mining due to environmental concerns, its governor said on Thursday, a move that could halt Xstrata Plcs $5.2 billion copper-gold project.

The provinces legislative council approved the ban on third reading earlier this week and the measure will soon be endorsed to the governor.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/06/10/10/philippines-eyes-open-pit-mine-ban-xstratas-project-hangs</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/921</guid>
			<author>Reuters abs-cbcnews.com</author>
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			<title>2,000 Australian mining workers rally against prime ministers proposed 40 percent tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[2,000 mining workers rally against Australian 
PERTH, Australia - More than 2,000 mining industry workers rallied Wednesday against Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at a park in a western Australian city over his proposed 40 percent tax on mining companies.]]></description>
			<link>http://blog.taragana.com/business/2010/06/09/2000-australian-mining-workers-rally-against-prime-ministers-proposed-40-percent-tax-68737/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/920</guid>
			<author>AP</author>
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			<title>Xstrata Details Australian Tax Payments Amid Resource Levy Row</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MELBOURNE -(Dow Jones)- Xstrata Plc (XTA.LN) said Wednesday it paid an average effective tax rate of 40% in Australia from 2002 to 2009, rising to 48% in the past three years. 

Amid criticism from Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd that mining companies were exaggerating the impact of a proposed resource super profits tax, Xstrata said it invested more into the country between 2002-2009 than it generated in revenues.]]></description>
			<link>http://english.capital.gr/news.asp?id=986874</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/919</guid>
			<author>Capital <Greece></author>
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			<title>This tax will break Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[talks should have been held before the tax was announced and put in the budget. That way a sensible proposal would have been hammered out prior to the announcement..... 

Why should coal gas come under the petroleum act when coal itself does not? And why should coal gas be taxed differently to Olympic Dam uranium in South Australia which may be threatened by the RSPT? They are all rival fuels.....Before the petroleum tax was introduced around 1987 all the worlds majors had isolated Australia as a highly prospective oil and gas exploration province with only about 80 per cent of the basins explored. Once the tax came, one by one they packed up and went to the US, West Africa and parts of South America. BHP Billiton followed them. Thats where the new oil has been discovered and developed and Australia now faces the prospect of a $25 billion hydrocarbons shortfall.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/resource-super-profits-tax-rent-tax-RSPT-BHP-Billi-pd20100609-68SHS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/918</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Putting the eco back in economy</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We value what we price," Sukhdev wrote in an article published in the UK earlier this year, "but natures services - providing clean air, fresh water, soil fertility, flood prevention, drought control, climate stability, etc - are, mostly, not traded in any markets and not priced....the developed world is so disconnected from nature that it struggles to find its value... countries need to set different policy directions, change incentive structures, reduce or phase out perverse subsidies, and engage business leaders in a vision for a new economy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BP-oil-spill-Obama-pd20100609-68RZH?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/917</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Swans holiday from logic</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In the ABCs Four Corners program on the resource super profits tax last night, Wayne Swan made two damaging admissions that will be seized upon by the mining industry. 

One was a begrudging acknowledgement that there would be some "super profitable" companies that could pay tax at an effective rate of 58 per cent under the RSPT. The other was that some of the concerns expressed by the miners about the tax were legitimate.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Swans-holiday-from-logic-pd20100608-68A9T?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/916</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Iron Ore - Whats the future given a Steel outage??</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China Daily we find the following: "Chinese steel mills are facing a precarious situation in the third quarter due to falling product prices and rising raw material costs, forcing many of them to scale back output or opt for maintenance shutdowns, leading industry experts said on Monday. Some steel producers are already tottering on the brink of losses. They will have to make output cutbacks or resort to maintenance shutdowns, if the prices continue to fall, said Zhang Lin, an analyst with the Beijing-based Lange Steel Information Research Center." ...
"Today in Shanghai Baosteel Chairman made further cautious comments: 1. Weak demand - particularly auto and appliance (flat rolled) 2. Production cuts coming 3. Iron or benchmark prices to peak in Q3 (CLF is largest US name) 4. Challenging 2H for steelmakers."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/THE-DISTILLERY-Steel-cuts-pd20100609-68UN9?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/915</guid>
			<author>David Llewellyn-Smith</author>
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			<title>China at a tipping point</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Amid all the gloom and anxiety in Europe, America and Australia lately, its nice to be able to report some good news for once: Chinese workers are going on strike. Its possibly the best thing to happen in China since Mao Zedong carked it in 1976.

Last week Honda agreed to a 24 per cent wage rise at its Guangdong parts factory to end a damaging two-week strike by 2000 workers, who were acting without any support from Chinas only recognised trade union, the All China Federation of Trade Unions.

The day before, Foxconn, the worlds largest electronics contract manufacturer (and producer, among other things, of Apples iPads) had increased wages by 30 per cent after a shocking spate of suicides at its massive plant in Shenzhen.

Elsewhere, TPV Technology, the worlds largest manufacturer of computer displays, has agreed to another 20 per cent wage rise this year, following a 15 per cent increase in January, and Merry Electronics Co in Shenzhen was not so merry on Sunday when it was hit by a two-hour strike. Wages there will rise by 10 per cent next month.

Its all part of spreading labour shortages and unrest leading to big pay rises across Chinas manufacturing sector this year and its the best news weve had in Australia for some time.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-at-a-tipping-point-pd20100609-68SZH?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/914</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Forrest calls on Hawke to solve RSPT dispute/Gov 40% liable for resource disasters</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining magnate Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest called on Bob Hawke to negotiate an agreement between businesses and the federal government on the governments proposed resources super profits tax,...
Meanwhile, senior Treasury officials have confirmed that the terms of the RSPT would require taxpayers to foot the bill for 40 per cent of the costs associated with any BP-style environmental disaster]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudd-to-face-miners-protests-in-Perth-68PQ9?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/913</guid>
			<author>AAP with Business Spectator Reporter</author>
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			<title>Air pollution may help trigger cardiac arrest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[(Reuters Health) - The dirtier the air, the more likely people are to suffer sudden cardiac arrest, new research from Australia shows.....
Australia currently has an "advisory standard" limiting PM2.5 concentrations to 25 micrograms per cubic meter or less, the researchers note.

Given that an increase of less than 5 micrograms per cubic meter was tied to significant health effects, they add, "the present study suggests an increase in the risk of cardiac effects at concentrations below the current air quality standards in Australia."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6525HK20100603</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/912</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>The federal budgets in tatters</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Buried in the detail of the G20 communiqué of June 5 is a statement that confirms that we are looking at a new lower debt world order. An order that has been in part prescribed by a key lender, China, and one that throws out the door many of the global growth and profit assumptions our share market has been making....the Governor of the Bank of England last month stated: "... the financial crisis is far from over. As debt has moved from the financial to the public sector, the banking crisis has turned into a potential sovereign debt crisis."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/G20-banks-debt-Federal-Budget-pd20100608-67SFL?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/911</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>INDIA-BUDGET-India eyes millions in green funds from coal tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NEW DELHI, Feb 26 (Reuters) - India proposed on Friday a small tax on production of coal (as opposed to an RSPT) to raise millions of dollars for a National Clean Energy Fund that could help the worlds fourth biggest polluter to shift to a low-carbon economy.

Indias growing economy has huge potential to shift to a low-carbon future, given that about 500 million Indians, or about half the population, do not have access to electricity, relying on fossil fuels such as coal to expand the power grid.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SGE61P0FH.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/910</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Vales Pilbara victory</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The architects of the RSPT have framed a tax that might work in the context of a closed economy. But in an open economy, where the companies and their capital providers have option as to where they deploy their capital and where they compete for customers and capital, the punitive nature of the tax will undermine future investment in Australias most valuable resources. 

It will also significantly reduce the national competitive advantage provided by the willingness, until now, of the sector to invest hundreds of billions of dollars over decades expanding production and lowering costs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-Billiton-rent-tax-RSPT-Rio-Tinto-Pilbara-Vale--pd20100607-674PL?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/909</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Xstrata rejects lead in bedrooms study</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The familys lawyer, Damian Scattini, on Wednesday said tests commissioned by law firm Herve Leger Skirts Slater and Gordon showed 3,055 micrograms of lead per square metre in the dust on a windowsill in Stellas bedroom - well over the threshold of 400 recommended by the EPA.

The tests, conducted by Macquarie University environmental scientist Mark Taylor, also showed dust in the attic above Stellas room contained even higher lead levels, Mr Scattini said.

Tests in another home showed lead in dust from a rear window pane measured more than 45 times the safe threshold, while dust in an air-conditioner measured 37 times safe levels.]]></description>
			<link>http://betsy.linksofuklondon.com/2010/06/07/xstrata-rejects-lead-in-bedrooms-study/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/908</guid>
			<author>betsy</author>
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			<title>Miners could pay 58 per cent tax: Swan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Treasurer Wayne Swan has admitted that some miners could be paying up to 58 per cent tax under the federal governments proposed resource profits levy.

Mr Swan has also conceded that resource companies had legitimate concerns, undermining the governments $38 million taxpayer-funded attack on the Minerals Council of Australias vocal media campaign.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/miners-could-pay-58-per-cent-tax-swan-20100607-xo63.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/907</guid>
			<author>STEPHEN JOHNSON AAP</author>
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			<title>Steeled for battle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The residents of Whyalla now know that the long-term existence of their town in its present form is threatened if the Rudd-Swan mining tax is not drastically amended. Whyallas fight to survive the tax will have national implications. 

When OneSteel chairman Peter Smedley last month declared that the Rudd-Swan RSPT tax "changes the economics of the companys Whyalla steelworks and threatens the viability and, hence longevity, of our steel businesses", everyone in Whyalla knew what that meant for the future of the town where OneSteel is the major employer. The local newspaper, the Whyalla News, carried the story over many pages - much to the annoyance of the local real estate industry which understands the impact of the Smedley statement on Whyallas long term residential and commercial property values]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Whyalla-RSPT-Abbott-Rudd-pd20100607-66RNB?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/906</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Australias double-barrel disaster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In Australia, we are under more pressure from the European banking problem because our banks rely on overseas lending institutions to fund about 40 to 50 per cent of Australian bank lending. But we are also in the front line of the China slow down, which over the weekend saw copper and other metals fall again. All that would have been manageable, but we have substantially lifted our wage rates at the lower end by lifting the minium wage at a time of global downturn and added to that more extensive shift allowances and penalty rates. Accordingly, we will keep interest rates high and boost unemployment because the timing could not be worse.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Wall-Street-RSPT-Dow-Europe-banks-pd20100607-66SXE?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/905</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Defeat of the great big bank tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[How ironic that Treasurer Wayne Swan was up until 5am Saturday morning at the G20 finance ministers meeting in Busan, South Korea, arguing against a new tax on banks, while Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was in Queensland fighting for their new tax on miners.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RSPT-mining-tax-reform-government-pd20100607-66SKS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/904</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>The Green genie is out of the bottle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Shockwaves were felt through Parliament House when last weeks Newspoll revealed a slump in support for both major parties and a boost in the Greens vote to 16 per cent. 

Combined with the others category, which had 4 per cent, this means nearly one in four voters are turning away from the major parties.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-Green-genie-is-out-of-the-bottle-pd20100607-66RSZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/903</guid>
			<author>Natasha Stott Despoja</author>
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			<title>Deadly chemicals buried in drums</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FORMER miner John Hodgkinson is an unlikely whistleblower. But the thought of rusting 44-gallon drums filled with deadly chemicals buried underground and possibly leaching into the water supply has forced him to speak out. Standing at the mining monument in Lithgow, he listed at least nine mines that had used polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs as a fireproof coolant in electrical transformers.

The transformer seals were all cracked so this stuff was leaking out and we were constantly filling them up. Hundreds of 44-gallon drums of the stuff.

The chemicals burnt his skin so he always wore rubber gloves and boots. Others did not bother. They are all dead.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/deadly-chemicals-buried-in-drums-20100605-xlra.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/902</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>Its just cancer, cancer, cancer</title>
			<description><![CDATA[When Tom went to the mine everything started to turn sour, she said at the small cottage they shared in Lithgow.

Its like asbestos. Coalminers know when they go down the pit, its unspoken, that its at their own risk.

Tom was diagnosed with lung cancer and was dead within a year. The father of three was just 60 years old.

They didnt go into the cause, she said. Nobody would ever try to pin it down because if you tried to blame the coal dust it would mean going up against the big business that provides the jobs here.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/its-just-cancer-cancer-cancer-20100605-xlrb.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/901</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>The people of Lithgow are paying with their lives for NSWs $13 billion-a-year coal boom</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The rate of premature deaths (before the age of 75) in the mining town west of the Blue Mountains is almost a third greater than the state average and has led to calls in Parliament for the Environment Protection Agency to have a full-time office in the town to monitor pollution.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/we-need-an-independent-inquiry-to-find-out-if-this-environmental-pollution-is-having-an-impact-on-the-health-of-the-community-here-20100605-xlr8.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/900</guid>
			<author>Matthew Benns - smh</author>
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			<title>Decision that shattered faith in PM</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Straight after the government announced it was deferring an emissions trading scheme until 2013, graphs of the Prime Ministers satisfaction rating looked like a rock falling off a cliff. Labors primary vote tumbled after it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/decision-that-shattered-faith-in-pm-20100604-xkiu.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/899</guid>
			<author>Lenore Taylor - smh</author>
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			<title>ANZ chief says RSPT puts global investment at risk: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ANZ Banking Corporation Ltd chief executive Mike Smith says the federal governments proposed resources super profit tax (RSPT) risks sending international investment away from Australia as investors review their assessment of sovereign risk, according to The Australian newspaper.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/ANZ-opens-new-headquarters-in-Shanghai-63CVT?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/898</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Trust the government? Not now</title>
			<description><![CDATA[David Murray has identified the key problem with this ridiculous, damaging brawl raging between the government and the mining industry: whether or not the resource tax results in a capital strike relies on avoiding a destruction of trust in the government. But the way it has been handled has already destroyed that trust. 

One by one, business leaders who are not miners are coming out against the tax. In the past few days there has been Sir Rod Eddington, who admittedly is a Rio Tinto director as well as chairman of the government body, Infrastructure Australia, Robert Millner on behalf of the Business Council, Mike Smith CEO of ANZ Bank, and now the chairman of the Future Fund board of governors, David Murray]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/David-Murray-Future-Fund-RSPT-mining-tax-resources-pd20100604-63VMD?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/897</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Rudds rent tax concussion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I had to pinch myself this morning. Here was an Australian Prime Minister saying that a major coal investment by Xstrata wasnt mothballed by his mining tax but rather it would have happened anyway. Kevin Rudd obviously does not understand the devastation his tax is having on mining investment in Australia. He does not appear to know that there are at least 100 major project mothballings to come. Whats holding up the mothballing is that the miners still cant believe the Rudd-Swan tax is going to end up being as silly as the current proposal. They are holding their fire and, as I explain below, they may be right.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Xstrata-Kevin-Rudd-ALP-QLD-Premier-Wayne-Swann-min-pd20100604-63TAG?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/896</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Future Fund says RSPT must be abandoned</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Future Fund chairman David Murray tells Business Spectators Alan Kohler and Stephen Bartholomeusz: 

The proposed resource rent tax needs to be amended or abandoned. The tax needs to find a balance between recurrent spending and long-term wealth creation. With sovereign risk back in the picture the tax couldnt have come a worst time. The acrimonious debate between government and the miners gives foreign investors a bad impression.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Future-FundDavid-Murraysovereign-debt-RSPT-NBN-tel-pd20100603-6382H?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/895</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Miners look to Greens for Senate vote on RSPT, report says</title>
			<description><![CDATA[According to the report, Greens leader Senator Bob Brown has confirmed an approach by a number of parties, and said he was happy to meet with the firms as long as they understood his party supports the resources levy in principle.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Miners-look-to-Greens-for-Senate-vote-report-pd20100604-63KVF?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/894</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>A change in climate at Bonn</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Action on deforestation seems to have the most potential for agreement, perhaps because much of these negotiations are being held away from events such as Bonn. Last month, a meeting in Oslo struck agreement for a non binding treaty and to funnel some $5 billion in aid towards poorer countries. Norway has pledged $1.2 billion to Indonesia in return for a two-year moratorium on the clearing of virgin rainforest and peatlands. But finalising a mechanism that values forests more alive than dead is still elusive. 

Work is progressing on reforming the clean development mechanism, or CDM, a mechanism that encourages investment in carbon abatement projects in developing countries, though theres no consensus on what sort of project should be included at the present. The Saudis object to Brazils idea that it should include forestry projects, the Brazilians oppose the Saudi push to include carbon capture and storage.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Copenhagen-climate-change-finance-ETS-CPRS-pd20100604-63S7V?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/893</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>The other side of Treasurys RSPT blunder</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As I explained in my last post, the cost curve in the Treasurys model of the RSPT is based on a fantasy. The situation is even worse when we turn to the other side of the model, the demand curve: it is based not merely on a fantasy, but an outright fallacy.


Legions of economists believe that the demand curve for a competitive firm is horizontal, but their belief is based on the most fundamental of mathematical errors: confusing a very small amount (an infinitesimal) with zero. The Treasury repeats this fallacy - without knowing it is one - in its explanation of why a royalty reduces output levels but the RSPT wont.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-other-side-of-Treasurys-RSPT-blunder-pd20100603-622BX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/892</guid>
			<author>Steve Keen</author>
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			<title>The Shanghai slide</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Shanghai Composite index has fallen sharply in recent days, as investors reacted to signs that the Chinese government is preparing to announce plans for annual taxes on residential properties in a bid to cool the over-heating property market. Fears that government moves to clamp down on soaring property prices could crimp economic growth have seen Chinese share prices - often seen as a leading indicator - fall by more than 20 per cent since the beginning of the year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-commodities-interest-rates-sovereign-debt-cr-pd20100602-624LL?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/891</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>The Shanghai slide</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Shanghai Composite index has fallen sharply in recent days, as investors reacted to signs that the Chinese government is preparing to announce plans for annual taxes on residential properties in a bid to cool the over-heating property market. Fears that government moves to clamp down on soaring property prices could crimp economic growth have seen Chinese share prices - often seen as a leading indicator - fall by more than 20 per cent since the beginning of the year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-commodities-interest-rates-sovereign-debt-cr-pd20100602-624LL?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/890</guid>
			<author>Karen Mailey</author>
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			<title>Our loss is Africas gain</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The big miners are now hardening. If Kevin Rudd wants to negotiate then thats fine, but really this is an issue that has to be decided in an election. For Australias big miners plus Chinese investors, its now time to put Australia in the too-hard basket for new investment. 

When Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan first announced the tax, I wrote: "Over in Guinea they are going to be given the chance of a life time to woo a big chunk of iron-ore investment capital that would have otherwise gone to Australia. 

"Rio Tinto, BHP and Brazils Vale all have huge iron ore deposits in Guinea. Similarly, Indonesia has a chance to increase the coal market share it has taken from Australia because of our failure to build infrastructure. Similar considerations will apply to [coal-seam] gas]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-Tinto-Prime-Minister-Parliament-Kevin-Rudd-BHP-pd20100603-62SZV?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/889</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>The governments RSPT spin is a disgrace</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australias top chief executives are frightened of a government that seems to be capable of almost anything, and just want to keep their heads down.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/mining-tax-RSPT-government-Rudd-pd20100603-62SPZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/888</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Xstrata response to RSPT makes Global news</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata response to RSPT makes Global news]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-160-xstrata-shuts-down.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/887</guid>
			<author>collated by John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Mine tax not behind project delays</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW Planning says Xstrata Coals $750 million Ravensworth project, the Ashton Coal development and the Integra open-cut and underground projects are all on hold.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/02/2916279.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/886</guid>
			<author>ABC News</author>
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			<title>Water issues in jurisdictional planning for mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This report finds that although all states and territories have to some degree considered NWI objectives when assessing the cumulative effects of mining on groundwater, there are significant opportunities for improvement.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nwc.gov.au/www/html/2806-water-issues-in-jurisdictional-planning-for-mining---no-29-.asp?intSiteID=1</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/885</guid>
			<author>NWC</author>
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			<title>Rudds unnatural disaster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[no one in their wildest dreams could have conceived that an Australian government would take actions that caused $300 billion worth of mining projects to be mothballed or delayed. 

No one could have conceived that Australian government actions would halve the value of a vast number of coal and other mines and jeopardise the very existence of towns like Whyalla. I still believe that there must be someone in the government who understands what they have done and that there will be an enormous back down. But common sense in Canberra is in short supply.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Kerry-Stokes-Seven-WesTrac-Caterpillar-Whyalla-pd20100602-5ZT6J?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/884</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Rio data contradicts govt tax claims</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Rio released figures showing that between 2000 and 2009, the company paid $14.6 billion corporate tax and $5.7 billion in royalties, a total of $20.3 billion, which was an effective tax rate of 35.6 per cent. .. the data was verified by independent external auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers

During that period Rios total investment in Australia was $38.4 billion.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-figures-show-it-pays-35-tax-pd20100601-5ZCEN?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/883</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator staff reporter, with AAP</author>
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			<title>The gold rush on our rooftops</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As for solar PV, the rush to install panels on household rooftops is not extending to the vast areas offered by business and industrial locations. Some in the solar industry are suggesting a system of capped feed in tariffs like that proposed in India to help meet their ambitious targets of 22GW of solar power by 2022. Having a cap, it is said, encourages innovation and cost effective projects, and might avoid the boom/bust cycle that has marked the industry in other countries as feed-in tariffs are introduced and then cut according to the political cycle.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Our-new-energy-gold-rush-pd20100602-5ZS5L?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/882</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>RSPT shockwaves spread</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There is a real danger that at the next election the ALP will lose all its Western Australian seats and have no representation in the federal parliament, according to Roy Morgan Polling. The people in WA understand the impact of this tax on their standard of living. 

The material now starting to emerge about the RSPT mining tax is that few Australians will escape its impact because all our lives have become interwoven with the mining industry even though we often dont realise it. And while there have been enormous protests about the RSPT mining tax from the Minerals Council, few companies have specified how it will affect their operations, hoping the tax will change. When they tell the horrific truth, many boards could be the subject of class actions from angry shareholders who will complain that directors kept the facts secret fearing the impact on the share price.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/ALP-Western-Australia-RSPT-mining-tax-pd20100601-5YU3J?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/881</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Do super members labour in vain?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The industry super funds would be painting themselves into a dangerous political corner. They are exposed. A mere twelve people dominate control of as much as $188 billion of the $220 billion in industry funds assets. Seven of the twelve are ex-high profile Labor/union operatives. With such Labor connections being so public, surely the industry funds would see the need to steer clear of political involvement. 

If they were to use members money for advertising on the mining tax for example, that would be seen as highly political and credibility crushing. With already existing concern over industry funds levels of disclosure and the wisdom of their current high media advertising and sporting sponsorships, industry funds need to be careful. 

Trustees of super funds have high but narrow responsibilities. Its members money that must be protected, not views or opinions that could be taken to align to political mateship. For their own credibility, industry funds should butt out of politics. They need to focus on fixing their disclosure problems and attending to their own performance instead.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Do-super-members-labour-in-vain-pd20100531-5Y4VZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/880</guid>
			<author>Ken Phillips - Executive Director Independent Contractors Australia</author>
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			<title>Newspoll shows spike in Greens support</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We are in a strange situation with rapidly fading optimism about our prime minister, which started when he started to talk down Copenhagen (world climate talks) and climate change as an issue," chief executive of Newspoll, Martin OShannessy said. 

"This is really a very tough position for the prime minister and a big turnaround from the huge success he had during his first two years," Mr OShannessy said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Support-for-Greens-soars-Newspoll-5YHFX?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/879</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Coal &amp; Allied revives plans for open-cut Coal &amp; Allied revives plans for open-cut mine near Muswellbrookmine near Muswellbrook</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In an application to the NSW Department of Planning not yet on display, C&A would ask for a two-year mine extension to 2022, and unspecified changes to "an infrastructure envelope" that would allow "greater flexibility to respond to engineering and environmental constraints". It was also seeking to use the existing Bengalla mine rail loop instead of the proposed rail connection in the original 1999 consent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-allied-revives-plans-for-opencut-mine-near-muswellbrook/1844141.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 15:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/878</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Labors emergency tax exit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Omigod! Australia is facing a national crisis so threatening that the federal government has had to invoke national emergency powers. The crisis? Someone disagrees with the government!... taxes on super profits from a commodity boom, if they are to be levied, ought to be tucked away in a sovereign wealth fund to provide inter-generational equity and insurance against rainier days, not devoted to recurrent spending in the lead up to an election.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/resource-rent-tax-super-profits-RSPT-emergency-Hen-pd20100528-5V6QB?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 14:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/877</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>This tax will change the PM</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Even the dumbest of the Labor back benchers now understands that the mining tax, as it is now constituted, will drive a knife into the heart of Queensland and South Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Government-workchoice-industrial-relations-pd20100531-5XSRZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 14:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/876</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Robbing miners to pay Swan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The damage caused by the announcement of the resource super profits tax is a tragedy born of misunderstanding; the sort you get when gangs of armed robbers bump into each other in the dark during a heist.

That there is now a bloody shoot-out is entirely the fault of Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan. They chose not to discuss the idea with the industry first and instead blundered into something they appear not to have understood]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Robbing-miners-to-pay-Swan-pd20100531-5XSWX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 14:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/875</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Rio to release figures on taxes paid</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese said the federal governments proposed resources super profits tax had put Rios billions of dollars of investments at risk. 

"These are all now at risk for what is not just a change in the tax rate, this is half of our balance sheet at risk because we have someone now coming in to say: `I want to be your silent partner, I want 40 per cent of your pre-tax profits and largely written-off assets," Mr Albanese said on the ABCs Inside Business program. 

"These are tremendously large numbers, and this is a tremendously large risk - thats why I have said this is my number one priority on sovereign risk around the world."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-to-release-figures-on-taxes-paid-5X2NZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp2&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 14:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/874</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Govt criticised over China, ETS: poll</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Almost three quarters of respondents said Chinas growth had been good for Australia, but more 57 per cent thought the government was allowing too much Chinese investment, up from 50 per cent in the previous poll.

Sixty-nine per cent also agreed Chinas aim is to dominate Asia, a rate of nine points higher than 2008, Lowy Institute director Michael Wesley said. 

In addition, more than half of respondents - 55 per cent - thought China was the worlds leading economic power, while 46 per cent said the country was likely to become a military threat to Australia in the next five years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Fearful-factories-pd20100528-5V6TA?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 14:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/873</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Australias oil deficit blow-out</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government dropped a rather startling statistic on the table during May and hardly anyone noticed.

Speaking to the Australian Petroleum Production &amp; Exploration Association conference in Brisbane, Martin Ferguson revealed that we now have a national trade deficit in crude oil, refined products and LPG of $16 billion a year, heading for $30 billion by 2015.

What is startling about this is that only two years ago, at the APPEA conference in Perth, the Energy Minister warned that Australia was "looking down the barrel" of an annual deficit of $25 billion by 2015.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australias-oil-deficit-blow-out-pd20100531-5XRR3?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 14:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/872</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
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			<title>Spending your cash to fight Rudds fight</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Rudd has engineered his own national emergency, devastating the value of millions of Australians personal superannuation holdings, threatening the jobs of hundreds of thousands more as mining and engineering firms mothball future projects and freeze expansion of current operations, solely as a political ploy]]></description>
			<link>http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/piersakerman/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 30 May 2010 01:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/871</guid>
			<author>Piers Akerman</author>
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			<title>National Water Commission wants tighter controls on mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The National Water Commission says mining companies should have to comply with the same water rules as irrigators.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201005/s2912100.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 17:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/870</guid>
			<author>ABC Rural</author>
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			<title>Geologist criticises Lithgow coal mine expansion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A former coal industry geologist says a proposed mining expansion near Lithgow in central-west NSW threatens to damage Sydneys water supply and ruin spectacular scenery.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201005/s2899437.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 17:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/869</guid>
			<author>ABC Rural</author>
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			<title>Cliffs crumbled due to coalmining, says new report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DOZENS of cliffs have crumbled or collapsed, Aboriginal rock art has been destroyed and metre-wide cracks opened in the earth as a result of coalmining in the Gardens of Stone wilderness area near Lithgow, an independent report has found.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/cliffs-crumbled-due-to-coalmining-says-new-report-20100426-tnbk.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 17:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/868</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby ENVIRONMENT EDITOR smh</author>
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			<title>Cash by the shovel load</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Paper shuffling of Olympian proportions, however, has most likely bequeathed to taxpayers half the build, at twice the cost. The value for money proposition is a late intruder into the school-building process. As a Senate inquiry and a special BER implementation taskforce are hearing, when the ribbons are cut on the new buildings, many parents and school principals will be far from impressed...For what is becoming increasingly clear is that Gillards defence, that waste is rare, is patently untrue. Indeed, the expensive lesson from the Rudd governments forays into nation-building, such as it is, could be to show in every suburb the folly of big government, the inflexibility of bureaucracy, the common sense of ordinary folk and politicians in a panic.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/cash-by-the-shovel-load/story-e6frg6z6-1225872369873</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 16:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/867</guid>
			<author>The Australian</author>
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			<title>DOES Kevin Rudd think we are fools?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[He made government advertising a big deal before the last election by telling voters how pure he would be. He ranted about the $254 million the Howard government spent in its final year and its spend-a-thon promoting WorkChoices. "I believe this is a sick cancer within our system," he said as he gave a "100 per cent guarantee" he would be different or resign. He gave the power to vet ads to the independent auditor-general. But just before Easter, it was ripped away and handed to an arguably easier to manage panel of three retired public servants.
They need taxpayer ads to come to the rescue because Rudd is the Salesman-in-Chief who cant sell ice creams at the beach on a 40C day.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion-old/pms-new-about-face/story-e6frfhqf-1225872733754</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 16:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/866</guid>
			<author>Phillip Hudson From Herald Sun</author>
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			<title>McKew chivvies PM over climate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The decision to shelve the scheme he had touted as the best solution to the greatest moral and economic challenge of our time appears to have had a dramatic impact on voter perceptions of Mr Rudd and immediately preceded a dramatic slump in his poll standing and that of the Labor Party.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/mckew-chivvies-pm-over-climate-20100528-wldg.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/865</guid>
			<author>Lenore Taylor</author>
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			<title>Australian steel in jeopardy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If the RSPT is imposed at the mine gate, as has been foreshadowed, those economics would be undermined and OneSteels profitability - and its ability to compete with imports - would be smashed. Indeed, the viability of Whyalla would be very directly in question - it would become a cash drain. The flow-on effects could also impact Newcastle, because the Whyalla operations supply steel billet to Newcastle.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/resource-super-profits-tax-RSPT-mining-onesteel-st-pd20100527-5U4PF?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/864</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Rudd will pay for RSPT intransigence</title>
			<description><![CDATA[cabinet are now looking for a way to compromise because it is clear that the mining tax is an issue that could devastate the government in Queensland, WA and South Australia come election time.....The greater danger is that the government will believe its own rhetoric and not understand that you cant expect investment when you introduce retrospective taxation and start taxing companies between 57 and 80 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Mining-BHP-Rio-RSPT-Australian-dollar-pd20100528-5UTB2?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/863</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Analysts warn RSPT could risk billions in ore exports: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A report by Citi analysts has warned that the federal governments 40 per cent resource super profits tax (RSPT) could cut iron ore export revenue by more than $27 billion over the next four years, The Australian reports.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Analysts-warn-RSPT-could-risk-billions-in-ore-expo-pd20100528-5UNMD?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/862</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>They Still Enclose Commons, Dont They?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Heres a surprise: the enclosure of the village common - as it occurred in medieval times - is still occurring, in a literal sense. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald of Australia, a mining company working in tandem with the Australian government has taken possession of the village common of Camberwell, Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.onthecommons.org/content.php?id=2720</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/861</guid>
			<author>David Bollier</author>
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			<title>Rudd after BHP &amp; Rio Tintos Pilbara money in return for nothing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There is no prospect that the Pilbara operations will be loss-making or shut down at any point in the foreseeable future. They are among the lowest-cost, highest-quality, longest-life resources in the globe. 

That means the so-called offset that creates symmetry within the RSPT for the supposed tax on super profits - the 40 per cent credit for losses and rebate if the project closes - is of absolutely no value to Rio Tinto or BHP Billiton.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-Tinto-BHP-Billiton-Pilbara-rent-tax-pd20100526-5TBTT?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/860</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Labors battle royal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its now clear the big mining companies are gearing up to launch one of the most ferocious challenges to an elected governments policies since the countrys banks mobilised a massive campaign against Prime Minister Ben Chifleys plans for bank nationalisation. And, as Rudd would be well aware, the banks won that battle hands down, with the Labor government suffering a thrashing at the 1949 election.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Kevin-Rudd-politics-Labor-super-profits-tax-pd20100526-5T6DU?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/859</guid>
			<author>Karen Mailey</author>
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			<title>Two American dreams shatter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Two American dreams were once again shattered last night. When the Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading above 10,000 there is a general view in the US that all is well with the world. The Dow last night closed below 10,000 - the first time since February, when it broke the level for a day, and before that since November 2009. 

And a second shattering came as the rotten core in the US housing dream resurfaced with one in seven US home mortgages in trouble. This has implications for the entire US banking system.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Dow-US-Sharemarket-mortgages-pd20100527-5TSMU?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/858</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Call for ruling on Hunter coalmining areas</title>
			<description><![CDATA["You need to know you can invest in the Hunter without being surprised with a mine next door or one kilometre away," he said.

"Surely the Government can have a good look around and see the areas that should be protected from mining and what can be mined."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/call-for-ruling-on-hunter-coalmining-areas/1841374.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/857</guid>
			<author>JULIEANNE STRACHAN</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Europe yields to fear</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Spains second largest bank, BBVA, had been unable to renew around $1 billion of short-term funding in the US commercial paper market since the beginning of the month. The WSJ said the bank still had "substantial European based funding and deposits, and about $9 billion in US commercial paper." 

Investors are also worried that Spain, France and Italy face the daunting task of refinancing huge amounts of debt that soon falls due.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Europe-credit-markets-investor-debt-crisis-pd20100527-5TSZT?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/856</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>The RSPT is a dead tax walking</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It was worrying to hear Fortescues Andrew Twiggy Forrest report to Alan Kohler on Inside Business that most of Fortescues bankers had withdrawn from its outstanding projects. Perhaps these bankers have just iced their finance until they get better visibility on the results of the industrys lobbying process. But Twiggy seems to be genuinely of the view that the RSPT will have a profoundly adverse impact on Fortescues ability to carry out both current and new investments.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Resource-super-profits-tax-rent-RSPT-Fortescue-pd20100526-5TAWV?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/855</guid>
			<author>Christopher Joye</author>
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			<title>Xstrata tries to avoid obligations in Mudgee</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mid-Western Regional Council is seeking a $5.8 million contribution to roads and community infrastructure from Xstrata Coal if plans to expand the Ulan Coal mine are approved....expand the mines lifespan by 20 years and double annual production to 20 million tones. The mine is expected to employ an additional 401 workers....
Xstrata has also argued that the mine expansion is not a new development, but a consolidation of existing consents. 

However, in his report to last weeks council meeting, Mr Bennett said Xstratas previous contributions had been used to upgrade and maintain infrastructure to cater for community needs before the influx of 401 additional workers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/council-seeks-58-million-from-xstrata/1840292.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 12:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/854</guid>
			<author>Mudgee Guardian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal train drivers prepare to strike</title>
			<description><![CDATA[COAL train drivers say a strike against rail company Pacific National will go ahead across NSW from midnight tomorrow for 48 hours.
The expanded strike would stop the movement of coal exports valued at about $50 million over the two days.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-train-drivers-prepare-to-strike/1839885.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 22:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/853</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Being unknown before his rapid rise to PM is a time bomb for Rudd.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Remember the television show Surprise Chef? An outgoing young chef, until then an unknown, would accost supermarket shoppers and offer to make dinner for them using whatever was in their trolley and pantry at home. Soon after it started screening on the Seven network in 2001, it topped the ratings.Then, almost as quickly as it rose up the ratings ladder, its popularity began to decline. After two seasons the show was gone. What had looked fresh and novel had become predictable, cliched and, ultimately, unloved.

Politicians ignore the experience of Surprise Chef at their peril. Novelty can only take you so far and no matter how popular you get, inevitably your fate will result in cancellation. The only question is: how long a run will the public give you?]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/852</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 21:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/852</guid>
			<author>Shaun Carney</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Betting the house</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the government has less negotiating room than it should, because it announced the resource tax as a fait accompli, and hung off it a cut in the corporate tax rate from 30 per cent to 28 per cent and an increase in employer superannuation contributions from 9 per cent to 12 per cent." This column will only note that, for the government, compromises of this magnitude will bring to mind the watering down of the CPRS and will not look appealing in electoral terms.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/THE-DISTILLERY-Betting-the-house-pd20100526-5SVAT?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 21:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/851</guid>
			<author>David Llewellyn-Smith</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fear rises in interbank lending</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Bankers around the world are starting to get jittery that the European rescue package involves too much debt and so will not work. Accordingly, we are starting to see rises in inter-bank lending credit spreads - on Monday night we saw the 2-year US swap spread blow out from 41.75bps to 52.25bps.....In some ways, Australia maybe in a more dangerous position than when the global financial crisis broke in 2008. This time our dollar has been damaged first by the flight to the US dollar, which happened last time, but secondly by the repercussions of the mining tax bungle. To have a company of the standing of Rio Tinto declare, at this delicate time, that Australia is a country that carries sovereign risk, and to have our treasurer declare our largest companies possible liars, will lower confidence in Australia. Even before this accusation, Australian CEOs were losing confidence in the ability of the government to manage the economy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Fear-rises-in-interbank-lending-pd20100525-5S487?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 21:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/850</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Just days from a market rout</title>
			<description><![CDATA[if the Dow falls below 10,000 again - and stays there - it will trigger large selling waves from the charting community who will then post 8,200 as the next resistance point. I get regular emails from chartists including the Futures 618 group warning me we will again test the lows of last year and that we are experiencing a gigantic bear market rally.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/ASX200-SP500-market-correction-pd20100526-5SSLJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 21:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/849</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>An urgent sell warning</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Richard Russell, author of the famous Dow Theory Letters, is "insisting, demanding, begging" his subscribers to "get out of stocks". 

In his latest letter, published last night, he says the stockmarket has lost its mind. "Finally its happening. The poor thing is falling apart." Russell is referring to the fact that the market is falling in the face of persistent optimism about the US economy. He says you should believe the market, not the economists.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/stockmarket-bear-Dow-pd20100526-5SSE8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 21:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/848</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Tax paper co-author questions govt use of figures: report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The statistics at the heart of the federal governments push to implement its proposed resources super profits tax (RSPT) may have been based on as few as four Australian companies, according to The Australian newspaper. 

One of the university students who co-wrote the paper, Kevin S. Markle, told the newspaper that the small sample size meant the final figures were dumped from the report......
Opposition finance spokesman Andrew Robb said the government was using "amateur hour" research from the US to suggest multinationals pay company tax of just 13 cents in the dollar.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Report-author-questions-govt-use-of-tax-figures-re-pd20100525-5S5WA?OpenDocument&amp;src=tnb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/847</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Push for $1bn gas terminal in Newcastle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Eastern Star chairman and former National Party MP John Anderson signed a memorandum of understanding in Tokyo on Friday with executives from Hitachi and another Japanese company, Toyo Engineering.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/push-for-1bn-gas-terminal-in-newcastle/1838710.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/846</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Hunter Valley coalmines breach dust rules</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HUNTER Valley coalmines made continuous breaches of dust emittance guidelines in the five years to 2009, with air-quality monitors recording particle concentrations up to 43 times national standards....A Hunter Valley Energy Coal monitoring site at Muswellbrook recorded the highest concentration of particle matter at 2178.5 micrograms per cubic metre.

The National Environment Protection Measure standard is 50 micrograms per cubic metre - a level deemed to be achievable through the application of "reasonably available technology and good environmental practices".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-valley-coalmines-breach-dust-rules/1838705.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/845</guid>
			<author>MELISSA LYONS Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Will Labors resource tax hurt workers?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The mining industry, of course, is singing from a different hymn sheet. It says the tax will cost investment and jobs; projects will be deferred or abandoned; overseas investors will shy away from Australia. As one analyst said, "its what you would expect of Argentina, not Australia".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RSPT-resource-rent-tax-unions-mining-resources-pd20100524-5R3YV?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/844</guid>
			<author>Nicholas Way</author>
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			<title>Wealth machine breakdown</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the real economy has another 3-6 months to convince financial markets that fundamentals are indeed improving before continued frozen credit channels would begin to sink the real sector back into recession,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Europe-Lehman-Obama-economy-pd20100525-5RVG6?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/843</guid>
			<author>David Llewellyn-Smith</author>
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			<title>The mother of all capital strikes begins</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The greatest capital strike in Australias history officially started at 10am on May 24, 2010. Australias second largest minerals company Rio Tinto announced that all its expansion projects would be put on hold and that delay could extend for years if not indefinitely. Moreover, it plans to curb early stage development in Australia and has expressed grave concerns about the sovereign risk implications of parts of the mining tax.....in the coming months, Rio Tinto will have some $10 billion of expansion projects coming before the board. It plans to allocate only $5 billion and until the mining tax, Australia was at the top of the list and would have received the bulk of that $5 billion dollars. It will now only receive the money required to maintain existing mines.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-Tinto-BHP-Billiton-resource-rent-tax-RSPT-capi-pd20100524-5R335?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/842</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Resource rent porky pies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian government has resorted to African-style politics because while a resource rent tax (and maybe a tax rise) made a lot of sense in principle, the government did not undertake the required detailed work and consultation before blundering into a badly formed tax and then incorporating it into budget forward estimates so it had limited room to move. 

Its no wonder Rio Tinto has declared Australia an area of major global sovereign risk and will only invest here if the project is essential for long-term mine life. I should add that I am being unfair to Africa, because there are many nations there that can now legitimately declare they are have lower sovereign risk than Australia. 

Its not just in the profits claim that the government is telling what are "quarter truths" - statements that have an element truth but are deliberately or accidentally misleading. I have picked seven "quarter truths" that the government has used to justify its actions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Resource-rent-porky-pies-pd20100525-5RTQ8?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/841</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>CEO PULSE: Business sentiment sours</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The dramatic fall in CEO sentiment shown by the latest Business Spectator Accenture CEO Pulse survey is bad news for the Australian economy and a big warning for the Rudd government.

Pessimism among CEOs leads directly to lower employment and investment, and there is no doubt that the rise in negativity among our corporate leaders this month is directly related to their low, and falling, opinion of the government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/CEO-PULSE-Business-sentiment-sours-pd20100525-5RT7L?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/840</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Labors mining tax dodge...LIES LIES AND MORE LIES</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wayne Swan labelled the mining sectors campaign against the controversial resources super profits tax "fundamentally dishonest" and said the sector was using "hysterical" figures. Julia Gillard says domestic mining companies pay tax of only 17 per cent and multinationals around 13 per cent, saying these are the "cold, hard, facts - the truth". After Tony Abbotts performance on the 7.30 Report last week, youd think theyd be more careful. 

The Rudd government has been caught once already misrepresenting the facts on resource sector tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/resource-rent-tax-RSPT-super-profits-BHP-Billiton--pd20100524-5RALD?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/839</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>CEO Pulse: Govt managing economy poorly</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australias chief executives have slammed the federal governments performance in handling the economy after a bumper month including the release of the Henry tax review, the Federal Budget and the announcement of the Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/CEO-Pulse-Fed-govt-handling-economy-poorly-pd20100525-5RTCN?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/838</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Why a fifth of our income is vanishing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Now, as private deleveraging gathers pace, aggregate demand is plunging, meaning that nearly a fifth of Australias income is in jeopardy because Australians are no longer willing to borrow to fund the additional spending....Our economy is demand-driven; as debts contribution to demand falls, aggregate demand slumps, and the number of jobs that can be supported by aggregate demand will also fall....Australia is headed for a very painful deleveraging-induced recession. We can only hope that the problem is not amplified by the external shocks]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-fifth-of-our-income-is-vanishing-pd20100524-5R4QS?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/837</guid>
			<author>Steve Keen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Waynes world comes unstuck</title>
			<description><![CDATA[...there is a risk that dysfunctional financial markets may strangle the real economic recovery that is underway. "My best guess would be that the real economy has another 3-6 months to convince financial markets that fundamentals are indeed improving before continued frozen credit channels would begin to sink the real sector back into recession," he wrote in a recent note....Janjuah is predicting a sharp fall in global share markets - with either a small bounce this week, followed by another big selloff, or, alternatively, another short period of weakness, followed by a month or so of stability, before a major decline.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Waynes-world-comes-unstuck-pd20100525-5RSUQ?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/836</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Review of upper hunter air quality data</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DECCW Review of upper hunter air quality data shows massive exceedences of dust emissions for over 5 years without even 1 prosecution. Mongrel industry killing people.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/air/UpperHunterAirQualityData.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 22:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/835</guid>
			<author>DECCW</author>
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			<title>Buy the dip?</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Large bundles of Australian stocks are held by US investors, who are dumping so-called commodity countries like Australia ....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/THE-DISTILLERY-Buy-the-dip-pd20100524-5QVH7?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 23:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/834</guid>
			<author>David Llewellyn-Smith</author>
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			<title>Rudds dollar delusion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[to suggest that the mining tax had no impact compounds the global view that the Rudd government has no idea of the forces it has unleashed...I cant recall a government action that has caused so much global consternation. Forces have been unleashed that have not only hit the currency but will slash investment in this country and in turn will affect our banks ability to borrow overseas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudds-depressing-dollar-pd20100524-5QSFX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 22:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/833</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Govt panel urges changes to RSPT, report says</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A consultation panel appointed by the federal government has urged Treasurer Wayne Swan to change the key selling point of its proposed resources super profit tax (RSPT), the 40 per cent refund for failed projects, according to The Australian newspaper. According to The Australian, BHP said that Treasury had acknowledged in consultation with the miner that BHP pays, on average, 40 per cent effective tax rate over recent years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Govt-panel-advises-changes-to-RSPT-report-says-pd20100524-5QRYA?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 22:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/832</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Dont buy Chinas growth mirage</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Over the past 30 years, China has experienced the largest and most rapid urbanisation in world history. The number of Chinese living in urban areas has increased from 17.8 per cent in 1978, to 40 per cent in 2003, and is around 47.5 per cent currently. While it took China 25 years to reach the 40 per cent mark, it took Japan 30 years, the US 40 years, France 100 years, and Britain 120 years....The Chinese state-led economy is clearly addicted to fixed investment to drive growth...
 In the words of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Chinas growth strategy is "unbalanced, unsustainable, uncoordinated and unstable."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/china-economy-fixed-investment-urbanisation-migrat-pd20100520-5M6HL?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 22:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/831</guid>
			<author>John Lee</author>
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			<title>Americas tougher line on China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Long-simmering trade tensions between the United States and China look set to to intensify this week, with the US likely to redouble its efforts to force China to change its trade policies in the wake of the eurozone debt crisis. 

The US has long complained about Chinas unwillingness to allow foreign-made goods to compete fairly in its domestic market, as well as Chinas policy of pegging its currency to the US dollar at an artificially low level. 

Continuing US dissatisfaction with Chinese policies that block US companies from winning a larger market share was evident in a speech made by US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton in Shanghai yesterday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-US-trade-policy-US-Dollar-pd20100524-5QSXX?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 22:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/830</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Chronic disease risk higher for industrial area residents</title>
			<description><![CDATA[RESIDENTS of the Hunter Valley who live near the regions dense cluster of open-cut coal mines and power stations are at greater risk of chronic disease and premature death, according to a new study.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/chronic-disease-risk-higher-for-industrial-area-residents-20100521-w1qy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 May 2010 17:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/829</guid>
			<author>NICK O'MALLEY INVESTIGATIONS smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Charting GFC 2.0</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The sell-off gripping global markets has reduced the ASX200 by roughly 12 per cent. In other China satellites it has been both worse and better. Brazil is down 17 per cent, South Africa 10 per cent and Canada only 5 per cent, which could be explained by its proximity to decent US growth, a different housing cycle and very different external position. A report by RBS Morgans late last week concluded the market had "... quickly priced in a worst case scenario of the RSPT despite its ultimate impacts remaining unclear and subject to change."

... Looks like the Greens will inherit the earth.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/THE-DISTILLERY-Charting-GFC-20-pd20100520-5LVB4?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 2010 00:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/828</guid>
			<author>David Llewellyn-Smith</author>
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			<title>Swans RSPT day of reckoning</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Many ministers appear to understand that taxing retrospectively is a very dangerous tool and using a base return of about 6 per cent before applying the resources rent tax is absurd. 

My ALP contacts tell me that Treasury has had no experience in mining projects put together by the states. They genuinely had no idea of the impact of what they were doing. Exactly the same thing happened with insulation, where a different department had no experience of conducting an exercise of that particular magnitude.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Wayne-Swan-BHP-Don-Argus-ALP-Treasury-pd20100520-5LTE4?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 2010 00:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/827</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The huge bear raid on Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australian currency and share dealers are being hit by a wall of selling from European and Japanese investors as it becomes clear that the governments horrendous mining tax mistake is affecting the sovereign risk of Australia. 

Australias currency and shares would have been expected to decline in line with the drop in commodity prices, but we are seeing panic selling of considerable proportions....
Unfortunately the situation facing Australia gets even worse than a bear raid on our currency and share markets. I have been talking with some of the most senior bankers in the country and they say that the European sovereign risk crisis is going to make it more expensive for banks to borrow the vast sums overseas that are required to service Australian home mortgages and business loans.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australian-dollar-mining-tax-Bear-sharemarket-euro-pd20100520-5LT5P?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 23:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/826</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Tax to cut miners profits by a third: Moodys</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MINING companies profits could be slashed by a third under the Rudd governments proposed resource super-profits tax, forcing credit rating downgrades. 
Global ratings agency Moodys yesterday warned that by replacing the lower but variable royalties regime, the new national 40 per cent tax rate on profits could reduce earnings for companies by nearly a third after it is introduced in mid-2012.

In a note to investors, the agency said global miners could shift their focus to lower-cost countries to avoid the higher tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/in-depth/tax-to-cut-miners-profits-by-a-third-moodys/story-fn5eo6td-1225868383597</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 23:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/825</guid>
			<author>Sarah-Jane Tasker From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Fortescue may sell growth projects under proposed tax regime, says Forrest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FORTESCUE Metals Group chief executive Andrew Forrest today said the miner may be forced to sell some of its expansion projects if the federal governments proposed super-profits tax is imposed, as it would be unable to secure finance. 
The miner said it was temporarily shelving the $US9 billion ($10.4bn) Solomon hub and the $US6bn Western hub projects as it reviewed the potential impact of the governments planned Resource Super-Profits Tax.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/fortescue-may-sell-growth-projects-under-proposed-tax-regime-says-forrest/story-e6frg9df-1225868741572</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/824</guid>
			<author>Alex Wilson From: Dow Jones Newswires</author>
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			<title>Sharemarket tumbles 1.9pc, dollar dives in volatile trade</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The equities market sell-off means there has been at least $60.5bn lost on the market in just three sessions, and the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 is now at the lowest point since August last year.
The majority of the selling came in the mining sector, as investors reacted to the governments contentious Resource Super-Profit Tax (RSPT). Mr Potter said there were emerging signs that global markets, particularly in Europe, were becoming irrational.

"Markets are running scared, with fear becoming the dominant driver. Fundamentals arent worth the paper their written on when markets become irrational, and it feels like this is what were starting to see now, especially in the euro," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/markets/sharemarket-tumbles-18pc-dollar-dives-in-volatile-trade/story-e6frg916-1225868803598</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 22:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/823</guid>
			<author>Scott Murdoch From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Pressure on NSW to release Hunter health report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE State Government is under pressure to release an overdue NSW Health report about the Hunter Region.
Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon put a motion to Parliament yesterday calling for its urgent release.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/pressure-on-nsw-to-release-hunter-health-report/1833511.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 21:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/822</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Coalition calls for Tillegra Dam to be scrapped</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The NSW Liberals and Nationals oppose the Tillegra Dam and call on the Keneally Labor Government to scrap the project," Mr OFarrell said.Upper Hunter MP George Souris warned in March that a Coalition Government would not want to pay large penalty fees to rip up contracts entered into by the Keneally Government]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coalition-calls-for-tillegra-dam-to-be-scrapped/1833527.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 21:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/821</guid>
			<author>JULIEANNE STRACHAN AND LOUISE HALL</author>
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			<title>Carbon cuts will create 4m jobs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BIG CUTS to carbon emissions and heavy investment in green technologies will create 3.7 million jobs across Australia by 2030, economic modelling commissioned for unions and green groups shows.

The ACTU and Australian Conservation Foundation will today launch the modelling project, which has been six months in the works, in an effort to show serious efforts to tackle climate change will create jobs even in areas dominated by the mining and electricity industries.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/carbon-cuts-will-create-4m-jobs-20100518-vcaj.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 21:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/820</guid>
			<author>Tom Arup ENVIRONMENT CORRESPONDENT</author>
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			<title>Greenies and business unite on climate action</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BUSINESSES are planning an unlikely alliance with the Australian Conservation Foundation to prod the nations leaders into fundamental action on climate change.

The federal governments decision to shelve its carbon emissions trading scheme has jeopardised investment worth hundreds of millions of dollars, driving some companies to plan a climate circuit-breaker.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/greenies-and-business-unite-on-climate-action-20100518-vcag.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 21:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/819</guid>
			<author>Deborah Snow</author>
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			<title>Peter Costello</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Former federal Treasurer and BKK Partners managing director Peter Costello tells Business Spectators Alan Kohler, Robert Gottliebsen and Stephen Bartholomeusz:....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Peter-Costello-Henry-Tax-Review-Budget-2010-RSPT-pd20100518-5K7QJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 21:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/818</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Deepening the resource divide</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australias trade deficit in crude oil, refined products and LPG has now hit $16 billion a year; and by predicting that it could grow to $30 billion by 2015. The strongest case for pushing the LNG exports to their maximum levels this decade lies in the argument that income raised by them would help to reduce Australias resource trade gap and, down the line, to protect the "working families" - invoked by Rudd - from the impact of the trade deficit on the value of the dollar, on interest rates and eventually on household budgets.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RSPT-super-profits-minerals-pd20100518-5K2RY?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 21:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/817</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
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			<title>Your new silent partner</title>
			<description><![CDATA[according to Elizabeth Knight of The Sydney Morning Herald, banks are now emerging as "...a third group of constituents" that dont want the government either. "These folk are the enablers of investment. They decide whether projects in mining (or any other area) get the go-ahead...they get to assess risk and whether they will put up capital to fund projects that can be loss-making for years before they make a dollar. And they are not convinced that the Henry-inspired and Rudd-embraced proposed tax treatment of mining companies is going to enhance their desire or ability to fund mining projects ... The government says that its fair to impose a 40 per cent super tax on mining profits (that kicks in on earnings above 6 per cent) because it is giving mining companies a 40 per cent tax break on the capital they invest in getting a project up and running...The trouble is that the banks dont share that view ... If, in the event the project falls over and the lenders (or equity contributors) get a 40 per cent tax rebate, they will still lose 60 per cent of the money lent or invested ... The rebate is of no use to the lender."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/THE-DISTILLERY-RSPT-tax-NBN-Telstra-pd20100519-5KV6S?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 21:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/816</guid>
			<author>David Llewellyn-Smith</author>
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			<title>Another Labor rent tax gaffe</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Perhaps someone should organise a basic corporate finance tutorial for the Rudd cabinet. And perhaps a quick primer on the psychology of markets and corporations.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RSPT-rent-tax-resources-Wayne-Swan-Lindsay-Tanner-pd20100518-5KA3F?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 21:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/815</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>A broadside from Costello</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia has never needed a person of the calibre of Peter Costello as Prime Minister more than it does now. And if you have any doubts about that, view the full Costello KGB Interrogation and then sit back and look at what the current Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition are doing.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Peter-Costello-Prime-Minister-KGB-politics-tax-pd20100519-5KT93?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 20:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/814</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>BHP says rent tax will hit dividends</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BHP is continuing its campaign against the proposed resources rent tax by saying dividends to 540,000 shareholders are being put at risk, The Australian Financial Review reports.In an interview with the paper, BHP chief executive Marius Kloppers said the tax on company profits would possibly have far-reaching consequences for BHPs investment strategy, and warned again of major projects moving offshore.He said the Bowen Basin coal project in Queensland state could be one of the projects moving offshore if the tax went ahead...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-says-rent-tax-will-hit-dividends-report-pd20100519-5KQHY?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 20:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/813</guid>
			<author>Reuters, AAP</author>
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			<title>Swans commodity liability</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While Australian miners are up in arms over Wayne Swans plans to hit them with a 40 per cent resource super profits tax, they can hardly have failed to notice the emergence of a far more insidious threat in the form of sharp declines in commodity prices. 

In trading overnight, copper - often regarded as the leading indicator of the commodity complex - staged its most dramatic one-day drop since the 2008 financial crisis. Copper prices finished the session 6.4 per cent lower, falling below $3-a-pound level for the first time in three months. The copper price is now about 20 per cent below its peak in early April. 

Oil prices also came under pressure, hitting their lowest levels for the year....
At this stage, its too early to know whether global growth will be punctured by the eurozones problems. What is clear is that the steep drop in commodity prices that weve already seen should sound a wake-up call to Swan and the miners.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/resource-super-profits-tax-commodities-Greece-copp-pd20100518-5K5L7?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 20:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/812</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>A European triumph amid the chaos</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In Australia, too, the Standard Cost Model is being used, albeit in only one state. In 2006, Victoria was the first Australian state to introduce it in its Reducing the Regulatory Burden initiative. To date, cost savings of more than $246m have been achieved, and the Victorian government has issued a new target of a $500m reduction in regulatory costs by July 2012.

With success stories from around the world and from Victoria underlining the best practice status of the Standard Cost Model, what is stopping other Australian governments, state and federal, from joining in? Although precise data on the cost of red tape in the Australian economy are still missing, it is safe to assume that there are billions of dollars that could be saved. It is a saving that would probably exceed the effect of the scheduled reduction in company taxes, desirable as that is in itself.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-European-triumph-amid-the-chaos-pd20100519-5KTFZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 20:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/811</guid>
			<author>Oliver Marc Hartwich</author>
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			<title>Could Australian Resource Tax Come to the US?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australian governments proposed 40% super profits tax has caused a considerable uproar among mining companies operating in that country. BHP Billiton (NYSE:BHP) has said it would use all its influence to defeat the tax. Rio Tinto plc (NYSE:RTP) and Xstrata have also complained loudly about the proposal.]]></description>
			<link>http://247wallst.com/2010/05/17/could-australian-resource-tax-come-to-the-us-bhp-rtp-xom/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 20:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/810</guid>
			<author>247 Wall St .com</author>
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			<title>Xstrata surprised by walk out at Ulan Mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The 40-hour stop work meeting by Ulan Underground miners on Thursday came as a surprise to Xstrata Coal, owner of the Ulan mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/xstrata-surprised-by-walk-out-at-ulan-mine/1831653.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 23:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/809</guid>
			<author>DARREN SNYDER</author>
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			<title>Australias super profits tax should only apply to new projects - BHP</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Global mining giant BHP Billiton said on Monday that it would be assessing its Australian operations and investment plans in the wake of the proposed super profits tax, and would hold shareholder information sessions around the country.

BHP has joined the ranks of other major miners Rio Tinto and Xstrata, which also said that they would be re-evaluating their investments in the country, which planned to introduce the new tax in 2012.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningweekly.com/article/australias-super-profits-tax-should-only-apply-to-new-projects-bhp-2010-05-17</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 23:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/808</guid>
			<author>Esmarie Swanepoel</author>
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			<title>Fears mine tax taking toll on small traders</title>
			<description><![CDATA["People Ive been talking to, small business, retail type stuff in town, you know theyve been struggling to keep going as it is and I think quite a few of them were hanging on to see what was going to happen and things were starting to turn around but this ... has just done a U-turn, so I dont think theyre very happy, well Im not anyway as a small business man," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/17/2900904.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 23:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/807</guid>
			<author>Stephanie Fitzpatrick ABC</author>
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			<title>The home lending dive will continue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Young Australians, the bottom rung on the housing ladder, are disappearing from the owner-occupier market in droves. Meanwhile investors who are able to do so are gearing up and keeping demand in the market strong enough to keep clearance rates and prices up. 

But why are they doing it? Are they investing in property for the rental yields the can earn? Absolutely not. Why would an investor buy a property yielding 3 or 4 per cent at a time when two-year bank deposit rates are as high as 8 per cent? The only logical reason to ignore secure high yielding returns and jump into housing at this time is to capture continued strong capital gains.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-home-lending-dive-will-continue-pd20100517-5J4XU?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 23:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/806</guid>
			<author>Steve Keen</author>
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			<title>A blunt warning from Britain</title>
			<description><![CDATA["... the financial crisis is far from over. As debt has moved from the financial to the public sector, the banking crisis has turned into a potential sovereign debt crisis." 

"America, and many other large economies including the UK, share some of the same problems as Greece with its public finances:" 

"It is absolutely vital, absolutely vital, for governments to get on top of this problem. We cannot afford to allow concerns about sovereign debt to spread into a wider crisis dealing with sovereign debt. Dealing with a banking crisis was bad enough. This would be worse."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-blunt-warning-from-Britain-pd20100517-5J46X?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 22:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/805</guid>
			<author>Ken Philips</author>
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			<title>Triple whammy</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Last month China produced a record 55.4 million tonnes of steel - an annualised 676 million tonnes - which was up 4 per cent in a month and a staggering 60 per cent from November 2008. But this month steel mills began slashing forward prices and Macquarie Banks Graeme Train reports steel mill margins are approaching the wafer-thin levels that led to shutdowns late in 2007." Which, this column will add, if it persists, will trigger a new round of commodity inventory liquidation and prices will plunge. And these will be passed on to Australias terms of trade faster than you can cry "quarterly contract!"

Making matters worse, of course, is that this is only Chinas internal slowdown. Yet to feed through is sagging European demand as the paradoxes that have caught southern Europe refuse to go away. There is also new evidence that the US inventory rebuild is winding down as predicted with the May Empire Manufacturing Survey coming in well below expectations. This will also hit Chinese exports]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/THE-DISTILLERY-Triple-whammy-pd20100518-5JULH?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2010 22:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/804</guid>
			<author>David Llewellyn-Smith</author>
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			<title>Hunter powerbrokers celebrate mining ban after epic campaign</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW government blocked an open-cut coalmine for the first time, shelving a proposal for a $3.6 billion project that would have threatened the water supply of dozens of horse studs and vineyards, as well as thousands of acres of arable land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/hunter-powerbrokers-celebrate-mining-ban-after-epic-campaign-20100514-v4gx.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 May 2010 22:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/803</guid>
			<author>Brian Robins and Ben Cubby</author>
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			<title>Life and death along the food chain</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As arguments go for preserving biodiversity, it is one of the cleanest cut, with hard financial figures to match, says Professor Hugh Possingham, of the University of Queensland. The bird-watching industry in north America is worth more than $40 billion a year, and many visitors to Australia are drawn here by our birds and other unique creatures.

They dont come to see nightclubs. They come to see nature, he says. The less biodiversity we have, the less money we make.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/life-and-death-along-the-food-chain-20100514-v4gw.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 May 2010 22:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/802</guid>
			<author>Deborah Smith smh</author>
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			<title>Premier blocks upper Hunter coalmine in favour of multibillion-dollar thoroughbred industry</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Certainly, in this case, commonsense has prevailed and ... [I] look forward to the water issues being addressed in all future mining proposals," Mr Blomfield said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/premier-blocks-upper-hunter-coalmine-in-favour-of-multibilliondollar-thoroughbred-industry-20100514-v2mk.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 22:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/801</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>The RSPT is utterly misconceived</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Henry, and the government, are about to be welcomed to the real world, where real people, not models, have to make big decisions about where to put shareholder capital - not taxpayer funds - in the places that generate the best risk-weighted returns.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-RSPT-is-utterly-misconceived-pd20100514-5ET5A?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 22:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/800</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Brace for Chinas heavy braking</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In an ominous sign for Australia, the Chinese sharemarket is slumping on worries that the Chinese government will soon lift interest rates in response to rising inflation and surging property prices. Such a move would slam the brakes on Chinese growth, and deal a cruel blow to Australia, which is counting on Chinese growth to keep commodity prices high.


Although it rebounded by 2 per cent yesterday, Chinas Shanghai Composite Index is down more than 20 per cent from its peak in August 2009, which means that it is still technically in a bear market.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-growth-interest-rates-commodity-debt-sharema-pd20100514-5ESX5?OpenDocument&amp;src=spb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 21:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/799</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Anger at island coal port move</title>
			<description><![CDATA["A COLLISION course for disaster" are the words used by a conservation organisation up in arms about a proposed coal port earmarked for Balaclava Island.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2010/05/12/anger-at-island-coal-port-move-balaclava-island/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 21:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/798</guid>
			<author>Kieran Moran</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BHP must strike back</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In the vicinity of one third of the $9 billion raised in the second year of the resources tax comes from BHP. It transforms the outlook for the company. Kloppers has already said that under the new tax BHPs WA iron ore, Yeelirrie uranium and Queensland coal developments could not be justified. If he declares that the Olympic Dam expansion must be suspended indefinitely given the new tax, Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan will be akin to the emperor without clothes as they go into an election. But in an attempt to be re-elected they will direct incredible venom at BHP and Kloppers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-Tinto-Xstrata-BHP-Billiton-pd20100513-5DS28?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 21:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/797</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Europes hunger for gold</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Gold fever is sweeping through the markets, with its price hitting record levels against the greenback as investors shun paper money and instead seek refuge in the precious metal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gold-PIIGS-insolvencies-ECB-eurozone-pd20100513-5DT4G?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 21:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/796</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Super profits or extraction tax?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the Rudd government was banking on the current level of projects going ahead]]></description>
			<link>http://www.longwalls.com/storyview.asp?storyid=1135586&amp;sectionsource=s0</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 21:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/795</guid>
			<author>Blair Price International Longwall News</author>
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		<item>
			<title>New tax poses investment risk: Albanese</title>
			<description><![CDATA[we have been a key part of the investment fabric and social fabric of Australia for most of the last century and thats especially in rural areas and in regional areas. We employ directly over 17,000 people and many more as contractors. We are the largest employer of Aborigines and we do take pride in our support and contribution to Australian culture and our own Australian roots. The second thing Ive heard that was a bit bothering was the government is, in effect, saying they would like to be our partner, taking 40 per cent of our pretax profits on our past, our present and our future investments. But of course, were still allowed to run the business. For good reason, people are beginning to use such terms like nationalisation and expropriation for this new partnership. And this will not help Australias future investment climate."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/New-tax-poses-huge-investment-risk-Rio-Tinto-pd20100512-5D6WU?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 21:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/794</guid>
			<author>Reuters/AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fact and fury: Nationalisation and expropriation</title>
			<description><![CDATA[we have been a key part of the investment fabric and social fabric of Australia for most of the last century and thats especially in rural areas and in regional areas. We employ directly over 17,000 people and many more as contractors. We are the largest employer of Aborigines and we do take pride in our support and contribution to Australian culture and our own Australian roots. The second thing Ive heard that was a bit bothering was the government is, in effect, saying they would like to be our partner, taking 40 per cent of our pretax profits on our past, our present and our future investments. But of course, were still allowed to run the business. For good reason, people are beginning to use such terms like nationalisation and expropriation for this new partnership. And this will not help Australias future investment climate."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/THE-DISTILLERY-Show-us-the-money-pd20100513-5DUHK?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 20:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/793</guid>
			<author>David Llewellyn-Smith</author>
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			<title>F3 Extension to Branxton OFF the agenda !!! ???</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While the long-awaited F3 to Branxton link road - approved in last years budget - has $247 million allocated to it in the coming financial year, Treasury officials were not even sure yesterday if the money would eventuate because the $1.7 billion project depended on $200 million in funding from an increasingly cash-strapped State Government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-misses-out-on-bigticket-items/1827211.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/792</guid>
			<author>BY IAN KIRKWOOD AND JULIEANNE STRACHAN</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Last chance gone? Labor turns the screw on the disabled</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the government is reviewing the impairment tables to make it a tougher assessment and harder to get to first base. After that unless people are manifestly incapable of any paid work, or clearly incapable of working even 15 hours a week, they will be put on the Newstart Allowance. Then they will be sent on a training course, either with a special disability employment agency or a regular one. The training is meant to increase the numbers who can work at least 15 hours a week, thus disqualifying them from the pension. On the disability pension a single person can live a frugal life on $350 a week. On Newstart a single person is plunged into poverty on $231 a week. How many of the 25,407 people who might once have qualified for a disability pension will end up, not in work, but unemployed and in poverty? Or in a bit job, still financially worse off than before?.....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/labor-turns-the-screw-on-the-disabled-20100511-uv58.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 21:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/791</guid>
			<author>Adele Horin</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rudds last chance</title>
			<description><![CDATA[So this budget - the work of his senior ministers - provides a platform where Rudd can get back to the basics of running fiscal management, arguing productivity growth, and putting in place long term reforms in health and education. 

Any weak diversions, any silly tangents, will finish him and his once-promising government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BUDGET-2010-Rudds-last-chance-pd20100511-5CEGS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 21:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/790</guid>
			<author>Alister Drysdale</author>
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			<title>The giant backing Australian solar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The French nuclear giant Areva might have made one of the deals of the year when it snapped up Ausra, the solar thermal energy company founded by Australian researcher David Mills.

Areva bought a cash-strapped Ausra for an estimated $US200 million in February and plans to use the technology to lead a major push into the solar thermal energy market, which it wants to dominate in the same way as it does the global nuclear industry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Budget-2010-solar-thermal-energy-climate-change-pd20100512-5CRWQ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 21:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/789</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rebuilding the Regions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rural NSW will have the opportunity to have its say in Dubbo next month at the Rebuilding the Regions - Workshop to be held by the NSW Farmers Association, in conjunction with the NSW Liberals &amp; Nationals, Rural Alliance and others.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nsw.nationals.org.au/news/from-the-coalition/rebuilding-the-regions-workshop.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 21:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/788</guid>
			<author>Barry O'Farrell MP & Andrew Stoner MP</author>
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			<title>No helicopter rescue for Central West - They can die before they get to Westmead.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Federal Member for Calare John Cobb said he was once again amazed at the complete failure to act by the State and Federal Labor Governments following another story involving an injured person being denied swift medical treatment because of the under equipped Orange-based rescue helicopter. 

 "How many of these stories do we need to hear before it finally registers with the Labor party that the people of the Central West and Western New South Wales deserve a 24 hour, winch-equipped rescue helicopter?" Mr Cobb said.

Mr Cobbs comments came after a 30-year-old man had to be carried on a stretcher for 20 minutes through rugged terrain with a broken leg and ankle because the Orange-based rescue chopper is not fitted with a winch]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nsw.nationals.org.au/news/latest-news/another-helicopter-horror-ignored-by-labor.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 20:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/787</guid>
			<author>John Cobb MP (N.P.)</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Falling for a tax grab</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A well-designed tax on genuine super profitability from the boom - one that doesnt cut in until the resource companies have at least recovered their cost of capital, which wasnt retrospective and which defused the potential for continuing increases in state royalties would be the starting point for a sensible debate - is quite a sensible policy for a resource-rich country. 

The RSPT isnt such a tax and if its "detail" below the headline 40 per cent rate isnt radically re-engineered it wont be one major project that "falls over" but many and the long-term cost and consequences of the opportunities lost will be vast.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-real-tax-on-super-profits-pd20100511-5C56M?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 20:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/786</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Labor states back big mining companies on resources profits tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[KEVIN Rudd and Wayne Swan are considering changes to how they implement the new 40 per cent resource profits tax after state Labor governments sided with the big mining companies amid more projects being delayed and jobs being put under threat.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/budget/labor-states-back-miners-on-rent-tax/story-e6frgd66-1225864761723</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 20:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/785</guid>
			<author>Dennis Shanahan, Political editor From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Xstrata response to Australian resources tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mick Davis, Xstrata plc Chief Executive commented: "It is very disappointing that the Australian government is planning to impose additional taxation that will see Australia levying the highest taxes on its minerals sector of any country in the world. The Australian mining industry already makes an appropriate and proportionate contribution [he says from his 7 million + pa salary package] to the tax base of Federal and State Governments in addition to investment in infrastructure, substantial direct and indirect job creation and support for the communities associated with our operations [So "support for community" is what he calls the cheap death trap intersections Xstrata has built for Wybong Ed]. These proposed taxes reduce the very cash flows that are reinvested in maintaining or expanding existing Australian mines and in developing new operations, protecting existing jobs and creating new ones.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.xstrata.com/media/news/2010/05/03/0001CET/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 20:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/784</guid>
			<author>Mick Davis, Xstrata plc Chief Executive</author>
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			<title>Xstrata May Exit Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA["For Xstrata, its across the board," Edgar said. "The Xstrata Copper announcement was just the first. Were reevaluating every other project thats on the board."

The company has invested $US45 billion in Australia since 2002, exceeding the $US44 billion in revenue earned in the country, Xstrata Chief Executive Officer Mick Davis wrote in a letter obtained last week by Bloomberg News.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.livetradingnews.com/xstrata-may-exit-australia-13294.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 19:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/783</guid>
			<author>Shayne Heffernan, Paul Ebeling</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Minerals Council to Meet Australian Government on Mine Tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[May 11 (Bloomberg) -- The Minerals Council of Australia, whose members produce more than 85 percent of the nations output, plan to meet Treasury officials this week for talks on the governments 40 percent resources profit tax proposal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-10/minerals-council-to-meet-australian-government-on-mine-tax.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 19:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/782</guid>
			<author>Elisabeth Behrmann - Bloomberg</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Reviewing Australian Projects on Tax Plan (Update3)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[May 11 (Bloomberg) -- Xstrata Plc, the worlds largest exporter of thermal coal, placed all its projects in Australia under review, adding pressure on the government to change its proposed 40 percent tax on mine profits.

"Until we know where the government is going with this proposed tax, all of our projects are under review," Brisbane- based spokeswoman Melanie Edgar said today. The Zug, Switzerland-based company has 33 percent of its assets in Australia, including coal, copper, zinc and nickel mines.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-11/xstrata-reviewing-australian-projects-on-tax-plan-update3-.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 19:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/781</guid>
			<author>Elisabeth Behrmann -Bloomberg</author>
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			<title>Rudd on the defensive</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While Europe copes with its massive debt problems and Chinas growth is being questioned, Treasury estimates real GDP growth of 3.75 per cent in 2010-11 and 4 per cent in 2011-12.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BUDGET-REACTION-Natasha-Stott-Despoja-pd20100511-5CCZ2?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgbse</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 23:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/780</guid>
			<author>Natasha Stott Despoja</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Swan may have blown it</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If the Swan tax is left as it is, a number of projects will still go ahead after the delay, but a large number will be mothballed, because most miners and their bankers believe that any so-called super-profits tax should not start when there is a return of just 6 per cent.... If Treasury is right about global growth it will underpin global share markets, including Australias. Until then, we must hope that their mining mistakes are not duplicated on the world stage.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BUDGET-2010-Gottliebsen-1-pd20100511-5CD4K?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgbse&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 23:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/779</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Ignoring inflation</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wayne Swan is busy patting himself on the back for showing some spending restraint, but he needed to do a lot more cutting if he wanted to make sure the countrys massive mining boom doesnt lead to such an explosion in demand that the Reserve Bank is forced to increase interest rates. 

The massive surge in the prices were getting for our exports - particularly for our iron ore and coal - is expected to inject $30 billion into the economy this year. But the miners wont be the only ones with their pockets bulging with cash.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BUDGET-2010-Karen-Maley-2-pd20100511-5CD6J?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgbse</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 23:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/778</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Minister punched in head near office</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Police said that while they did not believe the trio set out to find Mr McLeay, the men were aware of who he was and the abuse related to his role as a member of NSW Parliament.

Mr McLeay, who is also the Minister for the Illawarra, ignored the remarks, hopped in his car and attempted to drive off.

But before he could get away, it is alleged that one of the men ran at the car, abused him some more before punching the MP twice in the side of the head through the drivers window.
LLOL]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/minister-punched-in-head-near-office-20100510-uoqy.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 20:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/777</guid>
			<author>Nick Ralston CRIME REPORTER SMH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Council poised to lose planning powers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE NSW government is moving to strip Cessnock Council of its control over planning in a move to hasten development of new homes in an area targeted for some of the fastest growth in the state.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/council-poised-to-lose-planning-powers-20100510-uor1.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 20:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/776</guid>
			<author>Matthew Moore URBAN AFFAIRS EDITOR</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Too hot to live: grim long-term prediction</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HALF the Earth could become too hot for human habitation in less than 300 years, Australian scientists warn.

New research by the University of NSW has forecast the effect of climate change over the next three centuries, a longer time scale than that considered in many similar studies.

The research suggests that without action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, average temperatures could rise as much as 10 to 12 per cent by 2300.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/too-hot-to-live-grim-longterm-prediction-20100510-uoqw.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 20:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/775</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Waratah Engineering cuts jobs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TROUBLED mining machinery firm Waratah Engineering has cut its workforce by one-third, the second major round of retrenchments in less than a year.
The Argenton-based manufacturer of underground mining equipment sacked 24 workshop employees and 13 office staff yesterday, leaving about 80 employees all up.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/waratah-engineering-cuts-jobs/1825895.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 20:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/774</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Lets bury the housing shortage myth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If we are to address the real causes of the GFC, then policy makers have to confront the problem of an out of control credit system that drove mortgage debt up by a factor of five and turned the Australian housing market into the worlds last surviving Ponzi scheme.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Lets-bury-the-housing-shortage-myth-pd20100510-5B62B?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 20:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/773</guid>
			<author>Steve Keen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A temporary fix for the EU</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The private sector is massively indebted. The prices of assets that serve as collateral are still falling.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-temporary-fix-for-the-EU-pd20100511-5BTJX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 20:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/772</guid>
			<author>Wolfgang Münchau, Financial Times</author>
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			<title>Super Tax on BHP, Xstrata May Stall Mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BHP Billiton Ltd. and Xstrata Plcs expansion and acquisitions plans may stall on Australias plan to increase taxes on mining companies, whose profits have surged A$80 billion ($74 billion) in the past decade.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&amp;sid=aERBLbyIA6Y8</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 20:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/771</guid>
			<author>Rebecca Keenan and Elisabeth Behrmann - Bloomberg</author>
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			<title>Poll crisis, resource tax backlash rock Labor on Budget day</title>
			<description><![CDATA[KEVIN Rudd heads into todays Budget bleeding voters and fighting mounting fears his $9 billion mining tax could irrevocably damage Queenslands economy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/poll-crisis-resource-tax-backlash-rock-labor-on-budget-day/story-e6freqmx-1225864744878</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 19:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/770</guid>
			<author>Courier Mail</author>
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			<title>Peabody Lowers Bid for Australian Coal Miner, Citing Governments Proposed Tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Peabody Energy lowered its all-cash bid for Macarthur Coal, submitting an offer of 15 Australian dollars a share to value the company at $3.4 billion, as Australia prepares to impose a 40 percent tax on mining companies profits.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/11/business/global/11coal.html?src=busln</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 19:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/769</guid>
			<author>Chris Nicholson NY Times</author>
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			<title>Xstrata, BHP Billiton scrap expansion plans in Australia as new tax looms</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Some of the largest mining companies investing in Australia have put projects on hold after the government proposed a super tax on their profits - a move which has been described as the "nationalisation of 40pc of the mining industry".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/mining/7706270/Xstrata-BHP-Billiton-scrap-expansion-plans-in-Australia-as-new-tax-looms.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 19:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/768</guid>
			<author>Garry White</author>
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			<title>Peabody, Xstrata lead fallout from Australia mining tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Several global mining giants scaled back or warned over their Australian investment plans on Monday as the backlash against the governments "super profits" tax intensified.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64937S20100510</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 19:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/767</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>King Coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A "MUST READ THIS"...
The first hints for Glenn to leave town were subtle enough. He acknowledged but disregarded most of the company letters enquiring of his interest in selling; he told a company man who showed up with a huge Christmas hamper, "I dont want it. Youve ruined all my Christmases." More recently, the companys environmental consultants and lawyers have moved in: now he receives letters threatening legal action, trees near his property have been felled and his relatives have been harassed.....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.themonthly.com.au/monthly-essays-guy-pearse-king-coal--2431</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2010 19:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/766</guid>
			<author>Guy Pearse</author>
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			<title>Children NEED the wild</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A childs contact with nature will influence health in adulthood as well as having many other long-term gains, writes Ainslie MacGibbon. 

Australians relish their reputation as lovers of the great outdoors - all beach and bush - with an intimate relationship with the natural environment.

But as parents working lives become busier, cities become more crowded and technology takes more of a grip on our lives, many people - particularly children - are spending more and more time indoors.

Now the wisdom of this is being challenged by parents and by schools which are becoming concerned that children may be losing more than bush skills and suntans as they cut back on their time outside. Some Australian schools are implementing outdoor education programs to help redress the balance.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/children-respond-to-call-of-the-wild-20100509-ulqv.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 18:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/765</guid>
			<author>Ainslie MacGibbon smh</author>
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			<title>American pIg?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Could the next Greece be a state of the US, not a nation of the EU? What if the next financial domino to fall is in fact a state of the United States of America?
The Europeans could be calling for the worlds emerging economies to refill their PIGSY bank within weeks. If things get much worse they might not be able to get the money from anywhere else.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/MARK-2-MARKET-American-pig-pd20100506-575E7?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 18:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/764</guid>
			<author>Mark Carnegie</author>
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			<title>Raising taxes while Rome burns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The squeeze on Australia is starting to gather momentum as higher global and local interest rates combine with the looming resource tax induced capital strike plus a China slow-down...According to Westpac chief economist Bill Evans, borrowing spreads for Australian banks have increased by around 35 basis points to 125 basis points in the "popular" three-year maturity in the last month. That was before the resources tax. About 50 per cent of Australian bank funding comes from these overseas loans.... The federal budget will help the credit rating of Australia but the decision to slash the vast investment boom that was headed the nations way will cause the rates to rise further because Australia is now unpredictable....According to Ivor Ries writing in The Eureka Report there are "270 major resource projects in Australia undergoing feasibility studies and financing with a total capital value of $320 billion. These projects would have employed somewhere around about 120,000 people during the construction phase". ... Ries adds: "The Resources Super Profits Tax has stopped them dead in their tracks. All of those projects are now frozen. There are probably about 20,000 engineers working on these projects and by the end of the month half of them will be unemployed." ... You could not think of a worse time to introduce a tax that is not competitive with the rest of the world. No global miner will want to endorse the tax in a tough time for fear it will be spread. They will spend their cash elsewhere.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Raising-taxes-while-Rome-burns-pd20100510-5ATG6?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 18:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/763</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Swans gold mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its a strange way to conduct tax policy - announce a drastic ambit claim, watch as Australias reputation for stable and sensible governance is trashed; infuriate the mining companies and let them start crossing Australian projects off their priorities list; and then start consulting about what the tax might actually look like.....He also made it plain that BHP, at least, was serious about not going ahead with future projects if the tax is not modified. The government has no choice but to negotiate.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Swans-mining-mantra-pd20100510-5ARZX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 18:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/760</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Support for PM drops to record low</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A second opinion poll in less than a day has Labor and the coalition neck-and-neck in the minds of voters....the coalitions primary vote is up three points to 42 per cent, while Labors is down three points to 37 per cent. 

The Australian Greens are steady at 11 per cent. 

The poll differs from others in that the drift from Labor appears to have gone directly to the coalition.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Support-for-PM-drops-to-record-low-poll-5ARW3?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 18:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/759</guid>
			<author>AAP, with Reuters</author>
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			<title>Sweet victory for the mining unions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its all to do with the way the modern Labor movement coordinate political control by seducing the big corporate sector into apparent wink-wink, nudge-nudge deal making. But Labor politics has a particularly seedy side to it, in which once pulled inside the tent, insiders risk being eaten. The resources rent tax is a particularly dramatic demonstration of this.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/758</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 18:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/758</guid>
			<author>Ken Phillips - Executive Director Independent Contractors Australia</author>
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			<title>A day of reckoning for the EU</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Fear is growing that the debt crisis is now spiralling out of control, endangering not only the PIIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain), but creating turmoil in global financial markets]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-EUs-critical-test-pd20100510-5ASQB?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 17:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/757</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>How a toxic elixir destroyed the prism of trust</title>
			<description><![CDATA[KEVIN RUDD appears to have committed a fundamental breach of faith with the voter.
In just a month, he has fallen from being Australias most enduringly popular politician in 40 years to being abruptly unpopular.

He has fallen so far so fast that he is now more unpopular than Tony Abbott. The superhero of Australian public trust and popularity has become just another politician. And it was all his own work.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/how-a-toxic-elixir-destroyed-the-prism-of-trust-20100509-ulqj.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 03:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/756</guid>
			<author>PETER HARTCHER POLITICAL EDITOR</author>
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			<title>Rudd in freefall: voters lose faith</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The poll confirms a trend it detected just over a month ago when Labor toughened laws against asylum seekers. It matches the findings of Newspoll, taken last weekend, which tapped into the discontent, and will do little to dampen talk about the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, being readied to take over as leader in case Mr Rudd implodes.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/rudd-in-freefall-voters-lose-faith-20100509-ulqh.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 03:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/755</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT</author>
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			<title></title>
			<description><![CDATA[On Wednesday, Rudd met mining company chiefs in Perth, who told him they wouldnt wear the tax. They are threatening a strike of capital. The next day, the executives, a gaggle of very rich, well-fed men, appeared before the cameras. The wealthiest of them all, Fortescue Metals chief Andrew Forrest, made this absurd observation: We wouldnt all be here if Canberra had told the truth. 

.. "this is a nationalisation of 40 per cent of the mining industry" and .. the next step (into) despoti(sm)...]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/754</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 May 2010 22:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/754</guid>
			<author>Shaun Carney is associate editor smh.</author>
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			<title>For Rudd its quite atrocious</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Some of the threats and counter threats are simply posturing. The opposition indicates it would vote against the change. Rudd says if the tax goes down, so do the goodies in the package, which include lower company tax and superannuation benefits. Both threats are academic before the election - 

the legislation wont be in Parliament until after.While the Prime Minister is busy being buried by the miners, his teflon-coated deputy rises above the fray.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/for-rudd-its-quite-atrocious-20100506-ugsm.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 May 2010 22:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/753</guid>
			<author>Michelle Grattan smh</author>
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			<title>Ruddy strange policy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The miners emerged from their deep caverns this week, rather like the Orcs in Lord of the Rings, clanging metal objects together and demanding revenge. Kevin Rudd, in response, looked like someone whod given his whole body an injection of Botox.

Theres a strange trance-like quality to the Prime Minister these days. All thats left is the fixed smile and the eyes, which have developed a slight pleading quality as if to say to the oncoming truck: "Oh, Lord, let it be quick."......
As Donald Horne famously put it in TheLucky Country: "Australia is a lucky country, run by second-rate people who share its luck."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/ruddy-strange-policy-a-case-of-miners-over-madder-20100507-ujcf.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 May 2010 22:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/752</guid>
			<author>Richard Glover smh</author>
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			<title>Alas, fools gold also shimmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA["...in every year of the growth of the superannuation guarantee charge to 9 per cent of wages and salaries, unit labour costs fell and the profit share in GDP rose."... The cost was "borne exclusively by employees and not by employers"... Rudds plan raises a whole new $9-billion-a-year tax by capturing some of the profits that are currently going overseas, then spending it at home in Australia. The governments tax documents this week show that $2.5 billion of the new revenue would be unspent, but a senior member of the government says this will be announced as new spending between now and election day. In other words, it will all be spent and none saved....The Reserve Bank then has to do what the Reserve Bank has to do - raise interest rates... If the government puts the proceeds of the mining tax into a sovereign fund, as Norway does, held offshore in foreign currencies, it will not add to overheating. And the money will be saved against the day the boom runs out.

McKibbin and other serious economists favour this idea. So does one political party - the Greens. Rudd is raising a new tax just to spend it, risking persistently high interest rates and lower economic growth for years, just to offer fools gold to working families. And by expecting them to fall for it, he is treating them like fools.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/751</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 May 2010 22:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/751</guid>
			<author>PETER HARTCHER</author>
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			<title>Policies overboard</title>
			<description><![CDATA[REMEMBER the 2020 Summit? Sir Kevin flung open the doors of Parliament and in you all thundered to victoriously reclaim a seat at the table after years of political exile.

Happy days, butchers paper all round, flow charts aplenty. Australia, you all agreed, would become a compassionate country: inclusive, decent, progressive, reformist, equitable and just. There would be tax reform, a bill of rights, and wed all sit down and have a serious chinwag about becoming a republic.

Well, its back out into the cold the lot of you, you baby-boomer, Whitlam-loving pinkos. Sir Kevin no longer requires your services. And leave the magic markers at the door on your way out.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/policies-overboard-20100508-ukuf.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 May 2010 21:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/750</guid>
			<author>Josh Gordon smh</author>
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			<title>Labor and angry miners look set for a blue of epic proportions</title>
			<description><![CDATA["This decision looks superficially attractive. But the intelligence and views of senior analysts in New York and elsewhere suggests they are totally nonplussed and that there will be a flight of capital over the next six months. A lot depends upon how much and how quickly the capital disappears. It is a degree of financial risk we have not seen in this country since the 1970s. This decision is naive. It is a tax on profits, not a super profits tax at all. Australias reputation is being trashed by Kevin Rudds irresponsible action and this government is out of its depth. "
the tax does not replace state royalties but involves instead a rebate for them; and the complex design that involves government as a silent equity partner to 40 per cent of every resources project via a new tax allowance that also means government bears a share of the risk.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/labor-and-angry-miners-look-set-for-a-blue-of-epic-proportions/story-e6frg6zo-1225863814164</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 May 2010 23:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/749</guid>
			<author>Paul Kelly, Editor-at-large</author>
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			<title>Big mining bosses to rally army of shareholders</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The rhetoric of the Prime Minister and the union movement this week was that overseas-based mining bosses were growing fat on the profits of Australias plentiful minerals...
The miners launched newspaper ads yesterday to counter one of the governments chief arguments -- that they dont pay enough taxes. The full-page advertisements pointed out that the resources sectors tax payments had increased from $2.6 billion in 1999 to $21.9bn last year.

And they plan to have set up by the end of the weekend a website called "Keep mining strong".

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche gave a strong speech in Brisbane yesterday and turned around Mr Rudds rhetoric by pointing out that mining companies paid 18 per cent of company income tax although the sector made up only 8 per cent of the national economy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/big-mining-bosses-to-rally-army-of-shareholders/story-e6frg9df-1225863820161</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 May 2010 23:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/748</guid>
			<author>Andrew Fraser</author>
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			<title>Wayne Swan double-crossed us: miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Almost $25bn has been wiped off the stockmarket value of Australias 100 biggest listed mineral and energy companies since the announcement.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/in-depth/wayne-swan-double-crossed-us-miners/story-fn5eo6td-1225863840239</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 May 2010 23:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/747</guid>
			<author>Matthew Stevens and Dennis Shanahan</author>
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			<title>Kevs Party sours as voters take aim</title>
			<description><![CDATA[People think Rudd untrustworthy. You can hear it in cafes, taxis, at work and homes, and if you listen hard enough you can even hear it in cabinet. He will lead Labor to the election but having taken just 18 months to turn himself from messiah to pariah in opinion polls, he no longer walks on water.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/kevs-party-sours-as-voters-take-aim-20100507-ujo5.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 May 2010 21:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/746</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>Cessnock council joins push for tests on health</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CESSNOCK City Council has joined the push for the State Government to assess the impact of the mining industry on local communities.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/cessnock-council-joins-push-for-tests-on-health/1824043.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 May 2010 21:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/745</guid>
			<author>DONNA SHARPE</author>
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			<title>Hunter has the highest proportion of children diagnosed with asthma in the state</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The 2007-2008 Report on Child Health findings add more weight to calls for a population health study into the impacts of the Hunters coalmining and power-generation industries.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-high-in-child-asthma-and-obesity-rates/1823156.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 20:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/744</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY HEALTH REPORTER</author>
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			<title>Rio wont be alone on the shelf</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rio Tinto may, as it said today, have made no decision to shelve billions of dollars of prospective investment as a result of the Rudd governments proposed super tax on resource sector profits but it has put those investments on a shelf. Right across the industry, others will be doing the same.... Rio wont make a significant investment decision until the uncertainty hanging over the detail of the tax - and the entire sector - is removed. Given that the consultation period for the tax could be a year or more, that might be a while - and the industry may be as hostile to its eventual form as it now is to its outline....
Rio wont be alone. It would be irresponsible for any company and its board - and perhaps dangerous in terms of liability - to commit to investing new capital in a resources project until the new tax arrangements have become known and certain.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rio-Tinto-Henry-review-resource-rent-tax-RSPT-pd20100506-577HB?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 20:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/743</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Welcome to high-risk Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[After the big fall on Wall Street last night my nervousness has doubled because we have a government that is playing a very dangerous game with our future at a time of world instability.... When panic sets in on a market, as occurred on Wall Street last night, the world is never the same again... Confidence has been broken and it will take a long time to repair. Eddington believes that, as it is presently constituted, the governments proposed super profits tax is likely to hinder the confidence of global bankers and institutions that currently fund about half the loans in the Australian banking system....
Europe is headed towards decline and perhaps recession. The great danger is that we will have another banking confidence crisis.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rod-Eddington-Santos-resource-tax-pd20100507-57SLA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 19:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/742</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Revolt at Xstrata as barely half its shareholding backs bosses pay</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The revolt comes amid growing shareholder disapproval of large increases in remuneration packages. Although the votes are largely symbolic, they can be used to embarrass boards into changing company policy on pay.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article7117534.ece</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 19:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/741</guid>
			<author>David Robertson</author>
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			<title>Emperor Krudd Unmasked</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Kevin Rudd has done something unforgivable in politics, and he will not be forgiven either by his party or the electorate. He has allowed the disguise to fall.

The cynicism of politicians is usually covered by the mask of conviction - of apparently deeply-held beliefs that provide an appealing alternative narrative to the grubby and brutish business of collecting money and funnelling it to vested interests and marginal seats, while at the same time engaging in a spin war against the opposing team of spinners.

It doesnt really matter what the beliefs are, as long as there are some. It might be patriotism flavoured with xenophobia, or modernising the economy, or reconciliation with the indigenous people, or the "great moral challenge of our time" (to quote Kevin Rudd) - reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

That sort of narrative allows the nation to engage in an elevated debate on what are felt to be important issues, rather than simply watching on as a bunch of sleazy politicians scrap over the spoils of office, and then spend two or three years watching the winner feast on power while stumbling through the rigors of national administration.
Kevin Rudd has now thrown off pretence. It is plain to all that he is engaged in nothing more than a desperate grab for continued power and the money to fund it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudd-Resource-Tax-pd20100506-56TSJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 21:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/740</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>A mammoth capital strike looms - Unlike voters, capital will not tolerate its Subjugation to the Whim of the State.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[At this stage its just private words to selected journalists and few decisions have been made, but Australia is on the brink of the greatest capital strike in its history and one of the largest ever seen in the world...
As we saw in the medical area, Rudd just put the proposal on the table and tried to bully his way through. But miners are much tougher than state premiers and the international majors have a raft of projects in other countries that will now take precedence over Australia. They can wait until sanity returns down under...
But it gets worse for Australia. The flower of confidence has been trampled on by our Prime Minister and no one will want to go ahead with a major project unless there is an act of parliament setting the tax rate forever.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-RIO-TINO-capital-strike-resource-rent-tax-pd20100506-56SMK?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/739</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Super-tax takes spark out of CSG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[QUEENSLANDS burgeoning coal seam gas sector is feeling the heat from the federal governments plan to slug resource profits with a 40% tax, with shares in CSG hopefuls slumping up to 18% this week.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.petroleumnews.net/storyview.asp?storyid=1135342&amp;sectionsource=s0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 21:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/738</guid>
			<author>Marija Stojkovic</author>
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			<title>Twiggys root and branch shakedown</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The sharemarket has delivered a brutal assessment of who it thinks were the winners and losers from the Henry tax review - and mining entrepreneurs are in the gun. 

A staggering $12 billion was wiped off the value of Australian mining shares, led down by BHP Billiton shares (down 3 per cent), Rio Tinto (down 4.3 per cent) and Santos (down 4.6 per cent).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Fortescue-Mining-FMG-BHP-Billiton-Rio-Tinto-Santos-pd20100504-555K7?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 00:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/737</guid>
			<author>James Thomson</author>
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			<title>Rudd in talks with miners over new tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA["This is a monstrous action and my expectation is that this wont come to the parliament until next term. My expectation is that it would be either dumped or fundamentally changed." 

Mr Robb and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott met with senior executives from BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday morning. 

Billions of dollars have been wiped off the value of resource companies since the announcement of the tax proposal on Sunday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudd-in-discussions-with-miners-over-new-tax-repor-pd20100505-55TLK?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp6&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 00:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/736</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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			<title>Australian miners flex industrial muscle in support of Xstrata shareholders revolt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A delegation of four coal miners from New South Wales and Queensland will travel to the AGM in remote Zug Switzerland, where Xstrata has its headquarters.

CFMEU Mining and Energy Vice President and delegation leader Wayne McAndrew said the mining giant had spent the last year fighting a 3 % pay rise for mine workers, while Mick Davis earned $US7.75 million last year, a payrise of 41 % compared with the $US5.5 million he picked up in 2008.

"Xstratas Australian coal operations are the most profitable parts of the companys extensive global operations. Yet one quarter of Xstratas Australian coal mining operations currently face industrial disputes or unrest because of the companys anti worker stance"]]></description>
			<link>http://myzug.ch/2010/05/04/australian-miners-flex-industrial-muscle-in-support-of-xstrata-shareholders-revolt/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 00:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/735</guid>
			<author>Geschrieben von armin</author>
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			<title>Political risk premium soars</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The most interesting announcements on this mornings London Stock Exchange are the squeals of pain from BHP Billiton and Xstrata, which have laid into the Australian governments weekend announcement of a new 40% tax on the substantial profits earned from mineral and resource extraction in Australia. The Australian government wants the multi-billion dollar tax proceeds to finance tax cuts for other businesses, whose aim is to make corporate contributions into pension schemes more affordable. The fall in the share prices of BHP, Xstrata and Rio Tinto reverberates around the world, and especially in the UK where they represent a significant slug of the overall value of the stock market.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/2010/05/political_risk_premium_soars.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 00:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/734</guid>
			<author>Robert Peston bbc</author>
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			<title>Super Tax on BHP, Xstrata May Stall Mining M&A (Update5)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[May 4 (Bloomberg) -- BHP Billiton Ltd. and Xstrata Plcs expansion and acquisitions plans may stall on Australias plan to increase taxes on mining companies, whose profits have surged A$80 billion ($74 billion) in the past decade.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-04/-super-tax-on-bhp-xstrata-may-stall-mining-m-a-update5-.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 00:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/733</guid>
			<author>By Rebecca Keenan and Elisabeth Behrmann</author>
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			<title>Swan plays down wealth fund to manage resources tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has played down the possibility of a sovereign wealth fund to manage the benefits of a mining boom, saying the money was better invested in personal superannuation funds.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australian-Treasuer-plays-down-wealth-fund-54RNP?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 00:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/732</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Mining shares sink on resources tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australian mining shares tumbled on fears that the federal governments proposed 40 per cent tax on resource firms could jeopardise huge new investments and stymie takeover activity in the sector.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-Billiton-disappointed-with-resources-tax-pd20100502-53B3N?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 00:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/731</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Rudds lost opportunity on housing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Arguably the best characterisation of the value of the ownership aspiration can be found in Robert Menzies iconic 1942 speech entitled, The Forgotten People. For those who have not been exposed to his words before, Menzies claimed.."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/What-does-the-Henry-Review-mean-for-housing-pd20100503-53S9T?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Property&amp;blog=Concrete%20Detail&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 May 2010 17:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/730</guid>
			<author>Christopher Joye</author>
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			<title>Henrys resourceful proposal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The implications for the Australian economy are clear. We are sitting on a large proportion of the worlds most valuable resources. These resources are of absolutely limited supply and their value will keep going up. And up and up. This means we have all the time in the world to extract them and the longer we leave it the more value we will get for doing so.
.... "Hell hath no fury like a vested interest disguised as a moral principle.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Henrys-resourceful-policy-pd20100430-4Z4A9?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Resources%20&amp;%20Energy&amp;blog=Eco%20Watch&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 May 2010 16:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/729</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding</author>
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			<title>Rudd Nationalises Mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It is described as turning the government into a 40 per cent equity partner in all of Australias major resources projects. Under the plan, the government will guarantee to contribute 40 per cent of the investment cost of a resource project through the tax system, including cash refunds in some cases, and take 40 per cent of the profits.

The government says it will treat any new investment from today on as it would under the new system - "to avoid any distortions to investment during the interim period".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Henry-Tax-Review-resources-rent-tax-super-pd20100502-536S5?OpenDocument&amp;src=rab</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 19:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/728</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Dont lose this blueprint</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The report produced by the Henry Committee presents, for the first time, a clear vision of what a good taxation system would look like...

(some good ideas)

Yes, sounds good - but very courageous, Minister.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Henry-Tax-Review-Ken-Henry-resources-rent-tax-pd20100502-538AV?OpenDocument&amp;src=spb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 19:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/727</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>BHP Billiton disappointed with resources tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA["If implemented, these proposals seriously threaten Australias competitiveness, jeopardise future investments and will adversely impact the future wealth and standard of living of all Australians," Mr Kloppers said. 

Mr Kloppers added that with the full implementation of the proposed tax to take some time to come through the full implication of the measures on the industry cannot yet be ascertained. 

"However, this significant new tax will have the effect of making investments in Australia much less attractive," he warned.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHP-Billiton-disappointed-with-resources-tax-pd20100502-53B3N?OpenDocument&amp;src=tnb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 19:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/726</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>HENRY TAX REVIEW: Its politics, not reform</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The team of five headed by Treasury Secretary Ken Henry has produced 138 recommendations that make up a compellingly comprehensive vision for Australias future tax and transfer system. It is a great document - probably the best tax review ever produced in this country.

Amazingly, the government has almost entirely ignored it. After five months of leaking and spinning since the report was handed to him, the Treasurer has picked up exactly 1.75 of its 138 recommendations, or a bit over 1 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/HENRY-TAX-REVIEW-Its-politics-not-reform-pd20100502-537EG?OpenDocument&amp;src=spb</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 19:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/725</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Miners to face 40% tax on their super profit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The tax, which mirrors the resource rent tax applied to all offshore petroleum projects, will apply to profits after extraction costs are paid and capital investment is recouped.... The government will also guarantee to contribute 40 per cent of a resource projects investment costs through the RSPT.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Resources-Miners-to-face-40-tax-on-their-profit-pd20100502-537NP?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 19:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/724</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Govt says miners short-changed taxpayers $35 billion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government says the Australian mining industry has short-changed taxpayers out of $35 billion over the last five years of the boom, The Australian reports.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Govt-says-miners-short-changed-taxpayers-35-billio-pd20100501-4ZRSD?OpenDocument&amp;src=mp</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 May 2010 23:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/723</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Tear up the shopping list, Mr Rudd</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Kevin Rudd has found a fresh enthusiasm for the Ken Henrys sweeping tax review, but hes primarily interested is in how hell spend the extra billions of dollars that will flow into Canberras coffers as a result of the reports key recommendations, rather than the challenge of reshaping the countrys tax system.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Kevin-Rudd-Henry-Review-tax-super-pd20100430-4YSUF?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 May 2010 23:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/722</guid>
			<author>Karen Mailey</author>
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			<title>Why SMEs will cheer a resource tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[SME=Small Manufacturing Enterprises eg family farm, self employed contractors etc]Access Economics warned yesterday that borrowers are expected to bear the brunt of the recovery with interest rates rising to "above normal" levels as the economy picks up pace. 

But rising interest rates means upward pressure on our exchange rate. When the exchange rate goes up, prices for manufactured imports go down. And up go the prices on sensitive exports that we sell - like manufactured goods. So SMEs lucky enough to be exporting find it harder to compete locally against imports, and at the same time struggle with overseas competition there.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Resource-tax-pd20100428-4WVS7?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Financial%20Services,%20Resources%20&amp;%20Energy&amp;blog=On%20Credit&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/721</guid>
			<author>Nick Samios</author>
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			<title>Huge increase in super contributions tax flagged</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The federal government is considering almost doubling the tax on superannuation contributions from 15 per cent to as much as 30 per cent under the Henry tax review, according to The Australian Financial Review.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Huge-increase-in-super-contributions-tax-possibili-pd20100429-4XSH3?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp8&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/720</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Miners should pay the rent</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There is a very persuasive view in Canberra that most Australians are missing out on a big chunk of the benefits from the massive surge in commodity prices that were currently witnessing. Instead, the benefits from the countrys non-renewable resources are being showered on the mining companys shareholders - many of whom are offshore - and on the senior executives of the mining companies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/resource-rent-tax-henry-tax-review-mining-companie-pd20100427-4W7FU?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/719</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Labor on the mat in NSW and Victoria</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LABOR is in trouble in the two most populous states, with the latest Newspoll showing the Coalition has overtaken Labors primary vote in Victoria for the first time in two years, while Kristina Keneallys popularity in NSW has failed to deliver her government any bounce.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/state-politics/labor-on-the-mat-in-two-states/story-e6frgczx-1225858545852</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/718</guid>
			<author>Imre Salusinszky and Milanda Rout From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>PM delays emissions trading scheme as inconvenient political truth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AFTER months of avoiding even mentioning an emissions trading scheme Kevin Rudd has formally dumped Labors Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme until at least after the next election, and possibly the one after that. 
After months of refusing to defend or promote the answer to the greatest moral and economic challenge "of our time" or to propose an alternative the Prime Minister has simply put it off as an inconvenient political truth and tried to blame the Coalition and the Greens for obstruction in the Senate.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/pm-delays-emissions-trading-scheme-as-inconvenient-political-truth/story-e6frg75f-1225858920473</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/717</guid>
			<author>Dennis Shanahan, Political Editor From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>MPs urged to boycott Newcastle coal-loader opening over non-union agreement</title>
			<description><![CDATA[STATE and Federal Hunter MPs, and potentially NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, have been urged to boycott the opening of Newcastles new $1 billion coal loader because of a non-union agreement governing its operations.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mps-urged-to-boycott-newcastle-coalloader-opening-over-nonunion-agreement/1813075.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/716</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
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			<title>Cliffs crumbled due to coalmining, says new report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DOZENS of cliffs have crumbled or collapsed, Aboriginal rock art has been destroyed and metre-wide cracks opened in the earth as a result of coalmining in the Gardens of Stone wilderness area near Lithgow, an independent report has found.
The damage, inflicted over three decades by five coal mines and continuing today, is caused by subsidence from longwall mining, which now almost surrounds the Gardens of Stone National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Site.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/cliffs-crumbled-due-to-coalmining-says-new-report-20100426-tnbk.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/715</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby ENVIRONMENT EDITOR smh</author>
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			<title>Hottest late April in 88 years</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NOT since the April days of 1922 has Sydney had such a run of warm weather so late in autumn...But as the end of the month nears, 21 of 26 days so far have been above the long-term April average of 22.4 degrees. The average temperature so far this month has been 25.1 degrees.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/hottest-late-april-in-88-years-20100426-tnby.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/714</guid>
			<author>Ellie Harvey smh</author>
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			<title>Coal company donated $23,000 to ALP - Gets Common Free</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE operator of the coalmine that has been granted access by the State Government to Camberwell Common donated $23,200 to the NSW Labor Party in six months last year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-company-donated-23000-to-alp/1811695.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/713</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
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			<title>Hunters bid for more coalmining royalties may hit pay dirt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In WA 25% of mining royalties are dedicated to regional development. And we are supposed to be thrilled with 1%? What a disgrace! We should tell NSW where to go! See how this arrogant NSW government fares when the Hunter secedes and takes 32% of NSW GDP with it!]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunters-bid-for-more-coalmining-royalties-may-hit-pay-dirt/1812399.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/712</guid>
			<author>"Nobbys Head"</author>
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			<title>US EPA moves on mountaintop coal mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In order to protect people and remove coal as one of the biggest roadblocks to a clean energy future, Earthjustice is using litigation and advocacy to target every stage of coals dirty lifespan.]]></description>
			<link>http://unearthed.earthjustice.org/blog/2010-april/momentum-builds-against-mountaintop-removal-mining</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/711</guid>
			<author>earthjustice.org</author>
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			<title>Peoples Court finds Xstrata, partner guilty of environment abuse</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A rebel court has ordered the arrest of executives of a mining firm and its local partner operating in Mindanao, after finding them guilty of abusing the environment and local residents.

The Peoples Court of Far South Mindanao ordered the New Peoples Army (NPA) to arrest officers of Swiss miner XStrata plc and top-level representatives of local partner Sagittarius Mines, Inc.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gmanews.tv/story/189318/peoples-court-finds-xstrata-partner-guilty-of-environment-abuse</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/710</guid>
			<author>GMA News TV</author>
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			<title>Reject Xstrata chiefs pay deal, says Manifest</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Mick Davis received upper quartile salary in terms of sector, index, market cap and turnover peer group comparison. He also received pension contributions equivalent to 160pc of his salary along with a very healthy bonus of nearly three times salary."..."Xstratas board will likely again need major shareholder, Glencore International, to come to the rescue to ensure shareholders give the remuneration report resolution majority support.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/mining/7629231/Reject-Xstrata-chiefs-pay-deal-says-Manifest.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/709</guid>
			<author>Lawrie Holmest TELEGRAPH uk</author>
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			<title>Peoples Court Finds Xstrata GUILTY</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In an en banc resolution of the Peoples Court -- FSMR, the multinational mining company Xstrata-SMI has been found guilty for the continuing plunder of our natural resources and is causing irreversible damage to the watersheds and the major river systems in south central Mindanao.]]></description>
			<link>http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2010/04/peoples-court-of-fsmr-finds-xstrata-smi.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 11:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/708</guid>
			<author>PRWC</author>
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			<title>Protests mark Earth Day commemoration in Mindanao</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Some 1,700 protesters marched around the town center of Tampakan in South Cotabato to demand the pull-out of XSTRATA-Sagitarius Mines Incorporated in the province.

"We have to protect the lifelines of the communities in Tampakan and other areas otherwise our dignity as human beings will be lost eventually," said Fr. Gillarme Joy Pelino, Vicar of Tampakan Parish, who joined the rally.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20100422031512</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/707</guid>
			<author>Mindanao Examiner</author>
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			<title>On debt row</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Do you realise that the average Australian will spend a year of his or her life working just to pay the interest on their credit card? Thats 365 days of their life down the gurgler being a slave of a small piece of plastic.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/MARK-2-MARKET-On-debt-row-pd20100421-4Q693?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/706</guid>
			<author>Mark Carnegie</author>
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			<title>Bisson Seeks Answers on Minings Future in Ontario</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Bissons concern was that in Timmins, Xstrata is closing down the companys smelter, and reporting to Premier McGuinty that "there will not be other refinery smelters being built in the province of Ontario, including the project up at the Ring of Fire."

That would leave Ontario simply as a primary resource extraction province.]]></description>
			<link>http://netnewsledger.com/?p=380</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/705</guid>
			<author>Ontario NetNewsledger.com</author>
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			<title>Coal giants and gas firms set for clash</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE massive ramp-up planned in Queensland coal seam gas production to feed Gladstone liquefied natural gas plants could face delays as key players look to develop acreage the states coalminers also have their eyes on. 
It is believed miners, including BHP Billiton and Brazils Vale, have raised concerns over the potential for drawn-out disputes over exploration tenements they share with CSG producers, who want to drill hundreds of wells on the ground to source their gas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/coal-giants-and-gas-firms-set-for-clash/story-e6frg8zx-1225857164082</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/704</guid>
			<author>Matt Chambers From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>jobs to be lost after home insulation program scrapped</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Anybody with a white card, which takes five hours to obtain, and the ability to get insurance was able to get in on the game," ...The bungled insulation program will go down as probably the worst single government initiative in Australias history,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/many-jobs-to-be-lost-after-home-insulation-program-scrapped-firms-say/story-e6frgczf-1225857066211</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/703</guid>
			<author>Joe Kelly and AAP From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Greg Combet calls time on dangerous waste</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Rudd Government has been forced into a further humiliating backdown on its $2.45 billion roofing insulation scheme as a result of being told the entire plan was poorly executed and has not achieved its aims on job creation, power saving or greenhouse gas abatement.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/greg-combet-calls-time-on-dangerous-waste/story-e6frg75f-1225856969092</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/702</guid>
			<author>Dennis Shanahan, Political Editor From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>The carbon strangler</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Total employment in industries at risk is 70,000, and most of these people work in facilities that would continue to be viable under a carbon pricing regime. By comparison, tariff cuts reduced employment in the motor industry by 55,000 and the textiles clothing and footwear industry by 64,000. 

There are currently 9000 people employed in the electricity generation industry, "the only sector of the electricity industry whose employment will be substantially affected by carbon pricing", yet improvements in electricity sector productivity between 1985 and 2000 led to a reduction in total employment from 330,000 to 154,000. .... read on,,,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/carbon-trading-CPRS-ETS-Kevin-Rudd-pd20100422-4QSEA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/701</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Call for aluminium smelters to be allowed to fail</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIA would be better off letting its aluminium smelters and oil refineries close -- and watching the industries and jobs shift overseas -- than propping them up with the free carbon permits proposed under the governments emissions trading scheme. 
A comprehensive report by the Grattan Institute think tank, to be released today, labels the estimated $22 billion to be handed to polluters in the next decade to cope with the ETS a waste of taxpayers money.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/call-for-aluminium-smelters-to-be-allowed-to-fail/story-e6frg8zx-1225856607758</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/700</guid>
			<author>Clive Mathieson From: The Australian</author>
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			<title>Panel to focus on coalmine pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A PERMANENT panel of experts on air pollution has been set up after a long campaign by Hunter Valley residents and the media to test the effect of pollution from coalmines and power plants.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/panel-to-focus-on-coalmine-pollution-20100421-t0lz.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/699</guid>
			<author>Nick O'Malley INVESTIGATIONS</author>
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			<title>Court ruling blocking mine access sidestepped</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The court uncovered a regime in NSW where miners have for years been allowed to enter private land ... and take shortcuts with the environment and landholders rights,,,Now they have been caught out, the governments reaction is not to uphold the law but instead totally rewrite it to the benefit of the powerful mining lobby ... The message from minister Macdonald is clear: coal is king in NSW and let nothing stand in its way, including the law.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/court-ruling-blocking-mine-access-sidestepped-20100420-sru7.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/698</guid>
			<author>BRIAN ROBINS AND BEN CUBBY</author>
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		<item>
			<title>inept State Labor Government is looking to axe up to 185 jobs at the Department of Industry and Investment</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its just appalling that this Government thinks it can continue to neglect vital agricultural services purely because of its own financial mismanagement," he said.

 "How it can continue to poor money down the drain, such as the $500 million from the failed Rozelle Metro project and then expect to save money by axing key services for regional NSW is just unacceptable.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nsw.nationals.org.au/news/latest-news/it-would-be-better-is-whan-took-a-redundancy-not-185-key-dii-staff.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/697</guid>
			<author>NSW Nationals</author>
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			<title>Plant still polluting river beyond guidelines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Independent water quality tests taken in 2008 and 2009 established that the river near the power station was contaminated with high levels of heavy metals including zinc, copper and manganese, 125 times more sulphate than surrounding streams and just 5 per cent of the oxygen that most fish need.

The rivers acidity levels were up to 1000 times higher than in nearby creeks, and the river was 80 times saltier than it should be]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/plant-still-polluting-river-beyond-guidelines-20100419-spef.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/696</guid>
			<author>BEN CUBBY, ENVIRONMENT EDITOR smh</author>
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			<title>The equity hole in Chinas housing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[while the Chinese property bubble can last for now, "the longer the bubble lasts, the more damage it will do to the economy."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-home-loans-banks-pd20100413-4FSVD?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/695</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Leading the charge to smart energy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Go on with business as usual, the company says, and national greenhouse gas emissions then will be 849 million tonnes (versus 607 Mt today and a Rudd government target of 525 Mt in 2020). Siemens argues that, with the right approach to energy, Australian, with a population of 28 million in 2030, can target emissions of 400 Mt.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Siemens-electrifying-vision-pd20100412-4F438?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Resources%20&amp;%20Energy&amp;blog=Powerline&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/694</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
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			<title>Kings vision of power</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australians are being prepped for steep rises in energy costs - partly the result of the proposed emissions trading scheme. But that is not quite the whole story, according to Grant King, the CEO of Origin Energy.

He thinks the price of energy to consumers might be three times the current tariff by 2020 - a situation not inflated because we might have a carbon price, but because of the real possibility that we wont have one.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/A-Kings-vision-of-power-pd20100414-4GS27?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/693</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>At least the Swiss Government are talking</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata boss Mick Davis might not be too keen on meeting with us, but at least representatives of the country his billion-dollar company calls home are.

This week myself and the Miners Union National Executive Tony Maher, Andrew Vickers and Ian Murray met with the Swiss Ambassador to Australia and the Consul General in Sydney to talk about Xstrata.]]></description>
			<link>http://xstratafacts.com/content/least-swiss-are-talking-us</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/692</guid>
			<author>Wayne McAndrew xstratafacts.com</author>
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			<title>Australia: The Xstrata Experience; Restructuring, Redundancies And Potential Reinstatement</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The recent decision of Henry Jon Howarth and Ors v Ulan Coal Mines Limited (Ulan Case) in Fair Work Australia (FWA) has demonstrated that where an employer restructures its business in order to up-skill its workforce, it may walk a fine line between genuine redundancy and unfair dismissal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mondaq.com/australia/article.asp?articleid=98410</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/691</guid>
			<author>Martin Osborne and Sarah Ralph</author>
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			<title>May Day to feature Tahmoor mineworkers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata is still refusing to negotiate in good faith. It has used dirty tactics, including a week-long lock-out (with no pay), to wear the workers down. Xstratas proposed agreement strips away the working and safety protections of its workforce.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.greenleft.org.au/2010/834/42920</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/690</guid>
			<author>Chris Williams, Wollongong</author>
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			<title>China has the whip hand</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the global financial crisis has suddenly catapulted China into global economic superiority. The Chinese military build up and Americas concentration of air defence spending on the disastrous Joint Strike Fighter development, plus Chinas access to the superior Russian aircraft developments, means that before the decade is out China may have both global economic and defence superiority.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Next-in-line-for-superiority-pd20100414-4GRYC?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/689</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Villagers fuming after their common is handed to mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CAMBERWELL has had a village common since the state governor granted the little stretch of flood plain around Glennies Creek to the people in 1890s. Since then villagers have kept their horses and dairy cows on the plot and their children have used the land for fishing, swimming and riding.

All that ended yesterday morning. A pair of officers from the Department of Lands arrived, called together members of the common trust, and told them the Crown land would be immediately resumed and turned over to the Ashton mine]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/villagers-fuming-after-their-common-is-handed-to-mine-20100415-shs4.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/688</guid>
			<author>Nick O'Malley smh investigations</author>
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			<title>Govt seizes common land in coal mine dispute</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The New South Wales Government has taken over control of an Upper Hunter Valley common after its trustees denied access for the Ashton coal mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/16/2874509.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/687</guid>
			<author>ABC News</author>
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			<title>Rudds tax Trojan Horse</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The premiers and the prime minister are pretending to talk about health reform for the cameras this week, but they are actually talking about John Howards reckless decision in 1998 to give the states all of the GST....Kevin Rudds health reform plan is a Trojan Horse to reverse it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/COAG-Kevin-Rudd-GST-health-reform-economy-pd20100420-4NSGE?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/686</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Xstrata holds firm on decision to cut Timmins jobs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Once Xstrata closes its copper and zinc metallurgical operations the spin-off job losses could number an estimated 4,000 throughout the province, union groups say. This is expected to devastate Timmins, which has a population of 45,000.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thestar.com/business/article/796759--xstrata-holds-firm-on-decision-to-cut-timmins-jobs</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/685</guid>
			<author>Tanya Talaga - the Star.com</author>
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			<title>Double Standard</title>
			<description><![CDATA[VALE INCO AND XSTRATA ARE SETTING US UP!!!!..Do not think that they are not scheming together from the beginning.Xstrata..first of all they layed us off, then a year later made an offer enough that we accepted. NOW..we still dont have a job and they are hiring contracters as Vale Inco is &amp; paying them big bucks to attract the Inco strikers that are at their ends &amp; are desperate now and need to absolutly work to support their family]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thesudburystar.com/Blogs/ViewCommunityPage.aspx?BlogID=7404</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/684</guid>
			<author>Sudbury Star</author>
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			<title>Xstrata chief Mick Davis paid £27m last year</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mick Davis, the chief executive of Xstrata, took home a total of £27m last year, it has emerged in the latest revelation of bumper remuneration packages that are fuelling political and public anger.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/7579233/Xstrata-chief-Mick-Davis-paid-27m-last-year.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/683</guid>
			<author>Rachel Cooper Telegraph UK</author>
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			<title>Hunter health problems go undiagnosed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[it is the fine and ultra fine particles in coal dust that international scientists are dubbing the new asbestos. If the Government will not launch a comprehensive health inquiry the public deserves a clear explanation why. Otherwise people will be left to ponder whether the massive royalties flowing from coal companies to the Government are whats dulling the Governments reaction. This may also explain why this Government continually fails to crack down on polluting coal companies, leading to dust, noise and water pollution. If the Premier continues to flee from this pressing issue of health problems in the Upper Hunter she faces a big fight from coal communities searching for answers.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/stories/s2872382.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/682</guid>
			<author>ABC The Drum</author>
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			<title>A Dirty Business</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the hidden costs of the coal boom, and dark deeds in a once green and pleasant land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/special_eds/20100412/dirt/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/681</guid>
			<author>Andrew Fowler</author>
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			<title>China reports March trade deficit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas $US7.24 billion deficit in March, the first time the trade balance has been in the red since April 2004, mainly reflected strong imports of oil, raw materials and cars,....while exports rose 24.3 per cent in March from a year earlier to $US112.11 billion, imports surged 66 per cent to $US119.35 billion.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-reports-rare-trade-deficit-in-March-4D63V?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp3&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/680</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Macarthur says no offer from Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Macarthur Coal Ltd says it has not received a takeover proposal from Swiss miner Xstrata and is seeking clarification from Noble Group Ltd about its voting intentions....
Last week, Macarthur rejected an all-share offer worth $3.71 billion from local rival New Hope Corporation Ltd and a $3.56 billion cash offer from US coal miner Peabody Energy, saying it was still in favour of its Gloucester deal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Macarthur-not-received-Xstrata-proposal-pd20100412-4F2EE?OpenDocument&amp;src=tnb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/679</guid>
			<author>staff reporter, with Reuters</author>
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			<title>Coalmine pleads guilty to overloading trucks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE owner of the Chain Valley Bay coalmine is facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines after pleading guilty yesterday to severely overloading coal trucks.
..
LakeCoal was initially charged with 75 breaches.

Most of the trucks that were severely in breach of mass requirements were overloaded by 10 to 13 tonnes, however one truck was overloaded by 14.35 tonnes, court documents stated.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coalmine-pleads-guilty-to-overloading-trucks/1798985.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/678</guid>
			<author>STEPHEN RYAN Newcastle herald</author>
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			<title>Hunter landowner says mine plan about greed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A JERRYS Plains landowner appointed to a consultative committee for the controversial Doyles Creek underground mine proposal has resigned in frustration, describing the process as "a farce".
Allen Berry, a businessman who said his family had been in Jerrys Plains for seven generations, said the public had been "hoodwinked" over the Doyles Creek proposal.
The State Government justified the price and lack of the usual tender because Doyles Creek was a training mine but the owners have listed the business on the Perth Stock Exchange, and the training aspect is now described as "an extension" of the main business, which will be underground coalmining for the export market.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-landowner-says-mine-plan-about-greed/1798990.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/677</guid>
			<author>Ian Kirkwood Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Less can be more</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia emerged from the global financial crisis as the second wealthiest large economy in the world. While nearly every other Western nation was struck hard by the crisis, Australia was insulated in large part by a historic resources boom in China. Thus, among countries of more than 10 million people, Australia now ranks only behind the United States in per capita wealth.

My source for this is the Central Intelligence Agency, not a dull organisation, even when it is gathering statistics...
Why should coming generations be expected to carry a burden far heavier than all previous generations? Failure to raise the pension age is a breach of generational faith.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/less-can-be-more-for-people-pensions-and-government-20100411-s0ov.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/676</guid>
			<author>PAUL SHEEHAN smh</author>
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			<title>Health study denied despite cancer cluster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We have been sacrificed to the industry. FIVE residents around a single block in Singleton have been struck with brain tumours, prompting fears that a cancer cluster has erupted in the heavily polluted mining town.
Industry figures released last month also showed mines emitted 18 million kilograms of dust, 7.4 million kilograms of nitrogen oxides and 4.9 million kilograms of carbon monoxide around Singleton in 2008-09..
If our health was an important issue for this government we would not have to be asking for help]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/health-study-denied-despite-cancer-cluster-20100411-s0w6.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/675</guid>
			<author>Nick O'Malley smh</author>
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			<title>MARK-2-MARKET: The coming storm</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The threat of the banks not having their loans renewed in the European interbank system was the nightmare that confronted the government in the darkest days of the GFC. There was the real threat that one of the big four banks would have gone insolvent over one particular weekend if the government had not stepped in. That is why the government, that gloomy and dangerous Sunday 12 October 2008, gave our banks a blanket government guarantee. The guarantee was needed to allow the debt to be rolled over and to avoid economic Armageddon.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/CARNEGIE-The-coming-storm-pd20100408-4B37G?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/674</guid>
			<author>Mark Carnegie</author>
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			<title>Paint the town yellow</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata communities will soon be decked out in yellow with new Xstrata Community Hazard campaign materials set to arrive in all Xstrata lodges in the next few days.]]></description>
			<link>http://xstratafacts.com/content/paint-town-yellow</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/673</guid>
			<author>Wayne McAndrew xstratafacts.com</author>
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			<title>Xstrata seeks to sync Tampakan with Philippines vote</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We will be submitting the feasibility study to the government next week," Charlie Sartain, the chief executive of Xstrata Copper, said at the Cru/Cesco conference in Chile. "Having the development timeline aligned with the political mandate could be important for the project." [AS IT HAS NO APPROVAL FROM THE POPULATION Ed.]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0712669120100407?type=marketsNews</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/672</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstratas union battles</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XSTRATA faces a possible 24 hour strike at its Ulan longwall mine within the next two weeks after union representatives gained protected action status from Fair Work Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.longwalls.com/storyview.asp?storyid=1134243</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/671</guid>
			<author>Blair Price International Longwall News</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China spits the iron ore dummy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China has 90 million tonnes of iron ore inventories it has been busy building up over the last nine months.

It currently purchases around 40Mt a month (450Mt per annum) from BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale, which it could offset not just from inventories but by reigniting domestic production that was shut down during the low-price environment....
calls by Chinas Iron and Steel Association for its members to boycott iron ore sales contracts for two months from the worlds three largest producers, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Vale.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.longwalls.com/storyview.asp?storyid=1134243</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/670</guid>
			<author>Tania Winter Miningnews.net</author>
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			<title>Gusmao lashes Australia for duplicity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a fiercely anti-Western speech, East Timors Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao, has accused Australia of sacrificing the lives of 60,000 Timorese in World War II and secretly plotting for Indonesia to take over what was then Portuguese Timor in 1963. Mr Gusmao said that adding insult to injury Australia signed an agreement with Indonesia to share wealth from the Timor Sea while around 200,000 Timorese died trying to protect their rights during 24 years of war]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/gusmao-lashes-australia-for-duplicity-20100408-rv6e.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/669</guid>
			<author>Lindsay Murdoch</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The postmodern economy was a con</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Britain has experienced what economic geographers call spatial polarisation: prosperous areas like London and Oxford are becoming wealthier while poorer areas are falling further behind. This process will go on for as long as there are no new industries to generate economic activity and provide jobs outside the prosperous South East. Such industries are nowhere in sight.

[Sounds like the "clever country",, the Nauru of the Antartcic,, quarry to the rich and famous]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UK-innovation-manufacturing-industry-pd20100330-423BK?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/668</guid>
			<author>Oliver Marc Hartwich</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tillegra Dam modelling data flawed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Greens MP John Kaye said Hunter Water had been less than open and its assertion is at best speculative and almost certainly untrue.

They have been caught red-handed trying to pass off preliminary results of a modelling study as if they were completely reliable predictions, he said]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/tillegra-dam-modelling-data-flawed-20100406-rpfy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/667</guid>
			<author>JENNIE CURTIN</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tahmoor miners fight Xstrata to maintain conditions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata has offered a small pay increase and demanded that workers abide by a list of twenty-three clauses. These included promises not to take industrial action, unsafe crew-manning numbers, and a loss of conditions from the existing agreement. Xstrata claims its pay offer is an increase of 25 per cent over four years. But workers say Xstrata have included previously existing entitlements and bonuses based on unrealistic workloads. The CFMEU calculates the increase is only 5.5 per cent over four years. 
Officials say that management is still refusing to budge. Despite the fact that Tahmoor workers are on the lowest rate of pay amongst any coal mine in Australia ($25.96 per hour), Timbs says that safety and job security are their main concern]]></description>
			<link>http://www.solidarity.net.au/issue-23-apr/tahmoor-miners-fight-xstrata-to-maintain-conditions/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/666</guid>
			<author>solidarity.net.au</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Report shows rising mine sulfur emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[emissions at Mount Isa Mines have risen compared to previous years.

The report also shows the facility emits other pollutants like lead, zinc, copper, antimony and cadmium.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/07/2865799.htm?section=justin</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/665</guid>
			<author>Stephanie Fitzpatrick</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Approved: power plants with emissions equal to 2.9m cars</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the two coal-fired stations would increase the states total emissions by 22.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, a 15.1 per cent rise in NSWs total emissions]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/approved-power-plant-with-emissions-equal-to-29m-cars-20100406-rpfx.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/664</guid>
			<author>LOUISE HALL</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Pollution index reveals the hidden costs of electricity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the Hunter Valley and the Lithgow regions rated as the states most polluted areas because of the number of coal-based activities there. Singleton is one of the worst towns, surrounded by at least seven mines which together produced more than 18 million kilograms of dust, 7.4 million kilograms of nitrogen oxides and 4.9 million kilograms of carbon monoxide in the 2008-09 year]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/pollution-index-reveals-the-hidden-costs-of-electricity-20100402-rjy0.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/663</guid>
			<author>JENNIE CURTIN</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Greece is just the beginning</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wealthy individuals and companies have shifted an estimated $14 billion of deposits - or just under 5 per cent of all deposits in the Greek banking system - out of Greece in the first two months of this year. Greek banks have also found their access to international capital markets have become restricted.... it will also become apparent that Greece is part of a wider, and historically unfamiliar phenomenon - that of a simultaneous and large disruption to the balance sheet of many industrial countries. Tighten your seat belts!]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Worst-is-yet-to-come-for-Greece-pd20100408-4ASQU?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/662</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Flight from Athens</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Markets delivered a harsh verdict on Greek debt overnight, with the yield on 10 year Greek bonds climbing to a peak of 7.1 per cent...wealthy Greeks and companies have been shifting billions of euros of deposits into large international banks such as HSBC and Frances Société Générale, also fanned concern that a flight of capital from Greece could leave Greek banks with a funding crisis.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Flight-from-Athens-pd20100407-49T8S?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/661</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>China on a knife-edge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinese economic system as inherently unstable. The primary reason why Chinas growth has been so impressive is that throughout the period of economic liberalisation that has led to rising incomes, the Chinese government has maintained near-total savings capture of its households and businesses. It funnels these massive deposits via state-run banks to state-linked firms at below-market rates. Its amazing the growth rate a country can achieve and the number of citizens it can employ with a vast supply of 0 per cent, relatively consequence-free loans provided from the savings of nearly a billion workers. 

Its also amazing how unprofitable such a country can be. The Chinese system, like the Japanese system before it, works on bulk, churn, maximum employment and market share. The US system of attempting to maximize return on investment through efficiency and profit stands in contrast. The American result is sufficient economic stability to be able to suffer through recessions and emerge stronger. The Chinese result is social stability that wobbles precipitously when exposed to economic hardship. The Chinese people rebel when work is not available and conditions reach extremes.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Why-China-is-doomed-pd20100331-43CJG?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/660</guid>
			<author>STRATFOR.com</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Is China a classic bubble economy?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As Australia gears up to meet the projected huge future demand for resources from China, the last thing anyone wants to hear is that the Chinese economy is showing all the classic symptoms of being in the late stages of a major speculative bubble.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/659</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/659</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Abbott calls for judicial inquiry into stimulus programs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the failure of the $2.4 billion home insulation "pink batts" program had resulted in at least 120 house fires, the potential electrification of thousands of roofs, and the installation of dodgy or faulty insulation in up to 240,000 homes across Australia.

"This level of waste and mismanagement in one program alone is inexcusable, but a similar pattern of failure has simultaneously occurred in the Rudd Governments Building the Education Revolution (BER) `school halls program".

Mr Abbott said public concern about the potential waste in the BER program has been rising for many months, and the increasing number of reports of waste and mismanagement, inefficiencies, cost overruns, payment of secret fees, preferential treatment and misallocation of resources arising in this program could no longer be ignored by Mr Rudd.

"Whats become obvious as the second stimulus package has unfolded is that it has involved rip-off after rip-off," Mr Abbott said in Sydney today.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/abbott-calls-for-judicial-inquiry-into-stimulus-programs/story-e6frgczf-1225849873279</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/658</guid>
			<author>Patricia Karvelas - The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Big country grows into a big problem</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the Prime Minister has woken up to the fact he has a serious political problem in this area; or .. he hasnt.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/big-country-grows-into-a-big-problem/story-e6frg6zo-1225849635690</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/657</guid>
			<author>Glenn Milne</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Stink over dumping of Christmas Island sewage directly into ocean</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DISGRACEFUL SOLUTION: Sewage from an overloaded Christmas Island water treatment plant is being dumped straight into the sea in an area known for its pristine coral reserves]]></description>
			<link>http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/stink-over-christmas-island-sewage-dumping/story-e6frg14u-1225849529783</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/656</guid>
			<author>Paige Taylor - Perth Now</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinese coal ship runs aground on Great Barrier Reef</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A VESSEL (carrying 950 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and 65,000 tonnes of coal) that ran aground at full speed on the Great Barrier Reef near Great Keppel Island, and leaking oil, is in danger of breaking apart, the Queensland government says.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/chinese-coal-ship-runs-aground-on-great-barrier-reef/story-e6frg6n6-1225849510768</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/655</guid>
			<author>AAP - The Australian</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rudds big Australia getting too big</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Rudd last year expressed his support for a big Australia but has since tempered his message in the face of concerns about how the country would support a larger population with more older people.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/rudds-big-australia-getting-too-big-20100403-rkrq.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Apr 2010 02:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/654</guid>
			<author>STEPHANIE PEATLING smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Thermal Coal US$98 per tonne</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata confirms that it has finalised thermal coal contract pricing with a major power utility customer in Japan for the 12 month period beginning 1 April 2010 at a price of US$98 per tonne, basis 6322 kcal GAR.]]></description>
			<link>http://coresectorcommunique.blogspot.com/2010/04/xstrata-confirms-that-it-has-finalised.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Apr 2010 02:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/653</guid>
			<author>coresectorcommunique.blogspot.com</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Sea hunt for another oil boom</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Without reform, Australia could suffer the same ill-effects of resource rich countries across the world that have experienced the resources curse, from The Netherlands in the 70s to the more extreme examples of Nigeria and Nauru. Australias experience with resources booms shows signs of the resource curse. The 70s and 80s booms ended with inflation, higher interest rates and recession.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/sea-hunt-for-another-oil-boom/story-e6frg9df-1225848635124</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Apr 2010 01:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/652</guid>
			<author>Paul Cleary</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Pollution index reveals the hidden costs of electricity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In NSW, the Hunter Valley and the Lithgow regions rated as the states most polluted areas because of the number of coal-based activities there. Singleton is one of the worst towns, surrounded by at least seven mines which together produced more than 18 million kilograms of dust, 7.4 million kilograms of nitrogen oxides and 4.9 million kilograms of carbon monoxide in the 2008-09 year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/pollution-index-reveals-the-hidden-costs-of-electricity-20100402-rjy0.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Apr 2010 01:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/651</guid>
			<author>Jennie Curtin smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Inhalable dust raises health concerns for coal miners</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THERE is an alarming and increasing level of dust being ingested by coal miners in New South Wales, potentially leading to long-term health problems.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.longwalls.com/storyview.asp?storyid=1134105&amp;sectionsource=s0</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/650</guid>
			<author>International Longwall News</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rising Tide climate protesters take to Newcastle Harbour in battle with coal ships</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Today was scheduled to be a busy day in the worlds busiest coal port," Ms Hodgson said.

"Ordinarily there would have been at least four or five coal ships move in or out of Newcastle Harbour today, but instead there were none."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/rising-tide-climate-protesters-take-to-newcastle-harbour-in-battle-with-coal-ships/1788214.aspx?src=email</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/649</guid>
			<author>STEPHEN RYAN</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The split in Chinas leadership</title>
			<description><![CDATA[According to Fairfax media China correspondent John Garnaut, at the time Stern Hu was arrested President Hu used his control of the Communist Partys internal commission to arrest Chinas richest man, electronics magnate Huang Guangyu and others who were strong supporters of Jiang Zemin. 

On the other side, Jiang Zemins supporters control another arm of the Chinese legal system and it is that arm that undertook the investigation of Stern Hu and the Rio Tinto executives. And one of the allegations they came up with should raise a few eyebrows. Chinas second richest man Du Shuanghua is alleged to have bribed one of Stern Hus co accused. And if you trace the connections of Du Shuanghuas family they have clear links to Hu Jintao.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Stern-Hu-Chian-Rio-Tinto-pd20100330-3ZRJD?OpenDocument&amp;src=rab</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/648</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The RBAs property gamble</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Stevens warned the public that "Its a mistake to assume a riskless, easy and guaranteed way to prosperity is just to leverage to property.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RBA-Glenn-Stevens-rates-big-four-banks-pd20100329-3Z237?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/647</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata, Japan utilities coal talks in stalemate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[globalCOAL prices could ease in the coming weeks as supplies from Australia and Indonesia improve, after shipments were delayed in recent weeks due to weather-related issues.

"Maybe the dynamics will change if the Chinese start buying aggressively again, but they have been staying on the sidelines so far," said one of the sources.]]></description>
			<link>http://energygasoil.blogspot.com/2010/03/xstrata-japan-utilities-coal-talks-in.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/646</guid>
			<author>energygasoil.blogsplot.com</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Why indulge authoritarian China?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China accomplishes rapid growth by exploiting its working class and by appropriating other peoples technology. It openly embraces as a development strategy a hugely undervalued currency that imposes unemployment on Western nations and keeps living standards of ordinary Chinese workers artificially low. Chinas prosperous middle class is built on the backs of factory labour paid less than the value it creates. 

To sell in China, Beijing requires foreign companies to produce in China through joint ventures and then transfer prized technologies to local partners. Now, having extracted the know-how it needs, China is tightening the noose on foreign companies, causing them to consider withdrawing and leaving behind formidable new competitors.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Why-indulge-authoritarian-China-pd20100325-3UQU5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/645</guid>
			<author>Peter Morici</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Carbon uncertainty threatens $9bn power station debt, report says</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There is no doubt that the sector faces a significant challenge in refinancing the $9 billion thats out against existing privately owned assets," he told The Age. 

"Part of their problem is that until there is a price for carbon, the generators are unable to accurately forecast their future profitability,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-uncertainty-threatens-9bn-power-station-deb-pd20100324-3TNG9?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp7&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/644</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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		<item>
			<title>MOUNTAINS COUNCILWANTS TO Scuttle Mt Piper project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A diplomatic row is erupting between Lithgow Council and the Blue Mountains Council after the Mountains neighbours voted at their latest meeting to oppose the second power station planned for Mt Piper.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/mountains-councilwants-to-scuttle-mt-piper-project/1786053.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/643</guid>
			<author>LEN ASHWORTH</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Decline of the American empire</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wojnilower concludes: "In ancient Rome the rulers, to perpetuate their reign and empire, needed to provide the public with bread and games (circuses). We have games aplenty, but cheap food (employment) is scarce. Since we cant agree to enact the stronger policies needed for faster growth and more jobs, more people will be living on the dole: unemployment compensation and Medicaid. Not an auspicious environment for parents and children -- or the future of the empire."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Decline-of-the-American-empire-pd20100322-3RSE5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/642</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>An empire in decline as the world turns upside down</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the Harvard historian Niall Ferguson points out a common element in the collapse of eight mighty empires. Those of Rome, imperial China, Bourbon France, Hapsburg Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Turkey, Romanov Russia, Britain and the Soviet Union, came to abrupt ends at least in part because of debt overload.

"All the above cases were marked by sharp imbalances between revenues and expenditures, as well as difficulties with financing public debt," he writes, before drawing the obvious conclusion for America.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/an-empire-in-decline-as-the-world-turns-upside-down-20100322-qr2t.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/641</guid>
			<author>Peter Hartcher</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Growing population threatens biodiversity</title>
			<description><![CDATA[if population was listed, the government could develop a threat abatement plan - policies to address the problem.

The nomination first to pass a review by the department to determine if it complies with the act. If it moves beyond that, a scientific study will occur on the link between population and the destruction of natural resources.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/growing-population-threatens-biodiversity-20100322-qra9.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/640</guid>
			<author>Tom Arup smh</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Chief Davis Gets 41% Increase in Pay, Bonuses for 2009</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Payments to Davis, including bonuses and deferred bonuses, rose to $7.75 million in 2009 from $5.5 million a year earlier, the company said in its annual report today.
[A satanic Scrooge McDuck screwing his workers, the community and the planet]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-19/xstrata-chief-davis-gets-41-increase-in-pay-bonuses-for-2009.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/639</guid>
			<author>Business Week</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Govt tells Beijing to stay out of iron ore talks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas steelmakers should not try draw their government into iron ore price talks with Australian miners, trade minister Simon Crean said, as the mills struggle to pin back soaring raw material prices. [What! Or hell blow their house down ?? rofl Ed]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-1-Australia-tells-Beijing-to-stay-out-of-ir-3K52X?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/638</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Congress calls Chinas bluff</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Global share markets were shaken overnight by fears that simmering trade tensions between the United States and China could be about to boil over.

In the United States, the Obama administration is being pushed to take a tougher line with China over its artificially low currency, which hurts US producers and workers. Overnight, a bipartisan group of 130 members of the US House of Representatives fired off a letter to the Obama administration, urging it to force China to stop manipulating its currency, including slapping tariffs on Chinese imports if the Chinese failed to respond.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Congress-calls-Chinas-bluff-pd20100316-3KRDF?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/637</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Wake in fright: China wont boom forever</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The big risk now is that, having escaped the global crisis, the Lucky Country thinks its bulletproof and the rebound in our iron ore and coal export prices means there is no penalty for bad policy....

this new growth phase is bound to be volatile. And there is a smaller probability but higher impact risk that the mega China boom - like the 1980s Japanese bubble, the 90s Asian boom, the technology boom or the US housing bubble - could burst.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/opinion/china-wont-boom-forever/story-e6frg9p6-1225841087569</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/636</guid>
			<author>Michael Stutchbury</author>
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			<title>Misgivings over minerals boom</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Even as the boom takes hold, questions are being asked. Is it too good to be true? When this minerals boom deflates, as it inevitably will, what legacy will it leave? What industries will have been squeezed out? What damage will have been caused to the environment and the health of local populations?

The fight for scarce land and water resources has already begun, particularly in the Hunter Valley. Farmers, thoroughbred breeders, wineries and councils are increasingly vocal about what they see as a flawed mine approval process that fails to give them a voice or any certainty about the development of their land. They worry that as the state election looms, a desperate government will prioritise short-term gain over the long-term sustainability of the region.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/misgivings-over-minerals-boom-20100316-qcoj.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/635</guid>
			<author>JESSICA IRVINE</author>
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			<title>Heat is on right across the continent</title>
			<description><![CDATA[EVERY state and territory in Australia has warmed over the past 50 years, according to a new assessment of the state of the nations temperature, rainfall, oceans and atmosphere.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/heat-is-on-right-across-the-continent/story-e6frg6xf-1225841112583</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/634</guid>
			<author>Leigh Dayton</author>
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			<title>Dirty Air Costs California Economy $28 Billion Annually</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Jane V. Hall and Victor Brajer
Air pollution costs the California economy more than $28 billion annually, according to a new study released today and co-authored by two Cal State Fullerton economics professors.

The study, which focuses on the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley air basins, also found that the life- and health-threatening pollution in these regions contributes to more than 3,800 premature deaths each year]]></description>
			<link>http://calstate.fullerton.edu/news/2008/091-air-pollution-study.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/633</guid>
			<author>California State University Fullerton</author>
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			<title>China feels the heat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Could the United States and China be edging towards a trade war? That fear could unsettle financial markets in coming weeks, particularly in light of the heated rhetoric over the past few days. 

The latest exchange started last week, when US president Barack Obama encouraged China to adopt a "more market-oriented exchange rate". 

Yesterday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao retaliated sharply, arguing the yuan was not undervalued, and warning countries to stop pressuring China on its exchange rate policy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-will-rebuff-pressures-pd20100315-3JT4S?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/632</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Grim words from China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Over the weekend, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao not only warned the world of a possible return to recession, but was subject to impassioned pleas by steel makers over the enormous price rises looming in iron ore.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Is-Chinas-growth-story-over-pd20100315-3JRNP?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb&amp;WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED REMEMBER</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/631</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Singleton rail accident cuts coal line</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THREE days of coal shipments worth an estimated $75 million have been lost after an empty grain train was derailed near Singleton on Saturday morning]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/singleton-rail-accident-cuts-coal-line/1775896.aspx?src=email</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/630</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD</author>
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			<title>Families in fear of fuel poverty</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SOARING electricity prices will force more working families into "fuel poverty" where they simply cannot afford to pay for power. 
That is the grim prediction from an energy ombudswoman, who revealed that the number of people fearing they will have their electricity disconnected had surged by a third.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/money/money-matters/families-in-fear-of-fuel-poverty-as-energy-costs-soar/story-fn312ws8-1225840687578</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/629</guid>
			<author>John Rolfe</author>
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			<title>China sees possibility of double dip recession; domestic worries weigh</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Without directly mentioning the United States, Wen made clear that Beijing was in no mood to surrender to any demands from Washington and might even be girding for a fight]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/WRAPUP-3-Chinas-Wen-pushes-back-against-yuan-rise--3JAVV?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp1&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/628</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>An Extraordinary List</title>
			<description><![CDATA[All worth reading]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/627</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/627</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Greed Infected Mining Cartel eats own market.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Market imbalance 

Mr Zhang said steel mills across the world were all facing losses because the dominant miners had lost sight of the crucial balance needed to be struck between the steel industry and their iron ore suppliers. 

"These are two stages in a production process and the profits should be calculated together. If the market is good we share the profits and if it isnt good we share the costs. 

"But now the situation is different. European, Japanese, Korean and Chinese steel mills are all facing losses but the mining firms are making huge profits."
[the arse could just as easily fall out of ore and metallurgical coal not to mention bauxite.. Ed]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/UPDATE-2-Chinas-Ansteel-sees-iron-ore-benchmark-de-3E9S2?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp5&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/626</guid>
			<author>David Stanway of Reuters in Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Asia Coal-Prices fall below $94; Chinese buyers on the sidelines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australias thermal coal prices, a benchmark for Asia, fell 2 percent to below $94 a tonne this week, as sluggish demand from hina foiled sellers hopes .....[Arse could easily fall out of the thermal coal market. Ed]]]></description>
			<link>http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINSGE60506420100310</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/625</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
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			<title>Is Chinas growth an illusion?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[TAKE NOTE: Ed]
I was shocked when The Distillery Spectator, David Llewellyn-Smith, highlighted the work of respected Fairfax China correspondent John Garnaut, showing that Australias economic research to back this country-wide assumption is flimsy. 

Garnaut says that while some Australian companies that depend on China are improving their analytical capability, most are yet to acknowledge they have a problem. Last year, Stephen Joske, previously the Australian governments top China economist, claimed: "Theres no one in Treasury who can tell up from down on China, beyond what they read in the newspapers."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Can-China-contiue-pd20100310-3DSPU?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/624</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Building Chinas green future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The future of green construction is going to be about building entire eco-cities in China 
Developers are no longer looking at whether to include green principles in building, they are asking how to do it 
With the equivalent population of 80 Sydneys moving into urban areas in China in the next twenty years there isnt enough talent to go around]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-Climate-Change-Green-Construction-Woods-Bago-pd20100309-3CUF2?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/623</guid>
			<author>Isabelle Oderberg</author>
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			<title>The debt bubble has to burst</title>
			<description><![CDATA[But while the markets continue to party, one dark thought presents itself. What happens if someone looks outside and sees that the real US economy is still in deep trouble? It is plagued by high unemployment, continuing weakness in the housing market, and faces mounting problems in commercial real estate that threaten to further destabilise the banking system.

What happens when the penny drops that massive government spending packages, combined with unprecedented money printing by central banks, have not produced a sustainable economic recovery?

As RBS strategist Bob Janjuah points out in his latest newsletter, the "gap between the fantasy in markets...versus the reality of the real economy/private sector, is already worryingly large, but risks becoming dangerously large." Once again, markets are mispricing risk. In their frantic pursuit of high returns, investors are oblivious to the true risks theyre taking.
The conclusion is inevitable; the bubble must burst. And Janjuah fervently hopes that that this happens sooner, rather than later. "The longer we are forced to wait, the bigger the bubble will be and the more horribly damaging the bursting process will be. And if we are forced to wait and the bubble gets anywhere like the one that went pop in late 2007 I have zero idea who will credibly be able to bail us all out the next time round. Certainly not our governments."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-double-bubble-has-to-burst-pd20100309-3CRVQ?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/622</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Australias coal renaissance</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia is set for a renaissance in coal-fired power, with up to 12 new coal-fired power stations planned across the country. According to information collated by Greenpeace, new coal-fired plants are under construction, planned or proposed in all states except Tasmania.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australias-coal-renaissance-pd20100308-3BVAV?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/621</guid>
			<author>Bernard Keane</author>
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			<title>A tangled web for NSW power</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Built as coal burners, the new plants would emit between 10 and 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gases a year. A set of state-of-the-art combined cycle gas burners would emit less than half as much carbon dioxide (Australias coal renaissance, March 8)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/nsw-new-power-stations-pd20100304-3829T?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=&amp;blog=Powerline&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/620</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
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			<title>Brown &amp; Anor v Coal Mines Australia; Alcorn &amp; Anor v Coal Mines Australia Pty Ltd</title>
			<description><![CDATA[**** A MASSIVE DECISION UPHOLDING LANDHOLDER RIGHTS OVER EXPLORATION **** Ed

Orders:
The decision of the Wardens Court as well as the determination which accompanied it and the interim and final determinations of the arbitrator, be quashed and set aside. 
The usual order is that the defendant bears the plaintiffs costs of the proceedings.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/scjudgments/2010nswsc.nsf/6ccf7431c546464bca2570e6001a45d2/7fab043c3b80b838ca2576db001c6bd3?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/619</guid>
			<author>Supreme Court NSW</author>
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			<title>Major Supreme Court win for CCAG and Landowner Rights against Coal Exploration</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Congratulations CCAG from Wybong Action Group and Rural Landownersthroughout NSW. Ed.]
WATERSHED DECISION TO HOLD MINERS MORE ACCOUNTABLE
Liverpool Plains farmers win Supreme Court case against BHP Billiton
 
In a landmark judgment, the NSW Supreme Court today found in favor of two Liverpool Plains farmers who challenged the right of BHP Billiton to enter their farms to explore for coal.
The decision has broad implications for all mining companies seeking access to private land in NSW to conduct exploration and exposes serious deficiencies in the way the current regime deals with environmental protection.
Supreme Court Justice Schmidt ruled that the Chief Mining Warden had erred in a number of ways when, last May, he granted BHP Billiton access arrangements to explore for coal on the properties of the Brown and Alcorn families at Caroona.
Justice Schmidt found the access arrangements had been granted in clear breach of the requirements of NSW Mining Act and, as such, were invalid. She said:
"I order that the decision of the Wardens Court as well as the determination which accompanied it and the interim and final determinations of the arbitrator, be quashed and set aside." (Justice Schmidt - NSW Supreme Court, 5 March 2010) 
CCAG spokesman Tim Duddy said: "This is a watershed decision for NSW which will force mining companies to be properly accountable to the environment in a way theyve never been required to before."
"It confirms what this community has said from the outset, that is, landholders have been denied fairness and justice in the way access agreements have been imposed on them by the old Mining Wardens Court."
"We welcome this decision and look forward to the NSW Government now reviewing all of the processes governing mining and exploration in this State to ensure the environment and the rights of landholders are no longer treated as less important," Mr Duddy said.
A key component of the Supreme Court decision was the finding that mining companies must inform all landholders - including banks and other mortgagors - that they intend to seek access to specific lands to conduct exploration. Not doing so in relation to the Brown and Alcorn properties represented a breach of the NSW Mining Act.
It is believed to be common practice for mining companies not to notify mortgagors when seeking to enter properties under the Mining Act meaning a large number of other access arrangements currently being used by miners may also now be invalid.
Justice Schmidt also made other important findings related to the conditions which are able to be imposed on mining companies in access arrangements to provide better protection for the environment and rights of landholders.
- THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND, AND IN PARTICULAR THE AUSTRALIAN FARMERS FIGHTING FUND, WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THIS FIGHT FOR OUR CLEAN FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES.
The CCAG Committee]]></description>
			<link>http://www.ccag.org.au/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/618</guid>
			<author>Dr Pauline Roberts - CCAG</author>
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			<title>Network to monitor dust from new Upper Hunter power station</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Department of Environment and Climate Change would establish a dust monitoring network in the Upper Hunter, to look at whether the community was negatively affected by dust. 


"Data is inconclusive as to whether the Upper Hunter has higher rates of respiratory illness than other areas of NSW," she said. 


"Its not conclusive."


But Upper Hunter resident Bev Smiles said the station would more likely be run on coal and would contribute to air pollution.


"It will mean on-going devastation of the Hunter Valley and the coalfields to the west in the Gunnedah basin," she said.


"Until we have the air monitoring stations set up we wont have that baseline data but what we do know is that this is doubling the size of the power station.


"If its coal, then theres known toxic emissions from coal-fired power stations and if its gas then theres emissions from burning fossil fuels."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/network-to-monitor-dust-from-new-upper-hunter-power-station/1767942.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/617</guid>
			<author>JULIEANNE STRACHAN</author>
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			<title>New power station approved for Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Upper Hunter will get another baseload power station, after the NSW Government approved yesterday Macquarie Generation plans for "Bayswater B".

The private sector is expected to build the 2000 megawatt station, now the Government has cleared the way by granting "concept approval" for either gas or coal.


Planning Minister Tony Kelly said yesterday the state would allow new baseload stations at Bayswater, near Muswellbrook, and at Mount Piper, near Lithgow.


"The [Bayswater B] facility will help secure long-term energy supply in NSW and provide a boost to the Hunter economy," Mr Kelly said.


"Up to 1000 construction jobs and around 160 operational jobs could be created."


The station will be built near the existing Bayswater power station.


Mr Kelly said he expected the private sector to lodge its own specific designs for the power station, including fuel source, before approval for construction.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-power-station-approved-for-hunter/1766925.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/616</guid>
			<author>JULIEANNE STRACHAN</author>
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			<title>Jerrys Plains Gassed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A MASSIVE plume of orange dust sent skywards after blasting at the Hunter Valley Operations open-cut coalmine near Jerrys Plains is being investigated by authorities.

The dust plume was seen and photographed on Friday afternoon by Newcastle environmentalist Brian Purdue, who was driving along the Golden Highway at Jerrys Plains when it came into view.


"It seemed pretty enormous to me but I wasnt sure how often this sort of thing happened," Mr Purdue said.


Hunter Valley Operations is owned by the Rio Tinto subsidiary Coal &amp; Allied, and spokeswoman Alison Smith said Fridays incident was "highly unusual".


"A yellow to orange plume is occasionally visible immediately after a blast, but is quickly dispersed by the wind," Ms Smith said.


"The colour comes from the interaction of water with the explosive material, or interaction with some clay material. 


"The wind direction was considered prior to firing, but the density of the plume was extremely unusual.


"We have contacted the explosives supplier to help us determine the cause, and to discuss possible mitigation methods to ensure it does not happen again."


Dust and blasting noise have been major points of dispute between the coal industry and Hunter Valley horse studs.


Henry Plumptre, the managing director of Darley Australia, said the photograph was "unusual" but "dust from the spoil piles and the pits themselves are a daily occurrence".


"Flying in from Sydney the dust is particularly noticeable close to Muswellbrook," Mr Plumptre said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/unusual-plume-on-jerrys-plains/1766918.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/615</guid>
			<author>BY IAN KIRKWOOD INDUSTRIAL REPORTER</author>
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			<title>Judge who criticised Labor refused court job</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE career of a judge who criticised NSW Labors dealings with donor developers is hanging in the balance after the government knocked back a request from the states Chief Justice for him to work in the Supreme Courts short-staffed equity division.

The Attorney-General, John Hatzistergos, is refusing to explain why Justice David Lloyds commission was rejected.

But the opposition says it appears to be political payback against a public servant who held the government to account.

Justice Lloyd angered the government last year when he described its secret negotiations over the states biggest housing development as a land bribe.

He ruled that the former planning minister Frank Sartor was biased when he approved projects for the Rose Group, an ALP donor, in Catherine Hill Bay and Gwandalan because he had agreed to look kindly upon them in exchange for 300 hectares of conservation land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/judge-who-criticised-labor-refused-court-job-20100305-popj.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/614</guid>
			<author>Joel Gibson</author>
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			<title>Experts undervalue the environment: Henry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Treasury boss Ken Henry has taken a swipe at the work of his own department and that of others on valuing the environment, saying much of it is flawed and fails to give proper weight to retaining Australias unique biodiversity.

Fresh from producing the as-yet-unreleased Henry Tax Review and amid preparations for this years budget, Dr Henry told an environment conference in Sydney that the part of his intergenerational report that had received the least attention was the section on environmental sustainability.

But not only did the wellbeing of future generations depend on the resources left to them by this generation, the environment was likely to become more important to them than it was to us.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/experts-undervalue-the-environment-henry-20100305-popv.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/613</guid>
			<author>Peter Martin</author>
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			<title>Coal or Agriculture- ABC Radio - Nikki Williams propaganda</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal or Agriculture- ABC Radio - Nikki Williams propaganda]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/03/02/2834266.htm?site=sydney</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/612</guid>
			<author>2BL - 702 - ABC</author>
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			<title>WalMarts carbon ultimatum</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last week, the worlds largest retailer, WalMart, laid down a challenge to its more than 100,000 suppliers around the world: it told them it intends to cut 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from its supply chain within five years....
Woolworths has committed to cutting its emissions from stores and distribution centres by 40 per cent below business as usual by 2015, and by 25 per cent on a per square metre measure....
 Bunnings has declared it will be "carbon neutral" by 2015, which it will achieve by cutting energy usage, trialling microgeneration of wind and solar on its rooftops, buying renewable energy and considering carbon offsets,....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/WalMarts-carbon-ultimatum-pd20100304-37QWS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/611</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Cars just got cleaner and faster</title>
			<description><![CDATA[....You could also have a car that plugs into the grid when youre not driving it. This means when the power is cheap because demand is low you will be able to charge your car. When there is high demand and power is expensive you can sell it back to the grid and make a profit. So your car effectively becomes a power station and you become a mini power company. An additional benefit of this is that the car fleet acts as a giant battery, enabling storage of intermittent renewables like solar PV and wind power. 

By the way, they are also dramatically cheaper to run because electricity is so efficient at energy conversion....
when people come to believe that the electric car is going to be the clear winner, they will suddenly realise their old petrol car will have close to zero resale value within a few years. At that point there will be a rush to go electric, to avoid the inevitable price collapse in second hand petrol cars. This will of course be self-reinforcing when it takes off. 

Of course we cant be sure which technologies, business models and companies will succeed. What we can now safely accept however is that with so many people and so much money focused on making this work, the time has clearly arrived when the internal combustion engine is heading for a rapid sunset. 

Let your mind run over the implications of that for the oil industry and peak oil.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Why-melting-glaciers-means-cleaner-cheaper-cars-pd20100303-36VTX?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Automotive,%20Climate%20Change&amp;blog=Eco%20Watch&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/610</guid>
			<author>Paul Gilding</author>
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			<title>Mines and power go together to destroy Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Regulation of residential retail power bills covers 28 percent of electricity supply in some States, it points out, and is "at or below" the cost of production. "This raises the question of possible cross-subsidies which could ultimately distort expansion and upgrade decisions and represent a significant chill on (power) investment."

On business as usual projections, Australia will need to increase its electricity generation by around 13,000 to 15,000 MW - above the existing 45,000 MW capacity - by 2020, the council says, at a cost of at least a billion dollars for each gigawatt (1,000 MW). "Yet the retail price structure for a significant share of the customer base is capped. It is difficult to see how the necessary investment will emerge without reforms to current arrangements.".... [If the mongrel bastards want the community to shell up for their power then let them provide the community FREE electricity - after all they dont share their profits with anyone but the greedy shareholders. Ed]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Mines--power--jobs-pd20100224-2XS33?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Resources%20&amp;%20Energy&amp;blog=Powerline&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/609</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
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			<title>Scientists Call for Moratorium</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The authors -- hydrologists, ecologists and engineers -- are internationally recognized scientists, including several members of the National Academy of Sciences. They argue that the U.S. should take a global leadership role on the issue, as surface mining in many developing countries is expected to grow extensively in the next decade.

"The scientific evidence of the severe environmental and human impacts from mountaintop mining is strong and irrefutable," says lead author Dr. Margaret Palmer of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and University of Maryland, College Park. "Its impacts are pervasive and long lasting and there is no evidence that any mitigation practices successfully reverse the damage it causes."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107143903.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/608</guid>
			<author>ScienceDaily (Jan. 8, 2010)</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal Bonanza - coming to a town near you - SOON</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Rudd government has warned mining unions not to use a coming coal production boom to mount wage claims that undermine productivity, as new figures indicate a coal export bonanza over the next five years. 
Resources Minister Martin Ferguson told The Australian yesterday wage claims were one of the domestic challenges confronting the industry amid predictions massive increases in coal-fired power generation in China and India would propel the industry to the biggest export boom in the nations history over the next five years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/warning-against-wage-claims/story-e6frg6n6-1225836279573</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/607</guid>
			<author>The Australian</author>
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			<title>Chronic Illness Linked To Coal-Mining Pollution, Study Shows</title>
			<description><![CDATA["This study substantiates their claims. Those residents are at an increased risk of developing chronic heart, lung and kidney diseases."

According to Hendryx, as coal production increases, so does the incidence of chronic illness. Coal-processing chemicals, equipment powered by diesel engines, explosives, toxic impurities in coals, and even dust from uncovered coal trucks can cause environmental pollution that could have a negative affect on public health.

According to Hendryx, the data show that people in coal mining communities

"have a 70 percent increased risk for developing kidney disease.
"have a 64 percent increased risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema.
"are 30 percent more likely to report high blood pressure (hypertension).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326201751.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/606</guid>
			<author>ScienceDaily (Mar. 27, 2008)</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Power station plans spark pollution fears</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The state government has approved plans for two large new power stations, triggering concerns about a further increase in greenhouse gas emissions, especially if coal is used as the fuel.....Additional coal-fired generators at Bayswater will add 12.4 million tonnes of carbon pollution a year, and the generators planned for Mount Piper will add 10.4 million tonnes. Combined, this would mean a 34 per cent increase in emissions from power stations in NSW, the National Conservation Council said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/power-station-plans-spark-pollution-fears-20100303-pj3s.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/605</guid>
			<author>Brian Robins</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Were dealing to coal addicts: Hansen</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A leading climate scientist has likened Australias continued export of coal in the face of global warming to that of a drug dealer feeding the worlds fossil fuel addiction.

James Hansen, the so-called grandfather of climate change and head of NASAs Goddard Institute of Space Studies, has become famous for his research on the Earths climate and his dogged attempt to bring the science of global warming to the world.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/were-dealing-to-coal-addicts-hansen-20100303-pj3v.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/604</guid>
			<author>Nicky Phillips</author>
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			<title>500 jobs in Xstratas Ravensworth coalmine expansion plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PRODUCTION from Xstratas Ravensworth coalmine would increase by 30 per cent under a $1 billion expansion project being considered by the State Government....The assessment notes that the Ravensworth project would have "a substantial impact" environmentally, with more than 2840 hectares of vegetation, including 870 hectares of native forest, to be removed.


Using "biodiversity offsets", Xstrata proposes to balance the loss of 559 hectare of native vegetation with 722 hectares of "vegetation community offset".

(How does that add up???)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/500-jobs-in-xstratas-ravensworth-coalmine-expansion-plan/1764235.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/603</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunter Valley coalmining town seeks a fairer go</title>
			<description><![CDATA["It is unfair that 7000 ratepayers fund 600 kilometres of road that services state-significant projects," he said.
"I dont how, if this continues, the council can continue to support these developments," he said. ....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-valley-coalmining-town-seeks-a-fairer-go/1763296.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/602</guid>
			<author>MARTIN DINEEN</author>
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			<title>Rudd should fear the swing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Across the nation there is a clear swing away from ALP governments taking place.

Two years ago the ALP had close to a total sweep of Australian state and federal governments. But state by state - and in Canberra - the ALP is losing ground and we are likely to see some upset results in coming election. There is no one issue causing the swing, but rather the fact that each government is having trouble dealing with problems particular to their state and, in the case of South Australia, personal issues.

I am not predicting a Tony Abbott win at the federal election later this year, but the bumbling of the Rudd government gave him big wins in insulation and emissions trading. It is possible there are more shocks to come if schools have been caught by the speed of their building programs. The Prime Minister is now the subject of cartoon fun and while John Howard survived a long bad run from the cartoonists its a new experience for Rudd. He would not want another major disaster.
.....Too many ALP leaders, whether they are dealing with law and order, property taxes, insulation, emissions trading, or public transport, seem unable to grasp the enormity of their mistakes and still think spin works better than honesty. The electorate is starting to wake up and they want the politicians to be much more frank and honest with them. 

Veteran political commentators will point out that what is happening is normal. It was not all that long ago that the coalition was dominating politics in Canberra and most states. Then the pendulum swung and now it is swinging back. Its called democracy.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudd-Abbott-ALP-Brumby-pd20100301-34QUJ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/601</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Push for the Coal Industry to move to short term pricing gaining momentum</title>
			<description><![CDATA[..move towards flexible pricing because the market over the next several years showed strong potential as an attractive prospect from a suppliers perspective... ...advocating quarterly or index-based contracts instead of the annually negotiated system...

....offered quarterly contracts around 10% lower than current spot prices....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BHPs-push-against-benchmark-gains-momentum-pd20100301-34RUD?OpenDocument&amp;src=hp4&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/600</guid>
			<author>Business Spectator</author>
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			<title>Why NuCoal is on tracks for success</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Social-Capitalist Opportunizer spruiks mine. Ed.]
Thats why NuCoal with its 247 million tonne Doyles Creek coal deposit in the Hunter Valley gets a tick. Trading at 19c a share for a market capitalisation of $107 million, NuCoal wants to become a 5 million to 6 million tonne-a-year producer of soft coking and thermal coals.

Apart from the resource already under its belt - and an exploration program to take it to 450 million tonnes - NuCoals point of difference is its location next to Xstratas United mine and Peabodys Wambo operation.

All that puts it within 10 kilometres of rail networks to Newcastle where $2 billion is being spent by others on capacity expansions which NuCoal will access through the so-called Common User System on a take-or-pay basis.

Pushing it all along is managing director, Glen Lewis. He knows a bit about coalmining, particularly in the Hunter Valley. Up until 2008, he was general manager of underground operations for Xstratas NSW operations, covering six mines in all.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/why-nucoal-is-on-tracks-for-success-20100228-pb4o.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/599</guid>
			<author>BARRY FITZGERALD smh</author>
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			<title>CEO PULSE: Carbon confidence</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the CEO Pulse survey throws up another interesting statistic: only 22 per cent think that a forced transition to a low carbon economy would be bad for Australia as a whole, while 44 per cent think it will be positive. 

And a further curiosity: most CEOs think their own companies are better placed than either their industry rivals and the overall economy in dealing with such a transition. Perhaps they have been busy preparing after all.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/CEO-PULSE-Carbon-confidence-pd20100225-2YRZ5?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/598</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tahmoor mine wrangle continues</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The stand-off between the owners of the Tahmoor Coal mine, Xstrata, and the miners union, looks set to continue... [as XTA head off in bad faith]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/26/2830912.htm?site=illawarra</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/597</guid>
			<author>ABC Illawarra</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Prepare for catastrophic climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE world is spinning toward a catastrophic climate change scenario with temperatures now far more likely to rise by 6C by the end of the century, a leading international team of scientists warned. 
An increase of 6C would have irreversible consequences, rendering large parts of the globe uninhabitable and destroying much of life on Earth]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/indepth/prepare-for-catastrophic-climate-change-scenario-scientists-say/story-fn4x9za1-1225799930104</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/596</guid>
			<author>Charles Miranda and Malcolm Holland - Sydney Daily Telegraph</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Is Xstrata Australia trading while insolvent?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XTA IS a debt encumbered non-entity that operates like a Ponzi scheme and is destined for the bottom of the harbour.

"For its part, Xstrata spent a remarkable USD 27bn on acquisitions, across the four years starting in 2006. After raising USD 7.8bn by way of a rights issue in 2006, Xstrata raised another USD 5.7bn that way in 2009. Add it all up, and the two groups rank as notably indebted; Anglo American with USD 11bn net debt at the end of 2009, and Xstrata with net debt of USD 12.6bn."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mineweb.co.za/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page67?oid=99341&amp;sn=Detail&amp;pid=1</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/595</guid>
			<author>from article by Barry Sergeant at Mineweb</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Policy by the seat of their (KRudds) pants. Its got to be bad</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Back mid last year we were waiting with bated breath for the final report of the Health and Hospitals Reform Commission, a massive review of health policy that had been through an exhausting series of public consultations.

Finally the thing was released ... and Rudd announced ... another exhausting series of public consultations, to discuss its contents and proposals.

He made the announcement one morning in front of a backdrop with a logo I had not seen before, and a web address that was unfamiliar to me: YourHealth.gov.au. But his speech made no mention of this, as far as I can recall.

The website came up blank. There was no such site.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/policy-by-the-seat-of-their-pants-its-got-to-be-bad-20100222-oq6q.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/594</guid>
			<author>Nick Miller is The Age's health editor.</author>
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			<title>Xstrata faces prosecution on lead levels</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Queensland government is preparing to prosecute mining giant Xstrata after one of its Mount Isa air monitoring sites found levels of lead higher than allowed by law. 
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines issued a statement saying one of its five air sampling stations in Mount Isa found a "potential exceedence for lead".

An Xstrata spokesman told AAP it exceeded the 1.5 microgram per cubic metre of lead allowed into the atmosphere, but four other stations were well below the limit.

Environment Minister Kate Jones said the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) was preparing prosecution action against the company.

"Xstrata must report on its investigations and detail what urgent action the company has taken to fix the problem by Monday," Ms Jones said in a statement.

"Xstrata will face the full force of the law."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/xstrata-faces-prosecution-on-lead-levels/story-e6frf7ko-1225832247494?from=public_rss</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/593</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata denies exceeding lead levels</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A mining giant under investigation for exceeding lead emission levels at its Mount Isa plant has maintained it didnt breach safety standards.

Xstrata has until Monday to avoid prosecution after recording higher than allowed lead levels at the plant in Queenslands northwest.

One of the mines five air sampling stations found lead levels exceeded regulatory limits during the final three months of last year.

A spokesman for Xstrata on Sunday said the company believed its readings were below the limit and there may have been a technical anomaly that contributed to the higher reading.

"We got two other laboratories to analyse the data and both of them have come back and said that there was no (lead) exceedance which stacks up considering all other monitors showed no exceedance," he said.

A report into Xstratas investigations will be handed to the Department of Environment and Resource Management on Monday morning.

Environment Minister Kate Jones told reporters on Sunday her department was treating it as a breach until Xstrata could prove otherwise.

Ms Jones said Xstrata faced possible prosecution, including fines of up to $2 million under the Environmental Protection Act.

She said parts of the operation or the plant itself could also be shut down if it has breached the law.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/xstrata-denies-exceeding-lead-levels-20100221-on91.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/592</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Blood tests urged for Mt Isa children</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Blood tests urged for Mt Isa children DARREN CARTWRIGHT 
February 20, 2010 .
AAP 

More children are expected to show lead contamination in a new round of tests in the mining town of Mount Isa, a lawyer representing affected local children says.

Queensland Health on Saturday urged parents of children aged between one and four in the northwest Queensland city to make use of free blood tests to check their childrens lead levels.

Data from the tests will be used in a follow-up survey to determine the risk of lead exposure in at least 144 children.

Lawyer Damian Scattini, whose firm Slater and Gordon is gathering medical evidence on behalf of seven Mt Isa children, said the government must take serious action.

He said previous tests had found unacceptable levels of lead in young children and he expected to see the same result again.

"To show the absurdity of this, if you were to substitute the word asbestos for lead and say you were monitoring the levels of asbestos in children, there would be outrage," he told AAP on Saturday.

"The lead in the dust is coming from the mine."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/blood-tests-urged-for-mt-isa-children-20100220-ome8.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/591</guid>
			<author>DARREN CARTWRIGHT smh</author>
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			<title>Bill Gates unleashes fireflies on audience</title>
			<description><![CDATA[After years of putting climate change on the back burner, the worlds richest philanthropist announces that climate is our #1 issue]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mnn.com/technology/research-innovations/blogs/bill-gates-unleashes-fireflies-on-audience</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/590</guid>
			<author>mother nature network</author>
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			<title>Loader plans for coal boom at Kooragang</title>
			<description><![CDATA[COAL ships could be backed up into new berths extending all the way to the Tourle Street bridge on Kooragang Island under an expansion plan unveiled at a coal industry lunch yesterday.

Plans presented by Port Waratah Coal Services general manager Graham Davidson showed the potential for as many as 10 coal ships to tie up along Kooragang.


The Hunter Business Chamber quarterly mining forum at the Caves Beachside resort heard Mr Davidson and two other speakers Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group general manager Paul Beale and Bloomfield Group chief executive William Cant give optimistic appraisals of the industrys future.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/loader-plans-for-coal-boom-at-kooragang/1756222.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Feb 2010 11:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/589</guid>
			<author>IAN KIRKWOOD Newcastle Herald</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Qld may sue Xstrata over lead levels</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Lawyer Damian Scattini, whose firm Slater and Gordon is gathering medical evidence on behalf of seven Mt Isa children, said the test results were not surprising.

"Visually-challenged Freddy could have told you there is too much lead in the environment in Mt Isa and it all comes from the mine," Mr Scattini told AAP.

"If the government has belatedly recognised that then good luck to them for noticing now.

"What they should do is make them (Xstrata) stop polluting and clean up what theyve done."]]></description>
			<link>http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/1014581/qld-set-to-sue-xstrata-over-lead-levels</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/588</guid>
			<author>Nine-MSN</author>
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			<title>Qld govt set to sue Xstrata over lead levels</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata may be forced to shut down its Mount Isa mine after excessive lead levels were recorded over three months by one of its air monitoring sites. 

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has been given until Monday to explain why one of the companys five air sampling stations in Mount Isa found levels of lead exceeded regulatory limits. 

An Xstrata spokesman told AAP it exceeded the 1.5 microgram per cubic metre of lead allowed into the atmosphere, but four other stations recorded levels well below the limit. 

Environment Minister Kate Jones said her department was preparing prosecution action against the company. 

"If on Monday, Xstratas explanation doesnt stack up, then under the law in Queensland there are a number of enforcement actions the department can and will pursue," Ms Jones said. 

"They could face fines of up to $2 million (under the Environmental Protection Act). 

"We may order them to scale back production or even close the plant." 

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines issued a statement on Friday saying it had launched an investigation to verify the data and it was the first time such a result has been reported. 

Ms Jones said the station at the Mount Isa RSL club recorded an average lead level of 2.1 micrograms per cubic metre during the final three months of 2009. 

"This was 0.6 higher than its allowable limit," she said. 

"Its a breach of the Mount Isa Mine Limited Agreement Act 1985 and a breach of their environmental authority."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Qld-set-to-sue-Xstrata-over-lead-levels-2T6QK?opendocument&amp;src=rss</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/587</guid>
			<author>AAP, with Reuters</author>
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			<title>Xstrata Must Explain Excessive Mt. Isa Lead Emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Feb. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Xstrata Plc must explain by Feb. 22 what action its taking to stop excessive lead emissions after a breach of air quality limits occurred in Mt. Isa, Australia, the state government said.

One of the five monitoring stations in the town recorded over the three months ended Dec. 31 an average level of lead 0.6 micrograms higher than allowed, Queensland state Climate Change Minister Kate Jones said today in an e-mailed statement. Xstrata, which operates a smelter in the town, is verifying the data, the company said in a separate e-mailed statement.

The states Department of Environment and Resource Management is "preparing prosecution action against Xstrata," Jones was cited as saying in the statement. "Xstrata will face the full force of the law," she said in the statement.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-19/xstrata-must-explain-excessive-mt-isa-lead-emissions-update1-.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/586</guid>
			<author>Jason Scott - Bloomberg</author>
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			<title>PM rattled in psychological battle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tony Abbott might have sounded unsympathetic to the homeless in a speech last week but they seem to have done pretty well out of him. Kevin Rudd yesterday decided to try to show up the Opposition Leader by announcing $10 million for the mentally disturbed homeless. Thats the tit-for-tat politics of election year.

Rudd called a news conference to bash Abbott but found himself the one under attack. The PM who has been on top of the world now has two ministers, Peter Garrett and Stephen Conroy, in trouble, the emissions trading scheme an albatross, the polls narrowing, and the media guns directed at him.

When he met journalists in his Parliament House courtyard, the PM looked and sounded like a leader in a low. His voice was flat and quiet, at times drowned out by noise from a lawn-mower. He kept saying things were important but you wouldnt have thought it. He had a serious energy deficit.

Rudd said before the 2007 election that he wanted to mess with John Howards mind. Now the tables are turned. The psychological warfare at the moment seems to be going the other way.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/pm-rattled-in-psychological-battle-20100217-odx2.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/585</guid>
			<author>Michelle Grattan</author>
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			<title>Powerless: electricity sale stalls</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE state government has delayed the sale of its electricity retail assets, raising questions as to whether the sale will proceed at all before the election next year.

A day after the Herald revealed the government would defer construction of the metro system, in effect meaning the project is doomed, another key project has been postponed.

The state is stalled, said the opposition treasury spokesman, Mike Baird.

We have full-on paralysis.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/powerless-electricity-sale-stalls-20100218-oiz4.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/584</guid>
			<author>Andrew Clennell and Brian Robins</author>
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			<title>Pollie power shock</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What Dwyer picked up in hundreds of pages of OECD commentary was the admonition that regulation of end-user power should not be subject to government interference. States like Queensland and New South Wales, home to five million of the nine million Australian households and major battlegrounds for Rudd and Abbott later this year, are on the power price front line as the cost of network augmentation, enlarged renewable energy targets and possibly emissions trading flows along the supply chain.

As I have written here before, political interference with consumer power prices represents an area of huge risk for energy retailers and the viability of the eastern seaboard national market - while price rises representing the true cost of supply are a big problem for the pollies. The issue has been underlined by the Tasmanian Governments election promise on Tuesday that it would cap prices for all households this year and in 2011.

Despite whatever pressures may have been brought to bear, the OECD umpires have managed to speak relatively plainly about the issue in the regulation report: "Considerable progress has been made towards setting up a competitive market for electric power," they say. "Nonetheless, continued public ownership and retail price control may be hindering competition.

"Further privatisation and removing the ceiling on retail prices should be considered. As markets increasingly connect and competition expands, the need for retail price regulation to control market power should decline. States and Territories may be using their price control powers to support other policy objectives."

These objectives, the OECD reporters observe tartly, could be achieved by "less inefficient means".

They even managed to keep in a barb for the embattled Labor government in NSW. Since the establishment of the eastern seaboard market, they point out, prices have risen faster in NSW, where there is a public monopoly, than in other eastern states, while productivity gains have been smaller.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Pollie-power-shock-pd20100216-2PU4M?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Politics%20&amp;%20IR,%20Resources%20&amp;%20Energy&amp;blog=Powerline&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/583</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Beijings debt offensive</title>
			<description><![CDATA[But while China is certainly showing impatience at extending largesse to the US government, there are limits on Chinas ability to express its frustration by dumping US government debt. 

China has foreign exchange reserves of $2.4 trillion dollars, and it is estimated that more than 60 per cent of its reserves are invested in US dollar denominated assets. 

If China starts aggressively selling off US government debts, it risks slashing the value of its existing US investments.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/US-debt-up-for-sale-pd20100218-2RRN5?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/582</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Flooding keeps coal mine closed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rolleston coal mine in the Bowen Basin in central Queensland is still flooded after heavy rain.

The mine has been forced to close with water filling up the open-cut pits.

Xstrata Coal spokesman James Rickards says it is trying to pump the water out. 

"The recent rain we have received has been at such a level that there has been widespread flooding throughout the region," Mr Rickards said.

"It has affected the mine significantly therefore production has ceased.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/18/2823146.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/581</guid>
			<author>Stephanie Fitzpatrick ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Big miners dig in against resource tax</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The resource industry has urged the federal government to rule out a new tax on big miners including Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton that would make them among the worlds most heavily taxed.

In a submission ahead of the May 11 national budget, the Minerals Council of Australia representing Rio, BHP and Xstrata, said official calls for an increase in mining royalties were a "tax grab" threatening resource investment and growth.

[The Sky is Falling ! What a whinge. The mongrels should pay for the full cost of their filthy activities to the environment, biosphere, humanity. That would put them out of business quicker than any resource rental tax. Ed]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/big-miners-dig-in-against-resource-tax-20100217-oc9u.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/580</guid>
			<author>SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Strikes persist at Xstratas Tahmoor coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Union workers at Xstrata Plcs (XTA.L) Tahmoor coal mine on Wednesday called a three-day strike, the latest in a series of work stoppages over wages and job security affecting productivity at the Australian colliery since Xstrata acquired it in 2007.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSGE61G07120100217</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/579</guid>
			<author>Reuters US</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Rudds wind problem</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I suggest, governments state and federal should have someone bending their minds now to the next big green thing on our energy horizon: the proposed large roll-out of wind farms. Mind you, this relies on Rudd and Wong being able to figure out how to solve another unintended consequence plaguing their carbon program: the way their populist solar PV "phantom credits" and solar hot water credits are buggering up the renewable energy generation target.

Green advocate Mark Diesendorf from the University of NSW claims in the latest issue of Ecos magazine that the design mess could delay large wind farm development "for up to five years."

Sooner or later, however, the RET blockage will be removed - and then there will be a development rush of no small proportion. This is where governments want to watch out because not every rural and regional community member shares the love affair with 100 metre tall wind turbines to be found in, say, Anthony Albaneses electoral heartland of Marrickville, Sydney, where the locals would have to drive for half a day to see one.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Garrett-pd20100212-2L4TF?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Politics%20&amp;%20IR,%20Resources%20&amp;%20Energy&amp;blog=Powerline&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/578</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Telstra must rethink its NBN strategy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Googles announcement last Wednesday that it is going to build a one-gigabit per second fibre to the home broadband network in the United States has got the communication industry agog. It is seen as a truly game-changing move by the worlds internet giant.

It should also make Australias NBN Company and Telstra stop and think.

The NBN will take eight years to build and will then be one-tenth of the speed of Googles network, or 100 megabits per second - what seemed a year ago to be blindingly, impossibly fast. And before they start work on the NBN, tortuous negotiations with Telstra have to be finished.

But by the time the network is built, the world may have left Australia behind again.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Left-behind-with-the-NBN-pd20100215-2NRQT?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/577</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Support Tahmoor miners!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The locked-out workers promised to continue the struggle. One described the executive of Xstrata as "narcissist, industrial psychopaths" to the February 10 Southern Highland News. Another miner said: "At the Ulan mine last year they sacked blokes and then re-hired some the next day and got contractors in to replace the rest of them.

"How can we trust them after seeing what they have done in their other mines around Australia?"


Chris Williams, Illawarra Socialist Alliance convener, said: "We condemn Xstratas dirty tactics. Big coal companies are not only ruining the climate, they are ruining the lives of miners and their families. Despite making hundreds of millions of dollars in profits, they cant even negotiate fairly with the workers and their union. We back the miners courageous stand 100%".]]></description>
			<link>http://socialistalliancewollongong.blogspot.com/2010/02/support-tahmoor-miners.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/576</guid>
			<author>Socialist Alliance</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>More unrest likely in Xstrata row</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Further strike action is looming at the Tahmoor Colliery, despite employees returning to work today after ongoing industrial action.

The mines owner Xstrata says employees will implement workplace bans on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

[Xstrata are offering these people virtually nothing ,,, see earlier story Ed]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/15/2819890.htm?site=illawarra&amp;section=news</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/575</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>AUSTRALIA could move to 100 per cent renewable energy within a decade</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIA could move to 100 per cent renewable energy within a decade
if it spent heavily on cutting-edge solar thermal and wind technology,
according to an analysis released as part of a community bid to
redirect the flailing climate policy debate.

The shift would require the annual investment of up to $40 billion -
roughly 3.5 per cent of national GDP - with the largest chunk going
towards solar thermal power plants that used molten-salt heat storage
to allow power generation to continue without sunlight.]]></description>
			<link>http://media.beyondzeroemissions.org/preview-exec-sum14.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/574</guid>
			<author>ADAM MORTON</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Tahmoor Lockout</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the workers are actually only going to receive approximately 5.5% or 11.98% increase, but there are some concessions to be made:

These wages are what is on offer if we accept that the company can
Reduce manning levels at the face and replace absences with contractors or staff.
Have no contractors clause, which affects job security.
Have whatever roster and shift arrangements they want.
No arbitration for disputes
No seniority for retrenchments or increase of hands after retrenchments.
Shift seniority
Remove reference to the Award
Duration of agreement 4 years
Have policies, that affect our workers, that are changed without negotiation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.banasik.com.au/wordpress/?p=125</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/573</guid>
			<author>Benn Banasik</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstratas big boss with bigger ambitions - Satan incarnate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Out on a limb XTA will have to merge with the equally evil father of its spawn, Marc Richs Glencore to save its debt laden ass when the Chinese walk away for 12 months with their massive stockpiles, grinding XTA into the dust. The most exposed miner of all, Ponzid to the hilt. Read all about Marc Rich in our earliest news pages or google the name - CIA FBI Iran-Contra Fugitive..... Ed]

...However, pricing talks have got very sticky - in fact, they appear to have ground to a halt with the Chinese baulking at being asked by producers to accept a 40% to 50% increase in prices. The outcome of future negotiations is difficult to call.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/feb/14/mick-davis-profile-mining-industry</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/572</guid>
			<author>Richard Wachman - The Observer</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>European shares end winning run on China pressure</title>
			<description><![CDATA[People are nervous because the economic recovery is quite fragile," said Mark Bon, fund manager at Canada Life in London.

"The cyclicals that you hope will recover strongly may provide some negative surprises, so you want to take away money from those if you are feeling more nervous about their prospects, and defensives last year didnt do very well," he said, adding that investors sought defensive stocks which lagged behind last years rally.

Also weighing on sentiment, Europes post-recession recovery hit a snag as German economic growth unexpectedly halted and Italy went into reverse in the final quarter of 2009, knocking total euro zone GDP growth almost flat. [ID:nLDE61B0F4]

"While we do not expect the euro zone to relapse back into recession, GDP growth of just 0.1 percent ... highlights the fact that the region still faces very challenging economic and financial conditions," said Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE61B28A20100212</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/571</guid>
			<author>Dominic Lau - Reuters</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Closure of Kidd Met to impact 4,400 jobs, $158M in tax revenue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The closure of Xstratas Kidd Mine metallurgical site in Timmins may lead to the loss of 4,428 jobs across the province and $152 million in annual tax revenue to various levels of government, according to a study commissioned by the Timmins Economic Development Corporation. 

Conducted by Burlington-based Econometric Research Limited, the study shows a loss of 1,162 direct and indirect jobs in the Timmins area, with a total loss of $54.5 million in wages....

[With the imminent doubling (or more) of domestic (and global) supply of raw and processed minerals including coal, iron ore and LNG, employment and wages in those industries in Australia and elsewhere may peak and oversupply will severely negatively impact specific whole regions and communities with little notice. The Coal industry, largely wholly or partly funded multinational subsidiary Australian "shelf companies", dominate the greater amount of all commerce and employment in the Upper Hunter. Ed]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northernontariobusiness.com/Around-the-North/100212/Closure-of-Kidd-Met-to-impact-4,400-jobs,-$158M-in-tax-revenue--study769.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/570</guid>
			<author>Northern Ontario Business staff</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mining Xstrata reports 41% drop in net profit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining company Xstrata has reported a 41% drop in full-year net profit as last years economic downturn and the weakness of the dollar affected global commodity sales.

Profit fell to $2.77 billion from $4.7 billion the previous year, Xstrata said.

Earnings per share were down 62% at $1.05 compared with $2.77 in 2008. Earnings per share fell more than net profit because of a new share issue last year that diluted Xstrata stock.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=93154</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/569</guid>
			<author>AP</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Far-reaching welfare reform quarantined from evidence</title>
			<description><![CDATA[No friends, no money, and no support in high places. Australians reliant on welfare payments - we once called it social security - have not a speck of political clout. They are easy targets for a government hell-bent on showing its tough side, and getting out of a bind.

The Labor government plans to introduce historic changes to the social security system that not even the Howard government seriously contemplated. It intends to apply compulsory income management beyond the Northern Territory indigenous communities to the rest of the territory next year, and then nationally. Whole classes of welfare recipients will be told what they can spend their meagre benefit on, and where they can spend it.

Evidence-based is a term the Prime Minister favours and it refers to the sound notion that policy should be based on the best possible data. But a close look at the evidence behind the purported success of income management in the territory shows it is weak and contradictory.... 

an expensive program that provides no extra support, only punishes and stigmatises, should be based on stronger evidentiary foundations, larger client surveys, and better consultations than we have seen to date.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/farreaching-welfare-reform-quarantined-from-evidence-20100212-nxel.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/568</guid>
			<author>Adele Horin - SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Online protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[A potential lesson in Consultation for Muswellbrook Shire Council and Xstrata Mangoola]

Waverley and other councils were exploring ways to incorporate online feedback and social networking into their consultation process.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/online-protest-stops-trucks-20100213-nyej.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/567</guid>
			<author>JOSEPHINE TOVEY - SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Young and desperate join aid queue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[YOUNG people and families are seeking help from welfare and crisis organisations in increasing numbers.

An Australian Council of Social Service survey found requests for accommodation continuing to rise as people are forced to drop out of the private rental market.

ACOSS chief executive Clare Martin said vulnerable people were still at risk from the effects of the global financial crisis.

This is the coalface of general economic trends, things like high youth unemployment, long public housing waiting lists and a lack of affordable health services such as dental care, Ms Martin said.

It is particularly concerning to see so many young people needing help from community service organisations and being turned away from services due to overdemand.

The 2009 survey of welfare organisations, to be released today, shows both an increase in the demand for the services and in the numbers of people who had to be turned away.

Organisations received 4.3 million requests for assistance, an increase of 4 per cent on the previous year. Almost 60 per cent of the organisations said they were unable to help everyone who asked for assistance.

Employment and training assistance and youth welfare services were the most in demand, with 520,198 requests for help. The organisations had to turn away 115,685 people seeking assistance.

Singles and families needing emergency cash, vouchers for food, clothing and transport were the next highest area of need but the groups were unable to help everyone and turned away 92,862 people.

Tracy Sheather, who runs the youth crisis service ParraHouse at Parramatta Mission, said she had never previously seen whole families forced to seek temporary accommodation because they could no longer afford the private rental market.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/young-and-desperate-join-aid-queue-20100213-nye2.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/566</guid>
			<author>STEPHANIE PEATLING - SMH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata miners lockout an ugly tactic</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The unions of the South Coast are standing solidly behind the Tahmoor miners," he said.


As miners tried to shelter from the days heat during their third day manning a picket line outside the colliery, Mr Rorris expressed disappointment at Xstratas choice to lock out workers until Monday, and warned there would be consequences if the company maintained its present course.


"Lockouts are a very, very ugly tactic. If the multinational wants to continue down this really ugly course of action, theyll not only have to answer to the miners but to all the workers of the South Coast," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/xstrata-miners-lockout-an-ugly-tactic-rorris/1748900.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/565</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW JONES illawarra mercury</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Canadian union calls for government to make Xstrata divest assets in Timmins</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW) is calling on the Canadian federal and provincial governments to thoroughly investigate international mining giant Xstrata, including the reason for closing its Timmins Kidd metallurgical site. This call comes hours before Xstrata releases its annual report with its profit for 2010.


Should this investigation conclude that Xstrata has little reason to close the Timmins site, both levels of government must force Xstrata to divest their Timmins assets, says the CAW.]]></description>
			<link>http://pr-canada.net/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=165784&amp;Itemid=58</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/564</guid>
			<author>PR-Canada.net</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Development destroying Kooragang Wetland - Birds nowhere to be seen</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MIGRATORY birds nesting on Newcastles shoreline are in sharp decline.

Records show that 25 years ago, 10,000 shorebirds frequented the Hunter Estuary Wetlands each year.


Today that number has withered to fewer than 4000.


Small shorebirds have been the quickest to disappear, with some species declining by more than 65 per cent.


The lesser sand plover is among them.


Hunter Bird Observers Club member Alan Stuart said the bird was once seen in flocks of up to 800.


Sightings had dropped to one or two each year.


"Then theres the curlew sandpiper," Mr Stuart said.


"It was present in numbers of about 2000 birds in the 1970s, now we get about 200."


Development encroaching on Hunter habitats and along birds flying paths were the main reasons for the decline.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/declining-numbers-cause-concern/1748977.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/563</guid>
			<author>MELISSA LYONS</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Krudd ends preference to Australian workers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ONE of Australias most powerful trade unions has set itself on a collision course with the Rudd government, backing a campaign against it over the controversial 457 visa scheme for temporary foreign workers.

A report commissioned by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, to be released next week, will reveal the government has dropped the fundamental premise of the scheme, which is that employers must test the labour market before offering jobs to foreign workers. The author of the report, labour market and migration specialist Bob Kinnaird, writes that the Rudd government is no longer requiring employers to give preference to Australian workers, which he says goes further than even the Howard governments position, which Labor had criticised when in opposition before 2007.

The report, analysing recent government statements on the visa scheme, finds that Australia is not requiring employers to prefer Australian over foreign workers in hiring or in retention in case of redundancies. Nor can Australia freely change the list of occupations for which the visas can be granted, nor cap the numbers of visa holders in a particular year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/union-takes-on-labor-over-cheap-foreign-workers-20100211-nv7b.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/562</guid>
			<author>Malcolm Knox</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>How to crush an export boom</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I described them as Australias Mexicans - a reference to the illegal immigrants who clean the houses of Americans and drive their taxis.

They also seem to take jobs away from Australian unionists and tend to drive down wages - which of course was the purpose of the policy in the first place.

But as with a lot of economics, things are not always what they seem. Last year, the Australian Council of Private Education and Training commissioned a report from Access Economics on the economic impact of skilled migration.

Access found that the students spent $13.7 billion in 2007-08 and visiting friends and family spent $365.8 million, and that far from taking away jobs of Australians, they generated 122,000 extra jobs.

So the flow-on impact of the destruction of the export education industry through a combination of Labor government and union policy and racist assaults in Melbourne will be very large and very unpredictable.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Immigration-Chris-Evans-Coalition-ALP-Indian-stude-pd20100210-2HRSB?OpenDocument&amp;src=rab</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/561</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>The great reckoning begins</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ken Henry and David Gruen of Treasury should spend less time sneering at Barnaby Joyce and more time contemplating the unfolding calamity in Europe, and coming to grips with whats really going on in Australia.

As I explain below, Australias debt-funded fiscal stimulus is double what was announced and is only half-spent. In other words, the government is still in stimulus mode while interest rates are going up and unemployment is falling.

In general, what we are seeing is not just a Mediterranean muddle - it is the beginning of the great global fiscal stimulus reckoning.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-great-reckoning-begins-pd20100212-2KRNA?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/560</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Morale high on Tahmoor picket line</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The CFMEU has a proud history at Tahmoor. Historically its been a good arrangement all round, delivering fair working conditions and high productivity - this is a committed workforce thats produced highly profitable coal in difficult circumstances.

Poker anyone?: Our card skills have improvedBut Xstrata wants to change the play book and stop engaging with the union. The Enterprise Agreement theyve asked us to sign, and delivered to our doors, was developed with NO consultation with our union officials. Its a disrespectful and outright hostile approach.

At the moment were awaiting a decision from Fair Work Australia, which we hope will direct Xstrata back to the negotiating table with us. Thats all we ask - we are willing to negotiate in good faith, but Xstrata needs to understand the meaning of give and take, not just take.

If any Tahmoor miner ever suspected Xstrata management cared about their interests, thats all changed since weve been locked out this week.]]></description>
			<link>http://xstratafacts.com/content/morale-high-tahmoor-picket-line</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/559</guid>
			<author>xstratafacts.com</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Basic skills lacking</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Federal Government survey has found 34.5 per cent of Muswellbrook children go to school with inadequate basic skills but schools are working to ensure this is not an issue in later life.
The first national census of five- year-olds found that the numbers for Muswellbrook were substantially up on other towns in the region when it came to basic physical social, emotional, communication or language skills.

Newcastle had 19 per cent and Maitland 17.9 per cent that were seen to lack the basic skills.

School Education Director for the Hunter Central Coast region Ian Anderson said while teachers did face an uphill battle to get the students level with others of the same age programs have been put in place.

"In NSW every kindergarten student is tested before they enter the classroom to see what their skills are," he said. 

"As a result every child will almost have an individual learning plan. Their teachers will know their individual abilities and work to bring them up to speed."

Mr Anderson also said more investigation would take place within the Muswellbrook community in regard to what programs and services are available to children prior to them starting school.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/basic-skills-lacking/1743439.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/558</guid>
			<author>JAMIE FAKES</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>$2260 a week ... and theres overtime</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HUNTER coalminers are earning about $2260 a week before overtime according to the latest official figures.

Coal Services Australia says the average weekly earnings at all Hunter coalmines was $2258 in the three months to July last year, the most recent figures available.


That equates to annual income of about $117,400 a year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/2260-a-week-and-theres-overtime/1746552.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/557</guid>
			<author>Newcastle Herald</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Wanker Conroy thinks we should have the same human rights as China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GOOGLE has angrily rejected a call from the government to filter YouTube videos, after the Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, said if the search engine could censor material for China, it should do the same in Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/technology/no-minister-google-rebuffs-censor-20100211-nv7g.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/556</guid>
			<author>Asher Moses</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Garrett accused of industrial manslaughter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TONY ABBOTT has pinned the deaths of four insulation installers on Peter Garrett as the opposition stepped up its campaign to force the Environment Minister to resign over his administration of the Governments home insulation program.

Mr Abbott said if Mr Garrett were a company director in NSW he would be charged with industrial manslaughter.

He said the Government had a hide to attack Barnaby Joyce for his economic gaffes when people were dying in ceiling cavities.

Barnaby Joyce hasnt been responsible for programs that have killed people, he said.

Unions also attacked the government for inadequate training standards and being too slow to respond to concerns, but the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, stood by Mr Garrett, calling him a first-class minister.

Mr Garrett rejected the charges against him, saying he had heeded all warnings and advice and had acted appropriately, starting with the introduction of a national training program for supervisors before the scheme began on July 1.

Mr Garrett mandated government training for all workers under the scheme only in December and this does not begin until today.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/garrett-accused-of-industrial-manslaughter-by-abbott-20100211-nv7a.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/555</guid>
			<author>Phillip Coorey and Tom Arup</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>QLD moves to conserve cropping land</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Queensland Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe yesterday announced plans to protect the States food growing land from mining development. 

In a statement, the Minister described plans for a discussion paper that would set out a long-term planning framework to conserve and manage key food producing land.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/Article/QLD-moves-to-conserve-cropping-land/511098.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/554</guid>
			<author>Michael Mills</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Two North Queensland mines charged</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Queensland government has charged two north Queensland mines with contaminating local waterways. 

The owners of Lady Annie Mine, north of Mt Isa, and the Great Australia Mine, near Cloncurry, will be prosecuted for breaches of the Environmental Protection Act.

Its alleged that CopperCo Ltd, which owns the Lady Annie Mine, did not properly manage two water storage facilities, causing them to overflow into nearby waterways during last years wet season.

The company has been charged with causing serious environmental harm.

Australian Raw Materials Corporation Pty Ltd, which owns the Great Australia Mine, is facing similar allegations.

Its been accused of failing to check and maintain a pipe system that carried contaminated water, causing it to discharge into a nearby watercourse last year.

Two other mines in the region, MMG Century Limited and Birla Mount Gordon, are already facing similar charges.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2010/02/10/114185_news.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/553</guid>
			<author>Townsville Bulletin</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Palmer admits errors over coal deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Millionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer has moved to clarify earlier statements regarding a coal sales agreement between a Chinese company and his commodities group Resourcehouse Ltd, saying that earlier reports were based on his own estimates. 

The clarifications come after China Power International Development Ltd (CPID) denied media reports that it had agreed to buy 30 million tonnes of coal annually for the next 20 years from Resourcehouse. 

Mr Palmer said he got the name of the company wrong, and said he had estimated the $US60 billion ($A69.2 billion) price figure set for the deal. 

The agreement has been entered with China Power International Holding Limited (CPI), not CPID. 

"The earlier release stated China First Pty Ltd had entered into a coal sales agreement with China Power International Development Limited, " Mr Palmer said in a statement. 

"This was wrong as the agreement had not been entered into with China Power International Development Limited but with China Power International Holding Limited." 

"The agreement specifically was for a 20 year term of supply of coal at a price linked to the seaborne market for the sale of 30 million tonnes per annum of coal," Mr Palmer said. 

"Resourcehouse has estimated the cumulative value of any coal sales made under the agreement to be in the order of $US60 billion considering market prices across the life of the agreement." 

Earlier, CPID said it "did not contract nor negotiate with Resourcehouse Ltd about any agreement and the company did not sign any documents ... with Resourcehouse Ltd," in a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-Power-Intl-denies-Resourcehouse-deal-reports-2H6RT?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/552</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Palmers faux pas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Clive Palmers retraction of a mammoth coal deal announcement will get him plenty of headlines. But in Hong Kong, where he plans to list his company Resourcehouse, its generating another kind of publicity.

The dress code at Clive Palmers office yesterday must have involved a fair few shades of red. Never shy for a bit of press coverage, Clive Palmer was quick to announce his $US60 billion coal deal with China Power International Development Ltd (CPID) to the world over the weekend. Reports now say that the deal was actually with another company - China Power International Holding Limited (CPIH).

A clarifying statement was issued by the CPID via Chinese media outlet Xinhua. The fact that the statement came from a Chinese, state-owned outlet - essentially a government mouthpiece - can be considered a strong rebuke for Palmers error and a serious road-bump in Palmers relationship with his Chinese peers and government contacts.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Palmers-faux-pas-pd20100210-2HQWQ?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/551</guid>
			<author>Isabelle Oderberg</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mangoola project on budget and on schedule,</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XSTRATA is on track to deliver more than 30 million tonnes per annum of coal by the end of 2013 with its Blakefield South and Mangoola projects on budget and on schedule, and Ulan West, Ravensworth North and the Newlands Northern extension in the pipeline.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.longwalls.com/storyview.asp?storyid=1131807</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/550</guid>
			<author>Angie Tomlinson</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata says commodities boom ahead; profits down 41%</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Anglo-Swiss mining group Xstrata on Monday reported a 41 percent drop in its annual profit in 2009 and pinned its hopes on a renewed boom in commodities demand in China and other emerging economies.

Xstrata chief Mick Davis predicted that commodities markets would shrug off depressed demand and prices triggered by the financial and economic crisis in 2008 and 2009 and return to a situation where demand would outstrip supply.

Preliminary results released by Xstrata showed that attributable profit minus exceptional items slumped to 2.77 billion dollars (2.02 billion euros) with the global slowdown in industrial production early last year.

A late recovery in commodity prices was offset by the weaker dollar, while improved demand from Asian economies investing in infrastructure was balanced by "a more anaemic response in OECD" economies, Xstrata said in a statement.

Revenue fell 16 percent to compared to 2008, reaching 23.53 billion dollars.]]></description>
			<link>http://metalsplace.com/news/articles/32900/xstrata-says-commodities-boom-ahead-profits-down-41/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/549</guid>
			<author>Metals Place</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Miners locked out of Tahmoor Colliery</title>
			<description><![CDATA["NARCISSIST, industrial psychopaths".
This is how miners at Tahmoor Colliery have described the executive of mining giant Xstrata Coal.

More than 200 workers have been locked out of Xstratas Tahmoor mine for one week following failed attempts to negotiate a new enterprise agreement with the company.

The workers staged a six hour strike on Sunday and a 24-hour strike on Monday over the 16-month dispute and had planned to return to work last night but only run the mine at half capacity for the next three days.

Xstrata claim to have instigated the lock-out period because the unions continued strike action was "not in the interest of employees or the viability of operation".]]></description>
			<link>http://bowral.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/miners-locked-out-of-tahmoor-colliery/1746927.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/548</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE FENECH</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Gloom mining towns are boom towns thanks to housing frenzy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FOOLS...........
THE worlds unquenchable thirst for energy has come to the rescue of the dying towns of southern Queensland.

Chinchilla, Wandoan and Dalby are now in the middle of a housing boom that developers say is not just a once-in-a- lifetime but a once-ever opportunity that will see the population of the three towns double within the next five years.

Wild estimates of investment topping $100 billion are thrown about by locals, and wages for the lucky ones will easily exceed $100,000 in towns where unemployment is already below 2 per cent.

Chinchilla is turning from a town that locals said was struggling after a decade of drought into a modern energy hub where street after street of new housing is being sold before it is even built.

And while there are only 650 houses in Miles, there are applications for another 800 with council.

Corporate giants like Xstrata, Halliburton, Origin, Santos and BG are setting up to exploit the wealth of 35,000sq km of coal in the Surat Basin that will be the base for mines, power stations and gas.

Thousands of jobs are expected not just in construction but in the ongoing production.

Xstrata is believed to have already bought up about 35,000ha of land for its operations, and while much of that may have been marginal farming land, there are strong fears prime land further east is under threat from other miners.

Western Downs Mayor Ray Brown says that if they are not careful the outcome could be horrendous, with the population of the Western Downs region expected to jump from about 30,000 to 75,000 over the next few years.

Among the tough issues are that council may have to move the small township of Wandoan to make way for a massive coalmine.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,,26683033-3102,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/547</guid>
			<author>John McCarthy</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Demand: No New Coal in NSW ! ACT NOW !!!!!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Two new coal power stations for NSW?
We say: "Enough is enough" 
Thats right, the NSW government plans to approve two massive new coal power stations. If built, they will spew over 20 million tonnes of greenhouse pollution into the atmosphere each year. 

A decision is imminent and we need to stop them going ahead.

With everything we know about climate change, investing in new coal is utter madness.

Whats their plan?

The two proposed plans are:

Mt Piper, near Lithgow in the Blue Mountains: 2000 megawatt power station 
Bayswater, near Musswellbrook in the Hunter Valley: 2000 megawatt power station

The government has said these plants will be either coal or gas, but will leave this decision up to "the market" (private sector investors). In reality, the are already massice coal plants at Mt Piper and Bayswater, and all of the infrastructure is set up for more coal rather than gas. And, without a price on carbon pollution, gas is likely to the more expensive option.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.greenpeace.org.au/climate/GI-nswcoal.html?utm_campaign=February_2010_newsletter_full_list_ecm74.com&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_source=CM_Greenpeace&amp;utm_content=Newsletter</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/546</guid>
			<author>Greenpeace</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gas game changer</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Santos chief executive David Knox changed the Australian energy and carbon debate in a profound address to the Melbourne Mining Club this afternoon. 

In the address Knox forecast that, in time, the share market would come to understand the enormity of the Santos gas reserves and how they can supply both the export LNG markets at export prices and the local markets at prices that are based on current low levels, plus an inflation adjustment. 

In particular, he said, over time there would sufficient gas to replace the four Victorian brown coal power stations, which are one of Australias biggest sources of carbon emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/santos-david-knox-australian-energy-and-carbon-cli-pd20100204-2C6UL?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/545</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Government interference is hurting farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Indirectly depriving property owners of the ability to use their property as they see fit is a slow burning fuse. Governments, federal and state, are ignoring it at their peril.

The 52-day hunger strike by Peter Spencer, who camped up a 10 metre wind tower on his property near Canberra, galvanised people all over the country. But in reality the issue had been simmering away for some time and was going to flare up somewhere.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-Property-Rights-Fuse-pd20100203-2B5RQ?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=&amp;blog=AgriBuzz&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/544</guid>
			<author>David Leyonhjelm</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Inching towards a trade war</title>
			<description><![CDATA[US and European markets plunged overnight, weighed down by fears of sovereign debt contagion, and signs of growing trade tensions with the worlds top exporter, China. 

US President Barack Obama pointedly told Senate Democrats overnight that the issue of a weak Chinese currency had to be addressed "to make sure our goods are not artificially inflated in price and their goods are artificially deflated in price".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-packs-a-punch-pd20100205-2CRK5?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/543</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Labor and Liberal both in denial on climate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A new coal berth announced for Newcastle Harbour - already the worlds biggest coal port - will be the equivalent of a 13% increase in Australias greenhouse pollution. Thats the same figure that ALP calculations show Tony Abbots climate policy will increase pollution.

 

"The new coal berth at Newcastle will increase Newcastle coal exports by around 30 million tonnes per year", said Steve Phillips, spokesperson for Rising Tide Newcastle. "That is equivalent to a 13% increase in Australias greenhouse pollution. The expansion of Australias biggest contribution to climate change is being managed, encouraged, and approved by state and federal Labor governments."

 

"Everybody knows that Tony Abbots Liberal Party are climate change deniers. The laughable climate policy they have announced this week is a street-tree planting program, and will do absolutely nothing to reduce greenhouse pollution."

 

"But the Labor party are in denial too. They are completely in the thrall of lobbyists for the coal industry - the very cause of the climate crisis. They would have the Australian public believe that the number one cause of climate change in Australia and around the world can continue to massively expand, year on year, while greenhouse pollution is magically reduced regardless. That is pure fantasy."]]></description>
			<link>http://risingtide.org.au/LaborandLiberalbothindenialonclimate</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/542</guid>
			<author>Rising Tide Australia</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Abbotts great big axe</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Against all expectations, Tony Abbott and Greg Hunt have actually come up with a clever climate change policy, and certainly one that will change the debate in Australia.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will now have to quickly do a deal with the Greens to get a government scheme through parliament, or else simply give up and blame everyone else.

With the failure at Copenhagen having pulled the rug out from under him, and a global agreement on emissions trading now impossible this year, Kevin Rudd must avoid a 2010 election on his current CPRS at all costs. To do that by dealing with the Greens now would mean a two-year carbon tax eventually turning into an emissions trading scheme - a big risk.

The clever, pinpoint focus of the new Coalition policy that the Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Greg Hunt, has come up with, was actually lost yesterday amid the wildly incoherent antics of politicians back from holidays at the start of an election year.

In fact its quite simple: the coalition is proposing to pay the Latrobe Valley companies to convert from brown coal to gas. There are a few other ideas tacked on to make it look like a policy, not a deal, but thats the guts of it....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Abbotts-great-big-axe-pd20100203-2AR5B?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/541</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Two great wealth destroyers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Kevin Rudd needs to read up on history. The last Labor Prime Minister to undertake a vigorous attack on a major industry in the lead up to an election was Ben Chifley who, prior to the 1949 election, tried to nationalise the banks. 

That might not have been the main issue that caused the once discredited Robert Menzies to win the 1949 election, but Menzies received unprecedented support from the private banks. Six decades later and Rudd is not trying to nationalise the resources sector - however, he is mobilising an unprecedented attack on this export power house that has alarmed Australian resource companies large and small. 

In the past few weeks, as I talked with mining and power chiefs, I discovered a deep sense of anger and frustration. But at this stage, few leaders want to go public, preferring to attack the issues via industry bodies or to do special deals with the government. 

As the election approaches, their anger and frustration will spill into the public arena. This week the global investment capital giant Morgan Stanley declared that: "Pan Aust assets are located in Laos that is fiscally stable, and this is becoming a clear differentiator to assets located in Australia". 

To have Australia declared less fiscally stable than Laos by Morgan Stanley puts into the public arena what resource executives from the mining and power sectors are saying in private as they reel from Rudds threats]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudds-three-way-battle-pd20100203-2ARWT?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/540</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Request for traffic plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An extraordinary council meeting was held on Monday night to discuss the issue and ask for a modification of the CTMP from August prior to any decision on supporting the project.

The changes requested ask for reinforcement that Xstrata intend to use the eastern route of Wybong Road whenever possible and that the western route 

only be used when the other route is not available. 

The crash on January 7 happened on the western route....
Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush said while councillors would consider their support at the February meeting the final decision on the project came down to the Department of Planning.

"Councils only power is to give our satisfaction to the plan and we are yet to provide any approval on the plan. The Department of Planning will then have the final say," Cr Rush said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/request-for-traffic-plan/1731641.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/539</guid>
			<author>Jamie Fakes</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal fired Power KILLS</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Office for National Statistics (ONS) data at electoral ward level shows a four-fold increase in rates of infant mortality downwind of Ironbridge Power Station compared with upwind for the five year period 2003 - 2007.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.ukhr.org/index.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/538</guid>
			<author>UK Health Research</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Action urged over high Hunter cancer death rates</title>
			<description><![CDATA[POOR recognition and late diagnosis of breast, colon and bladder cancer are contributing to the Hunter having some of the highest cancer death rates in NSW.

Cancer Institute NSW statistics show there was an average of 16.7 breast cancer deaths per 100,000 women in the Hunter Cancer Council region between 2003 and 2007. The state average was 13.7 deaths per 100,000 women.


The regions colon cancer death rate per 100,000 people for the same period was 20.6 compared with the state average of 15.9.


Similarly, the Hunters bladder cancer death rate was 6.5 compared with the state average of 4.7.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/action-urged-over-high-hunter-cancer-death-rates/1727107.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/537</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Closing Coal-Fired Power Plants Improves Cognitive Development Of Children</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Closing coal-fired power plants can have a direct, positive impact on childrens cognitive development and health according to a study released by the Columbia Center for Childrens Environmental Health (CCCEH) at Columbia Universitys Mailman School of Public Health. The study allowed researchers to track and compare the development of two groups of children born in Tongliang, a city in Chinas Chongqing Municipality -- one in utero while a coal-fired power plant was operating in the city and one in utero after the Chinese government had closed the plant.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714151525.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/536</guid>
			<author>ScienceDaily</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Childrens IQ Can Be Affected By Mothers Exposure To Urban Air Pollutants</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can adversely affect a childs intelligence quotient or IQ, according to new research by the the Columbia Center for Childrens Environmental Health (CCCEH) at the Mailman School of Public Health. PAHs are chemicals released into the air from the burning of coal, diesel, oil and gas,

[sounds like Muswellbrook]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720111453.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/535</guid>
			<author>ScienceDaily</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>ONE in three Muswellbrook children have serious developmental problems by the time they enter school</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ONE in three Muswellbrook children have serious developmental problems by the time they enter school, according to a landmark Federal Government survey.

The first national census of five-year-olds found 34.5 per cent of children in the Muswellbrook local government area were starting school with inadequate basic physical, social, emotional, communication or language skills, compared with 28 per cent in Great Lakes, 22.4 per cent in Cessnock, 19 per cent in Newcastle, 17.9 per cent in Maitland and 10.2 per cent in Gloucester....

[Always knew there was something retarded about the drongos of Muswellbrook, the Village of the Damned. Wouldnt be Australias worst air, land, food, water and soil contamination from decades of open cut mining and power generation would it now].]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/region-children-lagging-behind-in-education/1738498.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/534</guid>
			<author>DONNA PAGE</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata in $15bn Queensland coalmine bonanza</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Megalomania Continues - Loony Davis in Delusions of Granduer - GFC II here we come - ANGLO-SWISS miner Xstrata is hatching plans to build a huge 100-million-tonnes-a-year thermal coal operation in Queensland that could cost $15 billion and rival the Hunter Valley as the nations biggest coal-producing region. 

Xstrata, the worlds biggest thermal coal exporter, and its Japanese joint venture partners intend to expand almost fivefold the current planned output of 22 million tonnes a year near the small town of Wandoan, 400km northwest of Brisbane, in the next 10 to 20 years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/xstrata-in-15bn-queensland-coalmine-bonanza/story-e6frg8zx-1225825229327</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/533</guid>
			<author>Matt Chambers</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rudd short changes the regions on broadband, says Governments own expert</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The coverage in regional areas of the Rudd Governments proposed National Broadband Network was today given a severe caning - by one of the members of the Governments own expert panel which gave advice on the project.

The highly critical comments today by Professor Reg Coutts confirm that Labor has broken an election promise to provide fast broadband to 98 percent of households.


At least 10 percent of the population are left out - or about two million Australians, who largely live in the regions.

The Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Warren Truss, said Prof Coutts article in Fairfax media was accurately headlined "NBN neglects those left in broadband wilderness".

"I and many in the community are frustrated at the lack of progress in planning services for the 10 percent of the population who are beyond the NBN footprint," Prof Coutts wrote.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nsw.nationals.org.au/news/latest-news/rudd-short-changes-the-regions-on-broadband-says-govternment-s-own-expert.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/532</guid>
			<author>Warren Truss MP</author>
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			<title>Hunter coal leads to moon and back</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MORE than one billion tonnes of raw coal have been stripped from the Hunter in the past decade, handing the State Government a $3.1 billion silver lining.

Stacked in cubic metres, thats enough coal to wrap around the Earths equator 27.7 times.


University of NSW head of mathematics and statistics Anthony Dooley has confirmed the calculation.


He said the colossal coal pile would reach the moon and back, fill 341,000 olympic swimming pools, two Sydney Harbours and 13,400 coal ships.


The staggering figures have reignited calls for the State Government to invest more funds in the region, which supports the highly profitable mining industry.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-coal-leads-to-moon-and-back/1726516.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/531</guid>
			<author>MELISSA LYONS</author>
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			<title>Hunters coal industry ravages landscape</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE shocking environmental effect of the regions multibillion-dollar coal industry can only be fully appreciated from the air.

A satellite image taken from GoogleMaps shows the extent of the scarring between Singleton and Muswellbrook in the wake of insatiable demand for the regions coal.


The image dates back 18 months, making it almost certain that the regions expanding mining industry has further affected its landscape.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunters-coal-industry-ravages-landscape/1726517.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/530</guid>
			<author>MATTHEW KELLY AND MELISSA LYONS</author>
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			<title>Hunter air quality monitoring criticised</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MOST air-quality monitoring sites in a new network planned for the Upper Hunter will not identify levels of potentially harmful very fine dust particles because there is no national measuring standard, the State Government says.

It has provoked criticism from one air-quality expert, and calls from some in the community for the monitoring to be as comprehensive as possible.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-air-quality-monitoring-criticised/1727101.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/529</guid>
			<author>MICHELLE HARRIS</author>
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			<title>Hunter coal activists fined over rail protests</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TWENTY-three climate protesters including a World War II veteran, a Newcastle councillor, a Buddhist chaplain and a teenage student were convicted and fined in Newcastle Local Court yesterday for bringing a coal train to a standstill in December.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-coal-activists-fined-over-rail-protests/1729144.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/528</guid>
			<author>Ben Smee</author>
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			<title>Mining threat to swamps and rock art</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A VAST new coalmine planned for Sydneys south-western outskirts will damage the citys natural desalination plant - the hanging swamps that filter pure water down into the Georges River.

More than 50 swamps in the little-known Dharawal State Conservation Area, south-east of Campbelltown, will be undercut by longwall coalmines, which the mine owner, BHP Billiton, admits are likely to crack the bedrock and drain swamps. Aboriginal rock art above the mine site is also at risk.

The proposal, being considered by the NSW Government, calls for a huge expansion of existing coalmines near Appin, which would lock in mining there for 30 years.

Opposition to the plan is growing, and a coalition of local residents and environment groups and the National Parks Association are calling for mining to be excluded from the conservation area.

It is literally underground and metaphorically under the public radar, said Sharyn Cullis of the Georges River Environmental Alliance. There should be widespread outrage or, at the very least, public debate about whether we really want the landscape desiccated ... sacrificed for the sake of coal.

The hanging swamps are shallow sandstone bowls, packed with matted sedge, native grasses and banksias that act like a sieve and a sponge, holding water in dry times and allowing it to seep out and feed some of the states cleanest creeks.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/mining-threat-to-swamps-and-rock-art-20100129-n48w.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/527</guid>
			<author>Ben Cubby SMH</author>
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			<title>Anti-Coal Protesters Fined</title>
			<description><![CDATA[23 Members of the rising tide climate action group yesterday appeared in Newcastle local court after they protested on rail lines on December 20.

Eight members were fined 750 dollars with the remaining fifteen charged with 250 dollar fines.

Magistrate Sharon Holdsworth said that their judgement was clouded by their passion for the environment]]></description>
			<link>http://hvnewsroom.blogspot.com/2010/01/protestors-who-stopped-upper-hunter.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/526</guid>
			<author>HVNR</author>
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			<title>Union claims win over Xstrata redundancies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The union fighting to reinstate jobs at the Ulan coal mine in mid-westen New South Wales has been successful.

The national workplace tribunal, Fair Work Australia, has ruled 10 of the jobs lost were not genuine redundancies because the staff were replaced by other employees.

Xstrata announced the cutbacks last August.

Andy Honeysett from the United Mine Workers Federation of Australia says the union will now apply to Fair Work Australia to give its members their jobs back.

"It gives them the certainty that if the jobs are there they cant be replaced by anybody - thats the big decision from Fair Work Australia," he said.

"The works still there so someone has to do it and thats why they were unfairly treated."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/29/2804554.htm?site=westernplains</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/525</guid>
			<author>ABC</author>
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			<title>Win for sacked Ulan workers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Excellent news! In a decision this week Fair Work Australia agreed with our argument that workers sacked from Ulan mine in the NSW central west were not genuine redundancies. 

Theres more work to do before we win their jobs back, but its a great start. 

38 mine workers - 19 full time permanent and 19 fixed termers - lost their jobs at Ulan back in September last year. 

10 of them took up the CFMEUs offer to take part in a legal bid to get their jobs back.


Its a slow process but after several hearings, Fair Work Australia has confirmed what we knew all along - they were not genuine redundancies because the work they did is still there. Its just being done by other people now. 

Fair Work Australia also found Xstrata had not complied with the Enterprise Agreement, which requires the company to consult about redundancies with affected employees. 

Our next step is to apply to Fair Work Australia to have these 10 workers reinstated. We expect the company to appeal this decision and take whatever steps they can to avoid re-employing them. 
.....
Xstrata has demonstrated it is not a company we can trust to act in the best interests of employees. So, well continue to go to court to defend the interests of CFMEU members where necessary - sometimes its the only way.]]></description>
			<link>http://xstratafacts.com/content/win-sacked-ulan-workers</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/524</guid>
			<author>Xstratafacts.com</author>
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			<title>WAKE UP AUSTRALIA: The fear over Chinas growth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last year the European based Pivot Capital Group - which correctly forecast the American sub-prime crisis a year before it happened and the Eastern European currency problems about six months before they happened - made a third major forecast: China would go into steep decline in 2010 or 2011. The men behind Pivot, Pars Mellstrom and Carl George, claimed that most of the productive Chinese infrastructure spending had already been undertaken and it was now spending money on marginal projects. Banks were lending to investors building apartments that were too expensive for ordinary people to buy...
Mellstrom and George believe no country can maintain infrastructure spending at more than half of GDP for an extended period, so China will have to reverse this and begin the slow process of lifting consumer spending. A sign that this analysis might be right was this months decision by the Chinese to substantially reduce bank lending. In turn, this will curb apartment boom and other asset speculations. No one is predicting that China will go into recession, but Australia has come to depend on high growth rates that Mellstrom and George say are not sustainable. When Mellstrom and George made their original prediction they were virtually alone. But more recently, senior Australian journalists from China have been saying similar things so the level of concern is rising....
But the Chinese are choking themselves with pollution - and my guess is that in the longer term they will switch a lot of their dirty industries to Africa to improve their air quality and to meet the global carbon standards. Dont be surprised that if in 2010 the American jobs imperative that President Obama underlined in his State of the Union address will be translated into more US clamps on imports from China and Asia. If that happens it will lift global tensions and Australia will be caught in an uncomfortable sandwich between the country that provides the bulk of our defence security and our major trading partner.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/WAKE-UP-AUSTRALIA-The-fear-over-Chinas-growth-pd20100129-25SAS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/523</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>WAKE UP AUSTRALIA: Chinas wings are clipped</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Beijing wants its banks to cut back lending because it is worried that economic activity is too strong, which could fuel inflation. 

But theres a more troubling side to Beijings orders, because it indicates how key parts of the Chinese economy - including interest rates and the exchange rate - are subject to government directive, rather than market forces. 

For all the excitement about the transformation into a market economy, important elements of the old, state-directed economy persist. 

Banking isnt the only industry subject to tight control from Beijing. Other industries such as energy, telecommunications and oil are also dominated by the state. As a result, the Chinese government is able to dictate what happens in major areas of the economy. 

the central government, and the various-state owned enterprises, continue to dominate most of the nations resources... there are huge inefficiencies in resource allocation in China. 
... In China, the consumer accounts for only one-third of the economy, compared with more than two-thirds in the United States. 

The Chinese consumer is further constrained by soaring property prices. Chinas growing middle classes are saddled with huge costs of renting, or paying for mortgages, and lack the disposable income to spend on cars, or plasma TVs. 

When they decided to build new factories and office blocks, the Chinese would have been projecting that demand for their products by Western consumers would continue to rise at a relatively healthy clip. 

But the advanced economies look set to record painfully weak growth rates for the next decade. And governments will be looking hard at ways they can boost employment by persuading consumers to buy locally-made goods and services. 

And thats one outcome that neither Chinese government, nor its private sector, were anticipating on when they made their investment decisions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-banks-lending-Chinese-economy-pd20100129-25V5M?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/522</guid>
			<author>Karen Maley</author>
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			<title>Coal Industrys Future Looking Murky</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal industry executives arent sleeping that well these days. As climate activists and environmentalists reassess their strategy after a year of slow Senate progress and an underwhelming Copenhagen accord, more and more resources and attention are directed at stopping coal. 

The extra focus on coal is a strategic move for the movement. Climate change starts with extraction and coal is still the elephant in the room when talking about major CO2 reduction policies. Local social justice, and global climate concerns are almost perfectly aligned in the fight to stop destructive mining practices and coal plants that poison neighbors. Groups fighting coal in the big picture are having great success, such as the Sierra Clubs Beyond Coal campaign and the amazing team at App Voices. Heres my round-up for the week of the growing momentum to stop coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/morgan-goodwin/coal-industrys-future-loo_b_435622.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/521</guid>
			<author>Morgan Goodwin</author>
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			<title>WAKE UP AUSTRALIA: Fix the China relationship</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian governments recent management of relations with China is a case in point. In the years until November 2007, Australias relations with China were sensible and steadily growing. But there is no doubt Beijing welcomed the election of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister; here was someone who knew their country and spoke their language. He would be even more accommodating to China than John Howard. 

Initially, those expectations were met. Rudd made an early visit to China but by then he was being chastised in Australia for being too much of a Sinophile. The smart thing to do was to ignore the barbs but Rudd is thin-skinned. Every criticism must be dealt with. 

So, to counter the criticism he was a China-lover, Rudd launched an attack in Beijing on the Chinese government for its Tibet policies - in Mandarin. The problem with this was it took him from being seen as a friend of Beijing to being seen as a two-faced opportunist. Then there was the Defence White Paper which suggested - in Beijings eyes - that Australia saw China as a long-term military threat; the Stern Hu affair where Rudd again changed tack under domestic pressure from quiet diplomacy to vocal denunciation; and the visas given to the Uighur leader, Rebiya Kadeer. 

For a while, the Chinese cancelled all high-level contact with Australia and told the government it would not support Australias Asian community concept.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-Kevin-Rudd-Beijing-Tibet-foreign-investment-pd20100126-2344B?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/520</guid>
			<author>Alexander Downer</author>
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			<title>WAKE UP AUSTRALIA: Learning the China-Africa lesson</title>
			<description><![CDATA[as we assess what China has achieved in Africa and the role it has played there, we can draw some lessons for Chinas involvement in Australia. Namely, that it is operating with a long-term, resource-hungry view.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/china-resources-australia-africa-iron-ore-pd20100121-ZW2DX?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/519</guid>
			<author>Isabelle Oderberg</author>
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			<title>WAKE UP AUSTRALIA: Sating Chinas hunger</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It has been apparent for quite a while that China has an appetite for iron ore; to feed its hungry steel mills and keep them churning out steel. But China is also hungry for another, rather more basic resource: food. So, while the Foreign Investment Review Board deals with public concern over China extending its ownership of resources projects in Australia, it may also be facing a growing number of food-related acquisitions by Chinese companies, as well as private land buys or the establishment of agriculture-related projects. 

China has a population of around 1.33 billion, around 22 per cent of the global populace, and that number is growing by around 10 million a year. But it yields only 7 per cent of the worlds arable land. With property prices in China on a massive upwards trajectory, much high-quality arable land has been given up for development (See WAKE UP AUSTRALIA: The fear over Chinas growth, January 29; Chinas capital conundrum, January 26 and Chinas house of cards, January 8). China has also faced serious problems with the quality of its land for agricultural production, facing issues such as water shortages, heavy metal pollution, desertification and erosion, perhaps related to its other appetite, for heavy industry. China lost 8.9 million hectares of farmland between 1995 and 2007.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-food-security-Australia-agricultural-project-pd20100126-234TR?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/518</guid>
			<author>Isabelle Oderberg</author>
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			<title>Tax changes threaten miner profits</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A proposal to force mining companies to pay more tax threatens to shave tens of billions of dollars off future profits just as a commodities boom is forecast to hit full stride.

Iron ore miners such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, would face the greatest exposure given the enormous profits generated in the sector as demand for steel recovers from the global financial crisis.

Iron ore prices are forecast to rise by around a third after recoiling in 2009 for the first time in nearly a decade.

The so-called rent tax would cost BHP Billiton, the worlds biggest mining house, an average $US2.33 billion ($2.55 billion) in annual profit between 2012-16, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch....
"We understand the politics; the government is sending up test balloons to gauge the response to tricky bits of the review," AMECs Bennison said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/tax-changes-threaten-miner-profits-20100128-n11h.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/517</guid>
			<author>smh</author>
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			<title>Misguided power</title>
			<description><![CDATA[New research has uncovered astonishing inefficiency in the NSW electricity industry, resulting in the states citizens and businesses paying four times what they should for power distribution.

Whats more the problems are rapidly worsening, so that the disadvantage being suffered by NSW electricity consumers is projected to accelerate sharply over the next five years.

The research, by Bruce Mountain of the Australian firm, Carbon Market Economics, and Stephen Littlechild, a former UK electricity regulator, compares the cost of electricity distribution in NSW, Victoria and Great Britain. It has been published this week by the Electricity Policy Research Group at the University of Cambridge.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/WAKE-UP-AUSTRALIA-Misguided-power-pd20100128-24RBK?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/516</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Residents dig in against mining in Lake Macquarie</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OPPOSITION is growing in Lake Macquarie against coalmining and the damage the industry causes to property and the environment.

Two new plans have been lodged with the NSW Department of Planning to extend mining in the lakes west and south. 


These plans have raised fresh worries about mine subsidence damaging creeks, groundwater, property and infrastructure. 


Mining company Xstrata, through its subsidiary Oceanic Coal, has applied to continue underground mining at its West Wallsend Colliery for 12 years.


It wants to mine 5.5 million tonnes of coal a year with its workforce of 390 people operating around the clock.


Five creeks are within the mine area, including Diega Creek, which has had damage from mine subsidence.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-dig-in-against-mining-in-lake-macquarie/1734447.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/515</guid>
			<author>Damon Cronshaw Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Muswellbrook council attacks mine approval decision</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MUSWELLBROOK Council has attacked the integrity of the NSW Department of Planning, after the department concluded that a November motion of the council approved a controversial traffic management plan for the Mangoola mine at Anvil Hill.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/muswellbrook-council-attacks-mine-approval-decision/1735893.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/514</guid>
			<author>Ben Smee Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Muswellbrook council told of traffic travelling to Anvil Hill</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BRIEFING notes given to Muswellbrook councillors show they were told in November that construction traffic travelling to the Mangoola mine site at Anvil Hill would use the narrow and winding road where a contractor was killed last week.

The council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Monday night to discuss Mayor Martin Rushs move to withdraw council support for mine construction to begin.


Councillors closed ranks around Cr Rush yesterday, some claiming they supported the unusual move and others declining to comment before the council meeting.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/muswellbrook-council-told-of-traffic-travelling-to-anvil-hill/1724762.aspx?order=1</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/513</guid>
			<author>Ben Smee Newcastle Herald</author>
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			<title>Mining companys river diversion a scar</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Northern Land Council says the diverted section of the McArthur River in the Northern Territory looks like a scar on the landscape.

The NLC says there is no evidence of revegetation by the mining company Xstrata.

Xstrata owns the McArthur River zinc mine near Borroloola and diverted about five kilometres of the river in 2008 so it could become an open-cut operation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/27/2802422.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/512</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Taking the heat off coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal is a four-letter word and forever will be so, but can it achieve a less pejorative status in the new decade?

In terms of contributions to atmospheric emissions, and to global warming according to the mainstream scientific view, Australian domestic emissions from coal are small beer, contributing less than 1 per cent of the worldwide total - but the fate of the industry here will be closely watched in major, industrialised coal-burning countries around the planet.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Coals-new-year-resolve-pd20100119-ZU3FF?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Politics%20&amp;%20IR,%20Resources%20&amp;%20Energy&amp;blog=Powerline&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/511</guid>
			<author>Keith Orchison</author>
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			<title>What does the Aussie mining tax really mean</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In our view, this has much wider impacts. Australia once again appears to be paving the way forward as it did with raising interest rates. Higher taxes across the globe would appear inevitable given the amount of debt that has been transferred from the private to public balance sheet. The market appears to have become complacent towards the transition whereby the private sector will end up supporting the public sector, rather than the reverse situation we have enjoyed for the past year.]]></description>
			<link>http://ftalphaville.ft.com/blog/2010/01/22/132386/what-does-the-aussie-mining-tax-really-mean/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/510</guid>
			<author>Financial Times</author>
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			<title>Fatality raises questions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A fatal accident on Wybong Road last Thursday has caused a number of concerns to re-surface about the use of the narrow road way by Xstratas Mangoola mine at Anvil Hill.
The accident occurred at about 4.50pm on Thursday, January 7 when a Toyota Hilux utility travelling west collided with an oversized truck carrying an articulated loader to the mine. 

Maitland man Dave Patten, 55, who was driving the utility, was killed as a result.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/fatality-raises-questions/1726200.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/509</guid>
			<author>Caitlin Andrews</author>
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			<title>Anvil Hill mine work halted amid approval doubts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CONSTRUCTION at the Mangoola mine at Anvil Hill has been stopped indefinitely, as doubts emerge about whether Xstrata Coal had proper approval to begin work.

Muswellbrook Shire Council has effectively claimed that Xstrata was breaching its conditions of consent when construction began at Mangoola earlier this month.


Mayor Martin Rush believes the council did not give Xstrata approval to start work ahead of schedule, despite councillors indicating their support to do so in November.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/anvil-hill-mine-work-halted-amid-approval-doubts/1731288.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/508</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Mine Unions in Australia, Canada Reject Xstratas Job Cuts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While the campaign for retention of coal-mining jobs and a fair contract by the Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) with Xstrata in Australia continues, another union is resisting proposed mining and metallurgical job cuts by the Anglo-Swiss mining house. 

In North America, the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) launched a campaign in northern Ontario in mid-December to preserve 676 copper and nickel smelting and refining jobs at Xstratas Kidd Creek metallurgical plants in Timmons, Ontario. The company announced on 8 December that it was permanently shuttering a smelter and refinery, effective 1 May 2010, thus heaping further economic havoc on a region already beset by job losses and a strike. 

The proposed job losses come on top of 725 mineworker layoffs by Xstrata in February 2009, when it temporarily shut three mines in the region. CAW Local 598 of Sudbury, Ontario, which is currently engaged in negotiations with Xstrata Nickel toward a 1 February contract expiration, has made recall of those jobs its number one bargaining table priority.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.icem.org/en/78-ICEM-InBrief/3577-Mine-Unions-in-Australia-Canada-Reject-Xstrata%E2%80%99s-Job-Cuts</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/507</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Strike to force negotiations</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CFMEU northern district official Greg Sharp told The Singleton Argus on Friday that the union was also fighting to have union meetings reintroduced now that the Howard governments Work Choices legislation is no longer in effect.

Mr Sharp explained that when issues could not be resolved before Christmas it was decided that strike action would be taken.

"We applied for protected action under the Rudd Governments Fair Work legislation and it was given by the courts]]></description>
			<link>http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/strike-to-force-negotiations/1731057.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/506</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Cracks in the China story</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Taken on its own, the decision by China to clamp bank lending should not have caused such a big fall on Wall Street. But dig deeper and you see why there is underlying concern around the world. And for Australia, Chinas decision underlines the dangers we face in the next few years. 

For the past decade, Chinas bank lending has been expanding at a much faster rate than its economy, but this coincided with its enormous infrastructure spending and a massive increase in exports, particularly to the US. Then came the global financial crisis and exports were slashed, while credit growth continued to surge ahead - many say that Chinas credit growth is still around 35 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Chinas-troubled-waters-pd20100121-ZVSVS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/505</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Wybong action group has called for more enquiries following this months Mangoola fatality.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[President of the Wybong action group John Shewin addressed council at its extraordinary meeting claiming that the community has not been consulted during the process and called for further enquiries to be conducted to determine what cost a mans life.]]></description>
			<link>http://hvnewsroom.blogspot.com/2010/01/wybong-action-group-has-called-for-more.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/504</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Another GFC is coming</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia is going to find itself in very serious strife. Because the next upheaval will likely originate in that industrialising, high-growth, politically unstable, and insensitive-to-the-rule-of-law region of the world that fixates Westerners like an irresistible narcotic: Asia (and China, more pointedly). And just as the transmission device for the recent contagion was banks that had overreached their domestic savings and loans domains and sucked far too hard on the impossible-for-myopic-management to ignore US lolly pop, history will inevitably repeat itself with the difference being that we substitute China for the US and Australian banks for their foreign cousins.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Another-GFC-is-coming-pd20100120-ZV59A?OpenDocument&amp;src=is&amp;is=Financial%20Services,%20Politics%20&amp;%20IR,%20Property,%20Economy&amp;blog=Concrete%20Detail&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/503</guid>
			<author>Christopher Joye</author>
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			<title>Xstrata needs to take more responsibility from last weeks road fatality at Mangoola</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Greens says Xstrata needs to take more responsibility from last weeks road fatality at Mangoola,

A man lost his life when he collided into truck carrying mining equipment from the x strata owned Anvil Hill mine on Wybong road last Thursday.]]></description>
			<link>http://hvnewsroom.blogspot.com/2010/01/greens-says-xstrata-needs-to-take-more.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/502</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Xstrata tells suppliers to cut prices 20% or lose contracts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XSTRATA Coal Queensland has written to suppliers demanding that they immediately cut their prices by 20 per cent or face losing their contracts.

In a letter sent to one supplier and obtained by The Courier-Mail, XCQ chief operating officer Reinhold Schmidt complains that the resources sector has "experienced significant pressure in terms of cost increases over many years and more recently, sales volumes".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26614372-3122,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/501</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Rising demand to push coal prices</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The resurgence of the Chinese economy, along with harsh winter conditions across the country, is likely to push coal prices up in the short term. In addition, the growing demand from power producers in India could support the upward movement of the fossil fuel.]]></description>
			<link>http://asianenergy.blogspot.com/2010/01/rising-demand-from-power-firms-to-push.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/500</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Locked out miners protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Workers at the Bulga open-cut mine near Singleton have set up a protest line outside the mine after employees were locked out by management.

Xstrata says it has told employees not to report for work again until 7:00am (AEDT) tomorrow, in response to threats of rolling stoppages and bans over a new enterprise agreement.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/19/2795720.htm?site=newcastle</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/499</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata orders workers off job in Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Plc said on Monday that rolling work stoppages by union employees was making it impractical to maintain operations at it Bulga coal mine in Australia and told workers to stay home for 24 hours.]]></description>
			<link>http://inovila.com/?p=64774</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/498</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Action urged over high Hunter cancer death rates</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Cancer Institute NSW statistics show there was an average of 16.7 breast cancer deaths per 100,000 women in the Hunter Cancer Council region between 2003 and 2007. The state average was 13.7 deaths per 100,000 women.


The regions colon cancer death rate per 100,000 people for the same period was 20.6 compared with the state average of 15.9.


Similarly, the Hunters bladder cancer death rate was 6.5 compared with the state average of 4.7.


Cancer Institute NSW acting chief executive officer Rob Sanson-Fisher said the mortality rates reflected a combination of lifestyle factors, victims inability to recognise cancer symptoms, not being able to see a doctor quickly and lack of appropriate diagnosis.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/action-urged-over-high-hunter-cancer-death-rates/1727107.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/497</guid>
			<author>Matthew Kelly</author>
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			<title>Hunter air quality monitoring criticised</title>
			<description><![CDATA[University of Newcastle conjoint associate professor Howard Bridgman said all sites should assess PM2.5 levels, related to burning of fuel for trucks and power station emissions.


"PM2.5 is now the key particle for health. Theyre small enough to get down into peoples lungs," he said.


"I really do think based on my experience. . . that setting up a network depending only on PM10 is the wrong way to go."


Conjoint Associate Professor Bridgman said equipment was available to monitor both, but it might be more expensive.


Singleton Deputy Mayor Paul Nichols said it was "wishy washy" for the smaller particles to be identified at only some sites.


"Weve got one chance to [set this up] properly," Cr Nichols said.


The spokeswoman said the department was still accepting comments about the network.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-air-quality-monitoring-criticised/1727101.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/496</guid>
			<author>Michelle Harris</author>
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			<title>Abbott the eco worrier</title>
			<description><![CDATA[His policies may be unclear, but Abbott is fast being defined as an action man, in direct contrast to the Prime Minister.

And Mr Rudd is ignoring expectations at his peril. Look how fast President Obama acted to correct the impression he was doing nothing. Now is the time for Rudd to give up committees and become action man. 

If he misses his main chance to tap into community enthusiasm for green solutions, he will lose his place in history. All that pent-up public enthusiasm has to be directed somewhere. If Rudd is not careful, it will turn to strong dislike of his government]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Tony-Abbott-ETS-whaling-land-army-Turnbull-Rudd-pd20100118-ZSR72?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/495</guid>
			<author>Natasha Stott Despoja</author>
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			<title>Muswellbrook council told of traffic travelling to Anvil Hill</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BRIEFING notes given to Muswellbrook councillors show they were told in November that construction traffic travelling to the Mangoola mine site at Anvil Hill would use the narrow and winding road where a contractor was killed last week.

The council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Monday night to discuss Mayor Martin Rushs move to withdraw council support for mine construction to begin.


Councillors closed ranks around Cr Rush yesterday, some claiming they supported the unusual move and others declining to comment before the council meeting.


One councillor, who did not want to speak publicly, told The Herald the council has been under "enormous pressure" to allow work to begin as soon as possible.


The council voted in November to allow construction to start at Anvil Hill, despite advice from Xstrata that trucks would need to use the western part of Wybong Road.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/muswellbrook-council-told-of-traffic-travelling-to-anvil-hill/1724762.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/494</guid>
			<author>Ben Smee</author>
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			<title>Wybong residents anger over fatal smash</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the action group warned the council and NSW Department of Planning two years ago that allowing large vehicles to use the narrow road was an accident waiting to happen.


Wybong residents were not aware that support for early construction had been given until The Herald reported yesterday that the council had withdrawn its approval.


"[Allowing work to begin] is a disgraceful thing to happen," Mr Shewan said.


"Its disgraceful that it did happen because the community put in so much effort to warn the council and the mining company and the [NSW] Department of Planning."


Mr Shewan said the stretch of road where Mr Patten was killed was not wide enough for oversized traffic.


"The road is so narrow that any wide load travelling would really require traffic [ in the opposite direction] to be stopped," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/wybong-residents-anger-over-fatal-smash/1723730.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/493</guid>
			<author>Ben Smee</author>
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			<title>Consumerism overhaul needed to avoid ecological collapse</title>
			<description><![CDATA[No government pledges or technological advances will be enough to rescue humanity from environmental and climate risks, claims a grim 2010 State of the World report by the US-based Worldwatch Institute. It calls for a cultural shift, noting that to replace fossil-fuel power at the current demand trajectory we need to build 200 square meters of solar PV panels and 100 square meters of solar thermal every second, and 24 wind turbines (3MW) an hour for 25 years.

 

It calls for a shift that that values sustainability over consumerism, calculating the worlds richest 500 million people (roughly 7% of global population) are responsible for 50% of the worlds CO2 emissions, while the poorest three billion are responsible for just 6% of global emissions.

The Worldwatch Institutes latest annual report, subtitled Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism to Sustainability, defines "consumerism" as a cultural orientation that leads people to find meaning, contentment and acceptance primarily through what they consume.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.environmentalmanagementnews.net/storyview.asp?storyid=1035376&amp;sectionsource=s0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/492</guid>
			<author>Worldwatch Institute.</author>
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			<title>Surreal asset inflation</title>
			<description><![CDATA[William Pesek from Bloomberg says, "The real problem is the quality of growth. The trillions of yuan lavished on the [Chinese] economy last year wont boost demand for exports. Nor will it soon morph the nations rabid savers into enthusiastic consumers. If todays public borrowing doesnt create a domestic-demand-driven economy, then its risky."

Getting out of bed is risky, too. But you more or less have to do it. You dont have to invest in China. Pesek says you should be wary. He writes that, "Chinas overinvestment in 2009 may have delayed this day of reckoning, not averted it. Officials in Beijing are on notice that savvy short-sellers are delving into their books."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Surreal-asset-inflation-pd20100114-ZNRFP?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/491</guid>
			<author>Dan Denning</author>
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			<title>Broadband billions left hanging as wireless bites back</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIANS are flocking to 3G mobiles and wireless broadband devices, bringing into question some of the assumptions behind the Rudd Governments $43 billion national broadband network.

A report published yesterday by the Australian Communications and Media Authority shows that take up of wireless technology more than doubled last financial year as quicker speeds and more sophisticated handsets made it a viable alternative to fixed-line internet.

Australians increasingly seek flexibility in where and how they access communications and content, the report found.

The number of mobile phone services rose 9.5 per cent in 2008-09 to 24.2 million, and wireless broadband had leapt 162 per cent to 2.1 million by the end of June. This contrasts with the number of fixed-line telephone services, which fell 3 per cent to 10.7 million.

The report backs other evidence of a rise in mobile services. Last month Telstra used such data to explain a reduction of the revenue it expected from fixed-line services.

The embrace of wireless by consumers could prove to be a headache for the Government. The financial viability of its broadband network will rely on much of Australias internet traffic being directed through its pipes]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/broadband-billions-left-hanging-as-wireless-bites-back-20100112-m4u7.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/490</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>A pivotal year for coal-seam gas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The abundance of prospective sources of supply may help explain why PetroChina walked away from a $US40 billion gas contract with Woodside last week because of delays in the development schedule of its Browse project]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/The-coal-seam-gas-wars-pd20100111-ZL2N2?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/489</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Muswellbrook Shire Council withdraws Anvil Hill mine support after crash</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE controversial Mangoola mine at Anvil Hill could be stopped by Muswellbrook Shire Council, which has sensationally withdrawn its support for the project.

Muswellbrook Mayor Martin Rush used his executive powers to quash a November council decision allowing construction work to begin, citing safety concerns after a fatal accident last week involving an oversized truck carrying equipment to the mine...
"I cannot be satisfied, as I must, that the present arrangements (particularly the manner of escorting over-dimensioned vehicles) are safe in light of what has now occurred," Cr Rush wrote....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/muswellbrook-shire-council-withdraws-anvil-hill-mine-support-after-crash/1722623.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/488</guid>
			<author>Ben Smee</author>
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			<title>The five threats to China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a side-bar to these talks, the world is watching green technology development in China, which is being encouraged by the government. The countrys 863 Program has been massively expanded in the area of new energy technology research, with the government establishing targets for installing wind turbines, solar panels and hydro-electric dams. And while the worlds second largest energy consumer woos oil-rich states like Nigeria to secure energy supplies, it also taking small steps towards fostering development of green energy supplies at home. In December last year the government amended its renewable energy laws to require electricity grid companies to buy all power produced by renewable energy generators.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-property-bubble-GDP-growth-social-unrest-Ste-pd20100111-ZKVUN?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/487</guid>
			<author>Isabelle Oderberg</author>
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			<title>Lost property: home in deed but not in fact</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW farmer Peter Spencer is coming up to the 50th day of his hunger strike. Spencer is arguing that he should be adequately compensated for native vegetation regulations that prevent his chopping down trees on his land.

Fair enough. Compensation for loss of property rights is part of the Commonwealth constitution.

But native vegetation laws are state laws, and state constitutions dont require state governments to pay just compensation for property they take. Spencer claims these laws were enacted at the behest of the Federal Government, allowing Canberra to meet its Kyoto greenhouse emissions targets without the hassle of paying those who own the native vegetation carbon sinks. (Constitutional limitations on government power must be pretty annoying.)

Certainly, the nuances of regulations governing the clearing of native vegetation sound dull, but theyre actually very important. A mountain of regulation imposed by all three levels of government is eroding one of our basic human rights - the right to own property.

This might seem a bit counter-intuitive. The Government hasnt literally taken Spencers property away. He hasnt been kicked off: hes still allowed to wander his land at his leisure. He still holds the title. But his right to use the land has definitely been taken. Put it this way: what if the Government told you that you could keep your house, but couldnt live in it? Sure, youd technically still own it, but you bought that house because you thought it would be a nice place to sleep. You dont really own it in any useful sense.

Its the same with farmland. Spencer may not have been physically deprived of his land, but whats the point if hes not allowed to farm it? And if Spencer is not compensated for this regulatory taking, how is it much different from legalised theft? Spencers is not an isolated problem. In urban areas, planning regulations and heritage restrictions are increasingly onerous as state and local governments try to micro-manage the character of suburbs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/lost-property-home-in-deed-but-not-in-fact-20100109-lzs0.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/486</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Country pays a high price</title>
			<description><![CDATA[By guaranteeing that water will flow to Melbourne this year, Holding casts the city as a greedy parasite. - whats new to country people as the godless city dwellers rape the environment for short-term benefit.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/country-pays-a-high-price-to-slake-the-citys-thirst-20100109-lzrz.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/485</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Maritime workers striking for 30% pay rise over 3 yrs... Lets all get one!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Already nations highest paid.. who said GREED... A good pattern for the rest of us... Ed]

In an action that employers say will cost oil and gas companies hundreds of thousands of dollars, unionists at shipping company Farstad plan to walk off the job for 48 hours this weekend.

The walkout is a renewal of strike action last month taken as part of the Farstad workers campaign for a 30 per cent pay claim over three years.

The Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) says the strike action will affect oil and gas producers including Woodside, Shell, Chevron and ExxonMobil, which operate in WAs North West Shelf and in Bass Strait.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/maritime-workers-going-on-strike-20100108-lyoy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/484</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Local population of endangered bird cut by half</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Researchers say extreme heat has wiped out half a local population of endangered birds on WAs South Coast...."All indications so far is that the deaths have occurred because of the extreme heat (53 degrees) and winds that have been prevalent in the last couple of days" he said.

"Speaking to witnesses theyve actually watched the birds come in for water and virtually die in front of them."]]></description>
			<link>http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/australian-news/6658825/local-population-of-endangered-bird-cut-by-half/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/483</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Fatal motor vehicle crash - Wybong</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Friday, 08 Jan 2010 05:19am 


A man has died following a collision involving a utility and a semi trailer in the States Hunter region yesterday.

About 4.50pm police and emergency services were called to Wybong Road, Wybong, after reports of a collision between a Toyota Hilux utility and a semi trailer.

Inquiries into the cause of the crash are continuing, however, it appears that the west bound ute collided with the east bound semi trailer, which was carrying an articulated loader (a piece of mining equipment).

As a result the driver and sole occupant of the ute, a 55-year-old Maitland man, died at the scene.

The male truck driver was not injured. He was taken to Muswellbrook Hospital to undergo mandatory tests.

The road remained closed in both directions for several hours while officers from the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit conducted inquiries into the cause of the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/latest_releases?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmViaXoucG9saWNlLm5zdy5nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjk1MjYuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/482</guid>
			<author>NSW Police - New South Wales Government</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas house of cards</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While much of the rest of the world is in awe of Chinas rapid recovery, the programme tapped into the mounting wave of unease about the sky-rocketing cost of apartments in many cities. Urban Chinese complain loudly about becoming mortgage slaves. 

The house-price angst is fuelling fears among investors that Chinas super-charged lending boom last year is stoking a real estate bubble that will eventually burst and derail the economy. 

Indeed, there is a whiff of Dubai about the Chinese property market at the moment. In Tianjin, a city two hours from Beijing, a developer is starting work on a vast project of luxury villas, built in clusters named after continents, which form the shape of a world map. If that does not sound familiar, nothing screams Dubai more than the 7-star hotel and indoor ski slope that are also part of the plans. (In defence of the skiing, it was -11°C in Tianjin on Wednesday, compared to Dubais 23°C.) 

There are plenty of alarming statistics to back up the anecdotes. According to Knight Frank, average prices for new homes in the year to November rose by 68 per cent in Shanghai, 66 per cent in Beijing and 51 per cent in Shenzhen. The China Daily noted this week that in terms of house prices as a proportion of incomes, China is now the most expensive place in the world.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/china-housing-bubble-property-prices-shanghai-beij-pd20100108-ZGS2L?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/481</guid>
			<author>Geoff Dyer, Financial Times</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>US financial crisis far from over, economists say</title>
			<description><![CDATA[But Simon Johnson, an economist at MITs Sloan School of Business, said that by propping up the financial sector, government efforts to date are only delaying another inevitable crash. 

By giving large financial institutions the assurance that they are too big to fail, and thereby offering an implicit guarantee to excess risk-taking, the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama have made the problem worse. 

"The crisis is just beginning," Mr Johnson said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/US-financial-crisis-far-from-over-economists-say-ZDLU5?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/480</guid>
			<author>Reuters</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Designing a Stove to Save Millions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Clean stoves have hit the big time, or at least attracted the attention of the EPA, World Health Organization, United Nations, and Oakridge National Laboratory, all of whom have taken an interest in cheap, hi-tech stoves and their potential to save lives and stabilize the climate. The latest "World Changers" issue of the The New Yorker carries a great (and quite long) article by Burkhard Bilger called "Hearth Surgery," which paints a thorough state-of-the-union on clean stove technology and the leaders who are trying to bring it to the several billion who still live with open cooking fires in the home]]></description>
			<link>http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/12/the-new-yorker-on-designing-a-stove-to-save-millions.php?campaign=weekly_nl</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/479</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata prepared to tackle overflow contamination</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Code for we are definitely polluting the Marray/Darling with heavy metals Ed]
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines says it is doing all it can to manage stormwater and protect local river systems from contamination.

Some of north-west Queenslands biggest mines were investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency after on-site water overflowed early last year.

The operators of Lady Annie Mine, north-west of Mount Isa, were issued with an environmental protection order after an overflow event led to the contamination of local waterways.

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines chief operating officer Steve de Kruijff says for the past four years, as part of its storm water management, the company has been preparing large dams and ground control areas.

"Its really about trying to reduce the storm water escaping from our site and most of the water and most of the stormwater that does come from our mining lease doesnt have any problem," he said.

"But we are just cognitive to the fact that it may carry some heavy metals and we just dont want that impact leaving our mining lease."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/04/2785124.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/478</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Is that hot enough?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Figures released by the Bureau of Meteorology have reminded us why its important to act on climate change. According to the bureau, the past decade was the hottest on record, with a rise of 0.4c over the 1960-1990 average. 

The year 2009 was 0.9c above the average and the coming year promises to be even hotter, boosted by an El Niño effect. The effects are plain for all to see and go to explain why it is that Australian business has cause to fear that the Rudd government might just be tempted to follow the US and threaten business with regulation of carbon emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-trading-ETS-policy-climate-change-el-nino-pd20100106-ZEREZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/477</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China the one to watch, and worry about</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Chinese protectionism revolves around fixing an artificially low rate of exchange with the $USD. Take that away and see what happens. However the Chinese are so dependent on $ protectionism that they cannot. Ed]

The Chinese refuse to acknowledge the problem. Recently Prime Minister Wen Jiabao dismissed foreign complaints: On one hand, you are asking for the yuan to appreciate, and on the other hand, you are taking all kinds of protectionist measures. Indeed: other countries are taking (modest) protectionist measures precisely because China refuses to let its currency rise. And more such measures are entirely appropriate. Or are they? I usually hear two reasons for not confronting China over its policies. Neither holds water.

First, theres the claim that we cant confront the Chinese because they would wreak havoc with the US economy by dumping their hoard of dollars. This is all wrong, and not just because in so doing the Chinese would inflict large losses on themselves. The larger point is that the same forces that make Chinese mercantilism so damaging right now also mean that China has little or no financial leverage.

Again, right now the world is awash in cheap money. So if China were to start selling dollars, theres no reason to think it would significantly raise US interest rates. It would probably weaken the dollar against other currencies - but that would be good, not bad, for US competitiveness and employment. So if the Chinese do dump dollars, we should send them a thank-you note.

Second, theres the claim that protectionism is always a bad thing, in any circumstances. If thats what you believe, however, you learnt economics 101 from the wrong people - because when unemployment is high and the government cant restore full employment, the usual rules dont apply.

Let me quote from a classic paper by the late Paul Samuelson, who more or less created modern economics: With employment less than full . . . all the debunked mercantilistic arguments - that is, claims that nations that subsidise their exports effectively steal jobs from other countries - turn out to be valid.

He then went on argue that persistently misaligned exchange rates create genuine problems for free-trade apologetics. The best answer to these problems is getting exchange rates back to where they ought to be. But thats exactly what China is refusing to let happen.

The bottom line is that Chinese mercantilism is a growing problem, and the victims of that mercantilism have little to lose from a trade confrontation. So Id urge Chinas Government to reconsider its stubbornness. Otherwise, the very mild protectionism it is currently complaining about will be the start of something much bigger.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/china-the-one-to-watch-and-worry-about-20100103-ln95.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/476</guid>
			<author>Paul Krugman</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Global warming continuing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Bureau of Meteorology annual statement said temperatures were quickly rising above the long-term average at a level consistent with global warming.

In line with most other world regions, Australia had its hottest decade since modern record-keeping began.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/heatwave-shows-need-for-carbon-deal-garrett-20100105-lses.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/475</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Griffin Coal enters administration</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[most of the open cut pits of the Upper Hunter operate under the same bottom of the harbour arrangements as this flunky show below - shelf companies Pty Ltd with massive debts to offshore parents - liquidateable at any moment should there be a downturn or mine reaches end of economic life and is due for rehabilitation - expect that not one of the toxic U. Hunter sites will ever be rehabilitated by its owner. Ed. ]....

Privately owned Western Australian coal company, Griffin Coal has entered administration after the company missed a December 31 deadline on $30 million due to be made in debt and tax payments.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Griffin-Coal-enters-administration-pd20100104-ZCQKU?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/474</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China introduces law to boost renewable energy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Grid operators refusing to buy power produced by renewable energy generators could be fined up to double the loss suffered by the renewable energy generator, the amendment said. 

Chinas target is for renewable energy sources to make up 15 per cent of its power generation by 2020, up from about nine per cent currently. It also targets a reduction in carbon intensity, or the amount of carbon produced per unit of GDP, of between 40 and 45 per cent by 2020 compared with 2005.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-introduces-law-to-boost-renewable-energy-Z56ZS?OpenDocument&amp;src=is</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/473</guid>
			<author>By Lucy Hornby of Reuters</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Food security - consigned to Australian history</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Much of the rich farmland surrounding Sydney and Melbourne has been replaced by urban spread. There are just 1050 surviving market gardens around Sydney and half are in the sights of the developer-dominated NSW Labor Government.

Australias food security is going backwards. Our lax food-labelling laws are being exploited by the giant retail chains to import cheap food from abroad, mix it with Australian product and, if more than 50 per cent of the value of the mix is Australian, to label it Made in Australia. The consumer is being duped and the practice is sending some local farmers broke.

If Australias population keeps growing at a rate of 1.2 million people every three years, and the Murray-Darling Basin continues to degrade, and the arid zone continues to expand, and cheap imported food continues to out-compete local product, Australia will become a net importer of food sooner rather than later. Hard to imagine, but inevitable on present trends.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/neglect-of-food-sources-has-the-chooks-coming-home-to-roost-20091227-lg5y.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/472</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Nation must embrace atmospheric carbon reduction</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Research by the Institute of Sustainable Futures in Sydney shows that vast amounts of energy could be saved by better managing peak load power generation. Coupled with wide-scale energy efficiency measures, and some localised, low-emissions power generation, greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector could be slashed.

"You could cut emissions by 10 per cent in 12 months," said the institutes director, Stuart White. "Thats the low-hanging fruit - the easy part. The problem is that the price signals to do this arent there at the moment."

A series of Australian and international studies, including exhaustive modelling by the Federal Treasury, shows that the long-term economic effect of wholesale change on this level will be small. If Australia were to follow the two-degree track to 2050, the effect would be a slowing of economic growth by a few months over four decades.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/nation-must-embrace-awful-arithmetic-of-garnaut-cuts-20091221-la2n.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/471</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Tahmoor miners to march</title>
			<description><![CDATA[More than 500 Tahmoor mineworkers and supporters will take to the street today in protest over mining company Xstratas refusal to promise job safety and security.

For the past 15 months Xstrata has knocked back a proposal to put together a job safety and security deal, finally resulting in industrial action from its workforce.
....

"Tahmoor coalminers and their families are saddened at the fact that a big rich mining company is not prepared to guarantee job security and safety standards," Mr McAndrew said.


"Xstrata has racked up billions of dollars in profits off the backs of its workers here in our community of Tahmoor."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/tahmoor-miners-to-march/1710666.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/470</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Govt under pressure over ETS</title>
			<description><![CDATA[keeping global temperature increases to below two degrees, the level that has found majority support among nations, would require the federal government to adopt the top end of its current target range. 

"If the world really was on the path to delivering that, that would be a 25 per cent target in Australia by 2020 and 90 per cent by 2050," Mr Garnaut said on Monday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Govt-pressured-on-both-sides-as-Garnaut-sparks-tar-pd20091222-YXKD4?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/469</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Protesters stop trains to main Australian coal port: Assaults by SOG Police...</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[We have received eyewitness reports that several of the protesters were seriously assaulted by Special Operation Group Police during and after arrest with one protester seriously injured and requiring urgent medical assistance on release - such assistance being denied by Police for several hours following the assault and arrest. Legal action is expected to subpoena CCTV, civil and Police footage of the serious assault inflicting grevious bodily harm.] editor....

Sydney: An environmental group said it blocked rail lines to Australias main coal export port for six hours on Sunday, calling it a protest against the failure of the Copenhagen summit on climate change.


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United States can challenge India if it fails to meet climate goals 
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Rising Tide said its members chained themselves to tracks, hung from a bridge and climbed on trains to stop them reaching the Kooragang coal terminal in Newcastle, north of Sydney.

Australia is the worlds largest exporter of coal and relies heavily on coal for its electricity. Much is mined in the Hunter Valley, inland from Newcastle, and mostly shipped from the port.

Spokesman Steve Phillips told Reuters the protest ended after 23 of the groups members were arrested by police. "Direct action," he said, was warranted in view of the failure of world leaders to address climate change.

"We did it as a protest against the failure of the Copenhagen climate change talks," Phillips said. "We are losing faith in our leaders to get the world out of this crisis."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_protesters-stop-trains-to-main-australian-coal-port_1325599</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/468</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rudd fails on climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Copenhagen conference on climate change has been a "comprehensive failure" for the prime minister, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says. 

After 13 days of tortuous talks, the representatives of 192 nations on Sunday set a goal of limiting warming to two degrees celsius and earmarked $US10 billion ($A11.28 billion) in early funding for poor countries most at risk from climate change. 

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd threw his support behind the deal as "a significant global agreement on climate change action", but said much more remained to be done. 

"Some will be disappointed by the amount of progress, the alternative was frankly catastrophic collapse," he told reporters on Saturday at the troubled summit. 

However, Mr Abbott said the result was a rebuff to the prime minister. 

"Intentions are better than nothing, but Mr Rudd has failed his own test," Mr Abbott told Sky News on Sunday. 

"He said a few years ago that what we wanted to get were real targets against real time lines ... and certainly by that standard its been a comprehensive failure." 

He said such agreement as was reached by world leaders was too unspecific to be of value. 

"We can all say lets get temperature increases down, but they havent said what they would do to bring that about ... Theyve said lets not let the temperature go up by more than two degrees but they havent said how theyre going to achieve it. 

"No country at Copenhagen has committed to any particular way forward. Thats why I think its very disappointing and thats why I think its very hard for the prime minister, who always said real progress meant real targets against real time lines, its very hard for him to claim any kind of a victory." 

Mr Abbott added: "What this shows is that Kevin Rudd was very unwise to rush Australia into prematurely adopting a commitment in the absence of similar commitments from the rest of the world, and I think it certainly entirely vindicates the oppositions stance in rejecting Mr Rudds great big new tax on everything when parliament was sitting earlier this month."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudd-fails-on-climate-change-Abbott-YW37V?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/467</guid>
			<author>AAP</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>COPENHAGEN CALLING: Is this the end?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Global clean energy investments outstripped fossil fuel investment for the first time last year and US, China and many other nations made it absolutely clear in numerous speeches and presentations in Copenhagen that they would continue to drive such investments. Planting trees might be a good idea, but it doesnt make for economic transformation on the scale that is required. 

There is much talk about the threat of carbon leakage. A recent report by the World Bank, as well as the presentations inside the Bella Centre last Thursday by the International Institute of Sustainable Development, suggests these fears are overstated. 

The biggest threat to Australian business if it cannot make substantive progress towards low carbon economy may come in the form of carbon tariffs. This is the stated intent of the Waxman-Markey Bill being considered by the US Senate, and is being openly discussed in Europe]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Copenhagen-climate-change-Barack-Obama-Kevin-Rudd--pd20091221-YWQTB?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/466</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Rudds the biggest loser</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There are few national leaders in the world who had more at stake in Copenhagen last week than Kevin Rudd. He and his government managed to manoeuvre themselves into having the most to lose if things didnt pan out - apart from the government of Denmark.

And pan out is what Copenhagen did not do. The Chinese delegation went home elated, popping champagne in the Peoples 747, while a bedraggled Kevin Rudd and Penny Wong would have sat miserably with their seat belts firmly buckled, glum-faced and barely speaking, thinking about having to face a euphoric Tony Abbott.

It seems only yesterday that Climate Change Minister Penny Wong emerged from negotiating with Opposition Energy spokesman Ian Macfarlane declaring "peace in our time", with predictions of a rapid passage of the CPRS legislation and, at last, certainty for businesses.

Since then, Macfarlane and his boss Malcolm Turnbull have been turfed out in a coup by the anti-appeasers, and the carnival in Copenhagen that was supposed to support the emergence of emissions trading schemes everywhere turned into a circus instead.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudds-hot-options-pd20091221-YWRFK?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/465</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas carbon camp is calling</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia emerged from Copenhagen on the wrong side. We were in the American camp, and in a group of nations who are now vocal about carbon but short on action. 

We should be in the Chinese camp because China, instead of spending time and energy on carbon trading is setting about taking action and it looks like they are going to lead the world in carbon reduction, which will undoubtedly be the growth industry of the decade.
Leaving that aside, China is growing rapidly so was always going to have a carbon problem. What was obscured in the reports from western media at Copenhagen was that China is tackling the problem in a serious manner by actually taking real action.

For example, China invests in renewables at twice the rate of Australia on a per unit of GDP basis and it closing down brown coal and other high-carbon sources of power. In the process China is going to develop a huge carbon reduction industry which will lead the world.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au//bs.nsf/Article/Copenhagen-climate-change-US-China-carbon-pd20091221-YWS62?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/464</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Protesters stop trains to main Australian coal port</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An environmental group said it blocked rail lines to Australias main coal export port for six hours on Sunday, calling it a protest against the failure of the Copenhagen summit on climate change.


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You may also want to see
Railways cutting carbon footprint 
Now what? 
Jairam Ramesh to make statement in Rajya Sabha on Copenhagen talks 
Angry citizens launch missiles against politicians 
Response of climate summit to challenges is faulty: MS Swaminathan 
Rising Tide said its members chained themselves to tracks, hung from a bridge and climbed on trains to stop them reaching the Kooragang coal terminal in Newcastle, north of Sydney.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_protesters-stop-trains-to-main-australian-coal-port_1325599</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/463</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Rudds green credentials a lot of hot air</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Carbon trading is a system dismissed by the worlds most influential scientist on global warming, James Hansen, who, as director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, essentially invented and popularised the concept of human-induced global warming.

Hansen believes carbon trading schemes, especially those as complex and compromised as the scheme proposed by the Rudd Government, are misguided: These cap-and-trade trading schemes are a terrible idea. They are a way to continue business as usual ... 

Business as usual is exactly what the Rudd Government, the unions and the Labor patronage machine are all about. The soaring rhetoric about climate change is just carbon emission.

The Copenhagen summit and carbon trading were the linchpins for Rudds determination to push his emissions trading legislation through Parliament. Failure to do so, he implied, would force him to call an early election on the principle of saving the environment.

The Liberals called his bluff. The compliant Malcolm Turnbull was replaced with Tony Abbott, who immediately called for an election on emissions trading.

In response, Rudds election threat is melting away, along with his credibility as an environmentalist as the Murray-Darling systems dies, the miners rule, and the cities bulge with new arrivals and congestion on a scale not seen in this country before.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/rudds-green-credentials-a-lot-of-hot-air-20091220-l7ez.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/462</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Venezuelan Presidents Speech on Climate Change in Copenhagen</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This planet is billions of years old, and this planet existed for billions of years without us, the human species, i.e. it doesnt need us to exist. Now, without the Earth we will not exist, and we are destroying Pachamama as Evo says, as our indigenous brothers from South America say.

Finally, Mr. President, and to finish, lets listen to Fidel Castro when he said: "One species is in danger of extinction: Humanity."

Lets listen to Rosa Luxemburg when she said: "Socialism or Barbarism."

Let us listen to Christ the Redeemer when he said: "Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, we are capable of not making this Earth the tomb of humanity. Let us make this earth a heaven, a heaven of life, of peace, peace and brotherhood for all humanity, for the human species.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much and enjoy your meal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/5013</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/461</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata, a multi-national mining firm, knew full well that it would eventually be shutting down the Met Site and had that in mind when the purchase went through three years ago.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[[Wherever they go Xstrata are only concerned with predatory profit. Binding agreements to maintain workforce numbers, sites etc mean nothing to Xstrata unless they equal excessive profits. Xstrata - predators raping the global environment.] ed

----------------------
Denis Saudino convinced city council Monday night take action to fight the Xstrata closure of the Kidd Met Site.

 

Timmins city councilor Denis Saudino made an impassioned plea to his fellow city councilors Monday night to take whatever action is necessary to save the 670 jobs that will be lost by the announced shutdown of the Xstrata Kidd Met Site next May. 

Council supported Saudino with a resolution of support calling on the federal government to provide full public disclosure of the agreement that allowed for the sale of the Falconbridge Kidd smelter to Xstrata back in August of 2006. 

Saudino told city council this week he is confident that Xstrata, a multi-national mining firm, knew full well that it would eventually be shutting down the Met Site and had that in mind when the purchase went through three years ago. 

"I know they probably did their due diligence. They probably said what happens if we close Timmins? And so they probably talked to somebody in government somewhere. Somebody knows something, somebody knew this was coming. Id like to know who," said Saudino. 

He speculated that somebody went along with the deal "because with globalization, thats what happens." 

"Well, thats not acceptable," Saudino told council. 

Saudino asked council to support his request for a strong-worded resolution to be sent to Queens Park and the House of Commons asking that the behind-the-scenes dealing for the Xstrata purchase be made public and that the higher levels of government kick in funding to provide a co-generation plant or reduce Hydro One rates "to keep these jobs in Ontario." 

"I think you have raised some excellent points," Mayor Tom Laughren told 

Saudino, who added he doesnt think anybody in the city wants to sit back to and take the Xstrata news without a fight. 

The resolution, which was passed unanimously, will be forwarded to the office of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. 

As the resolution was passed, a group of CAW Local 599 workers in the council gallery stood and applauded. Local 599 is the union that represents the majority of Xstrata Met Site employees. The union will be making a new statement at a news conference called for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.timminstimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2221241&amp;auth=Len%20Gillis</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/460</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Copenhagen Accord: a deal far from perfect</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Environment groups slammed the failure of rich countries to announce their final 2020 target, saying the pledges on the table will lead to a temperature rise of three degrees, enough to trigger dangerous climate change, according to scientists.

Greenpeace International executive director Kumi Naidoo said: "World leaders had a once-in-a-generation chance to change the world for good, to avert catastrophic climate change. In the end they produced a poor deal full of loopholes big enough to fly Air Force One through."

Lumumba Stanislaus Dia Ping, from Sudan, which is chairing the Group of 77 and China bloc of 130 poor nations, condemned the deal: "Todays events really represent the worst developments in climate change negotiations in history."

In Sydney, Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the accord was as hollow as Mr Rudds attempts to affect climate change.

Mr Abbott, who argues Australia should delay a domestic carbon emissions trading scheme until a substantive agreement has been struck at a global level, said: "I think its wrong for people like Mr Rudd to imagine that they can be much more than the mouse that roared."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/the-copenhagen-accord-a-deal-far-from-perfect-20091219-l6oi.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/459</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Abbott condemns PM as mouse that roared</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Copenhagen Accord was as hollow as Prime Minister Kevin Rudds attempts to affect climate change, Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said yesterday.

As global anger and protests greeted the historic deal - the terms of which fell short even of the generally low expectations for the summit - Mr Abbott went on the attack.

The Opposition Leader, who argues Australia should delay a domestic carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) until a substantive agreement has been struck at a global level, said: Copenhagen, it seems, has been a very Kevin Rudd kind of agreement. Theres been a lot of words but not many deeds come out of it.

Mr Abbott said the draft accord was more good intentions, but said it was better than no agreement at all on climate change.

He said Mr Rudd had been wrong to rush the Governments climate change policy through Parliament. It was shot down in the Senate.

I hope that hell now entirely reconsider his climate change policy, he said.

Mr Abbott attacked Mr Rudds belief he may have been able to influence the outcome of an agreement struck at Copenhagen. I think that it was always a great conceit to think that Australia could save the world on its own, he said.

The Australian voice should be heard in the world but I think its wrong for people like Mr Rudd to imagine that they can be much more than the mouse that roared.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/abbott-condemns-pm-as-mouse-that-roared-20091219-l6on.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/458</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Lack of coal buyer stalls mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The lack of a buyer for coal is stalling the development of Cape Bretons Donkin mine.

An official with Xstrata Coal said the company is ready and willing to begin an exploratory mining operation, but it cannot do so until it finds a buyer for the ore....
Istomin expects Xstrata will find a buyer for the coal eventually. Even so, he said there are other factors slowing down the project, such as a slumping U.S. market for power and falling gas prices.

"Many of these utilities have the ability to switch from coal to gas or oil, and with the depressed gas prices at the moment those utilities that can burn gas are burning gas because its the cheapest source of energy they can purpose, which means theyre not purchasing coal," said Istomin.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/18/ns-donkin-coal-buyer.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/457</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Copenhagen Negotiators Bicker and Filibuster While the Biosphere Burns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[First they put the planet in square brackets, now they have deleted it from the text. This is no longer about saving the biosphere: now its just a matter of saving face. As the talks melt down, everything that might have made a new treaty worthwhile is being scratched out. Any deal will do, as long as the negotiators can pretend they have achieved something. A clearer and less destructive treaty than the texts currently being discussed would be a sheaf of blank paper, which every negotiating party solemnly sits down to sign]]></description>
			<link>http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/12/18-11</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/456</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Last Planned Coal Plant in Florida Cancelled</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Earthjustice has been at the forefront of moving utilities and regulators away from coal. In June 2007, Earthjustice successfully challenged Florida Power and Lights proposal for what would have been the largest new coal plant in the United States, near Everglades National Park. The landmark environmental victory marked the first time global warming played a role in a decision by the states utility regulatory agency, the Public Service Commission.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2009/12/18-2</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/455</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Acidic oceans threaten marine life</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE growing acidity in the oceans caused by the soaring increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is irreversible in the short term, posing a serious threat to the marine life.

A major report prepared for the UN meeting in Copenhagen warns world leaders that by 2050, the ocean acidity could increase by 150 per cent.

This dramatic increase is 100 times faster than any change in acidity experienced in the marine environment over the last 20 million years, giving little time for evolutionary adaptation within biological systems, the study says.

Only the rapid reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by at least 50 per cent by 2050 can avoid substantial damage to ocean life, according to the report, which was prepared under the UN Environment Program and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The report highlights the direct link between soaring greenhouse gas emissions, the health of the oceans and the enormous cost they will involve for human society.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/acidic-oceans-threaten-marine-life-20091214-ksdn.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/454</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Speculators at it again. Get ready for GFC II + Climate Crisis</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China is producing copper at record levels while demand from developed nations is weak. Even so, prices reached a 14-month peak last week. Global lead and zinc markets have 230% and 135%, respectively, more stocks than last year! This year, the US, Japan and Germany consumed substantially less nickel because stainless steel production was down. But nickel prices rose almost 50%. 

Current high prices are thus no longer a guarantee of demand. Other portents are equally bleak. The weak dollar, the high dependence on government spending and the flight to gold as a safe haven are all signs that global industrial recovery is elusive. China and India alone cant absorb the new supply. As Germanys Commerzbank reportedly said this week while raising its copper price forecast for 2010: "The absence of physical demand is being compensated for by investors." In short, current prices are useless if you want to know how much customers are buying now and what they will buy in future.

All will be well if the bets turn out good. If not, the metals industry may have a bloodbath. Companies will be desperate to sell or export extra supply, leading to price wars, tariff wars, and trade wars that create political tension and disrupt supply chains. 

The signs are there. China makes as much steel as the next eight producers combined. This year China made 11% more steel (and 20% more aluminum) oblivious to the risk it was running by creating a global glut. Meanwhile, US mills are still running at 62% capacity. 

For now the surplus is largely quarantined in China because its stimulus package has created local demand. But when this package runs out, China will flood the world market.]]></description>
			<link>http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Markets/Rising-food-prices-Green-signal-or-smokescreen/articleshow/5332110.cms</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/453</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Wybong property home to array of wildlife</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The search of a single property near Wybong has uncovered a remarkable number of wildlife, plant species and Aboriginal heritage, including an orchid never seen before.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nrm.gov.au/projects/nsw/hcen/2006-01.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/452</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Approved Conservation Advice for Prasophyllum sp. Wybong (C. Phelps ORG 5269) (a leek orchid)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Conservation Status
Prasophyllum sp. Wybong (C. Phelps ORG 5269) is listed as critically endangered. This species is eligible for listing as critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act) as it has a very restricted geographic distribution with an estimated area of occupancy of 1.5 km2. The species geographic distribution is precarious for its survival due to fragmentation and ongoing threats (TSSC, 2009).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/81964-conservation-advice.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/451</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Keneally rules out ban on new coal-fired power generators</title>
			<description><![CDATA[KRISTINA Keneally has ruled out a ban on new coal-fired power generators, signalling that the "greening" of the NSW Labor government under her predecessor, Nathan Rees, has ended. 

In a further sign that jobs and investment have moved to centre stage under the new Premier, Mrs Keneally has indicated she will revisit Mr Reess decision, announced on his final day in office, to establish a national park to preserve river red gums on the Murray.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/state-politics/keneally-creates-new-environment/story-e6frgczx-1225809565558</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/450</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China rejects Rudds draft climate deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CHINA has accused the developed world of retreating from its undertakings to cut greenhouse gas emissions, rejected a proposal at the Copenhagen conference to reduce financial help to China and described the draft deal Kevin Rudd worked on as creating "a lot of problems". 

The Chinese have accused the developed world of abandoning the Kyoto Protocol and pressuring the developing nations to cut emissions without proper compensation for the "luxury emissions" the West has put out for the past century.

The so-called "commitment circle" draft document worked out between Denmark, Australia and other nations was said to be from a small and isolated group and designed to lift the political standing of individuals.

Chinas ambassador to Australian, Junsai Zhang, has forcefully put the Chinese governments case against proposals to bind developing nations to targets to cut greenhouse gases, drop the Kyoto commitments made by the developed nations and cut the share for China, India and Brazil of a $US10 billion-a-year financial help fund for developing countries to fight climate change.
...... (Ed. Krudd is caught out as a charlatan.)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/china-rejects-draft-climate-deal/story-e6frg6xf-1225809565931</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/449</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Balaclava Island Queensland - Next on Xstratas Hit List</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Narrows represent an uncommon passage landscape and are one of only five narrow tidal passages separating large continental islands from the mainland in Australia. Of the five passages, Pumicestone Passage and Great Sandy Strait separate large sand islands from the mainland, leaving only Hinchinbrook Channel and Howard Island (NT) as geologically comparable to The Narrows. In contrast to the sub-tropical Narrows, Hinchinbrook Channel and the Howard Passage are wide tropical estuaries at a much earlier stage of development. 

The Narrows are also an important indicator of past geomorphological processes, as many of Queenslands headlands and coastal ranges have been joined to the mainland by sedimentation processes identical with those operating within The Narrows. The geomorphological system includes the distinctive features of Balaclava Island, Kangaroo Island, Targinie Creek, Graham Creek and The Narrows. 

Balaclava Island and The Narrows are in a zone of overlap and transition between tropical and temperate littoral vegetation communities. Importantly, this determines a switch in the competitive balance between southern mangrove communities dominated by the temperate/sub-tropical species, AVICENNIA MARINA and northern mangroves dominated by the tropical species of RHIZOPHORA. Three mangrove species are at, or near, their southern limit in the area.

Not even registered listing on the National Estate is enough to prevent Xstrata seeking to destroy our biodiversity in its evil godless greed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahdb/search.pl?mode=place_detail;place_id=18811</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/448</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata presses on with Balaclava Island proposal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An independent environmental impact statement is being prepared to consider any potential environmental, social, and cultural impacts of the proposed coal export terminal.

Xstrata originally favoured Port Alma as the site for the terminal but subsequently decided that the adjacent, undeveloped Balaclava Island was the better option.


Xstrata has also submitted an Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation EPBC Act referral to the federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.


"These submissions mark the start of the environmental approvals process for the proposed coal export terminal on Balaclava Island," a company spokesman said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.lloydslistdcn.com.au/archive/2009/december/10/xstrata-presses-ahead-on-balaclava-island</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/447</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Upper Hunter anger over coal royalties</title>
			<description><![CDATA[UPPER Hunter councils say the State Government is ripping a huge windfall of coal royalties out of the region but putting nothing back in return.

They are also angry that the Government has refused to direct some royalties to Muswellbrook and Singleton councils.


They say it took Macquarie Street six months to dismiss the request with "a scant 13 lines" of a letter from former mineral resources minister Peter Primrose.


The coal royalty issue exploded this week when The Herald revealed that Hunter mining royalties would earn the Government $920 million this year, almost three times the $365 million paid in 2006.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/upper-hunter-anger-over-coal-royalties/1702064.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/446</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rudd will make a carbon copy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It will be a long time before an Australian Prime Minister duplicates the strong personal friendship that John Howard enjoyed with George Bush. But the new US ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich, yesterday reminded those at the Melbourne Press Club that Kevin Rudd has spent more time with President Obama in the oval office than any other international leader. 

What he was too polite to point out was that Kevin Rudd has had a personal falling out with the Chinese leaders so that President Obama becomes very important to Australian clout in international relations.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/United-we-stand-Keeping-close-ties-pd20091209-YJRJW?OpenDocument&amp;src=rab</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/445</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>News of shutdown rocks business community</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Timmins Chamber of Commerce did not receive any advanced warning from Xstrata that the company was planning to close its metallurgical site in May.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.timminspress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2211306</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/444</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>No Slowdown of Global Warming, Agency Says</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The decade of 2000 to 2009 appears to be the warmest one in the modern record, the World Meteorological Organization reported in a new analysis on Tuesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/science/earth/09climate.html?_r=1&amp;emc=eta1</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/443</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>The NBN solution was there all along</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The fundamental problem is that Stephen Conroys overkill has set up the prospect of two national wholesale network companies that will not be allowed to merge, but neither of which can be commercial viable on its own..... So the only solution is .. If Telstra split itself into separate network and retail companies, the network company would have to gradually replace its copper with fibre - probably just to nodes (neighbourhood stations) to start with and eventually right up to the premises...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/telstra-nbn-structural-separation-conroy-pd20091208-YHRMC?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/442</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tahmoor coalminers continue their fight against Xstrata Coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Workers will continue to reduce the capacity of the mine and enforce bans on loading coal trains until Friday.]]></description>
			<link>http://macarthur-chronicle-wollondilly.whereilive.com.au/news/story/tahmoor-coalminers-continue-their-fight-against-xstrata-coal/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/441</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Tahmoor strike</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Workers at Xstratas Tahmoor colliery have refused to accept two collective agreements proposed by the company.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/02/2759417.htm?site=sydney</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/440</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>What constitutes success in Copenhagen?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The science demands, and leading nations have agreed in principle, to try and cap global greenhouse emissions at 450 parts per million. 

However, that requires a peak in emissions by 2017-2020 and a 25-40 per cent cut on annual emissions output (below 1990 levels) from developed countries by 2020. The world is still a long way short of that. The US has proposed a 17 per cent cut from 2005 emissions by 2020, and Obama may hesitate to make a more meaningful offer in the face of an obstinate Senate and mid-term elections. 

Developing countries such as China, Brazil, and India will need to agree to cuts of 20-30 per cent below business as usual but they say they cant commit to that unless the developed world agrees to cuts of 40 per cent. However, China and India have opened their bidding with announced cuts in "emissions intensity", the amount of carbon produced for each unit of GDP, of up to 45 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/copenhagen-climate-conference-talks-ets-cprs-carbo-pd20091203-YD5YH?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/439</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>what we are doing is lowering our standard of living, which will increase the crime rates in our cities</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Reserve Banks plan is to lift interest rates again in 2010 with rises of between 50 and 75bps on the drawing board. That simply means that even more people will not be able buy a dwelling, so the shortages will increase and rentals will rise. The density in existing dwellings will rise further. In effect what we are doing is lowering our standard of living, which will increase the crime rates in our cities.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/RBA-interest-rates-house-prices-affordability-hous-pd20091204-YDSDX?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/438</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Copenhagen climate change talks must fail, says top scientist</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The scientist who convinced the world to take notice of the looming danger of global warming says it would be better for the planet and for future generations if next weeks Copenhagen climate change summit ended in collapse.


James Hansen talks to Suzanne Goldenberg Link to this audio In an interview with the Guardian, James Hansen, the worlds pre-eminent climate scientist, said any agreement likely to emerge from the negotiations would be so deeply flawed that it would be better to start again from scratch.

"I would rather it not happen if people accept that as being the right track because its a disaster track," said Hansen, who heads the Nasa Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York.

"The whole approach is so fundamentally wrong that it is better to reassess the situation..... 
 "This is analagous to the indulgences that the Catholic church sold in the middle ages. The bishops collected lots of money and the sinners got redemption. Both parties liked that arrangement despite its absurdity. ....
He has irked some environmentalists by espousing a direct carbon tax on fuel use.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/02/copenhagen-climate-change-james-hansen</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/437</guid>
			<author>"The Guardian"</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Scientist quits CSIRO amid censorship claims</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A MESSY public quarrel between the CSIRO and one of its employees came to a dramatic conclusion yesterday, with the ecological economist Clive Spash resigning and calling for a Senate inquiry to examine claims of censorship at the science body.

Dr Spash yesterday lashed out at his former employer, saying it had treated him extremely poorly. He said the organisation had gagged his views on emissions trading schemes.

The spat centres on a paper Dr Spash wrote, The Brave New World of Carbon Trading, which criticised cap and trade schemes, such as that proposed by the Rudd Government.

The CSIRO refused permission for the paper to be published in the journal New Political Economy because it deemed it in breach of the CSIRO charter, which prevents staff from publicly debating the merits of government or opposition policies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/scientist-quits-csiro-amid-censorship-claims-20091203-k8vb.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/436</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Why Barnaby said thank you to Penny</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BARNABY Joyce started his response to the final debate on the emissions trading legislation with a big "thank you" to Penny Wong and the Government last night.
Thank you, said The Nationals leader in the Senate, for uniting the Coalition.....
Mr Truss said his party still wanted something to be done about global warming, but in a completely different way to that proposed.

"We came to the last election with a policy to reduce carbon emissions; we supported the renewable energy targets. We supported the targets Kevin Rudd will be taking to Copenhagen," Mr Truss said.

"Our difference is the way in which you achieve that.

"We believe you need to do practical things that actually reduce CO2 emissions but a new tax doesnt do that. 

"Selling pieces of paper doesnt reduce the climate; doesnt reduce the CO2 emissions. You need to undertake actually practical measures.

"If you sell a piece of paper, you havent done anything to reduce C02 emissions."

Mr Abbott also quickly moved to tighten ties with The Nationals, telling his first press conference as leader that he "always thought that a Liberal is a city National, and a National is a country Liberal".]]></description>
			<link>http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/nationalrural/agribusiness-and-general/general/why-barnaby-said-thank-you-to-penny/1693804.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/435</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Coals Tahmoor mine workers walk off the job</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MORE than 200 workers from Xstrata Coals Tahmoor mine stopped work yesterday (Monday) in protest of their work conditions. 

The employees and their families protested outside the Tahmoor Inn after negotiations with Xstrata on Friday broke down. 

Mineworkers said they were forced to take protected industrial action in a bid to obtain better job security and safety standards at the Tahmoor mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://macarthur-chronicle-wollondilly.whereilive.com.au/news/story/xstrata-coal-s-tahmoor-mine-workers-walk-off-the-job/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/434</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Power bills may rise 60 per cent after ETS starts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Federal Government is expected to come under increasing pressure to raise compensation for households to offset the effect of its proposed emissions trading scheme.

Independent modelling is believed to show households will be much worse off than has been predicted. The Federal Government has assumed electricity prices for households will rise 12 per cent with an emissions trading scheme, but preliminary estimates by the Independent Price and Regulatory Tribunal suggest prices will rise as much as 60 per cent, perhaps as much as half of this due to carbon prices.

This would add about $400 to the annual power bill over the next three years, which the NSW Energy Minister, John Robertson, described yesterday as quite significant, saying the State Government would seek to limit the rise as far as possible.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/power-bills-may-rise-60-per-cent-after-ets-starts-20091130-k17a.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/433</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>What ignoring Kyoto has cost us</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We are now reaping the consequences of not taking the Kyoto Protocols seriously enough; 12 years later we still have 85 per cent of our electricity generated by coal, a lot of it brown coal, and coal remains our largest export....
It means countries that have been building nuclear power stations, wind farms, solar arrays, hydro power and using more gas over the past 12 years will soon have an advantage over Australia because we havent been doing those things. 

Instead weve been sailing along happily with coal and enjoying electricity prices at least 50 per cent below the rest of the world. 

Now we are facing not only a huge increase in electricity prices over the next five years with enormous disruption to industries and businesses, but also an extremely dangerous political convulsion.....
That means electricity prices will rise by 30 per cent, not 15 per cent. Even a 15 per cent increase in the price of electricity across the board would have a big effect on the structure of the economy; 30 per cent in a hurry would be devastating.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Kyoto-Protocols-coal-electricity-climate-change-pd20091130-Y9RRZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/432</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xtrata buys up Hunter farmland</title>
			<description><![CDATA[According to The Australian Financial Review, a 190-hectare property at Denman has been purchased for $2.9 million and a 94ha property at Wybong settled for $950,000. 

Xstrata also is believed to have settled on vineyard properties such as Cruikshank Callatoota Estate for several million dollars.....

Caution: .. These may be sales from 2008 now coming to light in Xstrata financial documents or transfer documents.....

Crucikshanks for example moved operations and residence early 2008.]]></description>
			<link>http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/property/general/mining-firm-xtrata-buys-up-hunter-farmland/1691412.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/431</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australia Newcastle Thermal Coal Declines 1.5 Percent to $81.03</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Power-station coal prices at Australias Newcastle port, a benchmark for Asia, fell 1.5 percent, declining for the first time in six weeks. 

The index for coal prices at the New South Wales port fell $1.22 to $81.03 a metric ton in the week to today from $82.25 the previous week, according to the globalCOAL NEWC Index.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&amp;sid=aWtfbznxjwas</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/430</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>The carbon horror show</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Finally the full horror of Kevin Rudds carbon trading legislation for business is starting to dawn on at least some Liberal Party politicians. In the National Party Barnaby Joyce was way ahead of them. The more I look at the legislation the more I realise that this is one of the greatest transfers of wealth from business to consumers ever attempted in Australia.....

Where will that money go? John Howard retained office via the so called Howard battlers. Rudd learned from Howard so thats where the money goes....

For Rudd the whole exercise is brilliant and the legislations have been crafted to make sure the ALP stays in power for a decade. Rudd has reduced the opposition to a rabble for the 2010 election and when the 2013 election arrives the Howard battlers will be basking in the income redistribution.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au//bs.nsf/Article/ETS-carbon-trading-CPRS-Kevin-Rudd-Malcolm-Turnbul-pd20091127-Y6R4H?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/429</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Conroys wireless problem</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Why would Telstra, the owner of the fixed-line network, be trying to drive wireless penetration? 

The answer, according to the Goldman analysts, is straightforward. The market is moving in that direction anyway, Telstra has a competitive advantage in terms of the quality of its network, the margins in mobile are now materially better in wireless than fixed and it quite rationally trying to move as many of its customers as it can from the fixed-line network to its wireless network in anticipation that the fixed-line network will be displaced by the National Broadband Network. 

Wireless isnt a perfect substitute for fixed-line high-speed services because of the congestion issues and their impact on speeds. But if David Thodey is right and ultimately 60 per cent of Telstras broadband customers are on wireless rather than fixed networks, the growth of wireless broadband will impact the NBN and its potential customer and revenue base.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Telstra-Wireless-Optus-broadband-pd20091125-Y566T?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/428</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Telstras NBN killer</title>
			<description><![CDATA["It enables users to enjoy the freedom of secure wireless high-speed internet connectivity, without messy wires or access to fast fixed-line broadband." ..... An excellent read.... how Krudd is a maniac on the loose with our $$ &amp; not an NBN business plan in sight...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Telstra-broadband-internet-Gateway-bigpond-pd20091124-Y43KZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/427</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal miners still whinging</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The coal mining industry is still far from satisfied with the federal governments emissions trading scheme (ETS) after the opposition decided to support the plan, albeit in controversial circumstances.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Coal-industry-still-left-wanting-on-ETS-pd20091125-Y4RM6?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/426</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Krudds ETS opens the prospect of liability to power barons in the billions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The proposed carbon trading legislation effectively wipes out the investors in Latrobe Valley power stations, but it would seem possible that the $7 billion to $8 billion that has been loaned by local and international banks to the four power stations may be protected. 

In addition the supply contracts with retailers may also be protected which would involve guarantees of about $13 billion. 

With Commonwealth guarantees possibly totalling up to $20 billion the governments potential commitment to brown coal is one of the largest ever made to any industry sector by an Australian government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au//bs.nsf/Article/CPRS-carbon-climate-change-ETS-coal-pd20091124-Y48BZ?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/425</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China commits to carbon cuts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Last night the Chinese Government also announced that the Premier, Wen Jiabao, would attend the Copenhagen conference and for the first time committed to a target for cutting emissions, saying it would cut their intensity by 40 to 45 per cent between 2005 and 2020....
Mr Obama recently met the Chinese President, Hu Jintao, and Indias Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, to discuss commitments from all three countries to reduce greenhouse emissions. But, with 10 days left until the Copenhagen talks begin, there are still not sufficient pledges from countries to cut greenhouse gases to avoid dangerous climate change.


(40-45% NOT 5 to 25% hey Kev)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/obamas-prepares-for-copenhagen-as-china-commits-to-carbon-cuts-20091126-juqi.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/424</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Rivers, dams fail Lachlan Valley towns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NEXT month Viv Lemottee will have to make a choice between his animals and his washing machine.

One of about 130 residents of the tiny hamlet of Euabalong, in the Lachlan Valley in the states west, hes about to receive his daily ration of water by truck: just 150 litres a day.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/rivers-dams-fail-lachlan-valley-towns-20091125-jrwn.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/423</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Dirty business: polluters set to reap rewards - transfer of wealth from households to polluters.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THERE will be plenty of money for polluting industries in the new emissions trading scheme,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/dirty-business-polluters-set-to-reap-rewards-20091125-jrwm.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/422</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinese Nimbys hit the tweets in environmental protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The protest was organised by peasants from a village around the proposed site, but was bolstered by white-collar workers from two affluent housing estates nearby.

Residents at Southern Country Olympic Mansions, where a two-bedroom apartment can fetch 3 million yuan ($478,000), and of Lijiang Gardens blocked the road outside the municipal government offices. They voiced concerns that cancer-causing dioxins would be given off by the plant and, in line with the not in my backyard protests familiar in the West, that the value of their property would be affected.

The appearance of upwardly mobile Chinese on the streets attracted widespread attention. The demonstration ended peacefully after the Government promised to complete an environmental assessment on the project.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/chinese-nimbys-hit-the-twets-in-environmental-protest-20091124-jhfl.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/421</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Too late for safe levels of carbon emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The most ambitious outcome now is to restrict carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to about 450 parts per million - a figure calculated to give the world an even chance of avoiding the more catastrophic climate change scenarios for the second half of this century, said Matthew England, a lead author with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

If the Government ties the scheme to the upper level of its targets for 2020 - a 25 per cent cut in carbon emissions - and other nations make equivalent cuts, then the 450 goal endorsed by most climate scientists could be achieved under the ETS.

If it ties the scheme to the lower end of its target range, a 5 per cent reduction over the next decade, Australia will find it hard to play a part in reaching the 450 goal.

The whole world is watching what we do here and it could have real ramifications for their own efforts - this is the reason why Australia is important, Professor England said.

Many environment groups are calling for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to be cut and stabilised at 350 parts per million, but that goal is out of reach for the foreseeable future. The current ratio is 387 parts per million.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/too-late-for-safe-levels-of-carbon-emissions-20091123-iz8q.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/420</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Wetlands disaster at the mouth of the Murray</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE collapse of the Coorong wetlands at the mouth of the Murray River is shaping up to be one of the Australias worst environmental disasters, an author of a report on the region said yesterday.

Bird numbers in the region have fallen dramatically and freshwater turtles continue to die in large numbers.

Professor Richard Kingsford said estimates of waterbirds for the region were 250,000 in November 2007 but a similar survey last year showed numbers had declined 48 per cent.

Professor Kingsford, who also advises the Federal Government on the Coorong and Lower Lakes, said one of the most disturbing developments in the wetlands has been the explosion of tubeworms in the freshwater lakes. The marine worms attach themselves to the backs of the turtles, colonising them until they are so weighed down they drown.

It is the most poignant example of the collapse of the system, he said.

Because there is not enough fresh water coming down the river, the lakes are becoming more salty and this marine tubeworm is invading the freshwater lakes.

Down along the lakes there are schoolchildren that go out and try to rescue them with buckets and try to chip off the worms. That tells the story about what is happening in this system.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/wetlands-disaster-at-the-mouth-of-the-murray-20091122-isvt.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/419</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Top scientists join calls to save threatened red gum forests</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MORE than 50 leading scientists from around Australia have written to the Premier, Nathan Rees, asking him to protect the iconic Riverina red gum forests by creating huge national parks in south-western NSW and increasing the flow of water to them from the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers.

The call is being led by a prominent professor of ecology from Charles Sturt University, Max Finlayson, who chaired the scientific panel advising the world convention on wetlands and worked with the United Nations scientific body on climate change.

The letter, signed by 57 scientists, warns that the red gum forests and their wetlands are in poor health. It says the Government needs to act swiftly to hasten the much-needed repair and protection of these precious river red gum wetland forests by protecting them in new parks and reserves.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/top-scientists-join-calls-to-save-threatened-red-gum-forests-20091122-isvp.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/418</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Japanese &amp; Asian Deflation may lead to double dip GFC</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Most economists believe that Japan has been in obvious deflation since January. Some analysis suggests that it has been fairly consistently in deflation for 21 years.

The psychological difficulty for Japan of admitting to deflation is considerable: the economy officially emerged from deflation only in 2006, after nearly a decade in its clutches. Furthermore, prolonged deflation can be hugely destructive, scything profitability and compelling companies to cut staff and delay capital spending.

The tone of yesterdays government announcement suggested that the Finance Ministry was girding itself for the horrors of a "double-dip" recession, a calamity that most economists believe can be avoided, but only if China and Asia retain their recovery momentum.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/markets/japan-in-bizarre-fight-over-deflation/story-e6frg926-1225801545181</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/417</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Xstrata winds up public scoping</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, head of the Diocese of Marbel, however, warned of social unrest and environmental disaster if the project pushes through.



The project sits in the middle of a protected watershed area and is source of water supply of several catch basins and lakes in the region as well as habitat of different flora and fauna.

SMI country manager Mark Williams allayed fears raised by the opposition, however.

He said the company shares its concerns over the environmental impact of the mining operations.

Williams said the company will put in place necessary measures "to protect the watershed area even during actual mining operations."

He declined to elaborate but said they will announce these measures as soon as their feasibility study is finished.

(Lets hope the Philipines Government doesnt believe the Xstrata lies)]]></description>
			<link>http://us.asiancorrespondent.com/edwin-espejo/mining-firm-winds-up-public-scoping.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/416</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Power surges as Hunter residents swelter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Operator spokesman Paul Bird said heatwave temperatures across Australia in the past week had sent wholesale power prices soaring.


Data published by the market operator shows the wholesale price of power has been about $31 a megawatt hour this year in NSW but electricity retailers such as EnergyAustralia, who must bid to buy extra power at times of heavy demand, were paying near the capped price of $10,000 a megawatt hour at the peak of demand early yesterday afternoon.


Earlier this month NSW consumers had used a daily peak of about 10,000 megawatts but heavy use of air-conditioners helped power use peak at 2pm yesterday at 13,267 megawatts, or about 1000 megawatts below the 2007 consumption record.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/power-surges-as-hunter-residents-swelter/1683584.aspx?storypage=0</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/415</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>illness may increase with global warming, researchers at Harvard Medical School say.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Climate change from the burning of fossil fuels will add to risks to public health, said Paul Epstein, associate director of Harvards Centre for Health and the Global Environment in Boston.

The centre, and groups led by the American Medical Association (AMA), presented data at a briefing in Washington yesterday as part of a call for action to curb emissions.

Global warming causes flooding, heatwaves and wildfires that worsen health, especially for children and the elderly, the Harvard researchers said.

"We expect an increase in hospital admissions for things like pneumonia, chronic lung disease, asthma and other respiratory diseases," said Cecil Wilson, the AMAs president-elect. "Increased heat also increases the risk to people who have other diseases."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/illness-rises-with-heat-20091121-is6b.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/414</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Hot and bothered as state scorches</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE worst fire conditions ever seen in November are expected today as the mercury rises to about 40 degrees and beyond across NSW]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/hot-and-bothered-as-state-scorches-20091121-is4l.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/413</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Xstratas plans to extend the Ulan Coal Mines lifespan by 21 years and double its annual production to 20 million tonnes.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstratas plans to extend the Ulan Coal Mines lifespan by 21 years and double its annual production to 20 million tonnes.... the development application is on public exhibition.....

Ed note: Only a few months ago (see news archive)Xstrata were sacking workers at this mine and reducing output... show us how ad hoc the Coal industry is and how exposed to price shocks...)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/19/2747278.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/412</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Crazy over carbon</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the draft global treaty being proposed at Copenhagen requires all countries who sign to effectively give power over their finances, their economy, and vast number of activities to a world government - and the draft treaty uses the word "government". According to Monckton once you sign you cant get out. In John Howards day if Alan Jones put that on air and it was wrong the then PM would be on the airwaves very quickly saying "nonsense". If what is going out on Jones program in regard to the treaty is half-right then it is a classic example of "climate change madness". If we sign such a treaty then I would not like to be an ALP member in a Sydney marginal seat.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/411</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/411</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>NBN speed hump</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One of the most common questionings of the proposed National Broadband Network is: "What if they build it and no-one comes?" Well, we may be about to find out even before the NBN is built.....
... The [Telstra] idea was to spend $300 million to upgrade the HFC cable network Telstra owns in the capital cities. The original NBN was supposed to deliver minimum speeds of 12 Mbps. Telstra would upgrade the speeds available through the HFC - which passes a million homes in Melbourne - to 100 Mbps. Should the upgrade go well, they were warning, they could spend a total of less than $1 billion to deliver 100 Mbps to all the capitals...
for the moment, the problem with delivering 100 Mbps to the home - there arent the consumer devices available, or indeed even on the horizon it appears, to actually take advantage of those speeds.....
If Telstra believes it has probably wasted the best part of $300 million to offer speeds few, if any, can actually use, spending up to $43 billion to offer those same speeds becomes a gigantic and very hopeful bet on the future of household technologies and consumer demands. 

The NBN is going to be built. For the taxpayers sake, wed better hope that applications and devices capable of exploiting 100 Mbps come.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Telstra-national-broadband-network-NBN-HFC-T-Box-pd20091119-XX8A5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/410</guid>
			<author>Stephen Bartholomeusz</author>
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			<title>Goninan Secures A$108 Million In New Orders From Xstrata Coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Goninan has signed rail car supply and maintenance contracts worth A$108 million with the Australian coal mining unit of Anglo-Swiss miner Xstrata Plc (XTA.LN). 
United said it will design and manufacture 10 locomotives for Xstrata Coal and maintain those locomotives and another 300 wagons for 10 years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.easybourse.com/bourse/actualite/ugl-secures-aS108-million-in-new-orders-from-xstrata-coal-762539</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/409</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Industry in jeopardy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This is one of the most frightening comments I have ever written for Business Spectator.... WAG recommends that you read on...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Carbon-trading-ETS-CPRS-climate-change-pd20091116-XUBQB?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/408</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>Rudds will</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The simplest, most effective way for Australia to meet any carbon emissions reduction targets that might be set in 2010, once the failed Copenhagen process is put back on track, is to replace two Latrobe Valley brown coal generators with gas. 

Hazelwood and Yallourn are filthy beasts, coughing up 1.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide for every megawatt hour of electricity. They also use huge amounts of water.

In fact, the main consequence, if not purpose, of the Rudd governments CPRS legislation that was passed by the House of Representatives yesterday and is now heading for the Senate, is actually to close them, and perhaps the rest of the Latrobe Valley, with minimal compensation to the owners.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Rudds-will-to-power-pd20091117-XURRY?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/407</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Burning billions to achieve nothing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[2009 update provided by the European Environment Agency now shows that all but one of the long-standing EU-15 member states are on track to meet their Kyoto targets, and that the ETS, along with the global financial crisis, has played a key role. 

The EU-15 have a combined target of an 8 per cent cut in greenhouse emissions from 1990 levels by 2012. Apart from Austria, which will overshoot its target by nearly 13 per cent because of delays caused by internal bickering over which measure to introduce, all will meet their individual targets.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australia-pouring-billions-offshore-pd20091117-XURJD?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/406</guid>
			<author>Giles Parkinson</author>
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			<title>Rethinking the Murrays massive water loss</title>
			<description><![CDATA[it emphasises that the situation were in in the Murray-Darling basin system is not just a crisis for the river; its a crisis for our groundwater system and also for the entire landscape as a whole."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/rethinking-the-murrays-massive-water-loss-20091119-insw.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/405</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>People v power station as water levels plunge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A FIGHT over dwindling water supplies is brewing at Oberon, where the lions share of the local dam supply is being diverted to keep a nearby coal-fired power station running.

Oberon Council has accused Wallerawang power station of hoarding water while the township, which uses less than 2 million litres a day against the power stations allocation of 9 million, is suffering under water restrictions. The Oberon Dam level reached a record low of 12.5 per cent this week, before what is expected to be a particularly hot, dry summer.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/people-v-power-station-as-water-levels-plunge-20091118-imjy.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/404</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mothers launch legal action against mining firm and state over lead levels</title>
			<description><![CDATA[They say: Dont bite the hand that feeds you. But what if that hand is poisoning you too?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/world-news/mothers-launch-legal-action-against-mining-firm-and-state-over-lead-levels-1.932496</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/403</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A shamed nation turns a blind eye</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Trachoma is a disease that starts as conjunctivitis but gradually, with repeated infection, turns the eyelashes inwards so that they scrape the cornea, scarring it, rendering it opaque, causing blindness. As it is easily treated with antibiotics, trachoma is regarded as a disease of poverty and is now unknown in developed countries - except Australia.

Even in the developing world - in Gambia, Malawi and Nepal, where it was once endemic - trachoma and trichiasis (the eye-scraping stage) have all but disappeared. Ghana, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Morocco and Oman all now report the disease eliminated. In Australias chattering fringes it is also unknown.

But in Katherine, almost a quarter of the children aged five to 15 test positive to trachoma. Without treatment, theyll go blind. The official incidence in this country is 20,000 among children alone, and thats just the ones we know about. In more remote areas, cases are often simply unrecorded.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/a-shamed-nation-turns-a-blind-eye-20091116-ignn.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/402</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>12-YEAR-OLD Aboriginal boy, no prior convictions, in childrens court charged with receiving a stolen Freddo frog.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Disgraceful racist Australia.

A 12-YEAR-OLD Aboriginal boy will face a childrens court today charged with receiving a stolen Freddo frog.

The chocolate frog, allegedly shoplifted by the accused childs friend from a Coles supermarket in regional Western Australia, usually retails for about 70 cents.

The boy, who has no prior convictions, also faces a second charge involving the receipt of a small novelty sign from another store. The sign, which was also allegedly given to the boy by his friend, read: Do not enter, genius at work.

The boys lawyer, Peter Collins, had lobbied WA police for the charges to be withdrawn but authorities had failed to respond to his written request, he said. Its scandalous that a 12-year-old child should be subject to prosecution for a case of this type......]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/boy-in-court-over-stolen-chocolate-20091115-igd7.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/401</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Megalomaniac Mick Davis strips Xstrata profits to line own pocket</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mick Davis, the chief executive of Xstrata, has made a profit of just under £14 million from cashing in hundreds of thousands of share options in the acquisitive Swiss-based mining group in less than a month.

Mr Davis, who in October walked away from a bid to buy Anglo American, its embattled rival, yesterday exercised the option to buy 755,910 Xstrata shares for 239p each.

Awarded the options in 2001 when he became chief executive of the company, Mr Davis immediately sold the shares for £10.26 each, making a profit of £5.94 million.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article6916494.ece</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/400</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Aborigines concerned about zinc mines impact: Xstrata breaching licence</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A traditional owner of land around Borroloola says Aboriginal communities in the area are concerned about the quality of water due to a zinc mine.

An independent report into the McArthur River Mines environmental performance has found the operator, Xstrata, is not meeting commitments under an agreement that enabled it to expand the mine.

Some concerns raised in the report include salt seepage from drain ponds as well as tailings seeping into a nearby creek.

Traditional owner Jack Green says the Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, seemed more concerned about swordfish than anything else when he rubber-stamped the reopening of the mine.

"He never worry about the other fishes, like catfish and bream ,and all that sort of thing, that fresh water that we live off," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/13/2742519.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/399</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Why China wont save the world</title>
			<description><![CDATA["It is very unwise to place much store in the ability of Chinese consumers to save the world, or even do much about the Chinese economy."

The quote comes from the head of a Beijing-based economic consultancy called Dragonomics, Arthur Kroeber, who presented to a small gathering at Austrade last night. And the reasons we shouldnt expect Chinese to replace the over-borrowed Americans are both surprising and worrying.

In fact, in the past 24 hours I have had two important insights into the fundamental problems with the Chinese economy - not about a coming crash, although a credit bubble seems to be developing, but about the imbalances that will block a re-alignment of the Chinese economy towards consumption and therefore hold back growth in the long term]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-economy-government-democracy-pd20091113-XQRKS?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/398</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Ripe for the bidding</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Unless there is an unexpected market slump I think we have a takeover boom ready to erupt on our stock market.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/takeover-boom-australia-stock-market-investment-ba-pd20091112-XQ5YZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/397</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Sacked miners face long wait</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ten retrenched Xstrata mine workers from Ulan will have to wait until the new year to find out if their claim for unfair dismissal is successful.
In a first of its kind test case before the newly established FairWork Australia, the two days initially set down for the hearing have been taken up entirely by evidence from six of the affected workers and two union delegates.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/sacked-miners-face-long-wait/1676022.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/396</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Damning report card for McArthur River Mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An independent report into the McArthur River Mine has found Xstrata is not meeting its commitment to monitor the mines environmental impact.

The report by Environmental Earth Services shows areas where the company has not conformed to its environmental performance commitments.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/12/2741157.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/395</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>US$2bn Xstrata Tampakan mining project raided and torched.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Communist rebels representing the New Peoples Army claimed responsibility for the raid, saying its singular objective was "punishing the giant Swiss mining firm for land grabbing, plunder and environmental destruction".
CPP spokesperson Gregorio Rosal said mining operations in Tampacan had been "vigorously opposed by the people since the 1990s" and the mining regime was allowing big foreign mining companies to "siphon out billions of dollars worth of Philippine natural resources to the further detriment of the peoples livelihood and the environment".

A deeply indebted country, the Philippines is externally pressured to generate foreign investment and by courting large international mining groups the country hoped to re-establish an export-based mining sector.]]></description>
			<link>http://paguntaka.org/2008/01/03/xstrata-copper-and-gold-mining-project-in-the-philippines-us2bn/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/394</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Miner wounded in ambush in Davao</title>
			<description><![CDATA[COTABATO, Philippines (Xinhua) - A Filipino miner who work for Australian-controlled mining firm Sagittarius Mines Inc. was injured Tuesday in an attack staged by suspected leftist guerrillas in the restive southern Philippines.

The wounded victim, Jessie Anan, on board a company pick-up along with co workers, were ambushed along the road in Kiblawan township in Davao del Sur, said regional military spokesman Major Randolph Cabangbang.

The military said an ongoing pursuit operation is on against the attackers identified as Sansing and Danny Utay and a certain Jimber Dayanany.

Rebels belonging to the New Peoples Army, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been attacking the company since last year.

(Eds Note: The anti-Tampakan-mine, environmental activist, Boy Billanes, was murdered in the same area this year - no person has been charged)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=522295&amp;publicationSubCategoryId=200</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/393</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Rudds debatable legacy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Where is the debate - and action - about the size, nature, cost and effectiveness of our myriad systems of government? 

Where is the genuine debate about industrys role in climate change? Where is the debate about future ownership of our great natural resources? On that issue the only real commentary and foresight has come from Don Argus at BHP. Its been ignored by our national leaders and political commentators. 

Where is the debate about Australias role in Asia and the Pacific? (Kevin Rudds planned meeting with other leaders is a start. But what are the odds it will fizzle and die because its not sexy enough?) 

Where is the real debate on future population policy? A few throw-away lines by the PM on the 7.30 Report is not a debate. It was simply a defensive answer to a political question. 

Where is the debate on water infrastructure? At the moment it is simply political muscle flexing between states and the national government. 

One day, Rudd will join the list of former prime ministers, and judgements will be made alike.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Kevin-Rudd-asylum-seekers-climate-change-Turnbull-pd20091109-XM8JH?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/392</guid>
			<author>Alistair Drysdale</author>
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			<title>Energy companies seek up to $10bn for clean gas power plants</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An electricity company is seeking billions in government cash to help build a gas-fired power plant each in NSW and Victoria. 

Power company TRUenergy says it plans to build a 1000-megawatt gas-fired power station next to the Yallourn brown coal station in Victorias Latrobe Valley and a station at Tallawarra, south of Wollongong in NSW, if it secures billions of dollars in federal government funding. 

A company spokesman would not confirm how much government funding the company is seeking but said the governments offer of $3.5 billion was "clearly insufficient". 

TRUenergy says the power stations would bring a combined five per cent increase to the National Electricity Market (NEM) base-load power supply and could meet the needs of more than one million households. 

Environment groups have cautiously welcomed the plan. 

Greenpeace climate campaigner Julien Vincent said while gas-fired power would be a "massive improvement" on burning brown coal, it remained a carbon polluting fossil fuel and called on the Victorian government to promote alternative energies. 

"The Victorian government needs to introduce policies that drive the rapid uptake of wind, wave, solar and other renewable energy sources, as these are the technologies that must ultimately replace the remainder of Victorias brown coal dinosaurs," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/391</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/391</guid>
			<author>"Business Spectator" - AAP</author>
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			<title>A double shock for Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its hardly a surprise that the G20 finance ministers did not agree to splash cash on developing nations to help get a climate change treaty across the line in Copenhagen in a months time. Their bosses, the prime ministers and presidents, wont agree next month either. 

The full horror of imposing a serious emissions trading scheme on their own industries, at the same time as compensating the worlds developing nations for doing the same thing, while also exiting from fiscal stimulus, is dawning on them. 

Copenhagen is an excruciating dilemma for western political leaders, and the last stand for industries in the West that use a lot of electricity. 

Most citizens want something done about global warming, but developing nations have decided this is their big chance to get ahead. 

To get a deal on climate change - not just next month, but ever - energy costs in the West will have to rise more than in emerging nations........... The problem is worse for Australia because so much of our power comes from coal and because NSW, in particular, has been under-investing in electricity networks.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Copenhagen-G20-global-warming-climate-change-pd20091109-XLRUC?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/390</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>Will Rudd pull the trigger?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The prospect of a double dissolution - which could prompt a general election sooner than we think - brings some excitement to political correspondents lives. I am not sure the public cares..... Even if coalition MPs defeat the bill, they need to ask themselves "are theyre feeling lucky?" - before Rudd gets his finger on the double dissolution trigger.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Will-Rudd-pull-the-trigger-pd20091109-XLRXM?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/389</guid>
			<author>Natasha Stott Despoja</author>
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			<title>Bottlenecks choking recovery</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE return of infrastructure bottlenecks is threatening to push up inflation and interest rates, and so choke off the Reserve Banks forecasts of a quick recovery from the global crisis. Rather than being at our export ports, however, the new bottlenecks are gripping first in our big cities in the form of rising home prices and rents, as a rapidly growing population competes for a limited supply of new housing. 

"A huge chasm is opening up between the demand and supply for housing," Westpac chief economist Bill Evans yesterday told the Road to Recovery conference presented by The Australian and the Melbourne Institute. 

Evans said this had pushed up housing prices at an annualised rate of 20 per cent over the past six months and was one of the reasons the Reserve Bank had "decided to move as fast as they did" on starting to lift interest rates. 

Urban infrastructure bottlenecks in major cities, including road congestion and housing supply, are becoming the first new capacity constraint on the economy as it shrugs off the global crisis. By pushing up inflation and interest rates, these urban chokepoints have much the same supply-side economic impact as the lengthening shipping queues off the east coast coal ports during the pre-crisis resources boom.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/opinion/bottlenecks-choking-recovery/story-e6frg9if-1225795209001</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/388</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Get real on nuclear power: General Peter Cosgrove</title>
			<description><![CDATA[General Cosgrove says if Australia is serious about tackling climate change it should move to embrace nuclear power. "If we want mass power generation capacity then we have got to trust ourselves to develop safe, clean nuclear energy."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/get-real-on-nuclear-power-general-peter-cosgrove/story-e6frg6nf-1225795202512</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/387</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Eight inch wide, 3 metre deep Cracks in Camberwell Common</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Cracks up to 20 centimetres wide have opened on land in Camberwell Common, delving metres below the surface.


A pole lowered into one of the fractures reached at least three metres, Camberwell Common Trust secretary Deidre Olofsson said.


"How far they really go down, I dont know," she said.


The ravines, which stretch up to 40 metres across the parcel of Crown land, were discovered this week, forcing the trust to cordon off the area to prevent injury to people or livestock. (What a great common - no-one can use it, Thanks Ashton)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/operator-says-camberwell-common-in-no-danger-from-cracks/1670324.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/386</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Ballina will eventually need levees and pumps to keep the sea at bay</title>
			<description><![CDATA[RISING sea levels make it inevitable the North Coast town of Ballina will eventually need levees and pumps to keep the sea at bay, says one of Australias leading climate change experts.

On a tour of the town on the Richmond River this week, Professor Bruce Thom said Ballina and other low-lying coastal centres, including Swansea near Newcastle, and Batemans Bay, would need dykes to keep the sea out, but they would not stop salt entering the groundwater.

While inspecting homes built on the riverbanks and canal estates, the former chairman of the NSW Coastal Council and member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists was stunned at the number built on concrete slabs without even a mound to keep rising waters away.

Theres no appreciation the sea level is going to be half a metre higher ... We are seeing within our lifetime a rate of [sea level] change which is taking us outside the comfort zone we have defined for ourselves which says you can put slab on ground houses next to the water.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/lakeside-homes-face-greater-sealevel-threat-20091106-i24s.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/385</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>rare flora and fauna force change of plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A COLLECTION of humble plants clinging to 600 million-year-old rocks on a distant mountain range and a small dragon given to promiscuous sex under a hot sun have forced planners to redraw the map for the southern hemispheres biggest wind farm.

The discovery that spinifex - normally an inhabitant of the red dirt plains below - is living on sediment probably deposited in the last Ice Age and has red mallee and gum coolibah trees for neighbours is so strange and rare that the Silverton wind farm designers have moved 153 turbines from some of the windiest ridges.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/gone-with-the-wind-rare-flora-and-fauna-force-change-of-plan-20091106-i24r.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/384</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Ad campaign aims to crush emissions trading plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SENIOR executives from the worlds biggest coal companies unanimously agreed to back the multimillion-dollar advertising campaign running in rural NSW and Queensland attacking the Rudd Governments emissions trading scheme.

"It was ticked off by our board of directors, more than ticked off. It was enthusiastically endorsed, said Ralph Hillman, of the industrys main lobby group, the Australian Coal Association. The campaign entitled, Lets cut emissions, not jobs, will run until the Senate votes on the emissions trading scheme later this month.

The group has have employed experts from the leading political consulting firm, Crosby Textor, which worked for the Liberal Party, and Neil Lawrence who worked on Labors successful Kevin 07 campaign. The campaign is just one of the hundreds of lobbying efforts around the world by companies to soften the impact of domestic laws. These efforts are slowing progress on an international agreement at the Copenhagen climate talks next month.

A Sydney Morning Herald analysis of the lobbying registers around Australia has established that 120 companies with significant greenhouse emissions employ about 80 lobbying firms. This is in addition to the companies own in-house lobbyists. Tracking the lobbying effort, however, is difficult because the federal lobby register relies on a trust system, with lobbyists able to remove themselves from the lists by request.

Many of the biggest emitting companies, either through their executives, lobbyists or industry lobbies, have got assistance and exemptions from the emissions trading scheme. The Government assisance to 20 major companies is already estimated at more than $11.7 billion, according to a study by the corporate consultant RiskMetrics, commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation.

(Personally, I consider a straight up Carbon Tax to be a more effective carbon reducer. JS)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/ad-campaign-aims-to-crush-emissions-trading-plan-20091106-i24t.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/383</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate war gets personal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[KEVIN RUDD has launched a blistering attack on climate change sceptics and deniers in Australia and abroad, accusing them of a systematic campaign to sabotage global talks in Copenhagen and of being contemptuous towards the interests of the worlds children.

An angry Prime Minister lashed out at politicians and commentators around the world, including US congressmen, and labelled his domestic political opponents cowards for repeatedly seeking reasons to delay the emissions trading scheme.

With chances almost nil of a treaty being signed in Copenhagen to commit the world to a new greenhouse gas reduction regime, Mr Rudd said it was time to fight back against a powerful and dangerous minority.

By slowing the actions of each individual country, they aim to slowly drag global negotiations to a standstill, he said. By hampering decisive actions at a national level, they aim to make it impossible at an international level.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-war-gets-personal-for-rudd-20091106-i24u.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/382</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Sea-level building policy riles developers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PROPERTY groups have criticised a planning policy aimed at limiting development in coastal regions, raising fears it has the potential to prevent construction in huge areas.

As the Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, defended the draft policy to stop development in areas subject to sea-level rises, developers said it went too far and could unfairly restrict the right to build in many areas.

The Urban Development Institute of Australias NSW chief executive, Stephen Albin, said he was worried that hazard lines to be drawn up by councils based on predicted sea-level rises of 90 centimetres by 2100 could determine which projects were allowed to proceed. "We would be concerned if the 2100 hazard line becomes the default planning control," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/sealevel-building-policy-riles-developers-20091105-i097.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/381</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Revealed: polluters fear tactics on climate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BIG greenhouse polluting companies around the world, employing thousands of lobbyists, are exerting heavy pressure on governments to weaken climate change laws at home and slow progress on an international climate agreement in Copenhagen, a global investigation reveals.

In Australia, 20 companies who have already won the most concessions from the Rudd Governments emissions trading scheme employ 28 lobbying firms with well over 100 staff, many of them former politicians, political advisers or government officials.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/revealed-polluters-fear-tactics-on-climate-20091105-i091.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/380</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Aboriginal poverty getting worse - Pilger</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SINCE Prime Minister Kevin Rudds formal apology to the stolen generations, Aboriginal poverty has gotten worse, the winner of the 2009 Sydney Peace Prize says. 

Delivering his peace prize lecture at the Sydney Opera House tonight, journalist and filmmaker John Pilger spoke of "a war of legal attrition waged against black communities",]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/aboriginal-poverty-getting-worse-pilger/story-fn3dxiwe-1225794863257</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/379</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Carbon trading in the dollar doldrums</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Negotiators are now busily lowering expectations for what will be achieved on climate change in Copenhagen next month.

Its becoming clear that nothing more than another statement of principles will emerge from the UN sponsored meeting of 15,000 people from 192 countries; a legally binding deal looks totally impossible.

The pre-meeting meeting in Barcelona that broke up a few days ago in an angry altercation is back on, but the UN official in charge of the process, Yvo de Boer, said: "Unless we see some substantial movement from industrial countries on targets and finance, the problem will remain the same today as it was yesterday."

Maybe theres a double play going on, where they all talk down the chances of an agreement and then - ta dah! - unveil a binding deal on December 7 before spending the next 11 days in the Danish capital celebrating with organic apple juice, but thats very unlikely.

If Australias latest budget projections are any guide, the decision to replace the Kyoto Protocols with a series of interlocking international emissions trading schemes rather than carbon taxes is turning into a disaster because of currency realignments.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Climate-talks-hit-the-dollar-doldrums-pd20091105-XGRKZ?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/378</guid>
			<author>Alan Kohler</author>
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			<title>ETS costs hidden until last minute</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Rudd government has been accused of concealing critical information until "a minute to midnight", after Treasury costings showed a big shortfall in the revenue available to pay for the Coalitions amendments to Labors emissions trading scheme.

Opposition emissions trading spokesman Ian Macfarlane made the charge after the costings found that instead of between $11 billion and $20bn in excess revenue that was anticipated by the Coalition to pay for its proposed changes, the ETS will deliver just $2.5bn over 10 years. 

The revenue shortfall, foreshadowed in The Weekend Australian, means it is impossible to pay for Malcolm Turnbulls proposed amendments from funds generated through emission permit sales, and makes it far more difficult for the negotiations now under way between the government and opposition to conclude successfully. 

"This really stretches the friendship ... dropping these numbers at a minute to midnight," said Mr Macfarlane, who has been charged with doing a deal with the government on the ETS before the vote scheduled for late this month.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26297120-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/377</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Climate expert Clive Spash heavied by CSIRO management</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A CSIRO economist whose research criticising emissions trading schemes was banned from publication said last night he had been subjected to harassment by the senior agency management.

Clive Spash also accused the agency of hindering public debate and trampling on his civil liberties by preventing the research being published in British journal New Political Economy. 

Dr Spash defended the paper, The Brave New World of Carbon Trading, saying it was a dispassionate analysis of ETS policies and was not politically partisan. 

He was told in February he could publish the work if it were peer reviewed. But in July, CSIRO management said it could not be published after it was cleared for publication. 

This month, he was informed he could not publish it even in his private capacity, because it was "politically sensitive". Within 24 hours, he also received a letter outlining a list of trivial instances in which he was accused of breaching CSIRO policy, for example not completing a leave form properly.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26297102-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/376</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Hopes hit by high tide</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NEW planning policies to cope with rising sea levels will see thousands of NSW land owners banned from developing coastal sites and properties around estuaries.

The policies, released to a meeting of coastal councils yesterday, will require them to prepare coastal management plans with hazard lines based on predicted sea-level rises and restrict development within them.

The draft policies prepared by the NSW departments of Planning, and Environment, Climate Change and Water discourage the intensification of development in coastal risk areas and require councils to consider ways to reduce the number of people living near the coast.

For example, changing land use from rural to urban or increasing the density of housing from low to medium is strongly discouraged, the Coastal Planning Guideline says.

Simon Smith, the deputy director-general of the environment department, said the policies were designed to bring consistency to the way councils deal with climate change and make the community acknowledge that whats now an extreme event will in the future be a normal event]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/hopes-hit-by-high-tide-20091104-hy01.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/375</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>End of the Australian dream</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Dont look at the Cup Day interest rate rise in isolation. It is what is happening around the interest rate increase that locks us into a nation-changing situation. All Australians will be affected.....On their own these events will not change national savings patterns, but if we take a step back its suddenly clear why the landscape is likely to change dramatically. The Triguboff argument is that higher interest rates will slow down the rate of building construction at a time when the population is rising dramatically. That means that we are building up an even greater long-term housing shortage - a powder keg which after seven relatively stagnant years is set to explode. The trigger is likely to be pulled by Treasurer Wayne Swan who has slashed the amount people can invest tax effectively in superannuation. Many will swing back to highly leveraged dwellings.

As investors return to the residential market, prices will edge up and home ownership will become tougher and tougher in most areas of Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/house-prices-RBA-interest-rates-hike-pd20091104-XFQY5?OpenDocument&amp;src=kgb</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/374</guid>
			<author>Robert Gottliebsen</author>
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			<title>A miner complaint</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The opposition may be trying to generate some political capital by supporting the coal industrys demand for more compensation from the proposed emissions trading scheme, but it is carrying little weight with the investment community. 

The Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) has already voiced its opposition to the idea that fugitive gas emissions should be excluded from the CPRS, and the first in-depth analysis by a leading stock market analyst, Citis Elaine Prior, is dismissive of some of the Australian Coal Associations doomsday scenarios. 

Prior set herself the task of analysing how the CPRS as currently designed by the federal government would affect investors of listed coal companies. The main take-out from Priors analysis is that despite patchy data on emissions, "the financial impact, even if the CPRS is enacted as currently designed, does not appear concerning to investors."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Oils-rate-of-assistance-pd20091103-XER3F?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/373</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Lead-mining: the ugly truth about Mount Isa</title>
			<description><![CDATA[.. Stella had a blood lead level of 13 micrograms per decilitre (mcg/dl), well above the World Health Organisation limit of 10mcg/dl... More than one-tenth of children tested were found to have potentially unsafe levels of the toxic metal in their blood....While the source seems likely to be the mine site, the mines owners, the Anglo-Swiss giant Xstrata, deny responsibility. Instead, they point to exposed outcrops of naturally mineralised bedrock in the area ? a stance backed by civic leaders, for whom lead represents the towns economic lifeblood, and by the Queensland government, which receives millions of dollars from Xstrata in taxes and royalties annually....
After Stellas blood lead level rose to 17mcg/dl, she decided to sue Xstrata. Four other families have joined her, and others may follow. The lawsuit names not only the company, but also the state government and Mount Isa City Council, alleging that they knew years ago about the risks but failed to take steps to protect the community....
In Mount Isa, Xstrata does not acknowledge a link between mining operations and childrens health....The families lawyer, Damian Scattini, scoffs at the notion that the lead entering childrens blood comes from "natural" sources. "Its ludicrous," he says, brandishing photographs of dust clouds drifting towards town from the mine site.... an illuminating article,, read on]]></description>
			<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/leadmining-the-ugly-truth-about-mount-isa-1813198.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/372</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Aussie oil spill hits Indonesia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A HUGE oil spill off northwest Australia has hit Indonesia, killing fish and destroying livelihoods in poor villages along the Timor Sea, a non-governmental group says.

About 7000 fishermen in East Nusa Tenggara province have been affected by the spill from the Thai-operated West Atlas rig, which has dumped thousands of barrels of oil into the Timor Sea since August 21, the group said. 

"After the leak started the fishermens income dropped 40 per cent but since last week its been 80 per cent lower, said Ferdi Tanoni of the West Timor Care Foundation, which supports poor fishermen in eastern Indonesia.....

(Suck on that Garret and Krudd you great deceivers)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26295650-12377,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/371</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Henrys tax plan mustnt ignore natures backlash</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AS KEN Henry, the secretary to the Treasury, beavers away on his blueprint for the reform of taxation over the next 25 years, he needs to keep in the front of his mind something thats not at the centre of the tax debate - environmental tax-shifting.

The trouble with economics is that its horizons are too narrow. Economists live in their own little economic world, divorced from the natural environment and from the non-economic needs of the humans who inhabit the economy.....

The Henry report should get rid of explicit subsidies to fossil fuel and other natural resource use, and then move in on implicit subsidies to those environmentally damaging activities whose private costs dont reflect the social costs they impose on the community and its life-supporting ecosystem.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/business/henrys-tax-plan-mustnt-ignore-natures-backlash-20091101-hrnu.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/370</guid>
			<author>Ross Gittins</author>
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			<title>"Profitable" ETS scheme would now cost taxpayers $2.5 billion by 2020</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The case for a non-avoidable Carbon Tax levied in Australia rather than ETS (with credits sourced and paid for elsewhere) is further advanced. Shutting the CSIRO criticisms of the ETS down doesnt hide the overwhelming truth that ETS is a con, dud and predetermined failure for which the planet will pay dearly.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coalition-warned-on-ets-changes-20091102-htfw.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/369</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Broadly speaking, 100 megabits a second may not help us</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE productivity benefits of high-speed internet access may be a myth, says a New Zealand study that undermines part of the Federal Governments justification for the $43 billion national broadband network.... Read on and ask yourself one question, where is Krudds cost-benefit analysis for the $43 billion spend?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/technology/broadly-speaking-100-megabits-a-second-may-not-help-us-20091102-htft.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/368</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Strike action looms at Xstrata Tahmoor coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Abc.net.au reported that Xstrata owned Tahmoor coal mine in the southern highlands is likely to see more protected industrial action as bargaining continues over a new enterprise agreement.

As per report, many of the mines 300 employees walked off the job for two hours on the weekend as part of protected action against the company.]]></description>
			<link>http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/11/01/MTE4NDQw/Strike_action_looms_at_Xstrata_Tahmoor_coal_mine.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/367</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Leaking PTTEP oil rig in Timor Sea on fire</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Looks like theyre getting ready to declare bankruptcy and walk away.....

A FIRE has started on the oil rig that has been leaking oil into the Timor Sea for 10 weeks. 

PTTEP Australasia, the company responsible for the leak, released a statement saying the West Atlas rig and Montara well head platform were on fire.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/leaking-pttep-oil-rig-in-timor-sea-on-fire/story-e6freuz0-1225793273216</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/366</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Surging dollar hits chance of deal on ETS</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE resurgent Australian dollar and strong commodity markets have slashed by more than $10 billion the expected revenue from the emissions trading scheme over the next decade... new government forecasts will show the continued strength of the Australian dollar will dramatically cut revenue generated by the scheme because permits sourced offshore become relatively cheaper in Australian dollar terms. 

As foreign permits, from international schemes such as the Clean Development Mechanism, become cheaper, more firms will meet their requirements by buying offshore permits rather than buying Australian permits at auction, and the price they are prepared to pay for Australian permits will be reduced. 

Unlike the US, Europe and Japan, Australia is not proposing to limit the amount of greenhouse abatement that can be sourced from overseas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26284109-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/365</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Toll rises as sea life feed at oil spill</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LARGE numbers of whales, dolphins, turtles and sea birds are feeding in waters polluted by the massive oil spill off the West Australian coast and are likely to be at immediate risk, a new report released by the federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, reveals.

A leading ecologist, James Watson, was commissioned by Mr Garretts department to spend days surveying the marine life in the waters surrounding the oil lease - owned by the Thai company PTTEP - which has been leaking in the Timor Sea for nine weeks. Dr Watsons report says the presence of dying birds and dead sea snakes suggest that there is an immediate risk to species utilising the water that has been affected by the oil slick.

Dr Watson and his team spent three days surveying waters covered by oil seeing thousands of birds, hundreds of dolphins and whales and many more animals feeding there. Some animals are unable to survive due to this oil slick. he said yesterday. In a rapid survey, we were able to come across dying animals.

Dr Watson said on nearby Ashmore Reef, a marine reserve, his team found 17 dead birds, some with large amounts of oil on them.

After seeing the scale of the oil slick, which is spread over 4223square kilometres, Dr Watson told the Herald: I am amazed at how little Australia really cares about this. This is a huge oil slick.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/toll-rises-as-sea-life-feed-at-oil-spill-20091030-hprl.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/364</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>NT intervention failing to make a difference</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Governments intervention in the Northern Territory has stagnated with no more children going to school now than two years ago and reports of substance abuse soaring.

A six-month progress report on the intervention, quietly posted on the internet this week, showed school attendance rates remained virtually static in affected communities with only two out of three children going to school.

It also states plainly the Governments commitment to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act by October 2009, a promise it has broken.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/nt-intervention-failing-to-make-a-difference-report-20091030-hpr8.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/363</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Carbon déjà vu, all over again</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia may well consider itself to be on the verge of a massive transformation to a low-carbon economy, but it continues to do little in practical terms. And its not just the absence of an emissions trading scheme that is holding back investment, because the US and China dont have such schemes either. 

But Australias spending on renewable energy development, compared to US, Europe and most particularly China, is negligible, and its actions on energy and fuel efficiency trail most other developed countries and some developing ones too...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Oil-Carbon-Renewable-energy-Fuel-efficiency-pd20091029-X9US4?OpenDocument&amp;src=amm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/362</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Low-carbon jobs opportunity, Newcastle forum told</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A LOW-CARBON economy would create jobs, not destroy them, a climate-change forum in Newcastle heard yesterday.

The Southern Cross Climate Coalition of union, welfare and environmental groups is holding forums in regional Australia to counter what it calls a scare campaign by employers leading up to next months Copenhagen climate summit.


At Newcastle Trades Hall Council yesterday, ACTU president Sharan Burrow, Australian Conservation Foundation executive director Don Henry, Australian Council of Social Security chief executive Clare Martin and Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union mining president Tony Maher addressed about 100 people on the pitfalls of the climate debate.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/lowcarbon-jobs-opportunity-newcastle-forum-told/1660895.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/361</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Clean coal strategy not viable for 20 years</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CLEAN coal power stations are not viable until the carbon price reaches a minimum of $60 a tonne - a level the Australian government does not anticipate until almost 2030 - according to an audit by the Rudd governments own global carbon capture and storage institute.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,26274802-5018012,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/360</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Hefty bill to come from clean coal power</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CLEAN coal technology will face extraordinary price hurdles over the next 10 years, a major stocktake of all the worlds carbon capture and storage projects has found. The report, prepared by the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, finds the cost increase to coal electricity generation if fully-fledged clean coal technology is installed will be up to 78 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/hefty-bill-to-come-from-clean-coal-power-20091028-hl1d.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/359</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>25 million climate refugees by 2050</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Africa is already home to one-third of the 42 million people worldwide uprooted by ethnic slaughter, despots and war. But experts say climate change is quietly driving Africas displacement crisis to new heights.

Ibrahim is one of an estimated 10 million people worldwide who have been driven out of their homes by rising seas, failing rain, desertification or other climate-driven factors.

Norman Myers, an Oxford University professor and one of the first scholars to draw attention to the problem, estimated there would be more than 25 million climate refugees by 2050, replacing war and persecution as the main cause of global displacement. Africa would be heaviest hit because so many peoples livelihoods depended on farming and livestock.

So far there is no comprehensive strategy for coping with climate refugees, who are not yet legally recognised and receive no direct funding. Those fleeing drought, flood and other weather changes usually end up in slums or refugee camps set up and funded for other purposes.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather-creates-a-new-refugee-20091026-hgqc.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/358</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>emissions treaty failure</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE chances of a climate change treaty being signed in Copenhagen are fading fast....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/putting-a-spin-on-emissions-treaty-failure-20091026-hgqb.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/357</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Flood risk multiplies as the seas rise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change puts the projected sea-level rise at up to 80 centimetres by 2100. The rule of thumb is that a one-metre rise will move the shoreline back between 50 and 100 metres.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/flood-risk-multiplies-as-the-seas-rise-20091026-hgq0.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/356</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Another sting in the tail of mosquito-borne viruses</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CLIMATE change will make Australia vulnerable to the spread of foreign diseases, according to the report into coastal temperature change from the standing committee on climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/another-sting-in-the-tail-of-mosquitoborne-viruses-20091026-hgpz.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/355</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Coalmine canaries face extinction in fatal trap</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIA must create a new, expanded network of protected wetlands around its coastline or see many bird, animal and plant species become extinct as sea levels rise, the House of Representatives report says.

It recommended that the Government should urgently assess the vulnerability of Kakadu National Park to the intrusion of salt water into its fresh water wetlands. Up to 80 per cent of the freshwater wetlands in the park could be lost, and replaced with salty mud flats, as global average temperatures rise between two and three degrees this century.

Many existing wetlands should also have their conservation status upgraded. The report said this had implications for many activities like land clearing, building canal-style housing developments and driving vehicles along beaches.

The unavoidable sea level rises, which are already thought to be locked in by current greenhouse gas emission levels, are expected to devastate water bird populations, according to advice from Birds Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coalmine-canaries-face-extinction-in-fatal-trap-20091026-hgpy.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/354</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Rising seas may mean coastal development ban</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The committee recommends that could include the possibility of a law preventing occupation and development on land threatened by the sea.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/26/2724844.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/353</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mining decision minister acted outside powers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A court in Sydney has heard claims that the Minister for Mineral Resources, Ian Macdonald, acted outside his powers when he allowed BHP Billiton to explore for coal on the Liverpool Plains in north western New South Wales.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/26/2724273.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/352</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata accelerates plans for coal port</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ANGLO-SWISS miner Xstrata has accelerated its proposal to build Queenslands fourth coal port, submitting plans to state and federal authorities for a new billion-dollar harbour between Gladstone and Rockhampton.

Xstrata has said little about the project for more than a year, but documents filed with the federal environment department this week show it is still on the agenda and that the location has been changed from the existing small-scale Port Alma to Balaclava Island, 5km away.
Xstrata typically have no respect for the Great Barrier Reef or the Conservation Reserve Status of the estuarine environment they will seek to destroy for this criminal enterprise. You can bet the mongrel bastards wouldnt try this on in their own country. We so look fwd to the day that the rabid dog Davis slips in his own excrement and chokes on his own vomit.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,26247087-5005200,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/351</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Church spurns overture from mining firm</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The head of the Catholic Church in Central Mindanao, Philippines on Tuesday rebuffed efforts from a Swiss-backed mining firm to solicit support from the religious sector despite claims of the company that it has gathered support from host communities.

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, head of the Diocese of Marbel, told officials of the Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI) that mining operations in the hinterlands of Tampakan in South Cotabato will destroy the watershed area and will wreak havoc on the fragile ecosystem of Central Mindanao.

Xstrata, the handmaiden of Satan and worshipper of idols knows no bounds in its lies, distortions and evildoing. One hopes the organisation incurs the wrath of God for their non-believing destruction of his creation for trinkets of gold. Curse them to eternity that they rot slowly in Judgement O Lord.]]></description>
			<link>http://us.asiancorrespondent.com/eeportal/church-spurns-overture-from-mining-.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/350</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata agrees to USD 75 a tonne</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The mid-year contract price for Xstratas Hunter Valley thermal coal has been set at $US75 per tonne. And here the fraudsters are bleating that a $4 AUD a tonne ETS will put them out of business. LIARS, CHEATS, ECO-CRIMINALS and FRAUDS.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/21/2719876.htm?site=newcastle</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/349</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata continues river clean-up</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata is currently involved in legal action regarding lead contamination in children in Mount Isa. Only the legal threat has forced the Xstrata hand - otherwise the river would have stayed the contaminated disaster that Xstrata made it.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/19/2717663.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/348</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata announces no intention to make an offer for Anglo American</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Swiss-based mining major Xstrata announced today that it has no intention of making an offer for rival mining group Anglo American.

Xstrata - bottom of the harbour asset stripping speculative specialist caught out bigtime.....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.metal-pages.com/news/story/42653/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/347</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>What you do not know about Vale and Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A bit left of field perhaps but the Holy Roman Empire is always something interesting. Remembering that Sudbury is where Xstrata had a binding agreement to maintain employment but when it suited them they broke it and closed their mines.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thesudburystar.com/Community/NewsDisplay.aspx?c=30378</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/346</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Either BHP or Xstrata is wrong</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata chief Mick Davis and BHPs Marius Kloppers have a very different view of the world, so it is highly likely that one of them will end up being quite wrong.

Mick Davis and Xstrata raised around $US5.7 billion in equity capital over the past year but Xstratas debt is still around $13 billion while in the depressed metals market recent cash flow was a negative.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au//bs.nsf/Article/BHP-Xstrata-Anglo-Rio-Tinto-stock-pd20091006-WJT29?OpenDocument&amp;su=2DACCA67DD972595CA25765A00370CB0</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/345</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Obama puts the case for alternatives to fossil fuels</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It is a transformation that will be made as swiftly and as carefully as possible to ensure that we are doing what it takes to grow this economy, he said.

The US is the second-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after China. The House of Representatives has passed legislation to reduce emissions that many scientists say are contributing to global warming. It would reduce emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020 by limiting carbon dioxide pollution and establishing a market for trading pollution permits.

And the best that shameful Kevin Krudd can put forward is 5%. What a dog.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/obama-puts-the-case-for-alternatives-to-fossil-fuels-20091024-he0y.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/344</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Greens agree that Coal-Air is not good enough</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Greens have attacked plans for a new industry-funded air quality monitoring system for the Upper Hunter, saying it was "like getting Coke to fund research into childrens health".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/greens-say-industry-air-check-not-good-enough/1656932.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/343</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Muswellbrook Air Quality Con.... Suddenly the coal companies will supply their data</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Faced with the community demand for independent monitoring the coal companies have all of a sudden decided they will tell us what they want and retain control of the data and the monitoring. As if anything they are going to release publicly will tell the truth. ALP and coal - its all dogs of greed on heat.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/air-data-needed-for-study-mckay/1655320.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/342</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal ship pilots want $800 pw pay rise</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Greed is Good" for the coal companies, the NSW Government and Muswellbrook Council, so why not for the pilots??]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/newcastle-harbour-pilots-seeking-800aweek-pay-rise/1654707.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/341</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Freightliner inks 10 year pact with Xstrata Coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Freightliner Australia has announced a 10 year haulage agreement with Xstrata Coal on September 25th 2009. Trains will start in late 2010, carrying 10 million tonnes of coal a year between Hunter Valley mines and the port of Newcastle]]></description>
			<link>http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/10/04/MTE0NjIx/Freightliner_inks_10_year_pact_with_Xstrata_Coal.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/340</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata given "Put Up or Shut Up" deadline for Anglo American offer</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining company Xstrata PLC has until Oct. 20 to make a binding offer for rival Anglo American PLC or else walk away for at least six months, Britains mergers and acquisitions regulator said Friday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/10/02/business-materials-eu-britain-xstrata-anglo_6959053.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/339</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Coal has lodged plans for a super pit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[expansions and upgrade of the Ravensworth coal terminal and the Ravensworth coal handling and preparation plant...
Lemington Road will have to be realigned at Ravensworth and the intersection with the New England Highway upgraded]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/02/2702896.htm?site=newcastle</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/338</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>(For General Interest) Israeli Scientists Prove DNA Evidence Can Be Faked</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Israeli scientists have discovered a way to prove that DNA evidence can be faked.

Long considered the most solid proof in any criminal court case, the biological goods can easily be planted at a crime scene, according to Dan Frumkin, lead author of a paper published in the online journal Forensic Science International: Genetics. "You can just engineer a crime scene," Frumkin contends. "Any biology undergraduate could perform this."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/132965#</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/337</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal firms advertisements hit emissions plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Lies, lies and more lies from the profiteers of global climate destruction. The tripe they are parading on TV is not what they are telling their shareholders,, for them its "the $$ are rolling in" and we are greedy enough to want another6.5 billion from the taxpayer... Hey guess what.... perhaps we should pay all their costs and let them keep all the profits.... theyd probably whinge about that,,,,

COAL EXTRACTION = UNADULTERATED GREED]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26138945-5013871,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/336</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Boy, 10, on armed robbery charge in Muswellbrook</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Typical coal miners town - the wild west

The armed robbery charge is too serious for the boy to be dealt with under the controversial Young Offenders Act and he will have to front a judge.


The boy, who cannot be identified, was granted bail on strict conditions to appear in Muswellbrook Childrens Court next month.


He is believed to be one of the youngest people to be charged in NSW with armed robbery, which carries a maximum jail term of 25 years.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/boy-10-on-armed-robbery-charge-in-muswellbrook/1635428.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/335</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Australias population fairytale - Krudds Deception</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Without significant immigration or fertility change, Australias population will be 26 million within 10 years. It will be 30 million within 20 years.

Australias demographic change is speeding up. This presents Rudd with a dichotomy: he talks a good game about reducing greenhouse emissions, but has only committed Australia to a minimum 5 per cent cut in carbon pollution, at 2000 levels, by 2020. Why? Because in 2000 Australias population was 19 million, but by 2020 it will be about 26 million, a 37 per cent increase.

He wants a shift to green power, but will give coal producers $3.5 billion in public subsidy, which sends a tepid market signal and goes against the trenchant advice of the Governments own climate change adviser, Professor Ross Garnaut. There is even pressure building to give the coal producers another $6.5 billion, which would turn the proposed carbon pollution reduction scheme into pointless churn.

Big talk, small change.

Contrast this with Rudds rhetoric on population policy. Its the opposite - small talk, big change. At some point, the cracks in the conceptual facade are going to have to be addressed. As Stephen Kirchner of the Centre for Independent Studies points out, high population growth may help economic growth, but it is a double-edged sword: Higher rates of population growth mean the Australian economy will have to grow even faster in order to achieve increases in real GDP per capita, the most basic measure of social welfare.

The hard choices the Government has so far avoided will be arriving soon enough, thanks to high population growth, says Kirchner: Given the Federal Governments commitment to hold future growth in real government spending below 2 per cent - in order to repair the damage done to the budget bottom line by its discretionary fiscal stimulus packages - with population growth running above 2 per cent this implies reductions in real government spending per person.

Strong population growth also brings strong environmental pressures. Above the greater need for energy and transport and land, the carbon cost of Australias food infrastructure, with food grown far from where it is consumed, and supposedly fresh produce refrigerated, preserved, packed and freighted long distances, represents a real conceptual challenge which governments - federal, state and local - have not yet seriously addressed.

All this will become evident when the new energy tax, known as the emissions trading scheme, starts to flow through the economy and the cost of food begins to rise, along with inflation, and higher interest rates, the legacy of decisions taken by the Rudd Government.

In the meantime, we are being fed the fairytale that Australia is enjoying world-beating growth that is all gain, no pain.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/australias-population-fairytale-20090927-g7o5.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/334</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata refuses to accept responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hunter mining giant Xstrata is warning it will lobby for free permits under the Federal Governments emissions trading scheme if open-cut mines are not treated fairly.

The Commonwealth is proposing to hit open-cut mines with a flat default charge for greenhouse gases that escape into the atmosphere during mining.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/24/2695418.htm?site=newcastle</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/333</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata shunts Asciano with its own trains</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Swiss miner Xstrata plans to bring some competitive tension to the Hunter Valley coal railway by buying three big coal trains and hauling its own coal to Newcastle Port.

From 2011 the miner will move about a quarter of its coal itself, acting as a competitor to the regions main hauler, Ascianos Pacific National, as well as to Queensland Rail,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,26120552-643,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/332</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal bosses accused of toying with jobs: Xstrata &amp; Friends Duplicitious Lying Scaremongering</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE mining union says the coal industry is being blatantly dishonest and toying with workers jobs on the coalfields as it tries to extract more compensation under the Federal Governments emissions trading scheme.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coal-bosses-accused-of-toying-with-jobs-20090922-g0mo.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/331</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Union warning over coal deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[with any luck the massive export capacity expansion combined with global generation moves to renewable fuels will see the price of coal (and its profitability) decline to the point of unsustainability and closure.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/union-warning-over-coal-deal/1627549.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/330</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Feds are burning: Garretts the word</title>
			<description><![CDATA["I think any anthem for saving the planet is great. But the anthem needs matching with action and we havent got that from the Rudd government,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26080057-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/329</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata says on track for 2016 start of Tampakan project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Having murdered most of the opposition such as Boy Bilanes the Phillipines mining lobby think they are on a roll.... Discovered in 1991, the project has never left the drawing board due to environmental problems and communist insurgencies, with the last rebel attack in December killing a mine worker.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningweekly.com/article/xstrata-says-on-track-for-2016-start-of-tampakan-project-2009-09-17</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/328</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>coal row: Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BHP Billiton was originally blamed for the delayed implementation of the system after it refused to sign-off on the deal.

It prompted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to scrap the systems interim approval.

But blame for the delay has now shifted to Xstrata and Centennial Coal., 

The story is wrong thereafter on Centennial being forced to give... fact is Centennial CANNOT give due to over-riding NCIG partnership agreement... suck eggs Xstrata - u cant hold out on that one...

read the case at www.austlii.com.au...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/17/2688807.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/327</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Big delays in green loan scheme</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Federal Governments $175 million green loans scheme is in disarray]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/big-delays-in-green-loan-scheme-20090915-fpp6.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/326</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata not swayed by strike action at NSW Hunter Valley mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Big pond quoted Xstrata Coal as saying that it will not be swayed by strike action at a mine in the NSW Hunter Valley that is set to close in March but could reopen later.]]></description>
			<link>http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/09/14/MTExNzI5/Xstrata_not_swayed_by_strike_action_at_NSW_Hunter_Valley_mine.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/325</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Coal rejects "job security clause"</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MINE workers strike action seems to have been in vain with Xstrata Coal announcing it will not include a job security clause in a new Enterprise Agreement for miners at United Colleries.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningcoal.com.au/article/xstrata-coal-rejects-job-security-clause/498320.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/324</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>xstrata miners on strike</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hundreds of xstrata miners have striked against the companies decision to close united collieries.]]></description>
			<link>http://hvnewsroom.blogspot.com/2009/09/hundreds-of-xstrata-miners-have-striked.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/323</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>World Bank tells rich to pay their climate damage bill</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Calling climate change a deeply unfair issue, the World Development Report 2010 finds that rich countries are responsible for two-thirds of the greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. But it concludes that poorer countries in South Asia and Africa are expected to bear the brunt of the impact through drought, sea level rise and extreme weather which could permanently cut up to 5 per cent a year from their annual consumption and slash their food production.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/world-bank-tells-rich-to-pay-their-climate-damage-bill-20090915-fpp3.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/322</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Global warming opens Atlantic gateway</title>
			<description><![CDATA[IT is both a symbol of global warming and a potentially lucrative new trade route between Europe and Asia.

Play
12345Loading...Please login to rate a video.You cant rate an advertisement.(1 vote)

UN optimistic pre-climate talks
The UN says Decembers Copenhagen talks will provide an opportunity for developing countries to...
Views today: 47Sorry, this video is no longer available.Two German container ships have successfully navigated the Russian Northeast Passage across Arctic waters from the Pacific for the first time in a voyage considered impossible until a few years ago. 

The journey through formerly frozen seas promises to transform Russias neglected Siberian coast and reduce transport costs for goods taken from Asia to the European Union. 

But environmentalists say that the opening of the route shows the speed at which the polar ice caps are melting.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26069573-2703,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/321</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
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			<title>Australian economy not ready for climate deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIA stands less ready than many other countries to protect its living standards under a strict international climate change agreement according to a new global carbon competitiveness index.

According to the index, compiled by UK consultancy Vivid Economics, Australia ranks just 15th on a list of how well the G20 nations are positioned to protect the economic well-being of their citizens in a low carbon world - well behind France, Great Britain, Japan, Korea, Germany and even China.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26069627-5013871,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/320</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Nation ill-equipped for green future</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AUSTRALIA is in the weakest position of any industrialised nation to compete in a clean-energy world, a new report has found.

Despite high levels of wealth and education, the nations heavy-polluting coal-fired electricity, its energy-intensive exports like aluminium and its high levels of car ownership make it one of the developed countries least able to generate prosperity in a future marked by drastic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/nation-illequipped-for-green-future-20090913-fm96.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/319</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Xstrata says no to strikers demands</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Coal says it will not be swayed by strike action at a mine in the NSW Hunter Valley that is set to close in March but could reopen later.]]></description>
			<link>http://bigpondnews.com/articles/National/2009/09/10/Xstrata_says_no_to_strikers_demands_371212.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/318</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners set to strike</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MORE than 100 workers at a NSW Hunter Valley mine are set to begin a four-day strike over a jobs dispute today.

Xstrata Coal plans to axe up to 110 staff when it closes its United Collieries mine next year. 

The Swiss mining giant said in June that mining would cease at its United Collieries mine, 15km west of Singleton, in March next year after all economically recoverable underground reserves were exhausted. 

But the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) says the company plans to resume mining coal on the same lease in 2012.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26052581-26103,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/317</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Justice is with the coal protesters - Professor Clive Hamilton draws on UK case</title>
			<description><![CDATA[GLOBAL warming activists will this weekend begin a national series of protests against coal-fired electricity plants and coalmines, starting at Victorias Hazelwood plant, armed with a potential defence against prosecution from a jury decision in England.

Clive Hamilton, professor of public ethics at Charles Sturt University and former director of the Australia Institute, said demonstrators could take heart that Greenpeace protesters who scaled a smokestack at the Kingsnorth coal-fired power plant in Kent were acquitted by a jury. He said politics had failed on climate change, with Labor governments caving in to "Big Coal", and it was time for civil disobedience. 

Writing on the Crikey website, Professor Hamilton said activists at what was intended to be a peaceful protest at Victorias coal-fired Hazelwood power station might break the law, "but they have justice on their side". 

"With scientists predicting runaway climate change unless we take drastic action in the next five years, and the manifest failure of our democratic system to respond adequately to the overwhelming threat posed to our future, it is legitimate to step outside the usual boundaries of protest."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26061641-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/316</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Nicolas Sarkozys France to tax carbon pollution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FRENCH President Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday unveiled a new carbon tax to help combat global warming, overriding strong public opposition to a plan that will further strain household budgets.

The new levy on oil, gas and coal consumption by households and businesses will come into effect next year, making France the biggest economy yet to impose a straight-up carbon tax. 

In practice, the E17 ($29) tax will push up the average household heating bill by up to E174 a year and raise the cost of a litre of unleaded fuel by about four euro cents (about 7c). 

"It is time to create green taxation," Mr Sarkozy said in an address at Culoz, a town near the French border with Switzerland. 

"We cannot keep on taxing labour, taxing capital and ignore taxes on pollution. 

"This is a major fiscal shift, an important innovation," the President said. "It is the first step of a fiscal revolution that will be developed." 

Parliament has yet to approve the measure, but it is likely to pass as part of the wider annual budget plan. 

Mr Sarkozy set the new carbon tax at E17 per tonne of carbon dioxide, and said it would be gradually increased to penalise those who refuse to abandon their wasteful ways. The French Government has pledged to cut its own CO2 emissions to one-quarter of the 1990 levels by 2050 by relying on nuclear power - which generates few greenhouse gases - improving building insulation and boosting the use of renewable energies.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26060211-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/315</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Well sue on Murray River: Mike Rann</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Even if the Victorian Government meets the October 31 deadline, the SA Government intends to continue to pursue all legal remedies including the High Court challenge ... to protect the Murray-Darling Basin."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26056743-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/314</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Push for maverick techniques to restore landscape</title>
			<description><![CDATA[IN WHAT he says is the biggest challenge of his career and potentially the most important project in the nations history, the former governor-general Michael Jeffery is launching a national campaign to restore Australias degraded landscape.....

In July, General Jeffery appeared on Australian Story with Mr Andrews and another high-profile supporter, the retailer Gerry Harvey, for whom Mr Andrews has spent six years successfully restoring the landscape on Baramul thoroughbred stud in the Widden Valley.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/push-for-maverick-techniques-to-restore-landscape-20090911-fkqi.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/313</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Officials ignored lead risks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The story with which the air quality campaigners of the Upper Hunter Valley will be familiar.

THE Queensland Health Department was warned about lead contamination in the mining town of Mount Isa in 1986, but reassured local officials that there was "no real cause for concern".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/officials-ignored-lead-risks-20090911-fkqo.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/312</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>AIR pollution in Lake Macquarie as bad as the Upper Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[(The Upper Hunter is now a measure of how foul your air can get. So much for the touted improved air quality that the NSW Government REFUSES to measure in the Upper Hunter.)

AIR pollution in some areas of Lake Macquarie is as bad as the Upper Hunter, National Pollutant Inventory documents show.

Upper Hunter residents have threatened legal action over the NSW Governments failure to do a public health study into the effects of power station emissions and coalmining.


Some residents want a similar study in Lake Macquarie, with high levels of pollution coming from Eraring and Vales Point coal-fired power stations and the nearby Munmorah plant.


National Pollutant Inventory documents show that 45 million kilograms of nitrogen oxides (NOx) were emitted from Eraring power station, in south-west Lake Macquarie, in 2007-08.


In Muswellbrook, 49 million kilograms of NOx were produced from electricity generation.


Health authorities say breathing low levels of nitrogen oxides can irritate eyes, nose, throat and lungs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/lake-macquarie-air-not-stacking-up/1615891.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/311</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Asthma toll on increase: DOUBLE STATE AVERAGES</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Hunter and New England region has the highest asthma death rate for women in NSW, the states second highest number of female asthma cases, and the toll looks set to continue.

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released yesterday has warned the respiratory illness would continue to rank as one of the major causes of disease burden in Australia for the next 20 years.


"This burden is particularly heavy for children asthma is the leading cause of burden of disease among children, ahead of anxiety and depression," Professor Guy Marks, of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfares Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring, said. 


In the Hunter and New England, asthma is the most common cause behind hospital admission for children under the age of six, while about one in six youngsters across the region are predicted to develop an asthma-related illness.


Hunter New England Health staff specialist Peter Wark said it was unclear if the high rates were due to environmental or genetic factors. 

"Its difficult to know why we are seeing more of the disease," he said.


"Its hard to gather the statistics that would make that clear."

(Doctors in Singleton have NO DOUBT that the incidence of asthma is directly related to open cut coal mining and power station emissions - dusts and noxious gases that affect the entire Hunter/New England Region - that are set to DOUBLE in the next 5 years)... One more reason for a decent, independent, state funded health study for the entire region with direct focus on the coal and power generation industries - in constant denial).

Dr Wark said children were not the only ones at risk.


A NSW Population Health Survey showed 13 per cent of people aged 16 and over in the region had asthma in 2007, compared with 10.5 per cent statewide.


People aged between 25 and 34 had the biggest representation, with more than 19 per cent diagnosed with the disease, compared with a state average of 10.5 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/asthma-toll-on-increase/1611747.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/310</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Shock shutdown of coal loader quota system</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NEWCASTLES 40-plus queue of coal ships is likely to grow dramatically after the federal competition regulator threw out the ports coal-loader quota system. Mr Samuel (ACCC) said the industrys future was in its own hands.

Just shows how deficient and skungy Xstrata coal is in its failure to invest in its own export infrastructure... now they go off whinging that other people who have invested in capacity should be forced to carry theirs by nationalisation of private loader assest interests.

Any govt doing so should also impose the health costs directly on the producers and lets see what $41 a tonne added to the export cost does for their evil business.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/shock-shutdown-of-coal-loader-quota-system/1611741.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/309</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Krudd, Garret &amp; Xstrata sentence Great Barrier Reef to death</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a series of dire predictions for the Australian icon, the report finds that carbon in the atmosphere will have to be kept to under 400 parts per million (ppm) if animal species and coral are to have a low to medium vulnerability to climate change.

The current level of carbon in the atmosphere is 387 ppm.

The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has on several occasions publicly supported a 450 ppm target for carbon in the atmosphere - a figure also backed recently by the Major Economies Forum that includes the United States and China.

The report finds if carbon reaches 450 ppm in the atmosphere, which is predicted for 2035, it would result in severe mass bleaching and destroy the reefs ability to grow new coral.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/terminal-damage-to-barrier-reef-unavoidable-20090902-f8id.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/308</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Xtstrata left with "An Unenforceable Right" to export Mangoola via NCIG</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ill have to make my best endeavours before I bottom-of-the-harbour my obligation and do a re-birth number with NCIG on my own (new) account.... Centennial duds XTA again,, llol,, the first one being selling XTA a mine with no access for construction or operation,, the latter being no egress for product.... rofl....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.aar.com.au/pubs/const/foconst27aug09.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/307</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Skellatar Stock Route Miners Village (for Mangoola Mine) Rejected by Court</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A WORKERS camp will not be built on Skellatar Stock Route, after an appeal was dismissed this week by the NSW Land and Environment Court.
---------
Wybong Action Group contributed significantly to the outcome through detailed legal submissions lodged with both Council and the Court. Hip, Hip, Hooray !!]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/workers-camp-rejected/1608808.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/306</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Hundreds of Ulan coal miners, families and retrenched workers stage demonstration in Mudgee.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Marchers were encouraged by clapping from bystanders and motorists blowing their horns as they marched and chanted "Ulan Coal, no soul"... and "Xstratas my name and greed is my game"....

"The added issue, which is a test issue for all mine workers, is that these workers are going to be replaced by outside contractors."
"The next step is that the Union will be challenging the redundancies on the basis they are not true redundancies.

"This will be the first case of its kind to go before FairWork Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/xstrata-says-it-is-acting-appropriately-to-meet-current-and-future-conditions/1607991.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/305</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Coal Rally Ending as China Shuns Imports, Opens Mines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas unprecedented appetite for imported coal is about to be sated, jeopardizing a five-month rally in prices by adding to a global surplus of the fuel used in power plants from Perth to Chicago. 

After importing a record 48 million tons in the first six months, China is opening mines idled by worker deaths this year following safety upgrades in a bid to bolster economic growth. Huadian Power International Corp. expects Chinas largest coal- mining province, Shanxi, to boost output by 60 percent in the second half of the year. That would mean an increase of 150 million metric tons, almost twice what Germany burns annually. 

With little need to buy coal outside the country, prices may tumble, falling as much as 7 percent in Europe alone, Barclays Capital says. Chinas purchases will plunge 33 percent between June 30 and Dec. 31, based on the median estimate of four analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&amp;sid=anPsamswT_DU</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/304</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Xstrata thinks the Chinese will keep on importing coal at an increasing rate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[How self-deluded can a parasite get. China has been stockpiling at the low end and now is heading to rapidly expand dormant domestic supply as prices rise. Seeya later sucker!]]></description>
			<link>http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/23/MTA4Mjk1/Xstrata_Coal_to_go_for_efficient_low_cost_coal_mining_model.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/303</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>20yo dies at Xstrata NT mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Northern Territory police are investigating the death of the 20-year-old man at McArthur River mine, 900 kilometres south-east of Darwin. 

Police say they were notified just before 5:30pm CST on Friday by the mines local health clinic that the Darwinian had died at the mine site.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/23/2663837.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/302</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Xstrata response to climate change and increasing costs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Buffiers message was that coal remains an important economic driver for New South Wales. And with 15 operating mines and a significant project pipeline, Xstrata is the biggest producer with cash spends in the last financial year of around USD 2.2 billion.

He devoted some time to outlining Xstrata Coals view of the Federal Governments proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. He said that "The CPRS represents a very significant challenge to this industry and also the economic input into NSW. The industrys been singled out, its been treated unfairly, and its been excluded from the Emissions Intensive Trade Expose scheme... sob sob... Theres no money in a dead planet Boofhead]]></description>
			<link>http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/23/MTA4Mjkz/Xstrata_response_to_climate_change_and_increasing_costs.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/301</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Xstrata- Its all about one psychopaths need for power and the ongoing acquisition of it.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Asked by a British newspaper ahead of the listing of Billiton in 1999 what, in life, was most important to him, Davis replied: "Power, wealth and happiness...

A never-ending hollow godless drive to acquire power for powers sake, destroying all and everything in its path until the rancid dog is finally put down by another of its own ilk. Vale Xstrata - rotten to its evil stinking core.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningmx.com/news/markets/The%20subject%20of%20power.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/300</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Xstrata criticises investment barriers</title>
			<description><![CDATA["XSTRATA Coal group executive Mick Buffier says the Australian government needs to remove investment barriers if it is to continue receiving benefits from coal, including the global giant?s pipeline of projects in New South Wales."

Where does this Boofhead get off at? Benefits? What the hell benefits? At Anvil Hill (Mangoola) the benefit is 4000Ha of forest to be clear felled in a region denuded of native vegetation by 200 years of white trash colonisation. More noxious and greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere with heavy metals and fine silica dusts to contaminate land, drinking waters and lungs. Food producing agricultural land removed from production, populations removed, communities destroyed, services downgraded. And a few outsiders get employed at ridiculous salaries to decimate the land, poison the air and putrify the waters. Big Benefit Buffier you troglodyte wanksta Boofhead. Guess what Mick,, NSW says "Xstrata piss off and go do to Switzerland the mongrel acts you are doing to NSW you low dog."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.metal-industry-india.com/blog/2009/08/20/xstrata-criticises-investment-barriers/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/299</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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			<title>Government should show support for coal: Xstrata says with forked tongue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Whilst Xstrata Coals chief executive Peter Freyberg was expounding the benefits of discussing coal synergies with Anglo Coal, his Australian colleague was talking about the challenges facing its operations in New South Wales. Xstrata Coal recently acquired Centennial Coals Anvil Hill project located in the Hunter Valley, and has renamed it Mangoola in a deliberate strategy to try and "take away some of the stigma that has unfairly labelled this operation".
In terms of opposition to the mine, from community and environmental groups, Buffier believes this was not just related to potential impacts of that operation but "a broader story in terms of widespread opposition to coal."
The project is expected to be in operation in late 2011 and capable of producing 8 mtpa at a capital expenditure of about $1 billion.
But without the vocal support of Government, Buffier said that such public opinions are "very hard to turn around".
"One of the issues I see for the NSW Government is that theres little public support for the industry,,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theajmonline.com.au/mining_news/news/2009/august/august-20th-09/government-should-show-support-for-coal-xstrata</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/298</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Centennial appeals Court decision forcing Xstrata access to 2nd coal loader for Mangoola Coal.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Centennial is appealing a court ruling that Xstrata should be given access to its share of capacity at the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, or NCIG, development,,, it is not clear whether Xstrata will have access just to the first stage of the NCIG development or the second stage as well,, Centennial is talking to Xstrata and the NSW government about the implications of the court ruling,, The court ruling does not come into effect until Xstrata begins production from its Mangoola mine,,, Centennial can use 100% of its share the new NCIG infrastructure for the next few years,,,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25951685-5005200,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/297</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Anglo investors say Xstrata deal dead</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One large Anglo shareholder (also a top ten Xstrata shareholder), a fund manager who spoke on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity, said after meeting with both sides he doubted a deal would emerge.

"Theres not a chance for the deal going ahead in the next twelve months, in my view. It is effectively dead," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE57H42K20090818?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=businessNews</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/296</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Xstrata injects billions into Hunter Valley projects</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Weve spent $1.8 billion on projects, predominantly in the Hunter Valley bringing on the new Glendell operation, expanding Liddell," he said.

"Three hundred and fifty million dollars at our Blakefield operation, thatll replace Beltana but most importantly weve got the large Mangoola project coming on, spending $1 billion there." Bastard Swiss Wanksta]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/17/2657775.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/295</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>More job cuts at Ulan mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The decision to axe more than 120 jobs at a mine in central west NSW is scandalous and smacks of corporate greed, the construction union says.

Xstrata, the Swiss mining giant, plans to slash up to 122 jobs at its Ulan mine, northwest of Mudgee, comprising 28 permanent staff and 94 contractors.

The culling will reduce the operations total workforce from 550 staff, including contractors, to 428.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-business/more-job-cuts-at-ulan-mine-union-says-20090813-ejj0.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/294</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Chance of class action against NSW Government over coalmining in Upper Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE State Government could potentially face a multi-million dollar class action from Upper Hunter residents who became ill from the effects of coalmining and power station emissions, the Environmental Defenders Office said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/chance-of-class-action-against-nsw-government-over-coalmining-in-upper-hunter/1592177.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/293</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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			<title>Foreign hands all over Hunter mines</title>
			<description><![CDATA["They used to talk about selling off the farm, well I can assure you the farm was sold off long ago," Mr Murray said.


"Its up to the politicians to make the laws to protect Australian interests but theres precious little beyond wages and a couple of bucks a tonne royalty that stays in this country.


"Were talking about the very biggest and most profitable companies in the world here, which is why its a bit rich for them to be crying poor and begging for more compensation from the Federal Governments carbon pollution reduction scheme."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/foreign-hands-all-over-hunter-mines/1595586.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/292</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Help Bob Brown talk to Australia about climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Kevin Rudds carbon pollution reduction legislation, which offered polluters $16 billion in compensation, has failed in the Senate. But the collapse of the CPRS Bill is no excuse for inaction. 

For the millions of Australians who want action, now is exactly the right time to contact Mr Rudd and tell him to act.]]></description>
			<link>http://greensmps.org.au/help-bob-brown-talk-australia-about-climate-change</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/291</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NSW Nats will strike a balance on mining, agriculture and community: Humphries</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Shadow Industry Minister Mr Gay said was important to get a proper process in place.

"Inherent in the development of the bill, its important to acknowledge that there will be some agricultural land that should not be mined- similar to the situation we have now where National Parkes cannot be mined.

"Its about getting a better process in place than is provided by the current legislation and the current Minister, which has led to the appalling fiasco we have at Caroona.

Mr Gay also said the important issue to the NSW Nationals of Royalties for Regions and its development into policy was also discussed today.]]></description>
			<link>http://nsw.nationals.org.au/news/nsw-nats-will-strike-a-balance-on-mining-agriculture-and-community-humphries.aspx?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=Newsletter&amp;utm_content=743784056&amp;utm_campaign=NSW+Nationals+Weekly+Email+Roundup%2c+Friday+14+August+_+ktijx&amp;utm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/290</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mangoola Coal - Nowhere to go ! - Centennial &amp; NCIG have berths all tied up.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata bought Centennial Coals Anvil Hill project (since renamed Mangoola) for $1 billion in 2007. It had hoped that meant it would be given an equivalent share of Centennials stake in NCIG to allow it to ship the coal from that terminal, since the Xstrata- and Rio Tinto-owned Port Waratah Coal Services is operating at capacity.

But as a Federal Court ruling revealed this week, the agreement between the NCIG partners - including BHP, Centennial, Felix Resources, Donaldson Coal and Whitehaven Coal - means the existing partners have pro-rata rights to any stakes in NCIG should they become available.

It means that any consortium members looking to sell individual mines or projects outright, rather than just minority stakes, could find the port capacity associated with those mines or projects will evaporate...]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/love-is-in-the-air-but-emeco-remains-blushingly-coy-20090812-eic8.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/289</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Ormet files layoff notice for all workers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[All 982 Ormet Corp. employees were given notice this week they could soon be out of work as the company continues to struggle to reduce costs and find its niche in the battered aluminum market.

Ormet officials filed a federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice Monday, indicating that operations could be coming to a halt at the Monroe County facility.

The first round of layoffs is scheduled for Sept. 26; the remaining jobs are to be eliminated Oct. 11, according to the notice. More specific information on the pending layoffs was not provided.

According to a union representative, the key to keeping Ormet going will be to find a new raw product supplier, but that will likely cost significantly more than the company had been paying to its old supplier.

For the past several months, Ormet has been embroiled in a battle with alumina supplier Glencore Ltd., which was accused of failing to deliver raw materials as required by a tolling agreement.

The layoff announcement comes just a day after Ormet announced arbitration with Glencore had ended.

According to a press release, Glencore must pay unspecified damages to Ormet, but Glencore is freed from its requirement to deliver product to Ormet. All of Ormets refining capabilities had been dedicated to Glencore.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mariettatimes.com/page/content.detail/id/514611.html?nav=5002</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/288</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>BREAKFAST DEALS: What Crean didnt hear</title>
			<description><![CDATA[With such a mood of fear and loathing emanating from Sino-Australian business relations, government ministers Simon Crean and Kim Carr are doing a commendable job of keeping the upper lip stiff as they make their way through a series of meetings with Chinese car manufacturers. That hasnt stopped one gaffe however, as recorded by Fairfax journalist John Garnaut, in which the vice-president of Chinas third biggest automaker, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, said his company had been making contact about an acquisition of General Motors Australian subsidiary Holden. At that point the Chinese translator attempted to explain Li Shaozhus words, only to receive the rebuke "You dont say what I didnt say." The interview promptly terminated. Luckily however the honourable members Crean and Carr didnt hear what they didnt hear and have denied the suggestion. For some time Holden has also denied speculation in this column that the car company is up for sale. Nevertheless the rumours keep circulating that Shanghai Automotive, Dongfeng and others are eyeing Holden. Hear no deal, see no deal, we suppose.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BREAKFAST-DEALS-Deals-on-wheels-pd20090716-TYTK9?OpenDocument&amp;src=sph</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/287</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Anglo squares up to Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On Friday Anglo American convincingly beat market expectations with its half-year results - its first real demonstration to shareholders that the mining giant should remain independent.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.mining.com/2009/08/03/anglo-squares-up-to-xstrata/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/286</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata coal announces job cuts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Almost 300 coal miners are about to lose their jobs at two New South Wales coal mines.

Xstrata Coal says 94 contractors and 28 permanent employees at the Ulan mine in the states central west will lose their jobs.

Another 57 contractors and 101 permanent staff will go at its Tahmoor mine southwest of Sydney.]]></description>
			<link>http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Business/2009/07/31/Xstrata_coal_announces_job_cuts_357590.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/285</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata-cuts-workforces-at-australian-mines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Coal said Thursday that high production costs and challenging market conditions had led it to restructure the workforces at its Tahmoor and Ulan coal mines in New South Wales with the loss of 280 jobs.


"The restructure is necessary to protect the long-term financial viability of the businesses and is aimed at improving efficiencies and re-aligning employee numbers with the current operating environment," said Xstrata Coal chief executive Peter Freyberg in a statement.

The Ulan underground and surface mine produces 6 million mt/year of thermal coal and employs 550 people, of which 122 are affected by the restructuring. Tahmoor mine produces 2 million mt/year of hard coking coal and has 493 workers, of which 158 are affected by the changes to working conditions.

Operations at Tahmoor are being reduced to five days per week from seven days with immediate effect. There are no changes to the working pattern at the Ulan complex, Xstrata said.

Redundancy has been offered to the affected workers at Ulan and Tahmoor and there is a possibility that some workers could relocate to other Xstrata coal mines, the company said.


Freyberg said that operating costs at Tahmoor "remain too high" and production and market prices were "not strong enough to support our current number of employees".

Xstrata plans to outsource some mining requirements at its Tahmoor mine to specialist contractors to improve efficiency, it said.

Xstata in June said it would end production at its United Collieries underground coal mine in New South Wales in 2010 following the exhaustion of the mines economically recoverable coal reserves. The mine employed 220 workers at the time of the announcement and produced 3 million mt/year of semi-soft coking coal.]]></description>
			<link>http://macorship.blogspot.com/2009/07/xstrata-cuts-workforces-at-australian.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/284</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miner in hospital after cement truck accident</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A CONTRACT worker is in a serious condition in hospital after an accident involving a cement truck at a zinc mine in Mount Isa. 
The 35-year-old Mansell contractor was given first aid treatment after the accident at the George Fisher mine at about 5am (AEST).

He was taken by ambulance to Mount Isa Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police, the Queensland Department of Mines and Energy and the mining company Xstrata are investigating the accident.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25841346-14334,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/283</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata to restart Oaky coking coal mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata which closed the Oaky coal mine last year due to slump in demand for coking coal in China will reopen the mine again.

Xstrata said that but the increased sales to China will allow operations at the mine to restart next month.

When asked why the company closed the mine in the first place, Mr Jim Vallerie a spokesman of Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union said that "We believe the original closure was done in a very unjust manner towards all the employees who were working there. We would see that what theyre doing now by re-employing some six months, if that, later, probably clouds the real reason behind why they were done.]]></description>
			<link>http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/07/27/MTA0MDI4/Production_pruning_-_Xstrata_to_restart_Oaky_coking_coal_mine.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/282</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Pacific National hooks up with Xstrata for a billion dollar decade</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ASCIANO subsidiary Pacific National has signed a new 10-year haulage contract with Xstrata Coal covering the NSW Hunter Valley and Port Kembla regions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,25819090-5017963,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/281</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australia one of worst animal destroyers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE earth is experiencing its sixth great extinction and Australia, along with its Pacific neighbours, is in danger of perpetuating its record as one of the worst destroyers of animal and plant species, a study by leading environmental scientists has found.

Based on a review of 24,000 scientific papers, the study published today in the journal Conservation Biology finds that land clearing and overlogging are among the greatest threats to land-based creatures and plants in the Oceania region.

Since records began, Australian agriculture has changed or destroyed half the woodlands and forests of the country. More than two-thirds of the remaining forest has been degraded by logging.

read more.....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/australia-one-of-worst-animal-destroyers-20090728-e068.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/280</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China hit with plummeting exports</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Despite massive stimulus packages by the Chinese government, Chinas exports, the mainstay of its economy, continue to plummet.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.chinanews.net/story/517702</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/279</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunter coalmine closures possible</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Scaremongering tripe from a culpable industry. THE Hunter Valley and Illawarra will face severe economic dislocation as a result of moves to slash greenhouse gas emissions. 

Mines are likely to close, and possibly Port Kembla steelworks, leading to severe social and community upheaval.


Papers tabled yesterday in State Parliament indicate significant concerns within Government over the economic fall-out from reductions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-coalmine-closures-possible/1564904.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/278</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinas nuclear plans power uranium</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AN official launch has just been staged at Fuqing, in the southern Chinese coastal province of Fujian, for a new nuclear power station.

It will have six reactors, be completed in 2014 and have generating capacity of 6000 megawatts. 

To give you some idea of how big that is, the Snowy Mountains hydro stations have a combined capacity of 3800MW. 

And Fuqing is just one of seven new power plants in China that have been given the green light.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25703752-18261,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/277</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal exports to China may fall as prices, shipping rates rise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Reuters reported yesterday that a cargo of high-ash, low-volatile content Australian coal already on the water was offered at $US72 a tonne after the Chinese buyer cancelled the contract. 

A trader with a southern China company said imported coal was no longer cheaper than domestic coal due to higher freight rates and the rising price of imports. 

His company, the trader said, had as a result now stopped importing coal from Australia.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25756224-16222,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/276</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tim Flannery backs carbon store</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SCIENTIST Tim Flannery has backed Malcolm Turnbulls push to promote incentives to encourage the use of biochar in the fight against climate change, sparking renewed opposition calls for the government to accommodate the technique in its climate change response.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25716135-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/275</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coalition urges carbon credits for farmers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Senator Heffernan also said Australian farmers should not be penalised for methane emissions -- cow farts -- while Brazil and India did nothing about their much bigger national gas-emitting cattle herds. 

"Brazil has three times the number of cattle than Australia and India has 10 times the number -- thats a quarter of a billion cattle," Senator Heffernan said. "Neither Brazil nor India have any plans to do anything about it." 

Senator Heffernan, who is a member of a committee on developing northern Australia, said that if the US legislated in favour of its farmers, Australia would have "no choice but to do the same thing".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25710522-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/274</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate change is shrinking sheep</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CLIMATE change has caused a flock of wild sheep on a remote northern Scottish island to become smaller, according to an unusual investigation published on Thursday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25727435-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/273</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Arctic sea ice cover shrinks greatly</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Arctic sea ice thinned dramatically between the winters of 2004 and last year, with thick, older ice shrinking by the equivalent of Alaskas land area, a study using data from a NASA satellite shows.

Using information from NASAs Ice, Cloud and Land Satellite, scientists from the US space agency and the University of Washington in Seattle estimated both the thickness and volume of the Arctic Oceans ice cover. 

ICESat allows scientists to measure changes in the thickness and volume of Arctic ice, whereas previously scientists relied only on measurements of area to determine how much of the Arctic Ocean was covered in ice. Scientists found that Arctic sea ice thinned by 17.8cm a year, or 67cm over four winters, according to the study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans. 

They also found that thicker, older ice, which had survived one or more summers, shrank by 42per cent. "Between 2004 and 2008, multi-year ice cover shrank 1.5million square kilometres - nearly the size of Alaskas land area," a report of the studys findings said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25753351-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/272</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australian shot dead in Indonesias Papua region</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AN Australian working for the Indonesian subsidiary of US-based mining giant Freeport McMoRan was shot dead by unknown attackers today in restive Papua province, police said.

Indonesian police spokesman Nanan Soekarna identified the victim as mining technician Drew Grant, and said he was shot in the neck as he travelled in a car with five others on a road between Tembagapura and Timika.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25764767-25837,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/271</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>PM undermines hopes for global climate deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has been overheard pouring cold water on world leaders chances of hammering out critical climate change limits at Copenhagen - just hours after the US President, Barack Obama, called for global optimism.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/pm-undermines-hopes-for-global-climate-deal-20090710-dg7r.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/270</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>El Nino</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Bureau of Meteorology first warned early last month that an El Nino event appeared to be developing. "Its here," David Jones, the bureaus head of climate analysis, said yesterday. "The only question mark is how long does it last?"

The last El Nino events were in 2002 and 2006, and were associated with very dry conditions. The new one may not begin to break down until mid 2010.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/el-nino-dry-times-ahead-20090710-dg2x.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/269</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate warriors march</title>
			<description><![CDATA[They believe that the financial and climate crises can be solved if people put enough political pressure on their leaders to invest in green jobs and cut emissions drastically - an aim they acknowledge is "ridiculously ambitious". They argue that those under 30 hold the moral authority in this argument. "Theres no ombudsman for future generations. Were it," Ms McKenzie said.

But they remain optimistic.

"Looking at history, huge changes have happened in short periods of time," Ms Rose said.

"Things that people said were impossible - ending slavery, giving women the right to vote, ending apartheid - have changed, almost overnight, if the conditions are right. Were trying to build those conditions."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/climate-warriors-march-behind-little-green-book-20090710-dg2t.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/268</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Anglo names chairman to lead Xstrata defense</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Anglo American Plc (AAL.L) (AGLJ.J) appointed veteran industrialist John Parker as chairman on Friday, moving to bolster its leadership as it seeks to fend off an unwanted merger proposal by rival Xstrata Plc (XTA.L).

Analysts said Parker was strong choice given his experience in management and merger activity, noting that although he made no mention of Xstrata, his first comments reiterated many of Anglos arguments that it has strong prospects as a stand-alone group.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSTRE5691X320090710?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=businessNews&amp;sp=true</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/267</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>South Africa: Xstratas Plans for Anglo Remain a Worry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XSTRATAs effort to merge with Anglo American is still, in my view, a nonstarter. As you would have read in colleague Charlotte Mathewss story in Wednesdays Business Day, Xstratas board disagrees and the company is spending a lot of money and management time to keep the proposal alive and well.

When the proposal was floated, Anglos share price and trading volume surged. Since then, the trading volume and price trend have fizzled. The markets view, I guess, is much the same as mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://allafrica.com/stories/200907100636.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/266</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Historical mines pose low health risk</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the first stage has shown there is very little risk to human health from historical mine sediment in the Leichhardt River area.

He says the next stage will look at dust and air emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/09/2620868.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/265</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dont keep residents in dark on Cobbora Coalfield issue: Gay/Humphries</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Its about time this weak NSW Labor Government told residents in the Dunedoo and Gulgong areas exactly how they will be affected by the Governments secret mining deals, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Duncan Gay and Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries said today.

"This State Labor Government is up to its usual secretive tricks by going behind the scenes setting up land transactions with farmers in the Cabbora region on a proposed coal-field site, while their neighbours are being told absolutely nothing," said Mr Gay.

"Its just another example of NSW Labor failing to be open and honest with the community.]]></description>
			<link>http://nsw.nationals.org.au/news/dont-keep-residents-in-dark-on-cobbora-coalfield-issue-gay-humphries.aspx?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=Newsletter&amp;utm_content=704209237&amp;utm_campaign=NSW+Nationals+Weekly+Email+Roundup%2c+29+June+2009+_+klejk&amp;utm_term=Read+M</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/264</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>South African miners move to stop Xstrata and Anglo deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[South Africas powerful National Union of Mineworkers, with 317,000 members, has intervened in the proposed merger between the mining companies Anglo American and Xstrata.

It claims any deal would be "lead to unacceptable job losses" at Anglo. 

Anglo is South Africas largest industrial company and accounts for 3% of the countrys GDP. It employs 110,000 in dozens of mines across South Africa, and in Botswana and Namibia.

The NUM said it did not believe assurances given by Xstrata chief executive Mick Davis last week that the company had no intention of achieving estimated cost-savings at the merged group of $1bn via large cuts in employee numbers. 

An NUM spokesman said: "We have heard this before. Two companies get together and promise there wont be any job cuts, but they always restructure and re-engineer their operations in a way that leads to people being laid off."

One only has to look at the Canadian experience with Xstrata to know that written agreements on jobs mean nothing.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jun/28/xstrata-anglo-american-mining</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/263</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>South Africa retains mining merger concerns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[South Africas key concerns over Xstrata Plcs (XTA.L) merger proposal to Anglo American Plc are the impact on jobs and competition, its mining ministry said after talks with executives from the two groups.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/262</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/262</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Even all-share Xstrata-Anglo merger may be credit negative - Fitch</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the combination of the two companies might not result in positive rating action.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bearmarketinvestments.com/even-all-share-xstrata-anglo-merger-may-be-credit-negative-fitch</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/261</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata green light for Tampakan Copper-Gold</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Feasibility Study targets an initial 20-year mine life at an average annual production of 340,000 metric tons of copper and 350,000 troy ounces of gold, with a cash cost estimate of less than 46 U.S. cents a pound after gold credits.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/6340/xstrata-green-light-for-tampakan-copper-gold-project-boosts-indophil-resources-6340.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/260</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata to study Philippines copper/gold project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Copper, along with other investors, will conduct a feasibility study to further evaluate the development of the Tampakan copper/gold project, in the Philippines... reports indicate costs of production at less than USD $0.46c per pound of gold.... (separate report)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningweekly.com/article/xstrata-to-study-philippines-coppergold-project-2009-06-26</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/259</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>In the drink: go-ahead for mining under citys water supply</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The company will be able to mine under Woronora Dam, which supplies drinking water to the Sutherland Shire and Wollongong,]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/in-the-drink-goahead-for-mining-under-citys-water-supply-20090625-cy9n.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/258</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Minerals boom powered huge rise in carbon emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australias energy use jumped 15 per cent over the six years to 2007. The mining industry accounted for a big increase in power to feed the nations export boom in black coal, uranium and natural gas. The figures confirm the image of Australia as one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gas per head in the world.

Only 1 per cent of Australias energy came from renewable sources during the six years to 2007.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/minerals-boom-powered-huge-rise-in-carbon-emissions-20090625-cy9m.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/257</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Is Xstratas Davis taking the Mick?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[At the top of last years commodities boom, an (Xstrata) original investor would have multiplied his money seven times, but hed have had to be nimble to realize his gain, as the price plunged from 24 pounds to 325 pence (96%) in seven months. By comparison Anglo American AA.L, Xstratas intended victim .. fell by a mere two-thirds following the collapse of the commodities boom. For outside shareholders.. Daviss record is not pretty. He failed to sell Xstrata to Vale of Brazil.. botched a bid for Lonmin and when asking shareholders for more money, agreed a sweetheart deal with 35 percent shareholder Glencore because it couldnt afford to take up its rights.
Creating AngXstrata (or whatever) would save between $700 million and $2.2 billion a year, analysts estimate. However, the prospect of thousands of South African jobs disappearing to enrich Swiss, American and UK shareholders is not a cheerful one, and there are other reasons to be nervous....
Xstrata is essentially a commodities acquisition shop, while Anglo is a conventional mining business.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersComService4/idUSTRE55M33X20090623</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/256</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Courts Anglo American, Does This Merger Make Sense?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[..much of the enthusiasm for the proposed merger between Xstrata and Anglo American is coming from investment bankers and lawyers looking at the fees. Savings are projected at $700-875m according to estimates made by Citigroup, Merrill and Nomura... ..their rankings in terms of debt that is more interesting.... both companies have grown significantly but at the expense of building huge debt mountains. .. Xstrata .. now have over $16bn of net debt while Anglo has an additional $11bn.]]></description>
			<link>http://agmetalminer.com/2009/06/23/xstrata-courts-anglo-american-does-this-merger-make-sense/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/255</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>SAfrica says possible Anglo merger "unacceptable"</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CAPE TOWN, June 23 (Reuters) - South Africas mining minister said on Tuesday the government was opposed to a possible merger between Xstrata (XTA.L) and rival Anglo American Plc (AAL.L), terming such a potential move as "unacceptable".
"That is unhealthy. That is uncompetitive and in terms of the global standards and principles it is just unacceptable," Mining Minister Susan Shabangu told reporters.

"Definitely monopolies cannot be promoted in South Africa."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.reuters.com/article/mergersNews/idUSWEA786120090623</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/254</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Anglo spurns Xstratas offer</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ANGLO AMERICANs boss, Cynthia Carroll, and its board have wasted no time in telling Xstrata that the share-swap terms of its proposed $US70 billion ($87.9 billion) "merger of equals" are totally unacceptable.

Ms Carroll has also set out to infuriate Xstratas boss, Mick Davis, by criticising the quality of Xstratas assets and its greater exposure to the poorly performed nickel and zinc sectors.

She said a combination with Xstrata would "profoundly" dilute Anglos "unique exposure" to the "structurally attractive" platinum, iron ore and diamond markets while heightening exposure to nickel and zinc.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/anglo-spurns-xstratas-offer-20090623-cvcy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/253</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal stocks moving north but well south of yesteryear</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THERMAL coal prices edged up a little during last week to $US64 a tonne. Keep an eye on this commodity, but dont get too excited for now.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25530953-18261,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/252</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Proposes Merger With Anglo American - Update</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Anglo-Swiss mining company Xstrata plc (XTA.L, XSRAY.PK, XSRAF.PK) said Sunday that it recently sent a written proposal to the board of directors of rival Anglo American plc (AAUK, AAL.L), seeking their consideration regarding a merger of equals of the two companies. A combination of the companies could create a company with a market capitalization of about $68 billion and help compete better against mining giants Rio Tinto (RTP, RIO.L) and BHP Billiton (BHP, BLT.L).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/EUROPEAN%20MARKETS/2381864/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/251</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Climate change is happening here, now: US report</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The report stresses the need for immediate action against global warming, saying: "Future climate change and its impacts depend on choices made today." 

"We have the power to determine how bad this could be and to avoid the worst impacts of global warming," said Doniger. 

"Its like Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, where the ghosts come and show Scrooge the way the future could unfold into either a happy future or a disastrous future. 

"This shows us that the future is in our hands, just as it was in Scrooges hands,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25649436-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/250</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Half-truths on carbon emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[IT IS no secret that the fossil fuel junkies among Australian listed companies have coughed up much bluff and bluster over the withdrawal pains their balance sheets would suffer if they were forcibly weaned off their carbon addiction.

At last, their over-the-top claims have been subjected to a "lie-detector test"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25652331-664,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/249</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Report shows north-west mining slump</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Overall mineral export earnings dropped by 18 per cent to $38.7 billion.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/18/2601375.htm?section=business</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/248</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Traders are predicting a major acquisition by BHP</title>
			<description><![CDATA[targets may include Xstrata]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BREAKFAST-DEALS-BHPs-still-hungry-pd20090618-T4TGJ?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/247</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Labor knew about toxic water threat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE State Government knew more than two years ago that a river feeding Sydneys water supply was being contaminated with high levels of toxic metals and poisons including arsenic.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/labor-knew-about-toxic-water-threat-20090618-cm02.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/246</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Santos, Petronas strikes Gladstone LNG sales agreement</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SANTOS has struck a $US32 billion sales deal with Malaysias Petronas for its Gladstone liquefied natural gas project.... Mr Knox said that Santoss contract with Petronas was a binding contract.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25653873-5005200,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/245</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Toxic metals threat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HEAVY metals and poisons such as arsenic, copper and boron are leaching out of a coal-fired power station near Lithgow, wiping out marine life in a river that feeds Sydneys drinking water supply....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/toxic-metals-threat-20090617-chxk.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/244</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Climate change groups urge Australia probe</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been asked to launch an investigation into alleged "misleading and deceptive conduct" by a group of companies over public statements on the impact of Australias proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

The call has been made by the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Australian Climate Justice Program, which have named six companies in their complaint to the ACCC. The list comprises miners Rio Tinto and Xstrata, petroleum groups Woodside and Caltex, as well as Boral, the building products group, and Bluescope Steel.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4f7196b6-599f-11de-b687-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/243</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Big Business breaches Trade Practices Act with duplicitous climate change cost claims</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE consumer watchdog has been asked to investigate whether big business is scaremongering about the costs of tackling climate change.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25638167-12377,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/242</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal group coy about port exposure to rising seas</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A NEW coal port that will cement Newcastles place as the largest coal exporter in the world is quietly being built up by several metres, apparently in preparation for the rising sea levels brought about by climate change]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/coal-group-coy-about-port-exposure-to-rising-seas-20090614-c7g3.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/241</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Labor lays energy trap for Opposition</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Its an act of political vandalism to link the two pieces of legislation," Mr Hunt said.

But the Government is not backing down on its plan to keep them connected.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/labor-lays-energy-trap-for-opposition-20090614-c7g4.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/240</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Council Rate Increase Scandal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MUSWELLBROOK Shire Council has applied to the Minister for Local Government to increase rates by six per cent, starting in the next financial year despite having increased the rate only two years ago above the rate pegging limit for the same reason and having spent NONE of it on the Shire roads. The majority was spent on ad hoc works in Muswellbrook Town that have not lasted the distance. Another example of high taxing ALP juggernauts crushing the people. Its time all of Muswellbrook (can you lend me a dollar) Council got the given the boot.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/council-rates-could-rise/1539368.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/239</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Council wants feedback on logo</title>
			<description><![CDATA[FEEDBACK has been sought from the Muswellbrook community on the design for a new council logo. The proposed logo consists of five petals based on the Muswellbrook orchid, which is also known as the Pine Donkey Orchid.

The Donkey orchid eh? How appropriate for that bunch of donkeys. Council letterhead is probably the only place youll ever see one once the mines have finished digging up every other square inch of land in the Shire. 

I suggest a big black turd shaped nugget of coal with Muswellbrook, Largest Greenhouse Gas Contributor in the Southern Hemisphere proudly emblasoned on it, through swirling dust surrounded by a plethora of deceased native flora, fauna, mammals, reptiles and birds, diseased lungs and cigarette packet type images, a packet of heroin, syringes, razor wired jail, highway patrol crouched, hiding behind trees and urban ghettos. Thats more like the true reality of Muswellbrook.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/council-wants-feedback-on-logo/1534683.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/238</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>No electoral investigation</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NO complaint has been made and there is no inquiry into an alleged failure to declare election funds involving three candidates in the 2008 Muswellbrook Shire Council election.

According to reports on Muswellbrooks Power FM radio news in the past fortnight, councillor Jennifer Lecky and former councillor Trevor Elks were alleged to have loaned councillor Gary Serhan money prior to the election.

The radio reports suggested the councillors should have disclosed the loans to the Electoral Commission, however Cr Lecky and Mr Elks both NOW say the loans had nothing to do with the election.

LIARS &amp; THIEVES who represent KING COAL and shafted the Wybong Community on Anvil Hill.

Lecky should resign. Elks didnt get enough votes to resign &amp; Cr Serhan should keep whatever the backstabbers NOW gifted him - seeing as it wasnt for the election flyers they all had printed at the same place after all. Where is my gift Jennifer?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/no-electoral-investigation/1526754.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/237</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Residents not happy with roads</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The survey of 300 residents aged over 18 was conducted by Jetty Research from May 4 to 6.

According to the result, 45 per cent of people said they were unhappy or very unhappy with local roads, with only 14 per cent claiming to be happy.

Out of the four council-run services for which opinions were sought (drainage, parks and reserves, swimming pools and roads), roads received by far the lowest satisfaction scores.

The survey found 99 per cent of respondents agreed the council should spend more money on road maintenance.

People were asked how much per week they would be prepared to contribute in extra rates to fund road and drainage improvements, with 40 per cent saying they did not want to pay any extra.

Sixty per cent agreed they would be prepared to pay more, with 43 per cent nominating a maximum of 50 cents or one dollar a week..

The survey of 300 selected residents cost $5290, I could have done it for $500. Easy to see where the money goes in this joint.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-not-happy-with-roads/1539375.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/236</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China eyes 20% renewable energy by 2020</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China plans to dramatically increase its use of wind and solar power, aiming to generate up to one fifth of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, a senior official told Britains Guardian newspaper.

"We are now formulating a plan for development of renewable energy," Zhang Xiaoqiang, vice-chairman of Chinas National Development and Reform Commission, said in an interview in London published Wednesday.

"We can be sure we will exceed the 15 percent target. We will at least reach 18 percent. Personally I think we could reach the target of having renewables provide 20 percent of total energy consumption."

Chinas stated goal is for 15 percent of its energy consumption in 2020 to come from renewable sources, which Beijing says include large hydropower projects and nuclear plants.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/enmobile/2009-06/10/content_8268983.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/235</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Chinas economy transforming in green revolution</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the government has shifted its policy for sustainable growth and the ruling Communist Party of China even made "an energy-saving, environmentally-friendly society" a mandate in its charter.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/12/content_8278365.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/234</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Climate change talks need to change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If talks do not yield positive results and no concrete agreement on cutting GHG emissions is reached before the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December, there is no reason for negotiators, including Stern, to continue on their posts. The reason for that is simple: if they cannot reach a deal they do not have the right to fly across the globe to attend meetings and increase their carbon footprint.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/13/content_8281363.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/233</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Backflip on linking renewable energy to passing of ETS</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Rudd government has hinted it could back down on its controversial political tactic of linking renewable energy legislation with the success of the emissions trading scheme, after a furious reaction from industry, the Coalition and the Greens.

Coalition climate change spokesman Greg Hunt said the opposition would try to find a way to pass the renewable energy laws with the proposed compensation. 

"We are very supportive," Mr Hunt said. "We want to advance renewable energy in Australia ... we will sit down and we will find a solution for renewable energy." 

Coalition emissions trading spokesman Andrew Robb said the "grubby politics" being played by the government would "weigh heavily" when the opposition partyroom made a final decision about how to vote on the renewable energy laws.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25623735-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/232</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Climate progress raises pressure for 15pc cut</title>
			<description><![CDATA[According to the Climate Institutes Erwin Jackson, emission reduction commitments already made by developed and developing nations mean the conditions for Australia accepting a 15 per cent target have almost been met. 

"We are getting pretty close to the point where Australia would need to go to 15 per cent," Mr Jackson said from Bonn, where the latest round of UN negotiations have just finished. According to Mr Jackson, commitments by developed countries amount to total reductions in their emissions of between 12 and 22 per cent. Australias condition for a 15 per cent national target is that "advanced economies in aggregate reduce their emissions in the range of 15 to 25 per cent" below 1990 levels.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25628630-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/231</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>220 jobs to go as Singleton mine closes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the decision was taken because United had run out of "economically recoverable underground reserves".]]></description>
			<link>http://SWISS mining giant Xstrata says it will shut its United Collieries underground coalmine near Singleton between September and March, putting about 220 people out of work.</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/230</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Zero-carbon boffins aim to have us renewable-ready by 2020</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Australian Government employs about 237,000 public servants. Not one of them is planning for the country to make a complete transition to renewable energy or even seriously envisaging such a scenario.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister confirmed this week a clean energy future is not on our agenda, even as an option - not for 2020, not for 2050, not at all, even though thousands of people will march around Australia today demanding just that.

.... Privately funded groups in Australia, worried and fed up waiting for credible action from the Government, can see the need and are developing back-up plans, on a shoestring but with conviction and purpose.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/zerocarbon-boffins-aim-to-have-us-renewableready-by-2020-20090612-c65l.html?page=-1</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/229</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Australia demands bushfire exemption in carbon treaty</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australia is demanding that emissions from natural disasters, such as bush fires, not be counted in its tally]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/australia-demands-bushfire-exemption-in-carbon-treaty-20090613-c6h4.html?page=-1</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/228</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Sensors too old to check ice</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ANTARCTIC scientists warn they risk "going blind" to changes in climatically vital polar ice sheets because the most valuable satellite sensors are too old.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/sensors-too-old-to-check-ice-20090612-c64d.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/227</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Beachfront residents on own against sea rise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[OWNERS of beachfront homes will get little protection or compensation from the State Government if their properties are threatened by rising sea levels caused by climate change or coastal erosion, under a plan in the course of being developed.

Anger is mounting among councils and coastal communities that the Government priority will be to protect public works and public safety, creating the prospect of lengthy legal battles between councils and beachfront residents.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/beachfront-residents-on-own-against-sea-rise-20090612-c64b.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/226</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Why 700,000 addresses face being washed off map</title>
			<description><![CDATA[huge implications for Australia, where more than 700,000 addresses are within three kilometres of the coast and sit less than six metres above sea level. And while we tend to focus on the serious impacts of sea-level rise happening from 2050, storm surges and coastal flooding will increase over the next decades, during the lifetime of most of us.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/why-700000-addresses-face-being-washed-off-map-20090612-c64c.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/225</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Activists call for green jobs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Thousands of environmental activists have marched in central Sydney, urging the Federal Government to fight climate change by creating green energy jobs... "As we know, (Mr Rudd) is keen on putting on that hard hat and fluoros. 

"And next time he puts on the hard hat, he needs to be announcing thousands of apprenticeships in clean green energy to be a central part of the skills, development and training program that any government has to bring forward for future generations." 

"We need a Prime Minister who, when he puts on his hard hat, has the courage to stand up to the fossil fuel industry because that is the only way we will win here."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/activists-call-for-green-jobs-20090613-c6l1.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/224</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata mine closure?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata plans to close its United Colleries coal mine in New South Wales Hunter Valley in March 2010, after the exhaustion of economically recoverable reserves,]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/xstrata-mine-closure-puts-jobs-at-risk-20090612-c5jt.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/223</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Queensland Inspectorate investigates fatality</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Queensland Mines Inspectorate is investigating an accident which killed a mine worker in north-west Queensland in May. 
A mine worker received fatal injuries when his loader fell into a stope at the Xstrata Zinc George Fisher mine in north-west Queensland on 19 May. 
According to the Inspectorate, back filling operations were being carried out at the time, which may have contributed to the accident. 
A team of officers travelled to the site on 20 May to complete investigations and determine the cause of the accident. 
A detailed nature and cause report is currently being compiled for submission to the Coroner and Chief Inspector of Mines.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/Article/Queensland-Inspectorate-investigates-fatality/485146.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/222</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Carbon emissions must start falling in 2015</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WORLD carbon emissions must start to decline in only six years if humanity is to stand a chance of preventing dangerous global warming, a group of 20 Nobel prize-winning scientists, economists and writers has declared....The temperature target "can only be achieved with a peak of global emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2015", the document said. If emissions continue to rise after that date, the required cuts would become unachievable.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25555769-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/221</guid>
			<author>.</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Gloucester farmers protest mining plans</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ANGRY Gloucester farmers rallied outside State Parliament yesterday, demanding that the Government protect rich agricultural land from the effects of mining.

More than 60 Hunter residents arrived in the morning, waving placards that said "you cant eat coal" and "shame, Macdonald, shame".


The demonstration was held before the upper house debated a bill, put forward by The Greens, to protect agricultural lands.


Farmers Liverpool Plains also demonstrated outside Parliament, calling on the Government not to renew coal exploration licences.


Upper Hunter MP George Souris told the crowd he would vote to protect agriculture if the bill made it to the lower house, but it was defeated last night by only one vote.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-farmers-protest-mining-plans/1532399.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/220</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata halts an Australia zinc mine after man dies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Sadly deaths seem to be happening regularly at XTAs Australian operations.

Global miner Xstrata (XTA.L: Quote, Profile, Research) has suspended underground mining at its George Fisher zinc operation in northern Australia after a worker died in an accident there, a company spokesman said on Wednesday.]]></description>
			<link>http://in.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idINSYU00656120090520</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/219</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Caroona Coal Mine Wardens Decision</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The official decision on Caroona Coal Exploration - containing a vicious Access Agreement. A MUST READ for any landowner in a mining potential area.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/documents/doc-57-21-may-2009-cmw-s-decision---brown.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/218</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Land use war: two tribes dig in</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HUNDREDS of farmers last night vowed to continue their campaign to prevent mining operations on the states prime agricultural land despite losing a key political battle yesterday in the NSW Parliament.

The bill was introduced by the Greens and supported by the Opposition after the state National Party and the NSW Farmers Association threw their weight behind it.

But the bill was defeated after the Reverend Fred Nile joined forces with the Government in the upper house to oppose it. Angry farmers shouted "Shame! shame!" and walked out of the public gallery during Mr Niles speech.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/land-use-war-two-tribes-dig-in-20090604-bx8y.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/217</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>AGL drilling to go on in Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BOB KENNEDYS five-bedroom house dropped 1.8 metres over six days when mining company Xstrata Coal moved into a seam under his 40-hectare vineyard near Broke in the Hunter Valley]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/agl-drilling-to-go-on-in-hunter-20090604-bx90.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/216</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Scientists warn acid is killing oceans</title>
			<description><![CDATA[RISING carbon dioxide emissions are turning the oceans acidic in an irreversible process that threatens coral reefs and food security, the worlds scientific academies have warned.

Seventy academies, including the Australian Academy of Science, urged governments meeting in Bonn for climate talks to tackle the issue in the new United Nations treaty on climate change to be agreed in Copenhagen in December.

In the past 200 years the worlds oceans have absorbed about a quarter of the carbon dioxide produced by human activities, and the current rate of acidification is much more rapid than at any time during the past 65 million years, the scientists said in a joint statement.

Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society in Britain, said that unless global carbon dioxide emissions were cut by at least 50 per cent of 1990 levels by 2050 there could be an "underwater catastrophe" and loss of marine life.

"The effects will be seen worldwide, threatening food security, reducing coastal protection and damaging local economies that may be least able to tolerate it," Professor Rees said. "Copenhagen must address this very real and serious threat."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/scientists-warn-acid-is-killing-oceans-20090601-bszh.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/215</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>NSW Premier jeered in Newcastle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW PREMIER Nathan Rees and senior ministers were jeered by interest groups and condemned in explosive comments from Milton Orkopoulos whistleblower Gillian Sneddon at a tense Hunter community meeting last night.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/nsw-premier-jeered-in-newcastle/1526202.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2009 21:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/214</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China embarks on massive solar power push</title>
			<description><![CDATA[By the time Xstrata have killed Anvil Hill they will have a mine producing product that nobody wants even at $USD30 a tonne. Goddamn Assholes.
CHINA will throw its economic might behind a national solar power plan that could result in it becoming one of the worlds biggest harvesters of the sun. The government body responsible for overseeing energy policy has completed a proposal for billions of dollars of incentives for solar farms and rooftop panels, which will come from the Governments $636 billion economic stimulus fund.

Bet they do a better job of the Environment than Comrades KRuDD, Garret, Combet and Wong.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/energy-smart/china-embarks-on-massive-solar-power-push-20090527-bnqs.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 21:27 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/213</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Criticised monitoring company hired by Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Typical of these Xstrata criminals:

NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change documents say in 2007 the monitoring company NewEQ was criticised for emission tests carried out at a cement factory that did not meet Australian Standards.

The company was accused of altering reports, and calculations based on assumed values and poor methodology.

Mining giant Xstrata has hired NewEQ to evaluate Mount Isa emissions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/26/2580681.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 20:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/212</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Port in equation for LNG complex</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW coal seam gas producers have held talks with Newcastle Port to build a liquefied natural gas plant, using the coal harbour as a second east coast export hub.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25531188-12829,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 21:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/211</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Were sunk if commodity prices fall</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE spike in commodities prices in the past three months has been driven by speculation that, if not supported by fundamental forces over coming months, could have dire consequences for the Australian economy and the Governments budget.

levels of production and consumption for all major resource commodities are still in global decline, with inventories high and, in most cases, rising.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25531187-5005200,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 21:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/210</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Renewable energys 26,000 new jobs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[RENEWABLE energy projects under construction or planned in response to the proposed emissions trading scheme will create 26,000 jobs, according to new research published as the federal Coalition seeks to defer the scheme on the basis that it could be a "jobs killer".

Research commissioned by The Climate Institute shows $31 billion worth of clean energy projects already in the pipeline, many in regional areas, will generate 2500 permanent jobs, 15,000 construction jobs and 8600 associated positions. The research does not include jobs in domestic solar or insulation, or new projects funded through the $1.6 billion solar flagships program announced in the budget, and is based on surveying investors rather than making projections from modelling. 

It comes after modelling commissioned by the Minerals Council of Australia found that even the most modest emissions-reduction target planned by the Rudd Government would leave the mining sector with 24,000 fewer jobs over the next decade than it could have expected without a price on carbon.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25532515-5013871,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 21:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/209</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Claim Carbon scheme to cost coal debunked by union</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union mineworkers division president Tony Maher criticised the study as exaggerating the impact on coalmining ...


Mr Maher said coal companies wanted to be reclassified as "emissions intensive" industries in order to gain access to billions of dollars worth of .. free carbon credits.


He said they were using this study and a similar report to "frighten the crap out of workers".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/carbon-scheme-to-cost-coal-workers/1520687.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2009 00:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/208</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Emissions schemes $6bn boost to economy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Rudd Governments emissions trading scheme could deliver a massive investment surge that would add more than $6 billion a year to the economy, according to secret economic modelling work produced as Parliament considers the fate of controversial climate-change laws.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/emissions-schemes-6bn-boost-to-economy-20090523-bivd.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2009 00:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/207</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Climate activists shut down Hazelwood digger</title>
			<description><![CDATA[ENVIRONMENTAL activists have shut down a coal digger at an Australian power station that provides eight per cent of the countrys coal-reliant electricity market, to protest against government climate policies. Greenpeace said the station was one of the worlds most polluting, producing 19 million tonnes of greenhouse gases every year, equal to the total caused by all 1.4 million households in the state capital Melbourne.

Australia is the worlds biggest coal exporter, responsible for about 1.5 per cent of global carbon emissions.

It is also one of the highest per-capita polluters because of its reliance on coal for 80 per cent of electricity needs.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25516045-5001028,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 00:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/206</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Warden upholds coalmining plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The independent federal MP for New England, Tony Windsor, who was at the court, said the decision would exacerbate tensions on the Liverpool Plains between the miners and farmers.

"This will strengthen the opposition of landholders," Mr Windsor told the Herald. "The minister should never have granted the exploration licence to BHP.

"BHP has good reason to be concerned. I think the decision will promote civil disobedience."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/warden-upholds-coalmining-plan-20090521-bh7k.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 00:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/205</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Insurer blames climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA["If you calculate the trends in weather-related natural catastrophes you find a distinct difference in recent years," Dr Hoeppe told the Herald. "Its quite obvious that something has changed here and I think that is really the effects of global warming ... We are seeing that serious weather events are becoming much more common, while the other kinds of catastrophes like the earthquakes and volcanoes are, of course, not changing."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/insurer-blames-climate-change-20090521-bh7b.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 00:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/204</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Worker dies in Qld mining accident</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The body of 50-year-old man killed at a Queensland mine has been recovered, as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.

A Department of Employment spokesman said the man was backfilling a hole at Xstratas George Fisher underground mine near Mt Isa about 11.45pm on Tuesday when his loader went over the edge of the excavation, coming to rest at the bottom of the pit.

The mans body was recovered on Wednesday afternoon.]]></description>
			<link>http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-national/worker-dies-in-qld-mining-accident-20090520-bers.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 23:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/203</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Salt water dilemma behind a gas bonanza</title>
			<description><![CDATA[accessing this resource requires pumping out toxic, salty water in volumes equivalent to multiple Sydney harbours. What to do with gigalitres of contaminated water has become a sticking point for industry and government...evaporation ponds - where areas as large as 100 football fields are flooded with salty water - can no longer be the main method of disposal. They are considered a waste of water, and the salt left behind can destroy fertile farm soil....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/salt-water-dilemma-behind-a-gas-bonanza-20090517-b7ej.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 00:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/202</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Climate change could kill Coral Triangle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rising water temperatures, sea levels and acidity in the vast region threaten to destroy reefs in Southeast Asias Coral Triangle, a region labelled the oceans answer to the Amazon rainforest, the WWF report said.
A concurrent meeting will also see leaders from the six Coral Triangle nations - Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea - pass a joint plan on conserving the region. 

... what is amazing is the level of political commitment we are seeing this week," he said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25473639-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2009 21:30 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/201</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>$60b super waste worry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had misled the Australian people and was now looking to raid their super funds to fill the black hole.

Reports suggested the Government needed to plug a funding shortfall for its $22 billion nation-building program.

Figures compiled by auditing firm KPMG suggest the cost of the Governments infrastructure plan over four years will be $80 billion.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/60b-super-waste-worry-20090516-b6pa.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2009 02:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/200</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Carbon capture schemes an expensive step into the unknown</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As tipped here a month ago, the Federal Government will spend $2 billion to build "industrial-scale" carbon capture and storage projects in Australia.

You would be better off just burying the money, from an environmental point of view, because many doubt the CCS technology will work. The best proponents can say is, it has to. But if it doesnt, the money is worse than wasted, because the spending will have exacerbated the climate problem by justifying construction of new coal-fired power stations that burn for another 30 to 40 years.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/carbon-capture-schemes-an-expensive-step-into-the-unknown-20090515-b61p.html?page=-1</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2009 19:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/199</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Dramatic climate protest at Federal Parliament, eight arrested</title>
			<description><![CDATA["With just
six months till the crucial Copenhagen climate talks, and a Government
enslaved to big polluting industries, every parliamentarian must
examine their conscience: one day, we will have to explain what we did
to our children."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.climateimc.org/en/press-releases/2009/05/13/dramatic-climate-protest-federal-parliament-eight-arrested</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 21:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/198</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal &amp; Allieds Hunter Valley mine operation extended</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Knowing what we do about global CO2 levels - 387 ppm and rising 1-2 ppm annually - it is bizarre to hear Coal &amp; Allied affirm their new expanded contracts out to 2030 and safeguarding 830 jobs. The anticipated $30 billion in export earnings in a 450 ppm atmosphere prompts the question what planet C &amp; A executives inhabit? 
Posted by pablo on 6/05/2009 2:02:03 PM]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-allieds-hunter-valley-mine-operation-extended/1505034.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 01:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/197</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata to consult shareholders on protest AGM vote</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The board of mining group Xstrata Plc plans to consult shareholders after one third of voters at its annual general meeting opposed its pay policy. 

The shareholders hope consultation is more than that given to stakeholders in the management zone of the Mangoola mine atrocity (see "Bus Stop Scandal on WAG.org.au Home page")]]></description>
			<link>http://www.financial24.org/economy/xstrata-to-consult-shareholders-on-protest-agm-vote/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 01:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/196</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mount Isas lead levels exceed standard</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Weve been monitoring since 1975, so its always been high on our agenda," ....In Station Street, on the Xstrata mines doorstep, the average annual lead concentration in 2005 was almost seven times the current national standard of 0.5 total suspended particles (tsp). The actual level was just under 3.5 tsp, the report said.

High on XTAs agenda - my ass.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25440408-12377,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 01:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/195</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Wowser-in-Chief</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Police have faced the dilemma over whether to disperse revellers in places such as train stations and shopping centres, and when groups gathered for beach coldie parties. These are late-night gatherings on beaches where young people have parties involving music, drinking alcohol and sometimes enter the water to wade or swim."

Music? Alcohol? Young people? Good God, someone call the authorities.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/wowserinchief-piles-on-the-clout-when-police-already-have-enough-20090507-awi5.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 01:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/194</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Warming - its a health hazard</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Climate change will affect, in profoundly adverse ways, some of the most fundamental determinants of health: food, air, water," the director-general of the World Health Organisation, Margaret Chan, says.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/warming--its-a-health-hazard-20090506-avep.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 01:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/193</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate deal will depend on others, so why not call Rudd and Wongs bluff?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[With a bit of deal making reminiscent of old-time political fixer, Rudd has promised more hand-outs for Australias big greenhouse gas polluters while simultaneously saying he will offer a bigger target at the global talks in Copenhagen in December.

Rudd said the offer - a 25 per cent cut from 2000 levels by 2020 - aimed to win an ambitious global climate agreement "consistent with Australia having the prospect of saving the Barrier Reef".

This apparently contradictory offer has a hitch. Rudd and Wong will not be responsible for delivering the ambitious global agreement. That is in the hands of Obama and Hu]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/climate-deal-will-depend-on-others-so-why-not-call-rudd-and-wongs-bluff-20090506-ava4.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 01:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/192</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Emissions trading delayed by a year</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The governments decision to delay emissions trading by a year is a massive backdown for Kevin Rudd, Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull says]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/turnbull-wont-back-amended-emissions-scheme-20090504-asbw.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 17:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/191</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Power bills up $75 - and more to come</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This is $16.5 billion coming out of household budgets to be squandered on yesterdays technology. It will make electricity more expensive and increase greenhouse pollution. The opportunity to take the state forward to smart grids, intelligent load control and embedded clean energy sources has been lost."]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/190</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/190</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Dear coal plants, youre doomed</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CLIMATE scientists have written directly to the chiefs of the countrys main coal companies and users, warning them that coal-fired power stations are doomed and that the Federal Governments carbon capture and storage plans are likely to be a waste of time and money]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/dear-coal-plants-youre-doomed-20090430-aozx.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 22:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/189</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Big polluters win exemption from renewable energy</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Rudd Government has given big polluters a break by allowing them a generous exemption from contributing to the nations mandated renewable energy target.

The backdown, aimed at trying to secure big industry support for the Governments emissions trading scheme, was agreed to at yesterdays Council of Australian Governments meeting in Hobart.

The exemption means it is likely households and lesser polluting industries will have to meet the increased cost of the move to more environmentally friendly energy.

What else would one expect from the KRuDD ALP]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/big-polluters-win-exemption-from-renewable-energy-20090430-aozw.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 22:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/188</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Economy in deeper mire than forecast</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE US economy shrank by a worse-than-expected 6.1 per cent during the first three months of 2009, dampening hopes that the recession might be easing in the US.

This was the third straight quarter that the US economy has contracted and followed a disastrous fall in activity in the fourth quarter of 2008, when the worlds biggest economy contracted by 6.3 per cent, the most in a quarter of a century.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/world/economy-in-deeper-mire-than-forecast-20090430-anj6.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/187</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China set to pass U.S. in wind-power growth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China is poised to become the biggest growth market for wind-power generating capacity this year as economic conditions crimp expansion in the U.S., the head of the Global Wind Energy Council said]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090428.RTICKERB28ART1928-2/TPStory/TPBusiness/Asia/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/186</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>We admit our past mistakes, says Clinton on climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Assuring India and China that it wants their economies to grow, the US has told representatives of the worlds leading economies that it is no longer absent without leave in the global warming debate.

As I have told my counterparts from China and India, we want your economies to grow. We want people to have a higher standard of living, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, opening the first preparatory session of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate Change here Monday.

We just hope we can work together in a way to avoid the mistakes that we made that have created a large part of the problem that we face today, she said, admitting the US role in spreading pollution.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.chinanews.net/story/494830</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/185</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Warrant of arrest out for masterminds of Billanes murder</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Things are getting hot for Xstrata in the south Philipines....
Prima facie evidence shows that the principals of this crime are no other than the owner and top management of the giant mining company Xstrata-SMI, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Major General Mapagu of the 10th ID, Lt. Col. Joshua Santiago of the 27th IB, Lt. Col. Lyndon Panisa of the 39th..]]></description>
			<link>http://davaotoday.com/2009/04/27/warrant-of-arrest-out-for-masterminds-of-billanes-murder/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/184</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Palparans legacy lives on in Mindanao</title>
			<description><![CDATA[RETIRED Army general Jovito Palparan will be reinventing himself as a party-list representative in Congress, but his legacy of anticommunist crackdowns lives on in places like Compostela Valley, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato provinces in Mindanao where peasant and human-rights leaders are being killed as the government intensifies counterinsurgency operations. 


A total of 93 activists have been killed in southern Mindanao since President Arroyo came to power in 2001, the human-rights group Karapatan said. At least five were shot dead in Compostela Valley in the last half of 2008 alone, all of them involved in fact-finding missions investigating military abuses against peasants in areas affected by military operations.]]></description>
			<link>http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/perspective/9441-palparans-legacy-lives-on-in-mindanao.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/183</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Children suffer as parents tossed out of work</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Sudbury, Canada, where Xstrata broke its contracted guarantee of continued employment.
Without greater funding for programs to help laid-off workers and families in need, growing unemployment in the community will contribute to a rise in social problems such as family break-ups, domestic violence and substance abuse rates, said Barb Garon of the Sudbury Womens Centre. 

The potential social costs of such problems more than justify an increase in government funding for social services, employment insurance benefits and other assistance, Garon said. 

With as many as 3,000 job losses in the community to date, that translates into several thousand Sudburians at risk of suffering from the economic crisis, Garon said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1538547</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/182</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Labor turns its back on regional Australia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Rudd Labor Governments decision to terminate all of its regional development activities demonstrates Labors ongoing contempt for people who live outside the capital cities, Shadow Minister for Regional Development Warren Truss said today.

Thats because Labors policy is to depopulate the regions, dig em up and export every last grain of mineral till its all gone and the land will sustain nothing. Just look at Muswellbrook Shire - depopulated so the land can be can be open cut for coal - the black Mt Isa of NSW....]]></description>
			<link>http://nsw.nationals.org.au/members-area/labor-turns-its-back-on-regional-australia-truss.aspx?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=Newsletter&amp;utm_content=630961643&amp;utm_campaign=NSW+Nationals+Weekly+Email+Roundup%2c+Friday+24+April+2009+_+hjhdkr&amp;utm_term=Read+More</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/181</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>G8 and poor nations vow to tackle species loss</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Almost every country in the world in 2002 agreed to a "significant reduction" in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, but scientists say extinctions are gathering pace. 

The Group of Eight (G8) industrial countries and major developing economies, meeting on the island of Sicily, signed a charter pledging to tackle deforestation, trade in illegal wildlife, and to boost research into the rate of species loss. "We set objectives on biodiversity for 2010 ... but unfortunately we have all recognised they have not been met," said Italian Environment Minister Stefania Prestigiacomo, who hosted the summit. 

"We are all convinced of the urgency ... of intervening to safeguard our biodiversity." 

Well bet Garret was nowhere to be seen and Australia certainly wouldnt incorporate any of it into law even if they did sign it just for show (like the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights - signed up to but meaningless as never enacted into Australian law).]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25383523-5001028,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/180</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Britain aims to cut emissions 34%</title>
			<description><![CDATA[BRITAIN has announced it will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly seven times the amount Australia has committed to.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, has promised the Government will cut emissions by 34 per cent by 2020 and said it would go even further if other countries agreed to take action during international negotiations this year.

Australia has promised to reduce its emissions by between 5 and 15 per cent by 2020. The Government has said it would consider a target of 25 per cent if other developed countries endorsed similar cuts at the Copenhagen talks.

The exact figure for 2020 will not be announced until next year.

The Government has been under fire from environmentalists and scientists for not setting a much higher target. They argue emissions must be reduced by at least 25 per cent - but ideally 40 per cent - in order to prevent dangerous levels of climate change.

The Greens senator Christine Milne yesterday praised the British Governments decision. "Is it encouraging to see a government stand up and commit to ambitious cuts in emissions and reach for the jobs and investment that the effort will create," she said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/britain-aims-to-cut-emissions-34-20090423-agul.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/179</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal burning must end, says scientist</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A CSIRO scientist has told a Senate inquiry it is imperative to begin phasing out coal burning in order to avoid dangerous climate change.

No coal-fired power plants should be built, and existing plants must shut within 20 years, if the world is to keep atmospheric carbon dioxide at a less dangerous level, the climatologist James Risbey said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/coal-burning-must-end-says-scientist-20090423-agud.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/178</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstratas Philippine copper mine may cost US$5.2b to build</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Plcs Tampakan project in the Philippines may cost US$5.2 billion to build, Australian partner Indophil Resources NL said.

This is the mine related to the recent drive-by execution of Boy Billanes - a Philipino environmentalist opposed to the damage caused by open-cut mining in the Philipino tropics.]]></description>
			<link>http://newsstore.smh.com.au/apps/previewDocument.ac?docID=GCA00946177IRN&amp;f=pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/177</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Centennial Shares Fall on profit downgrade</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Centennial Coal Co., an Australian producer of the fuel, fell the most in two months in Sydney trading after it said full-year earnings will be at the lower end of analyst estimates.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&amp;sid=a_J_LS7SH9jc&amp;refer=australia</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/176</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Vale Inco follows Xstrata in contract breakdown when it suits</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Vale made legally binding commitments under the Investment Canada Act at that time that I expect to be fully respected on behalf of the workers," said the minister. "Over the next few days, we will be exploring all available options, including legal options, to address this situation." 

The eight-week production shutdown in Greater Sudbury will follow a one-month maintenance shutdown in May. 

The more than 4,000 employees impacted who dont have enough vacation time to cover the three-month period are being advised to turn to Employment Insurance.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1533030</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/175</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>NBN for just $2047.62 per vote</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The funny thing is that it was only two weeks ago that Wayne Swan, the guy who gets to sign the big novelty cheque (and a whole lot of real ones), was warning of the "sacrifices" and "hard choices" that would be necessary in Mays budget as Labor prepared to ditch key election promises because it couldnt fund them. How can we, then, explain the extra $38.3 billion the government has suddenly found to bring broadband to every corner of Australia? 

Well, its 90 per cent of Australias corners, actually]]></description>
			<link>http://www.zdnet.com.au/blogs/fullduplex/soa/NBN-for-just-2047-62-per-vote/0,139033349,339295874,00.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/174</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata says Philippine mine will need at least $5.2 bln</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MANILA, April 22 (Reuters) - Xstrata Copper, one of the worlds top copper miners, said on Wednesday its copper-gold project in southern Philippines will require an initial outlay of $5.2 billion to develop, according to the results of its pre-feasibility study.

The unit of diversified Swiss global miner Xstrata (XTA.L) has a controlling 62.5 percent interest in the Tampakan project, considered the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposit in Southeast Asia.

This is the project at the centre of the recent drive-by execution of the Philipino environmentalist Boy Billanes, who was leading opposition to the environmental damage caused by expansive open cut mining in the Phillipines tropics.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSMAN46006120090422</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/173</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>More than 100 million tonne steel oversupply from China this year</title>
			<description><![CDATA[China may have oversupply of more than 100 million tonnes of crude steel this year, the Xinhua news agency quoted Zhu Hongren, an official from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, as saying on Thursday]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page504?oid=82329&amp;sn=Detail</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/172</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China facing looming aging crisis</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Chinas rapidly aging population threatens the countrys social and economic stability and could affect the prospects of other countries around the world, a U.S. study says.

The current ratio of 16 elderly people per 100 workers is set to double by 2025, then double again to 61 by 2050, according to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

full report http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/090422_gai_chinareport_en.pdf]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1011620.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/171</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Hundreds of millions will be hurt by climage change, Oxfam warns</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tell this to Xstratas Coates or Mr Ian Plimer, unbelievers,

HUNDREDS of millions of people will become victims of climate change-related disasters over the next six years, Oxfam said today, urging governments to change the way they respond to such events.

The British-based aid and development charity estimated the number of people affected by climatic disasters would rise by 54 per cent to 375 million people a year on average by 2015, based on data on similar disasters since 1980.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25364665-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/170</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fight for offshore CSG orders as markets stagnate</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal Seam Gas is not proving to be the cracka investment it was held out to be. More stories are emerging spelling out the LNG glut and the untested technology of CSG to LNG conversion, not to mention the lower energy value of CSG.
AUSTRALIAS coal seam gas producers are struggling to line up offshore customers at a time when energy demand is slipping, presenting them with tough challenges that not everyone thinks theyll overcome.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25366645-16222,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/169</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Proposed emissions trading scheme flawed: Minerals Council</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What else would this greed driven, fat-assed, capitalist miner say except his sky is falling in. Maybe someone should tell the dog that not to curb emissions will in the near term cost the planet and everyone on it their lives. Oh.. he knowss that but the standover mongrel is more concerned about his estimate of the cost to him being 5 billion aussie rubles. Get a grip Coates you wanka. .......]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25370304-643,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/168</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>It takes legal action to force Glencore to honour its contracts</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Whenn is a contract not a contract? When its with Xstratas mate Glencore. A similar story to the Xstrata contract at Sudbury. They break em when its suits em. Makes one wonder why anyone wants to do business with either Gelncore or Xstrata.

"Rather than honoring its obligations," the CEO added, "Glencore is attempting to use its size, market position and significant financial resources relative to Ormet to force unjustified material changes under the tolling agreement."

"Glencores wrongful use of force majeure is nothing more than a way to try to escape a binding contract that it no longer finds desirable," said Tanchuk.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.miningweekly.com/article/ormet-takes-legal-action-to-enforce-glencore-deal-2009-04-17</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/167</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Lead Poisoning Claim Against Xstrata Non-Compliant - Court</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Court of Appeals ruled Friday the notice was "non-compliant" and failed to answer questions on how Xstrata caused the alleged poisoning. 
"The Court of Appeal .. today (Friday) has ordered the claimants solicitors to start the claim process again, including providing us with those details," said Steve de Kruiff, head of Xstratas Copper North Queensland division. 
"We are pleased with this outcome".. he said ... Lawyers for Xstrata also said the girls impairments were caused by her premature birth.

Remember This - Tests conducted by Queensland Health in 2007 indicated 45 of 400 children in the area, or 11%, had elevated levels of lead in their blood. Xstrata claimed the levels were due to the natural levels of lead in the soil.

The dirty dogs will stop at nothing even when the KNOW they are responsible - just check the National Pollution inventory for the amount of toxic chemical dusts they pour over Mt Isa every year and have done so for decades at unmonitored levels..]]></description>
			<link>http://www.easybourse.com/bourse-actualite/marches/lead-poisoning-claim-against-xstrata-non-compliant-court-652632</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/166</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal chain conspires to continue ruination of the Upper Hunter Valley</title>
			<description><![CDATA[STILL PLANNING TO RUIN THE UPPER HUNTER VALLEY
The 14 Hunter Valley coal exporters who use the port last night signed a landmark agreement on long-term allocation of loading slots that promises to unlock billions of dollars in private investment and triple capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2015.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25311812-16222,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/165</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rio does not expect a global recovery for up to 18 months</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The shareholders are unhappy.. The genius board dumps all its debt problems on the top-of-the-market Alcan acquisition... Rio says 18 months before stimulus based recovery...

Better to buy a farm with a good dam &amp; soil, a cow, a pkt of seeds and a shotgun and dont hold your breath ......]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25340507-643,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/164</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>China says economic growth slowest in 10-years</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CHINA has announced its slowest economic growth in at least a decade today, with the worldwide downturn cooling expansion to just 6.1 per cent in the first quarter of the year.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25342424-5001028,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/163</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Professor Ross Garnaut wont commit to ETS in current form</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AS MOST THINKING PEOPLE HAVE THOUGHT KRuDDs ETS is piss-poor policy..

1 Prof Garnaut wants the upper limit of greenhouse gas emissions increased to 25 per cent, conditional on other countries taking similar steps.
2 He wants the Government to commit more money for new, green technologies.
3 And hes worried the ETS gives too many free permits to industry. He wants an escape clause which would make it easier to stop the free permits.

Prof Garnaut said he was agonising over whether it was better to bring in an imperfect scheme or hold off and try for a better one later.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25342485-5001028,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/162</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Curb wasteful lifestyles, Chinese climate experts urge</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CHINESE climate experts have urged rich nations to rein in their "wasteful and luxurious" lifestyles and say Australias carbon reduction targets are insufficient to reverse damaging climate change.

(Here! Here!)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25340480-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/161</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Climate plan hits coal mines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A CONFIDENTIAL industry briefing to Federal MPs warned at least two NSW coal mines would close under planned climate change laws.

Mining giant Xstrata Australias chairman Peter Coates said the Emissions Trading Scheme would make some mines unprofitable and cut new investment.

(It wouldnt relate to XTA signing thermal contracts at $72 tonne and the AUD exchange rate appreciating from USD 0.61 to USD 0.71 since - making the operations less viable - now would it? Lets hope Mangoola is one of em.)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25340162-5006009,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/160</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fiddling at the edges as climate goes into tailspin</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A new futuristic eco-flick, The Age Of Stupid, opens with the devastation of 2055. Pete Postlethwaite plays a lone man wading through video footage from 2007-08 and asking why we didnt stop climate change when we still had the chance.

The film had its premiere to great fanfare in London last month and opens here in July. It was reviewed by The Times as "the most imaginative and dramatic assault on the institutional complacency shrouding the issue".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/fiddling-at-the-edges-as-climate-goes-into-tailspin-20090413-a4q4.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/159</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Eminent scientists on attack over Rudd emissions plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In a big embarrassment for Kevin Rudd and the Climate Change Minister, Penny Wong, the globally recognised scientists have made a joint submission to a new inquiry on the Governments carbon trading scheme, which begins hearings today in Canberra]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/eminent-scientists-on-attack-over-rudd-emissions-plan-20090414-a69l.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/158</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Small farmers take fight to mighty miner</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Once again the too smart by half NSW ALP is destroying Australia. They seem to think it more important to open cut mine coal than to produce dry land crops that starving people around the world can eat. MacDonald and his ALP mates have no morality, integrity or sustainability. NSW ALP is a dud.

BHP-Billiton and the NSW Minister for Natural Resources, Ian Macdonald, are acutely aware of the big stakes in this fight. Not only is a potential $2 billion coal project under threat but so too are exploration rights for coal and gas miners across the state. Mr Macdonald issued a $300 million exploration licence last year not far from Caroona to the Chinese state-owned coal miner Shenhua.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/small-farmers-take-fight-to-mighty-miner-20090412-a3zf.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/157</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata axes Leonora underground project</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Perfect Example of the Genius Behind Xstrata. No wonder they need highly dilutive rights issues to bleed their shareholders in order to pay for such genius decisions. And still having not learnt, the chief Genius, Mick Dundee, is out and about spruiking more debt based acquisitions. If I was an XTA shareholder Id be worried,, very worried. Sooner than later this predator is going down the financial gurgler.

Swiss mining giant Xstrata has taken the axe to its WA nickel operations, just over a year after paying a top-ofthe-cycle $3.1 billion for Jubilee Mines, by deciding to mothball the Sinclair mine near Leonora. What a winner !]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=3&amp;ContentID=135598</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2009 20:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/156</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata to Shutter Australian Nickel Mine in August</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata won control of Sinclair, which began production 10 months ago, through its A$3.1 billion ($2.2 billion) takeover of Jubilee Mines NL in February last year. "Xstrata paid a lot for Jubilee, it was a top of the market acquisition." The mine has an estimated life of "at least several years," at a yearly average of 6,000 tons."Subject to there being no sustained improvements in the market conditions, it will be put on care and maintenance,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&amp;sid=aLd81hh.w3YU&amp;refer=australia</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/155</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata to defend blood-lead level lawsuit</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mining giant Xstrata says it will defend legal action taken against it over high blood-lead levels in some Mount Isa children.

11 per cent of children tested in the city had unsafe blood-lead levels.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/08/2537767.htm?section=australia</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/154</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rio cuts take mine job losses to 12,000</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NATIONAL job cuts in the mining sector have hit more than 12,000 after Rio Tinto slashed a further 700 from its Queensland workforce.

The mining giant, which is attempting to lighten its debt burden through a $US19.5 billion ($27.5billion) alliance with Chinalco, is slowing the construction of its Yarwun alumina refinery expansion in Gladstone, and cutting output at its Weipa mine on Cape York. 

The job cuts, blamed on the sharp fall in demand for alumina and aluminium, and softer prices, includes about 100 permanent roles at Weipa and about 570 contractor roles in Gladstone....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25305630-5005200,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/153</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>New lawsuit over Mt Isa blood-lead levels</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A Queensland Health investigation last year found that 11 per cent of children tested in the city had unsafe levels of lead in their blood.

Mr Scattini says the latest case involves a 13-year-old boy who no longer lives in the mining city, but was born there.

"This is a boy who.. was born in Mount Isa and was affected by lead and is now aged 13 and has the classic features of having been lead poisoned."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/07/2537719.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/152</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Speak with Forked Tongue - Wandoan set to go ahead</title>
			<description><![CDATA[These latest statements seem to contradict recent revelations in an Xstrata briefing to federal Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull that it would not go ahead if the federal governments emissions trading scheme (ETS) went ahead.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2009/04/07/wandoan-projects-set-to-go-ahead-key-coal-water-an/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/151</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China, India reject climate agreement that obstructs economic growth</title>
			<description><![CDATA[green growth, including climate-friendly activities, are at the core of Chinas economic recovery strategy.

China is already the leading investor worldwide into renewable sources of energy. China has a huge ambition in terms of industrial energy efficiency improvements in terms of creating sustainable cities, UNLIKE KRuDD.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.chinanews.net/story/486588</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/150</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Maitland mans mine death shatters familys dream</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Daniel Hill, 34, died while working underground at the Integra Coal mine at Glennies Creek early Saturday morning.


It was the Hunters fifth mining-related death in seven months.


Police said Mr Hill was hit in the head by a rotating coal shearer that vibrated loose from a mechanical digger about 2am.


He died at the accident scene.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/maitland-mans-mine-death-shatters-familys-dream/1478835.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:01 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/149</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Jobs market is drying up more swiftly than in either of the past two recessions</title>
			<description><![CDATA["I dont see any sign of labour demand bottoming out in the data, and that has to concern the Reserve Bank. It is dropping off a cliff."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25301136-601,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/148</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Clean coal remains a faraway dream</title>
			<description><![CDATA[When the Academy Award-winning filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen used their talents a few weeks ago to make an anti-ad ridiculing clean coal, industry lobbyists were not happy. When Robert Kennedy jnr branded clean coal in America "a dirty lie", and suggested some coal executives should face criminal charges, they got really upset. This states most passionate coal advocate, the head of the NSW Minerals Council, Nikki Williams, reacts to Kennedys name with a mix of outrage and sorrow.

But the coal industry and, more importantly, Australias politicians, should come to grips with the reality that it is beginning to lose its social licence to operate in Western democracies. And the strategy of holding up clean coal as the Holy Grail for the industrys greenhouse problem is not working.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/clean-coal-remains-a-faraway-dream-20090405-9t6o.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/147</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Fears for future after Antarctic dam breaks away</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Substantial coastal change is now happening in all parts of the Antarctic Peninsula, according to a new study by the US Geological Survey and British Antarctic Survey. It mapped 174 ice coastlines, and counted 142 in retreat. AN ICE wall damming the endangered Wilkins ice shelf against the Antarctic Peninsula has shattered, just as scientific alarms ring out about the regions rapid warming.

The 40 kilometre-long bridge held for more than a year while ice behind it broke up, but European Space Agency images show it finally failed on Sunday night, and Australian glaciologist, Neal Young, said yesterday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/fears-for-future-after-antarctic-dam-breaks-away-20090406-9uwm.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/146</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Infant iron levels worse than in Zimbabwe</title>
			<description><![CDATA[MORE than half the Aboriginal children under five in a large region of the Northern Territory are anaemic and face a substantial threat to their physical and mental development, a health service says.

The number of anaemic children in the 112,000 square kilometre area has almost trebled in two years, 18 months of which has been under the $1.5 billion indigenous intervention, the service says.

Irene Fisher, chief executive officer of the Sunrise Health Service, said the regions anaemia rate was worse than in countries such as Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Pakistan, Peru, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

"What is perfectly clear is that the intervention has failed to address a severe health problem that appears to be further deteriorating," she said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/infant-iron-levels-worse-than-in-zimbabwe-20090406-9uw9.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/145</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mining industry predator Xstrata still hooked on debt loaded acquisitions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XSTRATA chief executive officer Mick Davis says takeover opportunities are starting to appear after a rout in commodity prices sent shares of mining companies plunging.

Xstrata, the worlds biggest exporter of greenhouse polluting power station coal, will like any good predator continue to "identify and execute" potential purchases, Mr Davis says in the companys annual report. 

"There is nothing like shafting it to a cash starved (mining) junior "is the mining-paedophile-like vibe" exuded by debt loaded predator Mick Davis Xstrata.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25225247-16222,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/144</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Step up uranium export: Ferguson</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CHINA is hungry for more of our uranium to feed a planned doubling of its nuclear reactors -- and the Rudd Government believes we should be mining more to step up exports.

China has undertaken to rapidly expand its network of nuclear reactors to supply abundant, cleaner energy. 

Australia sent its first load of uranium to China in November last year under a comprehensive bilateral agreement developed by the Howard government.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25285806-5005200,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/143</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>US recession job losses top 5 million</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE US continued to shed jobs at an unrelenting clip in March, pushing total losses since the recession started 16 months ago past five million.

The figures, which included another sharp rise in the unemployment rate to a 25-year high, are a sober reality check on the economy...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25287669-36375,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/142</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>River systems permanently damaged by criminally negligent Miners.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[.. in NSW, at least 16 river systems had been permanently damaged by careless mining practices. 

"The devastation caused by long-wall and open-cut mining operations is as horrifying as it is widespread," Ms Barlow said. "The destruction of aquifers and heavy metal pollution of ground and surface water is nationwide, and a disgrace."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25277261-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/141</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Workplace Ombudsman investigating BHP Billiton after Ravensthorpe mine shut</title>
			<description><![CDATA[THE Federal Government is investigating the sudden sacking of 1800 workers at BHP Billitons Ravensthorpe nickel mine in Western Australia. 

Lets hope they saved some of the mega wages theyve been getting.

Wouldnt it be nice if thermal coal extraction in the Upper Hunter was planned to go the same way as nickel but with 1800 former coal workers redirected to green energy expansion instead.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25284071-31037,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/140</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hunters hospital treatment second best</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NEWCASTLE is getting second-rate treatment compared to the Gold Coast when it comes to building hospitals, a senior doctor has said.

The NSW Governments decision not to implement all of the changes to the $209 million Calvary Mater redevelopment recommended in an independent report showed it did not consider Newcastle to be important, Mater hospital medical staff council chairman Dr Aidan Foy said.


He said the Queensland Government was currently building a 750-bed teaching hospital on the Gold Coast, which was comparable in size to Newcastle, and expanding one of its other hospitals to 364 beds.


"Were [Newcastle] slightly smaller than the Gold Coast where the Queensland Government is building a $1.55 billion hospital, in addition to their three other hospitals," he said. .... the Gold Coast will have one hospital bed per 177 people and Hunter New England Health will have one bed per 217 people, if both public and private hospital beds are included.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/139</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/139</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>A chance for a cleaner world goes begging</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Paraphrasing the communique, The Guardians George Monbiot wrote: "We have already spent trillions of dollars of your money on bailing out the banks, so that they can be returned to their proper functions of fleecing the poor and wrecking the Earths living systems. Now were going to spend another $US1.1 trillion ($1.55 trillion). As an exemplary punishment for their long record of promoting crises, we will give the IMF and the World Bank even more of your money. These actions constitute the greatest mobilisation of resources to support global financial flows in modern times. Oh - and we nearly forgot. We must do something about the environment."]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/a-chance-for-a-cleaner-world-goes-begging-20090403-9q7j.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/138</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Father of three killed in Hunter mining accident</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A WORKER was killed by a piece of heavy machinery in an underground coalmine in the Hunter Valley yesterday.

The 34-year-old man was hit in the head at the Glennies Creek Mine on Stoney Creek Road near Singleton about 2.30am.

His wife and three children were being comforted by friends and colleagues yesterday.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/father-of-three-killed-in-hunter-mining-accident-20090404-9sgx.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/137</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>8,000 miners strike in Colombia</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Around 8,000 workers from its coal mine in La Loma and its port on the Caribbean went on strike after an accident caused the death of a truck driver]]></description>
			<link>http://coalmountain.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/8000-miners-strike-in-colombia/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/136</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Colombian coal trains stopped by labor strike</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Coal is not leaving any of the mines owned by Drummond or Glencore."]]></description>
			<link>http://coalmountain.wordpress.com/2009/04/04/colombian-coal-trains-stopped-by-labor-strike/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:39 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/135</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Look Whos Politicizing Justice Now</title>
			<description><![CDATA[During Eric Holders confirmation process, his tenure as deputy attorney general in the Clinton administration sparked serious concerns among senators. In scandals involving Clintons pardons of Puerto Rican nationalists and fugitive Marc Rich, Holder had violated departmental protocols, ignored the views of victims and law enforcement professionals, colluded with Richs attorneys, undermined prosecutors and circumvented DOJs pardon attorney. A congressional investigation in 2002 called his conduct "unconscionable."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/03/AR2009040302835.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/134</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Upper Hunter Valley - Coal miner dies from head injuries</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A MAN has died at a NSW coal mine after suffering head injuries from a reported machinery accident. 
The 34-year-old Maitland man was working underground in the mine on Stoneycreek Rd at Glennies Creek near Singleton when the incident occurred about 3am (AEDT) today.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,25287684-1242,00.html?from=public_rss</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/133</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mt Isa still waiting for air monitoring</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In August last year, the State Government promised to install a state-of-the-art system to independently test Mt Isas air quality every hour.

Tests have shown 11 per cent of children surveyed had unsafe blood lead levels.

This week, the National Pollutant Inventory, which rates the countrys air quality, found Xstratas Mount Isa Mines was the highest emitter of six substances - including cadmium and lead.

The air monitor was supposed to be set up last October, but was delayed several times because it needed calibrating.

Now, the Environment Department says it cannot confirm a date for it to go online.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/03/2533976.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:48 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/132</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>US unveils ambitious greenhouse target</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The US target is in some ways tougher than Australias. It equates to a 7 per cent cut in emissions from 2000 levels. But it also imposes a separate target of preventing deforestation equivalent to 10 per cent of US emissions in 2005. In the Australian scheme, international efforts to prevent or reverse deforestation count towards meeting the overall target....
So the Fraudulent KRuDD scheme counts someone elses reductions as KRuDDs... typical.. KRuDD is shown up as being just that,, 100% KRuDD,, more interested in executing extraterratorial anti-Xstrata environmental activists than preserving the Australian environment on which we depend for human existence and the maintenance of our standard of living. On you KRuDD..]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/us-unveils-ambitious-greenhouse-target-20090401-9jrt.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/131</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Behold the green, renewable world of 2050</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Not the case if the likes of Cro-Magnon man Joe Tripodi, Coal Whore Nikki Williams and 5-15% KRuDD have their way. Otherwise it looks like a positive, clean living scenario.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/behold-the-green-renewable-world-of-2050-20090401-9jro.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/130</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Anger over call to scrap coal plans</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Usual culprits Nikki Williams (Coal Luvva) and Joe Tripodi (with friends like him who needs enemies) condemn Professor Newman for calling the NSW Govt to flush expansion of the Hunter Coal Chain. These troglodytes who want a scorched earth instead of a green planet for their children (obviously they eat children) want business as usual destroying the planet. read what they have to say.... the wankers...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/anger-over-call-to-scrap-coal-plans-20090401-9jrf.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/129</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>US greenhouse bid puts pressure on Rudds plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While the Rudd Government continues to shackle Australia to a high-polluting past, America is leading the rest of the world into the future... Climate Institute analysis showed the US proposal would equate to Australia cutting its greenhouse emissions 25 per cent on 1990 levels by 2020 - a target the federal cabinet rejected last December.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/us-greenhouse-bid-puts-pressure-on-rudds-plan-20090401-9jrg.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/128</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstratas Mt Isa Mines is Australias top polluter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australias largest mining and processing operation topped the list in six types of pollutants - arsenic, antimony, cadmium, lead, sulfur dioxide and zinc.

Xstrata is currently being sued by several families who claim their children have been poisoned by the mining operation.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/mar/31/aap-xstratas-mt-isa-mines-is-top-polluter/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:29 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/127</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Aust officials &amp; Xstrata-SMI in closed-door security meeting following Execution of Elizier Boy Billanes.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Officials from the Australian Embassy and top honchos from the Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (Xstrata-SMI) held a closed-door meeting with ranking military and police officials on security issues in the region in a posh restaurant here Monday evening. The names of Australian Embassy officials were not disclosed.

It is believed that increased guerilla activities around the main drilling site of the Xstrata Plc-controlled mining company in Tampakan, South Cotabato have raised concerns in Australia.

(Trust the Criminal Nazi Jackboot Aust Government to only be interested in activity having a negative impact on Xstrata rather than having any focus on Xstratas observance of human rights or environmental standards or implicated involvement in the murder of Billanes.)]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=6156&amp;Itemid=160</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:19 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/126</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>KRuDD - Serial Pest and Know-It-All</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rudd has become a serial pest in the weeks leading up to the London G20, making "several" phone calls each week to G20 leaders such as the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi.

When it became apparent that achieving consensus on everything would be difficult, Rudd was among the first to run for cover with the glass-half-full approach, undermining Browns push for a global New Deal involving another round of co-ordinated fiscal stimulus.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/125</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/125</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>State owns biggest polluters</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Delta Electricitys plants near Lithgow recorded high levels of sulphuric acid and nitrogen oxide emissions. Macquarie Generation, also government-owned, reported high emissions of sulphuric acid.

The data comes just days after a new report, Hidden Costs Of Electricity, estimated the health costs of coal and gas generators were $2.6 billion, about the same as vehicle pollution in the cities.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/state-owns-biggest-polluters-20090331-9i9n.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/124</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Scrap coal plan, says Rudds man</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A MEMBER of the Rudd Governments group charged with rebuilding Australias infrastructure says plans to double the coal export capacity in Newcastle should be abandoned.

Professor Peter Newman, who is a member of Infrastructure Australia, said the environmental damage done from burning coal meant the construction of new coal loading facilities in what is already the worlds biggest coal exporting port should be stopped now.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/scrap-coal-plan-says-rudds-man-20090331-9i9l.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/123</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Intervention is hurting health</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As we all realise the "Intervention" is all about dismantling the final vestiges of self-determination for First Nation peoples,, denigration of lifestyle, restrictions on freedom, seizure of lands etc etc [Nazi style policy] couched in warm motherhood terms of saving the children. The Final Solution will see lands forcibly ceded to the Federal government, without compensation, and handed over for strip mining while the native populations are bundled off silently into shining new towns where services and support will quickly be removed and the cycle of self-destruction begin anew. What is needed is formal and legal acknowledgement of the First Nations, dialogue and direct funding to enable First Nation Peoples to establish true traditionalised post Invasion cultures, language and economies. But not likely to occur in our "Nazi Occupied Aussie Palestine".]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/intervention-is-hurting-health-20090330-9gzm.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/122</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>European Stocks Drop Most in Four Weeks as U.S. Warns on Banks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata Plc, the fourth-biggest copper producer, dropped 10 percent to 425 pence.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&amp;sid=apMgASvobzWk&amp;refer=europe</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/121</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Aust Newcastle coal exports fall 21.5%</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Coal exports from Australias Newcastle port, the worlds largest coal export terminal, fell 21.5 per cent to a five-week low in the past week, while the number of coal ships entering the port also fell "due to maintenance work." - "maintenance work" being a timely response to and euphemism for major fall in demand]]></description>
			<link>http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Australia-Newcastle-coal-exports-down-215-pct-QM7H4?OpenDocument</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:56 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/120</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Tahmoor trains slow for Old King Coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[TRAINS passing through Tahmoor have been slowed to 40kmh while mining continues under the area.... The Advertiser contacted Xstrata Coal for a comment about the changed speed limit but received no response.]]></description>
			<link>http://Tahmoor trains slow for Old King Coalwollondilly.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/tahmoor-trains-slow-for-old-king-coal/1473305.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/119</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The Execution of Eliezer "Boy" Billanes - Xstrata SMI implicated</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It is believed that the killing of Boy is a chilling warning to all those who are involved in the opposition to mining. We believed that the killing is part of the extra-judicial killing promoted by high-ranking agents of the government. Their objective is to horrify the mass activists and environmentalists so as to incapacitate or silence the growing anti-mining mass movement of the people.

Why Boy Billanes so committed to denounce and oppose the large-scale mining operation of Xstrata-SMI?

Because Boy Billanes, along with many experts firmly believe that giant multinational mining company will destroy the livelihood of millions of people in about 19 municipalities of the region.

Sound familiar... read on....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=6136&amp;Itemid=95</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/118</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Climate action rises above hot air</title>
			<description><![CDATA[While Woodsides American boss, Don Voelte, has been at loggerheads with the Rudd Government over how to cut Australias greenhouse gas pollution, his engineers have been working closely with scientists from the CSIRO and elsewhere to make sure Woodside can protect its own multibillion-dollar operations from climate change impacts.

The company initiated its own climate change study to assess how warming temperatures, rising sea levels, storm surges and a possible increase in tropical storms could hit the bottom line of the super-profitable North West Shelf gas project.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/earth-hour/climate-action-rises-above-hot-air-20090327-9e6z.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/117</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Oil company cost cutbacks threaten future oil supply</title>
			<description><![CDATA[One prediction of the future consequence of global recession, credit tightness and unsustainable debt binging KRuDD type stimulus packages is a future of uncontrolled inflation and food resource restriction. The billionaires advice - buy a farm and shotgun - youre going to need both...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25249669-36375,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/116</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Mandarins hit the wall as China slows</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An eye opening expose of the rise and fall of China. Read between the lines on the wave of social unrest and military intervention previously warned by none other than the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25250391-643,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/115</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hypocrite extolls virtue of "the need for swift action to reduce emissions"</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mr Rudd said his position on the need for swift action to reduce emissions had not changed. The lecturing Hypocrite sets own cuts at 5-15% - a level that will fry the earth.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25250439-601,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/114</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Hidden costs of fossil-fuel power</title>
			<description><![CDATA[the combined cost of greenhouse gas emissions and damage to peoples health would add on average per megawatt hour $52 to the cost of brown coal power, $42 to the cost of black coal power and $19 to the cost of natural gas. These are "very significant" costs, given the average wholesale price of electricity is about $40 per megawatt hour. Moreso when for electricity produced by solar panels the added average per megawatt hour cost is $5 per megawatt hour and $1.50 per megawatt hour for wind power. The costs of the latter come mainly from the manufacture of the technology, not from generation.

Nuclear power also had a smaller external cost than fossil fuel power - about $7 per megawatt hour, largely from the construction and decommissioning of power stations.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/hidden-costs-of-fossilfuel-power-20090326-9cer.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/113</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Gas glut puts coal under pressure</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A PRICE war between liquefied natural gas and coal could lead to the temporary closure of coal mines, according to leading energy consultants, because of a surge in shipments of the gas from the Middle East into Europe and North America.

Gas prices, already tumbling as a result of the recession, are suffering a triple whammy from recession in Asia, a long-awaited build-up in new supplies of LNG, and unexpected discoveries of new gas reserves in the US]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25207392-16222,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/112</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Big coal digs in on emissions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata and mates cant see the horizon for the coal dust and methane that is clogging their brains and the earths lungs. So hooked on coal that they will try and buy their future by corrupting political process at our expense.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/global-warming/big-coal-digs-in-on-emissions-20090319-93cw.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/111</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Economic index contracts 3.1pc, signalling recession</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A leading index of the Australian economy contracted at an annualised rate of 3.1 per cent in January, signalling recession.

The Westpac/Melbourne Institute leading index signals the likely pace of economic activity three to nine months in the future.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25204577-643,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/110</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Labors dirty coal dependency</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Labor Party has been seduced by coal industry PR hacks who are saying that carbon-capture technology will be ready by 2020. This happy talk soon melts away when you talk to the engineering side of the mining industry - the people who actually cut the rock. They are saying it is unlikely they will be able to store anything like the volumes of carbon currently being produced. They will be able to store some of it, but have serious doubts whether even that little bit will ever be at a price competitive with renewable energy]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/labors-dirty-coal-dependency-20090322-95ke.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/109</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Secret searches spreading too far</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This week, the upper house of State Parliament is expected to consider a law to allow police to enter in secret and search the homes of those suspected of committing crimes. The bill was pushed through the lower house this month and, assuming it passes, will allow general duties police to use covert search warrants to investigate a range of ordinary criminal offences, which can be heard by a jury and are punishable by seven or more years in prison.

Not only suspected offenders and those suspected of helping them are covered - so are the neighbours]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/secret-searches-spreading-too-far-20090322-95kb.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/108</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Protest at secret search powers</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Attorney-General introduced legislation to Parliament this month that would allow police to search the homes of people not suspected of any crime, but whose homes adjoined those of people who are. People whose homes were searched under the laws would not find out about it for up to three years. The Government would decide which judges could approve the action and blur the separation of powers, The new laws would expand secret search powers to offences unrelated to terrorism. Relatively innocuous crimes, such as holding a loaded starters gun in a public place could be a cause for a covert search.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/national/protest-at-secret-search-powers-20090322-95ms.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/107</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Emissions trading at centre of high-stakes game</title>
			<description><![CDATA[NO JOBS on a dead planet - Something Xstrata and its dhead mates ignore in their GREED for exhuming coal to burn the future. 
"We need support for new industries that will grow green jobs that will enable Australia to develop its own climate change solutions, creating the R&D and applying that research to implement them right here in Australia," Burrow told journalists.

She goes further: 800,000 "green" jobs in 15 years could be created if there was a massive rollout of green investment and a price put on carbon in the market.

If Xstrata gets its way you can guarantee they might get rich but in the end there are NO JOBS (and no money) on a dead planet.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theage.com.au/environment/emissions-trading-at-centre-of-highstakes-game-20090322-95ox.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/106</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>EU Parliament blasts GMA for rights abuses, govt denials</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata implicated as Summary Executioner.
Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan yesterday said retired military General Jovito Palparan might have had a hand in the summary execution of the anti-mining activist, Eliezer Billanes, who was shot by two unidentified men on March 9, 2009. "Billanes lead the opposition to the mining liberalization policy and large-scale mining projects of the government. Task Force Kitaco (Kitaco stands for the local governments of Kiblawan, Tampakan, Columbio where there are large scale mining operations of Xstrata-SMI) was formed by the 10th ID of AFP and composed of selected units under the 102nd Bde-PA, CAFGUs and SCAA which are presently being recruited by and trained under the AFP, funded by Xstrata-SMI.

Retired military General Jovito Palparan is one of the security consultants of Xstrata-SMI and was in fact invited for a security consultation in Tampakan during the orientation of Task Force Kitaco."The motive behind Billanes death is indisputable. He was killed in the midst of his organizations struggle to oppose the Tampakan Copper-Gold mining project of Xstrata-SMI." Ilagan said."Having been the lodestone of big mining companies, Mindanao will soon be the next field of extrajudicial killings especially if someone like General Palparan, who has been the top executioner of state sponsored human rights violations in other parts of the country, stamps his mark on the island." Ilagan added.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dpinoyweb.com/2009/03/20/eu-parliament-blasts-gma-for-rights-abuses-govt-denials</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/105</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Glencore Seeks to Extend $9 Billion Revolving Credit Facilities</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Glencore International AG, the worlds largest commodity trader, is seeking to refinance $9 billion in revolving credit facilities, according to two people with knowledge of the talks.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&amp;sid=aIfD8BUqugIc&amp;refer=europe</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/104</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Miners running scare campaign over job losses</title>
			<description><![CDATA["It is totally irresponsible and some of our biggest companies that are running scare campaigns should think twice."

The ACF said it was clear the mining sector was suffering from falls in demand and commodity prices due to the global financial crisis. Prices at Newcastles thermal coal port hit a two-year low last week of $US61.70 a tonne.

Simon OConnor, ACF economic advisor, said: "The mining sector is using jobs as a bargaining tool to get more handouts.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25205281-953,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/103</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata angry over release of sensitive data</title>
			<description><![CDATA[XSTRATA executives are angry over the Oppositions decision to reveal that the global mining giant has threatened to fire 1000 coal miners if emissions trading is implemented. "It probably helps Xstrata to be able to pin job losses on the Government rather than say they have misread the economic environment and are having to mothball some projects that are no longer viable."

Xstratas coal operations do not qualify for free permits under the Governments proposal. But Dr Pearse said the only emissions Xstrata had to worry about were methane released in the mining process.

"In the scheme of things, it would be tiny,]]></description>
			<link>http://business.theage.com.au/business/mining-giant-angry-over-release-of-sensitive-data-20090318-9271.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/102</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>How will you spend your $900?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Ways that KRuDDs $900 can reduce carbon emissions...]]></description>
			<link>http://greensmps.org.au/content/stimulating-sustainability-nationally</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/101</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Emission trading scheme stalls</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Plans for emissions trading have hit a brick wall after a majority of senators said they would vote against the governments scheme]]></description>
			<link>http://at least 10 wind farms to be built by all players in the wind energy sector, potentially creating 3000 on-site jobs, 1000 long-term operational jobs and an increase in manufacturing jobs in tower construction</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/100</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Green energy firm pledges 1200 jobs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[at least 10 wind farms to be built by all players in the wind energy sector, potentially creating 3000 on-site jobs, 1000 long-term operational jobs and an increase in manufacturing jobs in tower construction]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theage.com.au/environment/energy-smart/green-energy-firm-pledges-1200-jobs-20090317-911i.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/99</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata says if Labors trading scheme was implemented in its current form, it will close four mines in NSW and scrap plans to invest $7 billion in new coalmining operations in NSW and Queensland that would create 4000 jobs.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[LAST week the Advertiser revealed that Xstrata Coal has recently experienced twice the amount of subsidence than what was predicted while extracting two longwalls in Tahmoor.]]></description>
			<link>http://wollondilly.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/colliery-carries-out-many-ground-surveys/1461048.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:44 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/98</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mining company Xstrata has threatened to axe 1000 coalmining jobs</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata says if Labors trading scheme was implemented in its current form, it will close four mines in NSW and scrap plans to invest $7 billion in new coalmining operations in NSW and Queensland that would create 4000 jobs.]]></description>
			<link>http://irdigest.jamesfridley.com/?p=4291</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:41 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/97</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Two-faced Xstrata, sole appellant opposes rivals mining project</title>
			<description><![CDATA["By looking at the entirety of the circumstances, and given Xstratas percentage control of the high purity cobalt market, it does not take much imagination to understand why Xstrata is seeking to prevent the ICP from entering production, particularly when you consider that the persons and groups who would normally feel compelled to oppose any irresponsible mining project have chosen not to appeal the ICP ROD]]></description>
			<link>http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Formation-Capital-Corporation-TSX-FCO-962095.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:37 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/96</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Russians warn of repeat of history in Afghanistan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There has never been a centralized state in Afghanistan. There is no such nation as Afghanistan..."There are (ethnic groups of) Pashtuns, Uzbeks and Tajiks, and they all have different tribal policies.... Grachev offered some advice: Post soldiers to guard road projects and irrigation systems, and send in engineers, doctors, mining experts and construction advisers.... Pouring billions of dollars into infrastructure would be a lot more productive than firefights in far-flung villages, he said....
"You have to understand that in the economic sphere, Afghanistan is now at a stage lower than the Middle Ages," Grachev said.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.twincities.com/ci_11912908?source=most_emailed</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/95</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Afghan war a mistake</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Gen. David McKiernan, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, concerned about deteriorating security there, has asked for 30,000 additional U.S. troops. President Obama is sending 17,000 troops.. There are about 38,000 U.S. troops there now.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-03-16-poll_N.htm?csp=34</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/94</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>China has proposes importers of Chinese-made goods be responsible for the carbon dioxide of manufacture.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We produce products and these products are consumed by other countries, especially the developed countries. This share of emissions should be taken by the consumers but not the producers,]]></description>
			<link>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7947438.stm</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/93</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Carbon plan will kill jobs, SCAREMONGERING XSTRATA says</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Malcolm Turnbull said "Xstrata had told him during a recent meeting that under the proposed ETS, three to four mines in NSW and Queensland would close and investment plans worth up to $7 billion and 4000 jobs would be shelved. Xstrata complained that under the scheme it would have to spend $180 million a year to buy carbon permits.Having Rolled Garrett over the MacArthur River Mine with the usual THUG XSTRATA tactics they are now trying it on with all of Australia.Xstrata should be told where to go with its heavy hand.  The facts are that Xstrata shares are worth nothing (98% fall) and in the category of JUNK BONDS, their mines are 2nd rate and cannot make money at the prices they have agreed to sell product at and management pure THUGS.Perhaps if they cut their executive salaries and some of the outrageous wages paid to dump truck drivers they might make a minescule profit.At $USD61 a tonne Mangoola mine is a no hoper dud.  Read on....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/carbon-plan-will-kill-jobs-miner-says-20090316-902g.html?skin=text-only</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/92</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Bishop demands probe into anti-mining activist killing</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Environmental group Kalikasan Peoples Network for the Environment said that Billanes is the 20th anti-mining activist killed under the Arroyo administration.
The group said the recent killing is part of the "dirty tactics" of transnational mining companies (Xstrata is developing mines in the area) to coerce the growing resistance of people opposing large-scale mining projects.]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/91</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/91</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>NPA vows justice for slain anti-mining activist: Xstrata implicated</title>
			<description><![CDATA[On our part, the New Peoples Army under the Valentin Palamine Command will not rest until justice is served and those who are guilty are made to account for their blood debts. We shall continue to resist and fight the wanton destruction of our lands and waters by the multinational mining company Xstrata-SMI and its cohorts in government]]></description>
			<link>http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152712/NPA-vows-justice-for-slain-anti-mining-activist</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/90</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>National Security, the Financial Crisis, Bernie Madoff - No Marc Rich option?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Big time fraudsters usually theorize that their schemes have a certain shelf life, and at some point, their fraud will be detected. Therefore, many of these fraudsters make contingency plans and devise exit strategies. In many cases, that would mean fleeing the U.S. and relocating to a safe haven such as Robert Vesco and Marc Rich did. Interestingly, Madoff did not. So what was his exit strategy?]]></description>
			<link>http://counterterrorismblog.org/2009/03/national_security_the_financia.php</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/89</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Of coal and communities</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Given the immense profits the multinational coal companies have earned from their Hunter mines over the past several years and the massive royalty contributions they have made to NSW revenues one might have thought that a few million dollars for a health study would not have been too much to ask. The fact that the industry and the Government are so reluctant to install monitors and to fund a health study might cause some to wonder whether they are simply afraid of what they might discover.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/of-coal-and-communities/1455080.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/88</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>300mt more coal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[PLANS are in place for an extension to Xstrata Coals mining operations at Ravensworth. Included in the proposal to go to the State Government would be the integration of three open cut mines under one consent agreement, which would allow for more efficient management of the operations.]]></description>
			<link>http://singleton.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/300mt-more-coal/1458597.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:55 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/87</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Hunter coal contracts down to $70 per tonne.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[that sure is a steep and meaningful retreat from the $US125 a tonne that Japanese electricity utilities have been paying and are maybe $US10 a tonne short of what the producers were hoping to hit.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25173557-643,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/86</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Asia Coal-Prices drop to 21-mth low, hover just above $61</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Prices of power-station coal from Australia, a benchmark for Asia, fell for the fourth week to a 21-month low of just above $61 a tonne, as supplies continue to build because of plummeting demand from the industrial sector.]]></description>
			<link>http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKSYD48496920090309</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:49 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/85</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>another massive mining debt emerges</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata still at 220% debt to equity after rights issue!]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mineweb.net/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page67?oid=79869&amp;sn=Detail</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/84</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Zambia to take control of Glencore closed mines.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Glencore International AG and First Quantum Minerals Ltd (FM.T) - notified the Zambian government last week that it intends to close Mufulira and Nkana mines and put them under care and maintenance due to falling global metal prices. The Zambian government had told the company to surrender the mines to avert disruption to the social economic life of Zambians.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/dj-zambia-govt-asks-mcm/story.aspx?guid=%7B6A6FBBC9-4ABD-40B3-9A08-81EE03B915A0%7D&amp;dist=msr_1</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/83</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Glencore probed for kickback allegations</title>
			<description><![CDATA[$4.6 million in alleged payments made by employees of Glencore International AG [GLEN.UL] to bank accounts controlled by then-employees of Aluminum Bahrain, the Wall Street Journal reported.]]></description>
			<link>http://in.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idINN0734472220090307</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:40 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/82</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>I wont budge: landowner says no to mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[despite the millions of dollars expected to be offered for her slice of Camberwell, 75-year-old Wendy Bowman is standing firm, insisting she will not sell until the mining giants or the State Government pledge $2 million to a study on the effects of coalmining on Upper Hunter communities.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/i-wont-budge-landowner-says-no-to-mine/1453810.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:34 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/81</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mt Isa lead levels fault of mining</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Professor Flegal, who visited the town last year and reviewed scientific studies on the mine and town, said the metal was too far underground to have any impact. 

"It is my opinion that the predominant cause of anomalously elevated blood lead concentrations of children living near the MIM mining and smelting operations is from historic and ongoing lead contamination of their environment from those operations," he said. 

"I found no evidence that natural sources could account for the anomalously elevated levels in children in Mount Isa." 

In 2006-07, the commonwealths annual National Pollutant Inventory report found that the Mount Isa mines pumped out more sulphur dioxide, lead, copper, zinc, cadmium and antimony than any other single operation in Australia. 

Professor Flegal said "exceptionally high levels" of lead in soils around the town were higher than had been found in similar operations in China and Romania, often cited as among the worst polluters in the world.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25150722-601,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2009 12:43 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/80</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Downer EDI to develop coal handling and preparation plant for Xstrata</title>
			<description><![CDATA[DOWNER EDI says its Engineering Division has entered into an agreement with Xstrata Coal for $440m worth of works to develop a coal handling and preparation plant (CHHP) in the Upper Hunter Valley, NSW.
According to Downer EDI, the 18-month contract shows]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mathandling.com.au/Article/Downer-EDI-to-develop-coal-handling-and-preparation-plant-for-Xstrata/469871.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2009 12:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/79</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Deceit.</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The community should not trust Xstrata or the Government to do the right thing by the local environment.

"Now we know that all along Xstrata and the NSW Government had plans to
massively expand its operations at Anvil Hill.]]></description>
			<link>http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2815/50/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/78</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata investors divided over plan</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstratas chief executive, Mick Davis, has admitted the coal acquisition was devised to prevent Glencore from having its 34.45 per cent stake in the miner diluted by the deeply discounted two-for-one rights issue.

The Swiss commodities trader did not otherwise have enough funding available to take up its rights.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/xstrata-investors-divided-over-plan-20090303-8nhu.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:12 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/77</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Investors protest over Xstrata coal deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Several of Xstratas top 10 investors wanted to signal their unhappiness to the board, but did not want to stop the company from raising money..... a clear vote of no confidence in the independent directors for putting investors in the position of having to vote through the acquisition of Prodeco so that the rights issue could go ahead."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/04cb0fce-075c-11de-9294-000077b07658.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/76</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Wen warns economic crisis spreading in China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The government says about 20 million migrants have lost their jobs and communist leaders worry about possible unrest.

On Friday the deputy chairman of Chinas planning agency said China is confident it can meet its growth target of 8 percent this year, though "downward pressure" from the global economic crisis is growing.

The comments were Beijings latest effort to reassure uneasy consumers and companies and encourage them to keep spending.]]></description>
			<link>http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1104ap_as_china_economy.html?source=rss</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/75</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Labors ETS trickery</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Senior members of the Government are now hoping, and fully expecting, that the Senate will offer them a convenient way out. Think of it as the ultimate in low carbon political emissions. Labor will submit its legislation to the Senate and have it defeated by a combination of the Greens and the Opposition. Shock, horror]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25116053-5014087,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/74</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata investors angry at Glencore move</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstratas board is likely to receive a bloody nose when shareholders vote on its proposed £4.1bn rights issue next week. It has emerged that several of the groups leading investors will abstain or vote against the deal.

The capital raising is expected to be voted through on Monday. But some of Xstratas biggest shareholders have told David Rough, the senior non-executive director, that they remain unhappy with the Anglo-Swiss mining groups linked proposal to buy the Prodeco coal mine from its biggest investor.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/815e6ab6-0470-11de-845b-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:54 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/73</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata headed for bloody nose?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstratas debt is now rated only two notches above junk by Standard &amp; Poors and theres no end in sight to the slide in metal prices...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090226.RDECLOET26/TPStory/Business</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:45 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/72</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Only 6-12 months until Full-Fledged Facsist Martial Law</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The warnings for America could be as relevant here as there... What exactly is the result if the financial stimuli packages fail? Get ready folks, these soothsayers say, for repression, authoritarianism, totalitarianism and war..... an interesting point of view plus some of the comments are a cack... A View fresh from the Dark Side...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/35170</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/71</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Economist Warns Switzerland Could Go Broke</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Economist Artur Schmidt says Switzerland (the home of Xstrata and Glencore) could go broke because Swiss banks extended billions in credit to Eastern European countries which now cant pay back the money]]></description>
			<link>http://moneynews.newsmax.com/streettalk/switzerland_broke/2009/02/23/184520.html?s=al&amp;promo_code=7ACE-1</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:51 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/70</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>25% increase in power bills this year in WA</title>
			<description><![CDATA[From April the 1st, prices will rise by 10%, with a 15% increase to follow in July. The same will follow in NSW as the defunct NSW state ALP will seek to absorb any federal financial stimulus for the national economy for its own benefit.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/23/2499141.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/69</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>New solar cells - mass production with nuclear potential</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The breakthrough, conceived by the CSIRO, has the potential to enable mass production of solar sheeting at a far lower cost than traditional silicon-based cells.... "The technology required to print solar cells is not a million miles away from the technology required to print polymer banknotes..." If you could produce a 10 per cent efficient polymer solar cell (currently 3%) ... in about five months you would have enough solar cells to produce one gigawatt of power. Thats about the size of a nuclear power station. But in this case, were using that big, free nuclear power station in the sky."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/environment/new-solar-cells-you-can-bank-on-20090223-8ftg.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/68</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Aussies in dark on emissions effort: KRuDDs strategy of deception</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Dr Denniss said Kevin Rudd did not appear to understand his own scheme. He said the Prime Minister appeared to mislead parliament recently by claiming that, in spending $4 billion on insulating 2.2 million homes as part of his economic stimulus package, greenhouse emissions would be reduced by 49 million tonnes. In fact, under an ETS all it would do was transfer these emissions to large polluters, Dr Denniss said. He said the Government appeared to be relying on the publics lack of understanding to build support for the scheme.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25092101-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:36 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/67</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rudd under Xstratas thumb: Greens</title>
			<description><![CDATA["This is Kevin Rudd making a stand against the environment, against a huge environmental impact by a big mining corporation," Senator Brown said.

"The mining corporation has of course won the day; theyve got the open door to the Prime Ministers office.

"The Indigenous people who are opposed to this scheme and the environmentalists dont have that door open."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/22/2497983.htm?section=australia</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/66</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The fires of climate change</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The 13,000 professional firefighters of Australia have collectively determined that climate change is producing the extreme fire weather conditions which have confronted them over recent years. This again is a significant declaration in a body (the United Firefighters Union of Australia) which is known to have its share of climate change sceptics within the membership.

In the open letter to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (dated February 12), national secretary Peter Marshall said:

"Consider the recent devastation in Victoria. Research by the CSIRO, Climate Institute and the Bushfire Council found that a low global warming scenario will see catastrophic fire events happen in parts of regional Victoria every 5-7 years by 2020, and every 3-4 years by 2050, with up to 50 per cent more extreme danger fire days. However, under a high global warming scenario, catastrophic events are predicted to occur every year in Mildura, and firefighters have been warned to expect an up to 230 per cent increase in extreme fire days in Bendigo. And in Canberra, the site of devastating fires in 2003, we are being asked to prepare for up to a massive 221 per cent increase in extreme fire days by 2050."

The union is calling for a national inquiry into the state of readiness of the countrys fire services to confront yet more climate change fires. And it has urged all governments to follow scientific advice by halving Australias greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/20/2497095.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/65</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Reopened McArthur River Mine sparks calls for tougher laws</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We cant allow this to happen again; we have to have stronger laws here and perhaps the EPA should be tasked with having a good hard look at the approvals process and what went on for McArthur.

"It has been a debacle. The Territory Government needs to do better to look after our rivers from big mining companies like this."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/21/2497722.htm?section=justin</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:22 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/64</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Debt higher than Xstratas current market value</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Even after the yet to be shareholder approved, highly dilutive of existing shareholder rights, rights issue Xstratas debt will still be $USD 12.6 billion far eclipsing its current market value of $USD 9.3 billion. The big winner is Marc Richs Glencore (itself in financial turmoil) which will receive $USD 2 billion of shareholders money for a bottom of the harbour Peruvian mine (XTA is paying Glencore 50 times the mine earnings). No wonder XTA shareholders are pissed.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page67?oid=78850&amp;sn=Detail</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/63</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal mining boom sinks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[IF you want to know what the end of a commodities boom looks like, you need only stand on the foreshore at Newcastle.

Just 18 months ago, more than 70 giant coal ships lay anchored, the queue stretching to the horizon and almost 100km south. Yesterday, there were 17. 

Xstrata however still intend to rape the Upper Hunter whether they can sell the coal or not - truly serial rapists in it for the thrill of eco-destruction.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25014837-16222,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/62</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Reducing carbon footprint waste of time</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The KRuDD Climate Fraud. Exactly how the money &amp; time you spend doing your bit means polluters like Xstrata can get off the hook. KRuDD - leading Aus into oblivion...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25085116-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/61</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstratas Glencore rights issue angers big investors</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Tough times may be ahead for Xstrata in debt solvency. ... Mining company Xstrata is facing a potentially damaging shareholder revolt over its £4bn share rights issue.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/feb/18/xstrata-rights-issue-glencore</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/60</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>ABI Issues Amber Top For Xstrata Rights Issue Vote</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Almost a Red Light (Recommend Rejection) for Xstrata from The Association of British Insurers. "Members have made it very clear they have concerns on the terms and structure of the acquisition, including the inter-conditionality of the resolutions,"]]></description>
			<link>http://www.easybourse.com/bourse-actualite/marches/abi-issues-amber-top-for-xstrata-rights-issue-vote-619650</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/59</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Support for those under threat of mines</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SINGLETON Council and fellow members of the D Division of the Shires Association have thrown their support behind communities that are under threat from encroaching mining operations.
At a meeting on Tuesday, the member councils of D Division voted unanimously to support a motion that no exploration licences be granted or mining permitted within scenic protection zones, village zones, urban zones and rural residential zones of any local environment plan of any council.]]></description>
			<link>http://singleton.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/support-for-those-under-threat-of-mines/1439618.aspx?src=rss</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/58</guid>
			<author>Singleton Argus</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Halts Ravensworth Coal Mine After Worker Dies</title>
			<description><![CDATA[A driver of a coal truck was found deceased this morning in the cabin of the vehicle, James Rickards, a spokesman for Xstratas coal unit in Sydney, said today. The company is working with authorities to determine how the accident occurred. As previously stated, our greatest sympathies to all family, friends and co-workers affected.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&amp;sid=aJmYBlgmsEJo&amp;refer=australia</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:02 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/57</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Australia backs carbon trade plan, abandons inquiry</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne said the government had been caught out trying to build political support for its scheme against growing public anger over a low emissions target.

"Now they have got into a complete mess and had to dissolve the committee before it even meets. It was totally clumsy politics from the start," Milne told Reuters.]]></description>
			<link>http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKSP39787420090219?pageNumber=1&amp;virtualBrandChannel=0</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/56</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mine Mill protest</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The issue of Xstratas three-year commitment to no layoffs until July 25 is not dead, said Mine Mill and Smelter Local 598/CAW officials.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northernlife.ca/News/LocalNews/2009/union_bus170209005.asp?NLStory=union_bus170209005</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:58 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/55</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Truck driver crushed to death at Hunter Valley mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Families throughout NSW will be mourning a father, brother, friend or workmate killed in a mine accident at Ravensworth today. Our sympathy is extended to all affected.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-valley-mine-death/1436905.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/54</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>20 million jobs lost in Guangdong province alone</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Rural Chinese workers pay the price for Capitalist meltdown,, social stability at risk,, the West has much to answer for...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/news/international/Hostile_forces_seen_stirring_up_China_jobless.html?siteSect=143&amp;sid=10344307&amp;cKey=1234937357000&amp;ty=ti</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/53</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Dreaming: The Struggle of Aboriginal Australians against a Swiss Mining Giant</title>
			<description><![CDATA["The company is not really talking to us properly, the government is not listening to us," says Jack Green, the Garawa elder. "Were asking for help from outside..]]></description>
			<link>http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=15297</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:26 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/52</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Canadian Government trades people for promised dollars (as they all do)</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Canadian government as weak as piss, like all of their ilk, and lets Xstrata get away with broken contracts,, people not being as important as an easy dollar....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29107180/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:21 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/51</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata breaks contract with Canadian Government</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstratas signature not worth the paper its written on - se how easily Xstrata break legal committments whenever its suits them.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.northernlife.ca/News/LocalNews/2009/xstrata100209007.asp?NLStory=xstrata100209007</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/50</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>The slide and slide of Peter Garrett</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The track record of Xstrata, the company in control of the mine, is far from good. 

Since opening the mine in 1993, the company has refused to pay compensation to Aboriginal people and has been accused of denying traditional owners access to sacred sites, according to the Northern Lands Council. [Remember the Condition of Consent that says access must be provided to Anvil Hill]]]></description>
			<link>http://www.greenleft.org.au/2009/782/40290</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/49</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>COAL &amp; Allied Puts Mt Pleasant Mine ON HOLD</title>
			<description><![CDATA[CRISIS BITES MUSWELLBROOK - Muswellbrook Chronicle reports that C&A (Rio Tinto) have passed on commencement of the 3,800 Ha Mt Pleasant Mine approved in 1998. It was widely expected that the mine would receive C&A management approval to commence development in Dec 2008. No announcement has yet appeared on C&As website.]]></description>
			<link>http://covers.ruralpress.com/frontpages/64/14514.pdf</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:05 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/48</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Thermal Coal contracts fall to $70 USD .... approaching cost of production</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wonder what happens to Xstrata and friends when the contract thermal price falls below the cost of production. The spot market has already ceased to operate... read on....]]></description>
			<link>http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/article5671984.ece</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/47</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Wybong Ablaze</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Wybong fire is in inaccessible terrain leading into the Manobalai Nature Reserve. This area has not had a fire in over twenty years, ground fuel is dense, the fire temperature is extreme. The dense ground fuel is likely to harbour the fire for weeks. The fire has come within inches of homes on Dry Creek Road and Powers (Brays) Road, some 80Ha of paddock and over 100Ha of mountainous terrain have been reduced to ash and bare earth. Near a dozen RFS and NSWFB units including several aircraft and helicopters have been fighting the blaze since it began around 4pm Friday afternoon, spreading quickly to over 200Ha within an hour.... UPDATE 1:00pm Sat 7/2/9 Fire appears under control provided winds remain <10km/hr from the east, with a dozen+ fire appliances and a water bomber in attendance running continual drops to douse flare ups and hot spots on the inaccessible mountainsides.....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/06/2484800.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2009 01:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/46</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Major Xstrata shareholder Glencore rated JUNK STATUS,, Xstrata next</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Xstrata may by gagging for cash, but Glencore is hardly flush. Its credit rating was downgraded a few weeks ago: it now stands at BBB minus, only just above the level that is reckoned to count as junk status."... A MUST READ !]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1135412/CITY-FOCUS-Tricky-balancing-act-Xstrata.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 22:16 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/45</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>"Miners Estate Pops Up Again in Sewerage Works</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Here we go again. Xstrata never take no for an answer and rear their odourous head again in the Sewerage Works...]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/44</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/44</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Widespread Violent Military Crackdown Looms in China as Economy Fails.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[.."the Military Commission issued a statement to all military forces that they should "uncompromisingly obey the Party and Central Military Commissions command at any time and under any circumstances"....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.domain-b.com/economy/worldeconomy/20090202_china_demands_loyalty.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/43</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Naked Capitalism - Unrest in China worse than State news reports</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What the Chinese government wont publish.....
"In southern China, hundreds of workers blocked a highway to protest against pay cuts imposed by managers. At several factories, there were scenes of chaos as police were called to stop creditors breaking in to seize equipment in lieu of debts.

In northern China, television journalists were punished after they prepared a story on the occupation of a textile mill by 6,000 workers. Furious local leaders in the city of Linfen said the news item would "destroy social stability" and banned it.

At textile companies in Suzhou, historic centre of the silk trade, sales managers told of a collapse in export orders. "This time last year our monthly output to Britain and other markets was 60,000 metres of cloth. This month its 3,000 metres," said one.....

Australia has lost the false immunity idol - led to the edge of the abyss by KRuDD, the CFMEU and the fools gold of never ending economic growth.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2009/02/unrest-in-china-worse-than-widely.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:33 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/42</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Chinese losing jobs three times faster than reported</title>
			<description><![CDATA[26 million rural Chinese workers now unemployed and 7 million more to join them as social unrest/riots/sit-ins etc grow. Tens of thousands of factories closed. Billions owed to chinese businesses by the West and Asian businesses. China in meltdown. Army warned that it MUST follow Chinese Communist Party directives EVERY TIME and ANY TIME orders are given.... Draw your own conclusions....]]></description>
			<link>http://www.creditwritedowns.com/2009/02/chinese-migrants-losing-jobs-three-times-faster-than-reported.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/41</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Share Price Falls Even further - How low can you get ?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata heads down to 210p from the heights of 2600p only a year or so ago... hopefully they will disintegrate.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&amp;sid=abHfKoC5wnpA&amp;refer=uk</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/40</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Coal Pollution linked to soaring birth defects among Chinese infants</title>
			<description><![CDATA[SHOCK HORROR READ THIS CHINESE ARTICLE
Every 30 seconds, a Chinese infant is brought into the world with physical defects owing to the countrys environmental pollution... An Huanxiao, the director of Shanxi provincial family planning agency, also said: "The problem of birth defects is related to environmental pollution, especially in eight main COAL zones."

Boffins at Yale University also traced the problem to air pollution, which, their study found, augmented the risk of under-weight infants being born.

The research revealed: "The higher the level of exposure to nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), the greater is the risk..." Sounds just like MUSWELLBROOK!]]></description>
			<link>http://www.chinanews.net/story/460855</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/39</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>What Cooked the Worlds Economy?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An article worth reading "Combined US unemployment and underemployment (those who have stopped looking, and part-timers) runs at nearly 20 percent, the highest since 1945. Housing prices continue to hemorrhage - last falls 18 percent drop could double. Holiday shopping fizzled: 160,000 stores closed last year, and 200,000 more are expected to shutter in 09. Some forecasts place eventual retail closures at 25 percent. In 2008, the Dow dropped further - 34 percent - than at any time since 1931. There is no sound sector in the economy. An estimated $7.36 trillion, more than double the total American outlay for World War II (even correcting for inflation), has been thrown at the problem, according to press reports (with no observable stabilising effect). Along the way, banking, insurance, and car companies have been nationalized, and no one has been brought to justice.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.truthout.org/013009T</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/38</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Rio Tinto coking coal discount bad for contract talks</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Who is cutting whose throat first?
RIO Tintos decision to slash coking coal prices on an existing contract is a bad omen for coal miners, which have just started price talks.

Analysts predict prices of the nations most valuable export will slide by up to a third this year as Asian steel mills cut production and pare coal purchases]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,24986082-643,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/37</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Stocks tumble on rights issues news</title>
			<description><![CDATA["We find it difficult to understand how a coal mine that generated peak earnings of about $50 million could be worth $2 billion (a whopping 40 times peak earnings)"....
The con that Xstrata is putting over its investors. No wonder they find it so easy to LIE to the defunct NSW &amp; Aust Governments and citizens about the existence of the critically endangered Yellow Box-White Box-Blaklys Red Gum and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community in pursuit of the massive Mangoola Open Cut Mine at Anvil Hill, Wybong NSW. XTA=FILTHY MONGREL DOG Corporate Criminal.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.hemscott.com/news/comment-archive/item.do?id=63488</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:17 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/36</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Investor fury over Xstrata cash call</title>
			<description><![CDATA[EVIL CRIMINAL XSTRATA GET AWAY WITH MURDER AS RELATED PARTY (Dirty Hands) BANKS UNDERWRITE SHARE ISSUE.
One of Xstratas biggest investors, many of which were canvassed by its advisers the night before the issue was launched, said he was so "furious that we refused to underwrite the issue". Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan are underwriting Xstratas rights issue, and are believed to be receiving fees of 2.5-3.5 per cent.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/21169758-ee47-11dd-b791-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:13 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/35</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata operates at new depths with rights issue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Minority Investors but majority shareholders are about to stick 2 fingers to Xstrata for its criminal kiss-arse deal with Corporate Criminal Glencore at investors expense. Read more on Xstratas attempted big con.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/columnists/article5614760.ece</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/34</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Xstrata faces rights issue revolt over Glencore deal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mick Davis Criminal CAUGHT OUT BIGTIME ? We Hope So. Leading shareholders in Xstrata are threatening to vote against a $6 billion rights issue after the Anglo-Swiss miner signed a separate sweetheart deal with its largest investor.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article5614875.ece</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:03 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/33</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Criminal Xstrata Attempts to Deceive Investors</title>
			<description><![CDATA[See Xstrata and its criminal accessory Glencore caught out trying to deceive investors with a fraudulent share issue...]]></description>
			<link>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/mining/4389170/Xstrata-deal-raises-worrying-questions.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:59 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/32</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstratas woes a sign of the times</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Run Spot. Run." See the Xstrata dog sell its ass for 1% of its once upon a time value, and see the greedy pigs guarantee it. Nonetheless still a dangerous predator.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/xstratas-woes-a-sign-of-the-times-20090129-7t1f.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/31</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata to break bank covenants income shortfall on $US17 billion debts.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[HA HA Watch Xstrata &amp; Rio cut each others throats ?? Its possible - "Xstrata is believed to be in danger of breaking bank covenants in September because its income is likely to fall short of covering estimated debt of $US17 billion."]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,24978860-5005200,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:31 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/30</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata launches $9b cash call</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Who is greater debt trouble Xstrata or Glencore. Both of these corporate rogue predators deserve to dumped. Neither shows any inclination to cease debt funded acquisition - live by the sword......]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/xstrata-launches-9b-cash-call-20090129-7sd8.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:08 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/29</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal &amp; Allied expects grim 2009</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Will the chinese be bothered with the Coal and Allied Newcastle Knights or will they become the Newcastle Comquats? Either way C&A is about to be offloaded by Rio as recompense for their corporate GREED.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/coal--allied-expects-grim-2009-20090129-7st7.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/28</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata falls further on rights fears</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata falls further on rights fears - on the way out to debt $USD 13 billion, market capitalisation $USD 9 billion.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/article5603570.ece</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:09 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/27</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata prepares multi-billion $USD cash call</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Projection that Xstrata may fall to a record low of 400 pence following an urgent rights issue that may not be supported by Glencore. This is 98% fall on its price as little as 2 years ago. Greed never learns its lesson as the issue is 50% to fund further acquisitions.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1130263/Wednesday-market-close-Shadow-nationalisation-looms-Lloyds-Banking-Group.html</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/26</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata hit by downgrade from Citigroup</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xtrata cut from hold to SELL]]></description>
			<link>http://www.sharecast.com/cgi-bin/sharecast/story.cgi?story_id=2572311</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/25</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata price hit by fears of stake sale by Glencore</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Even Glencore looking to dump XTA !]]></description>
			<link>http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/article5601264.ece</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/24</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>UPDATE: NEXT WAG MEETING:</title>
			<description><![CDATA[UPDATE: NEXT WAG MEETING:]]></description>
			<link>http://wag.org.au/news/display/23</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:57 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/23</guid>
			<author>John Shewan</author>
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		<item>
			<title>Chinese soothsayers predict bumpy 2009</title>
			<description><![CDATA[An interesting twist on Barack Obamas 2009?]]></description>
			<link>http://www.star-telegram.com/279/story/1163185.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:04 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/22</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Traditional owners misled over mine BY GARRET</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Typical Xstrata attitude that the locals are not worth talking to. That is because its not the locals that own the resource, only the land above. Xstrata want everything their own way and even when they get it they still spit the dummy. I hope XTA and gutless Garret get dumped bigtime at the High Court.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/24/2473656.htm?section=australia</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:32 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/21</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Jobs to go at McArthur River despite approval</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Two faced Xstrata blames everyone except itself using Garret and KRuDD for embarrassed little puppets. Serve XTA right if the puppets turn around and bite them on the arse BigTime.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/23/2472944.htm</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 22:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/20</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>ING cuts Xstrata rating - high exposure to debt</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Predator Xstrata - lets see if BHP swallow some of this debt (GREED IS GOOD) monster or whether its sinks in its own shit.]]></description>
			<link>http://in.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idINBNG42350520090123</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 22:35 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/19</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Mine expansion gets green light after job loss threats</title>
			<description><![CDATA[As expected Garret (weak as piss) goes through the motions ON BEHALF OF XSTRATA.. This environmental vandal FREAK should exit Parliament and go get a job with his envirovandal mates in Glencore. Read on..]]></description>
			<link>http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/mine-expansion-gets-green-light-after-job-loss-threats/2009/01/22/1232471495733.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:18 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/18</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>US RESEARCH CONFIRMS BOTH THE ARCTIC &amp; ANTARCTICA ARE MELTING</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The melting of Antarcticas massive ice sheets will cause the worlds sea levels to rise by one to two metres by the end of the century additional to that caused by the arctic melt. The sea will penetrate up to 1km inland in low lying areas.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24946666-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/17</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Evidence that Eric Holder twiced perjured himself before Senate Judiciary Committee</title>
			<description><![CDATA[No wonder Xstrata wont publicly discuss or disclose their extent of their ties to the EVIL Marc Rich and Glencore.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.911familiesforamerica.org/?p=1135</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/16</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal industry at risk with no cash support under carbon reduction scheme</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Well then, if the future for thermal coal is "bleak" then why doesnt the coal industry devote some of their squillions from selling the coal to serious development of their "clean coal" technology? Why dont they? Well because they know damn well that it isnt commercially viable even at VERY HIGH carbon prices. Even the coal researchers admit it privately. Any engineer can work out that "clean coal" is a dead duck (except at pilot scale), on the back of an envelope. No wonder the coal industry want the government (i.e. the long-suffering taxpayers) to cough up. Who wants to waste corporate funds on a project which they know will never fly?" says Elise of Perth]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24935538-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:42 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/15</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>A Rich Vein for Holder Questions</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Holder is accountable for his shameful participation in Clintons pardon decision-the pardon, as Clinton himself later said, wouldnt have happened without Holders green light. But even if that werent so, there remains the stubborn fact that, long before Rich applied for a pardon, Holder was working with the fugitives team and against his own Justice Department. The report of a congressional investigation no one seems to want to read explains it all in gory detail]]></description>
			<link>http://wataugarepubs.blogspot.com/2009/01/rich-vein-for-holder-questions.html</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:53 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/14</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata Pushes Australia Govt On McArthur Mine Expansion</title>
			<description><![CDATA["Patrick Collins, general manager, corporate affairs at Xstrata Zinc Australia, said there is no good explanation for Environment Minister Peter Garretts refusal to give a decision on a December federal court ruling on the zinc mine, one of the largest in the world." This is the sort of knowingly incorrect lie that Xstrata foists on its investors and the public. As if Patrick Collins doesnt know the statutory periods contained in the EPBC Act. If he truthfully doesnt then he should resign as it is that sort of inept bumbling that has Xstrata McArthur River in the situation it is in. Which is it Mr Collins ? Answer - Its an Xstrata LIE...  XTA ARE CRIMINALS.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/dj-xstrata-pushes-australia-govt/story.aspx?guid=%7B8BD66BEB-4C74-4CF9-A55F-0F35AFB74F44%7D&amp;dist=msr_3</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:47 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/13</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>The future of the McArthur River Mine hangs in the balance</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Garret will of course kiss Xstrataa backside and the mine will proceed without one cent extra to indigenous people and most likely with their forced relocation to economically viable white-style townships. Alternately, Xstrata (McArthur River) will declare itself bankrupt and walk away leaving environmental disaster without restitution - which is what usually happens anyway at the end of an Xstrata mines productive (extraction) life.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/01/14/26975_ntnews.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:25 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/12</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Following the redemption of the Preferred Shares, Xstrata Canada will no longer have any publicly traded shares.</title>
			<description><![CDATA[To avoid it going into the scraps bucket XTA Canada is forced to buy back its own worthless paper.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.prefblog.com/?p=4952</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:11 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/11</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Specter Grills Holder Over Marc Rich Pardon Scandal</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Original Stink - now for the truth about how Mr Reich has operated Glencore and Xstrata on their debt driven conquest to usurp the commodities world.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/15/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4723774.shtml</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:06 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/10</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Asia Coal-Prices ease below $80 on sluggish demand</title>
			<description><![CDATA[And that is even with Indonesian Coal sales going off-line due to foul weather. What could it be otherwise?? At some stage around the $70 mark mines like Anvil Hill and definitely Ridgelands Coal are simply unviable loss pits. So why does Xstrata need to destroy their ecology now, when in truth they may NEVER be economically mined ? Answer. Old Age thinking &amp; GREED. Both Anvil Hill and Ridgelands being largely forested are worth more as carbon credit.]]></description>
			<link>http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINJAK31005820090115</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/9</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Xstrata In Talks With Australia Govt To Reopen McArthur Mine</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Lets all watch what Garret will do. We expect that he will come to some slimy arrangement with Xstrata that will see the indigenous people shafted again - probably by some new Ruddite intervention to foreclose on their outstation communities or to declare them economically unviable to service with decent housing, education, health, sewerage etc or full of paedophiles.
One would never expect Garret, backsliding arsehole or the ALP to stand up for indigenous peoples rights. We all know where predator and earth destroyer Xstrata stand.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/dj-xstrata-talks-australia-govt/story.aspx?guid=%7B41C769BF-FB61-4D46-B0A6-B9EFD65027F3%7D&amp;dist=msr_1</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:38 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/8</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Food deficit tipped for tropics</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The effects of Coal Mining and Methane Gas Burning - higher CO2 and faster climate change. If people stay on the land at least they will be able to feed their families at a fair price on basics but not if Xstrata and AGL manage to herd them off into the cities and sh_tholes like muswellbrook where theyll starve with the rest. AGL &amp; XTA - you aint gettin the land I live on !]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24892416-11949,00.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:20 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/7</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Asset-rich, debt-laden Rio Tinto adrift in a buyers market - Xstrata so loaded with debt only Glencore can bail it out on a C &amp; A bid</title>
			<description><![CDATA[WAG told you so. These Predator companys rip off landowners, employees, other companys and governments and will do ANYTHING, legal or otherwise, to maximise their hereto OBSCENE corporate profits. So nice to see Xstrata had followed the debt financing options of the greedy filth and now face annihilation in 2010.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/assetrich-debtladen-rio-tinto-adrift-in-a-buyers-market-20090112-7f7t.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:10 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/6</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Coal &amp; Allied to be shafted to the highest bidder?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[RIO TINTO is considering the sale of its Coal &amp; Allied subsidiary in the Hunter Valley as part of its effort to lower its heavy debt load, and a queue of global players are said to be interested in the assets.

Xstrata, loaded with a massive debt obligation due 2010 is constrained by that debt and the legal question of monopoly in thermal coal markets from simply absorbing Coal &amp; Allied although it is unlikely that corporate predator Glencore would let such an offering simply pass it by.]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/hunter-coalminer-on-rios-sales-list-20090112-7f7q.html</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/5</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Only Purpose for Mothballed Mangoola Early Works is to Destroy Ecological and Biodiversity Assets from future scrutiny</title>
			<description><![CDATA[In August the Xstrata PLC (Swiss) board approved the $1.1 billion development of the Mangoola thermal coal mine, formerly Anvil Hill, in the Upper Hunter Valley.

Mr Rickards said Xstrata had started early works but had yet to commit most of the spending on the project.

The company has not made public a planned completion date for the project. Mr Rickards said the aim was to open the mine "when the market is willing".]]></description>
			<link>http://business.smh.com.au/business/xstrata-pares-operations-as-slowdown-hits-20081205-6sfy.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:28 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/4</guid>
			<author>Wybong Action Group</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Sydney Gas, AGL merger on the cards</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Trading in the shares of Australias largest energy retailer AGL Energy Ltd and coal seam gas (CSG) producer Sydney Gas Ltd was halted on Tuesday, amid speculation the joint venture partners may be planning a merger.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.livenews.com.au/Articles/2008/12/23/Sydney_Gas_takeover_statement_pending</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:46 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/3</guid>
			<author>LiveNews - AAP</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Estimated Carbon Footprint of Sydney Gas and AGL in the Hunter</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The estimates being spun by Sydney Gas for their predicted output of Methane from the Hunter Valley show an Ugh Boot shaped carbon footprint...]]></description>
			<link>http://wage.org.au/news/display/199</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/2</guid>
			<author>Peter Firminger [WAGE]</author>
		</item>
		
		<item>
			<title>Valleys $10bn methane gas find</title>
			<description><![CDATA[AN estimated $10 billion worth of coal-seam methane gas or enough gas to supply Sydney for the next 150 years has been found beneath the Hunter.]]></description>
			<link>http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/valleys-10bn-methane-gas-find/1373248.aspx</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wag.org.au/news/display/1</guid>
			<author>Matthew Kelly (The Herald)</author>
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