Latest news with #EMRC
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Why locals may have to pay more for rubbish collection
Eastern suburbs residents have been warned they could have to pay more to have their rubbish collected if a publicly-funded waste facility is sold to a private operator. The future of the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council's Red Hill waste management facility has been thrown into doubt as its member councils leave or contemplate leaving. Red Hill accepts a wide range of waste from the general public, commercial operators and local, regional, State and Federal government organisations. But a former EMRC chairman has warned a spate of councils deciding to 'take the money and run' could lead to Red Hill being sold to a private operator and prices for waste disposal increasing. The City of Belmont was a founding member of the EMRC but withdrew in 2021, leaving the cities of Swan, Kalamunda and Bayswater, the Shire of Mundaring and Town of Bassendean as the remaining members. The City of Kalamunda withdrew its membership in 2023 and the Shire of Mundaring announced in April it would withdraw its membership effective from July 1. The Town of Bassendean and City of Bayswater each held meetings behind closed doors during July about the EMRC, with their resolutions kept confidential. Although Bassendean's meeting on June 10 was behind closed doors, former town councillor and past EMRC chairman Jai Wilson used public statement time to speak against the town leaving the EMRC, warning it could lead to the sale of Red Hill. Jai Wilson (centre) with past Bassendean mayor Renee McLennan and past Bayswater mayor Dan Bull. Credit: EMRC Mr Wilson said he was elected to the council in 2017 on a ticket of the town remaining an active member of the EMRC. Its member councils then raised $100 million to develop a large-scale FOGO plant. 'What happened when that $100 million got saved is that some greedy local governments — Belmont, Kalamunda and Swan — formed a view that they would like to do a smash and grab on that $100m and divert it away from the purpose for which it was raised, to take it as money they could spend on vanity projects,' Mr Wilson said. 'They formed a view they would leave the EMRC, take that money that had been saved for that project and send their ratepayers' waste to a privately owned incinerator. A ridiculous and disappointing outcome but that's how democracy works. 'We now find ourselves in a situation where more councils are looking to leave and take the money and run. 'That means this goes one of two ways: we either keep Red Hill and the facilities we built up through shared investment in public hands, or we allow it to get sold for cents in the dollar in a fire sale to some foreign multinational corporation that will do certainly two things — jack up prices to recoup money they invest in buying the plant at all of our expense and two, cut corners which will risk the health and safety of the workers that are there and the environment.' The EMRC released a prospectus in May encouraging investment from waste recovery and waste-to-energy related operators. Mr Wilson said the State Government had 'sat on its hands' and needed to keep Red Hill in public ownership. 'It is open to the State Government to support whichever councils ultimately decide to stay in the EMRC, to pay out the greedy councils who want to take the money and run, and to have a borrowing facility to allow the remaining councils to continue to operate the plant,' he said. 'Make sure that the greed of those councils who have misappropriated these funds is not rewarded in any way.' Mr Wilson also asked why the discussion would be behind closed doors. Acting CEO Paul White said it was partly because it involved a contract the council had entered into or could enter into. 'Secondly, the urgency and haste with which circumstances have developed require the ability for the council to be fully briefed and have an open, frank discussion which in this case is best held behind closed doors,' he said. 'There will be information that is publicly made available in due course.' Kalamunda mayor Margaret Thomas said the city withdrew its membership after a decision at its November 2022 meeting. That decision was also made behind closed doors. Belmont CEO John Christie said the city withdrew its membership because 'after careful consideration, (it) didn't see enough value for our community to continue'. The City of Swan was contacted for comment.
Jordan News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Jordan News
EMRC Concludes Participation in International ConvEx-3 Exercise to Strengthen National Preparedness for Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies
The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) has concluded its effective participation in the international ConvEx-3 exercise, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over 24–25 June 2025. The large-scale drill brought together IAEA Member States -more than 75 countries and 10 international organizations- to simulate a hypothetical nuclear incident at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant in Romania. اضافة اعلان Eng. Ziad Al-Saaydeh, Chairman of the EMRC Board of Commissioners, stated that the exercise marks a significant milestone in enhancing Jordan's national capabilities and strengthening its framework for preparedness in nuclear and radiological emergencies. He affirmed the Kingdom's continued commitment to the implementation of international nuclear safety conventions, emphasizing that EMRC is working through integrated plans covering regulatory, technical, and communication aspects to ensure the highest levels of protection for individuals, property, and the environment in accordance with global best practices. ConvEx-3 is the highest-level emergency preparedness exercise conducted by the IAEA. It aims to assess the effectiveness of both national and international responses to complex nuclear and radiological scenarios, evaluate coordination efficiency and information exchange between states, and identify opportunities to improve national emergency plans. What made this edition unique was the integration of simulated cyber threats, cross-border coordination on protective measures, and a secure social media simulation platform to test real-time public communication strategies. EMRC's engagement in the exercise included activating Jordan's officially designated National Warning Point and coordinating real-time information exchange via the IAEA's Unified System for Information Exchange in Incidents and Emergencies (USIE). The Commission also issued transparent and professional public updates regarding Jordan's radiological safety status and monitored developments through its direct link with the IAEA's International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS). At the conclusion of the exercise, Chairman Al-Saaydeh stressed the importance of such international simulations in testing the responsiveness and resilience of Jordan's emergency systems under realistic and complex conditions. He reiterated that EMRC, in close cooperation with the IAEA, remains dedicated to further enhancing its regulatory and technical capabilities—reinforcing Jordan's position as a responsible and proactive member of the global nuclear and radiological safety and security framework.
Jordan News
23-06-2025
- Science
- Jordan News
Energy Commission: Radiation Levels in Jordan Are Normal; Continuous Monitoring Ongoing - Jordan News
Ziyad Al-Saaydeh, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners at the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC), confirmed that Jordan's National Environmental Radiation Monitoring System is operating efficiently and continuously around the clock. اضافة اعلان The system includes an integrated network of fixed stations and mobile field laboratories, all operated by specialized and qualified technical teams, in accordance with the highest technical standards and international best practices. Al-Saaydeh explained that radiation monitoring results and analyses—conducted since early Sunday at several targeted sites using mobile labs and advanced measuring equipment—are part of the commission's ongoing daily inspections under a comprehensive precautionary plan. These results showed that radiation levels across the Kingdom remain within natural background limits, offering reassurance and requiring no additional measures. He emphasized that the EMRC strengthens its technical capabilities through advanced mobile radiation monitoring stations, which are essential components of Jordan's National Radiological Emergency Plan. These units provide immediate and accurate assessments at sensitive locations. Jordan is also one of the first Arab countries to link its fixed stations to the International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS) run by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This connection enables real-time data exchange and analysis during emergencies, enhancing rapid response and informed decision-making. Al-Saaydeh added that these efforts reflect the commission's regulatory role within an integrated national system for environmental radiation monitoring. This system operates with efficiency and transparency, demonstrating Jordan's commitment to public safety and sustainable institutional performance. He affirmed that the EMRC, in full coordination with the National Center for Security and Crisis Management and all relevant agencies, continues to operate at the highest level of readiness and professionalism to ensure the safety and protection of citizens—embodying the state's proactive approach in dealing with any developments.
Ammon
23-06-2025
- Science
- Ammon
EMRC: Radiation levels in Jordan within natural limits
Ammon News - The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) has confirmed that radiation levels across the Kingdom remain within natural background limits, following a new round of nationwide assessments. The Commission emphasized that its environmental radiation monitoring network is operating continuously and efficiently around the clock. Ziad Al-Sa'aidah, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners at EMRC, stated in a press release on Monday that the national monitoring system comprises a network of fixed stations and mobile field laboratories operated by qualified technical teams and aligned with international standards and best practices. Recent monitoring and analysis, conducted since early Sunday using mobile laboratories and advanced radiation detection equipment at multiple sites, revealed no abnormal readings. Al-Sa'aidah noted that the results fall well within normal background radiation levels, confirming there is no risk to public safety and no need for additional action. These efforts are part of EMRC's comprehensive and precautionary daily monitoring plan. The Commission operates mobile radiation monitoring units that serve as a core component of Jordan's national radiological emergency response strategy, allowing for rapid and precise assessments in sensitive locations. Al-Sa'aidah also highlighted Jordan's leadership in regional monitoring efforts, noting that the country was among the first in the Arab world to integrate its fixed radiation stations into the International Atomic Energy Agency's global monitoring network (IRMIS). The system allows for real-time data sharing and analysis during emergencies, enhancing decision-making speed and accuracy. He emphasized that the Commission's work falls under a broader regulatory framework aimed at safeguarding public health and institutional continuity. "These efforts reflect our commitment to a proactive, transparent, and integrated national system for environmental radiation monitoring," Al-Sa'aidah said. He further stressed that EMRC is working in full coordination with the National Center for Security and Crisis Management and all relevant government bodies to maintain the highest levels of preparedness. "Our approach is aligned with Jordan's national strategy of proactive risk management to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens," he added. Petra
Jordan News
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Energy Regulatory Commission: Radiation levels in Jordan stable, within normal limits - Jordan News
Chairperson of the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission's (EMRC), Ziad Sa'aidah, stressed that according to real-time data released by the Commission's National Monitoring System, all environmental radiation monitoring readings in different parts of the Kingdom confirm that radiation levels are entirely stable, within the authorized natural limits, and without any notable change. اضافة اعلان Sa'aidah went on to say that the Commission, in carrying out its crucial oversight function, is in charge of an integrated environmental radiation monitoring system that runs effectively, continuously, and around-the-clock. This system employs cutting-edge technical tools to precisely track radiation levels in real time, and its skilled and knowledgeable technical team analyzes this data directly through the Monitoring and Emergency Center. He said in a statement on Friday that the Commission is keeping an eye on regional events in accordance with its national duty and in close consultation with pertinent local and foreign agencies. He underlined that a clear and current institutional strategy outlines all preventive and precautionary measures. He emphasized that no radiation changes have been observed in the Kingdom at all and that the Commission follows a rigorous scientific process that guarantees complete readiness and prompt response to any emergency. "We are committed to providing citizens with accurate information in a timely manner, with the utmost transparency and accountability," the Commission's Chairperson added.
