Fire ants invade Qld islands, raising fears for K’gari
There are fears fire ants could invade World Heritage-listed K'gari after 130 nests were found on another large sand island off Brisbane.
Environmental Issue
Australia granted more time to address reef threats
The World Heritage Committee has confirmed it won't yet list the Great Barrier Reef as in-danger but Australia's guardianship remains under close scrutiny.
Reef used to road-test water quality forecasting system
The CSIRO is testing a new system on the Great Barrier Reef that could one day pump out water quality forecasts, much like weather reports.
No El Nino for now but authorities remain on alert
The prospect of hotter, drier weather has authorities concerned even as the Bureau of Meteorology holds off on declaring an El Nino event.
Coalition won’t be departing from net zero: Dutton
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has slapped down a National Party push to abandon a commitment to net zero emissions.
Citizen scientists asked to help unpack platypus enigma
Ecologists want Australians to look for platypuses in their local rivers and creeks to help plug knowledge gaps about the declining species.
NT fire still blazing as Tennant Creek smoke eases
A fire three times the size of the ACT is rapidly moving through the Northern Territory outback, threatening towns along the way.
Nationals net-zero row splits party, draws condemnation
Despite an unsuccessful bid to abolish the Nationals' commitment to net-zero emissions, the party's conservative elements have vowed to force a partyroom vote.
Tennant Creek residents brace for massive NT blaze
A fire three times the size of the ACT is rapidly moving through the Northern Territory outback, threatening towns along the way.
Government seeks refresh on Murray Darling plan
The government wants to push back its plan to remedy the Murray Darling Basin after the environment minister admitted it could not meet its impending deadline.
Stormwater loaded with microplastics from car tyres
Tiny toxic particles from tyres are polluting the stormwater that flows into Australian waterways, but scientists say there are simple solutions available.
Local councils urged to drive electric cars, trucks
Battery-powered garbage trucks and electric cars are among the vehicles being shown to local government leaders ahead of World EV Day.
Threatened species list just got a whole lot longer
Dozens of plants and animals have been added to Australia's long list of threatened species, with 14 catapulting into the critically endangered category.
Plan to shield native species from threat posed by cats
The federal government has released a new plan that aims to stop feral and pet cats from driving more native species to extinction.
Government ‘helping hand’ ideal to control prices: Lowe
A bigger role for government in managing economic cycles and acting on sluggish productivity features on Philip Lowe's wish list for a stronger Australia.
Swift action urged to help save endangered parrot
Some states are yet to sign on to a new recovery plan that has been designed to help save the critically endangered swift parrot.
Bushfire survivors call for pause on coal, gas projects
Members and senators in Canberra are being lobbied to ensure coal and gas approvals are stopped while the Labor government reviews national environmental laws.
Federal probe into disputed $1.5b processing hub
A proposed manufacturing facility on Darwin Harbour that has divided the community will go under the microscope at a federal senate inquiry.
Biggest coal plant given lifeline to ‘keep lights on’
The NSW government will enter talks with Origin to extend the life of the Eraring coal power station, after a review found the state may face energy shortages.
Invaders top threat to Australia’s native treasures
A landmark international report has detailed the extraordinary toll invasive species are taking on ecosystem health worldwide, and Australia is no exception.
Sparks to fly in the battle to boost electric vehicles
Car makers and green groups agree Australia needs new laws to get more electric cars in the country but they disagree on what those laws should feature.
Feds step up funding for Tas power link to the mainland
The federal government will now shoulder a larger share of the financial burden to complete the Marinus Link energy project connecting Tasmania to the mainland.
Roundup blamed for cancer pain in landmark class action
A lengthy class action to determine whether a weed killer contains a human carcinogenic has begun in the Federal Court of Australia.
Eraring coal power station report to be made public
The NSW government is about to release a report on the state's renewable energy transition which could recommend the extension of the Eraring Power Station.
Alien invaders driving destruction of nature worldwide
A landmark international report has detailed the extraordinary toll invasive species are taking on ecosystem health worldwide and Australia is no exception.
Talks to start on extending life of biggest coal plant
The NSW government will enter talks with Origin to extend the life of the Eraring coal power station, after a review found the state may face energy shortages.
Australia smashes new vehicle sales record in August
Australian motorists have broken records after buying more than 109,000 new vehicles last month, with SUVs and ute sales leading the charge.
New single-use plastic bans in QLD, WA and SA
New rules banning single-use plastics, including microbeads and polystyrene packing peanuts have come into effect in parts of the country.
Albanese govt slammed for ‘reckless’ mine approval
Green groups have lashed the federal government and questioned its climate credentials after it approved its fourth coal project this year.
Action urged after damning report into mass fish deaths
Strong laws are useless if not implemented, conservationists say, after a damning report into the cause of 20 million fish deaths.
Australia a decade behind pack on tackling urban heat
Experts say bold political leadership is needed to ensure Australia's major cities remain liveable as the urban heat problem escalates.