South Australia pushes ahead with plastic bag ban
There’s a ban on plastic bags. Expect serious fines for anyone caught distributing them. So don’t get caught. South Australia is making a big push to eliminate plastic bags from supermarkets and other store over the coming weeks. It will be the first state in the nation to implement such a ban.
Starting on May 4 the environmentally friendly plan is aimed at doing Australia’s part in keeping the planet clean while kicking plastic making companies in the ‘nads. Offending retailers face fines of $315 up to a maximum of $5000. Suppliers can be fined up to $20,000 for knowingly breaking the ban. Don’t claim that you haven’t been warned. (link)
Highspeed Internet for Oz
The Australian government is planning on creating a national high speed broadband network at a cost of $43 billion dollars. One of the biggest Internet upgrades world wide. The 8 year project should create 37,000 jobs and give a lift to the slumping economy. This announcement surprised private firms bidding to build a less advanced system for about $10 billion dollars. Firms included Optus of Singapore and Axia NetMedia of Canada.
The hi tech network will deliver speeds of up to 100 megabits per second for 90% of Australia. The government plans to become the world leader by investing in it’s Internet infrastructure. Analysts are skeptical that such actions will produce the much needed economic stimulus required as other G5 nations are pursuing a less aggressive infrastructure upgrade. Only time will tell if Rudd is choosing the right path. NYT
Another interesting topic raised is television. With a faster Internet connection many may choose to download their favorite episodes rather than watching them live costing broadcasters vital advertising revenues. Perhaps this paradigm shift will cause the boost of one media while causing the fall of another. (news.com.au)
