Recent IMEO-funded flights over Bowen Basin coal mines are likely to confirm the long-standing problems with emissions reporting by Australian open cut mines, and suggest how reporting could be improved.

This analysis has been made to help Australians contribute to climate policies. It looks at the incomplete progress to date, and at problems in emission measurements and offsets.

This submission to the Climate Change Authority is in relation to their review of the NGER Act 2007. It strongly recommends the replacement of present methane reporting methods for open cut coal mines by direct measurement at the mine surface.

This submission to the Climate Change Authority is in response to their consultation paper of August 2023. A microsimulation model should be created for each Safeguard facility, reflecting its resources, profitability and abatement costs. Climate change projections should be used to model the growth or decline of regional industries.

This submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is in response to their Safeguard Mechanism production variables consultation.

This submission to the Climate Change Authority is in response to their issues paper of May 18 2023.

This submission to the Climate Change Authority is in response to their issues paper of May 18 2023. It notes that methane emissions from open cut mines appear to be strongly underestimated, and suggests that open cut coal mines should be required to measure their emissions directly.

More information is needed on the regional consequences of Australia’s climate policies. Annual changes to Safeguard rules are likely to be more effective. Heavy use of ACCUs may occur by fossil fuel producers. Any use of ACCUs to offset methane emissions will result in many years of global warming before the offsetting cooling occurs.

The Safeguard Mechanism controls the 200 largest greenhouse gas emitters in Australia. A detailed national plan is needed to reduce their emissions, taking into account their locations. This would allow grants to be directed more effectively, with new industries replacing old ones, and with lower impacts on communities.

Renewable generators and storage can be built within a year. A faster transition to fully renewable electricity would reduce the severe price fluctuations affecting providers and consumers. The Australian Energy Management Operator should be asked to design a scenario which brings forward generator, storage and network investments as quickly as possible.