Remind me again, what is happening to the Greens’ vote in the inner suburbs?
Major Chinese banks reject bankrolling Adani mine
Adani’s controversial Carmichael mine is dealt another blow as two of China’s major banks say they will not fund the project — a decision that experts say will leave the Indian company relying on public funding.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-03/chinese-banks-not-interested-in-financing-adani-carmichael-mine/9221750
Today’s Celebration
Kamolol Day (Thanksgiving) Marshall Islands
World Wildlife Conservation Day https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-wildlife-conservation-day/
Wear Brown Shoes Day https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/wear-brown-shoes-day/
Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week http://www.communitypartnerships.com.au/
More about Dec 4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_4
Climate Change
Winning Slowly Is the Same as Losing
Bill McKibben
The technology exists to combat climate change – what will it take to get our leaders to act?
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/bill-mckibben-winning-slowly-is-the-same-as-losing-w512967
National
Politicians should get wings clipped on infrastructure
Ross Gittins
A huge proportion of government spending on capital works is unlikely to yield much economic or social return to taxpayers.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/politicians-should-get-wings-clipped-on-infrastructure-20171203-gzxlwt.html
Victoria
‘Constant traffic jam’: The West’s new $5.5b toll road ‘gridlocked in 10 years’
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wests-new-toll-road-to-be-in-gridlock-less-than-a-decade-after-opening-20171201-gzx253.html
Queensland
Traditional owners aiming to block native title ruling on Adani site
A group of traditional owners fighting the Adani coal mine are filing a court injunction against the mine owner and the Queensland Government, hoping to prevent a fast-tracked native title decision on the mine site.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-03/adani-mine-traditional-owners-want-to-block-native-title-ruling/9221256
Major Chinese banks reject bankrolling Adani mine
Adani’s controversial Carmichael mine is dealt another blow as two of China’s major banks say they will not fund the project — a decision that experts say will leave the Indian company relying on public funding.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-03/chinese-banks-not-interested-in-financing-adani-carmichael-mine/9221750
Government agencies took more than two years to investigate claims of illegal mangrove clearing at East Trinity
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/government-agencies-took-more-than-two-years-to-investigate-claims-of-illegal-mangrove-clearing/news-story/f08757dbae4e4b67e99c13eaf2cc130e
Heavy rain, damaging winds and hail forecast for coming days in south-east Queensland
http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/heavy-rain-damaging-winds-and-hail-forecast-for-coming-days-in-south-east-queensland-20171202-p4yxc6.html
Adani looting Australia’s treasures: Gearing up the vox pops in Maiwar
Tess Lawrence
Only one party, the Greens, oppose the looting of Australia’s natural treasures by Adani — and that may just be enough to get them their first ever seat in…
https://independentaustralia.net/australia/australia-display/adani-looting-australias-treasures-gearing-up-the-vox-pops-in-maiwar,10990
Tasmania
Call to ‘crank up’ efforts to save endangered species during bushfires
Conservationists call for authorities to give endangered species’ safety greater priority during Tasmanian bushfires, but the mayor of an area devastated in October says he cannot see how more can be done.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-03/endangered-species-safety-during-tasmanian-fires-in-focus/9153498
Storm brewing: King Islanders wary of Tassal’s fish farm plans
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/5096975/storm-brewing-king-islanders-wary-of-tassals-fish-farm-plans/?cs=95
Northern Territory
Federal Government offers blood tests to PFAS-chemical affected Katherine residents
After resisting offering blood tests to PFAS-affected residents in Katherine for months while making them available to affected people in Queensland and NSW, the Federal Government announces more than $5 million for support services will be made available from Monday.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-03/pfas-federal-government-offers-blood-tests-katherine-residents/9221550
Western Australia
WA trees discovered poisoned by mystery vandals
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/stressed-and-sick-wa-trees-discovered-poisoned-by-mystery-vandals-20171203-gzxo8d.html
Sustainability
The eco guide to greener veg
More than 300 pesticides are permitted in conventional agriculture, and some may combine in a harmful cocktail effect. So for your sake and the planet’s, go organic
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/03/the-eco-guide-to-greener-veg
With the right tools, we can mine cities
André Stephan, University of Melbourne and Aristide Athanassiadis, Université Libre de Bruxelles
With an ever-increasing cost to extract dwindling raw materials, it’s time to look at cities as urban mines. We’re developing the tools to do that.
http://theconversation.com/with-the-right-tools-we-can-mine-cities-87672
Sustainable Shopping: the eco-friendly guide to online Christmas shopping
https://theconversation.com/sustainable-shopping-the-eco-friendly-guide-to-online-christmas-shopping-88252
Nature Conservation
Vaquita porpoise facing extinction after £3m rescue plan abandoned
Only hope for world’s most endangered marine mammal now rests with bid to stop illegal fishing
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/03/vaquita-porpoise-extinction-threat-rescue-plan-abandoned
Maelor Himbury