Energy Minister Peter Collier is inviting public comment on the design of a feed-in tariff scheme for Western Australia.

In releasing a discussion paper today, Mr Collier said this was the latest step in the Liberal-National Government’s commitment to introduce a feed-in tariff from July 2010.Click here for more information.

On Monday 5 October 2009, the Department of Environment and Conservation announced the finalists for the 2009 Environment Awards. One hundred and four submissions across 11 categories were received this year and judging of the entries was recently completed by category judging panels.

SEDO is the proud sponsor of the ‘Community Energy Efficiency’ category, awarded to a community group or local government authority for a significant contribution to energy efficiency.

The finalists for the ‘Community Energy Efficiency’ category are:

• Environment House - Our $WaP Project
• Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire, Switch your thinking! - Green Light Schools Fundraiser

The winners will be announced at an Awards presentation dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Friday 27 November 2009.

Visit the Department of Environment and Conservation's website at www.dec.wa.gov.au/awards for further information.

Under the Regional Energy Efficiency Program, subsidised professional energy audits are being progressively offered to small businesses and organisations in regional areas.

Energy Audits are being planned for the Kimberley and Pilbara regions during November 2009 and small businesses in those regions can now register their interest in the energy audit program. Forms must be received by 2 November 2009.

Full details of the program of the audit program, including eligibility criteria, are outlined in the programs’ frequently asked questions.

The Minister for Climate Change and Water Senator Penny Wong last month delivered an important speech on what climate change means for Western Australia to the Institute of Public Administration WA. Here is a copy of her presentation.