Reports of ‘rafting’ fire ants prompt border crackdown
A temporary ban has been put in place for some products in an attempt to stop "super pest" fire ants from hitching a ride over state lines.
Environmental Issue
Energy bill jolt: price rises power up living cost pain
The threat of further energy bill increases of up to $200 annually following a regulator's decision has put the spotlight back on federal energy policy.
Innovation urged to hurdle green superpower roadblocks
Australia has largely embraced the renewable energy superpower vision, but its key architect fears the transition to green power is falling short.
Community spirit as clean up begins after cyclone
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are persisting after an ex tropical cyclone neared coastal communities but some residents are already starting the clean up.
More hazardous, more rain: cyclones in a warming world
There's more to learn about Alfred's relationship to climate change but studies suggest cyclones are bringing more rain and doing more damage than in the past.
Insurers urged to move quickly on Cyclone Alfred claims
Billions in damage and a flurry of insurance claims are expected to follow Cyclone Alfred, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers is confident the industry is prepared.
Fears of reduction in promised koala park coming ‘soon’
Conservation groups have expressed concerns over the eventual size of a promised Great Koala National Park, with a decision expected "soon enough".
Nuclear powers down as global reactor numbers shrink
Fewer nuclear reactors are operating worldwide than early this decade and global renewable power generation is dwarfing the energy source.
Airport demonstration to show hydrogen option will fly
An Australian start-up has installed a renewable hydrogen generator and storage system at an airport in a bid to overcome barriers to adopting the clean energy.
Free tests could become ‘forever chemicals’ case study
Tens of thousands of people could become a case study on the health effects of 'forever chemicals' if government supports a testing campaign.
Uneven heat a climate change peril for poorer postcodes
Poorer suburbs and regions with large elderly populations are especially vulnerable to extreme heat from climate change, updated modelling shows.
Experts fear nuclear plants would become war targets
If Australia builds nuclear capabilities, the reactors could be vulnerable to missile strikes and sabotage in the event of a war, say former defence chiefs.
Powering up: Indigenous company supplying energy to NBN
Australia's first Indigenous-owned energy retailer is expanding into two more states just eight months after launching.
Fortescue profit slumps on weak iron ore prices
China's struggling property sector continues to weigh on big miners, with Fortescue profits down more than 50 per cent.
Polluter pays: Greens’ enter fray on insurance costs
Forcing gas and coal firms to contribute to disaster resilience and the reinsurance pool is the latest suggestion from a political party to bring down premiums.
More birds and more shooting in duck hunting season
The Victorian government is pushing ahead with a longer duck hunting season which also allows shooters to bag more birds.
Price and policy changes redirect Uber’s electric drive
Australian ride-share drivers could be about to lose a long-time electric vehicle discount but gain another as Uber adapts to market changes.
Climate risk main reason premiums are rising: insurers
Breaking up big companies is no silver bullet to keep insurance premiums affordable, the sector says.
How electric cars could drive down Aussie power bills
It's been sold as the technology that could turn your electric car into a money spinner but experts say vehicle-to-grid could be much more than a side hustle.
Climate simmers in background of hip pocket election
Campaigning on climate action is unlikely to dominate the 2025 federal election but may prove a winning formula in regions vulnerable to extreme weather.
Tesla slump and falling prices set to change EV market
Lower prices, more competition, and a market leader's fall in popularity could prove a tipping point for sales of electric vehicles in Australia.
‘Golden age of gas’: households, manufacturers miss out
Households and manufacturers have been left worse off by the east coast gas bonanza, and exporters face new competition from cheaper sources, a report warns.
Australia tops index as virtual power plants take shape
Australia is poised for virtual power plants that connect households and slash bills but an expert warns nuclear reactors could force users off rooftop solar.
Aussie university joins $230m future materials project
Sourcing and processing materials needed to transition to renewable energy is the focus of an international research project, with Australians at its heart.
Students to suffer at schools in climate firing line
Extreme heat and disruptions from climate-fuelled floods and fires pose learning setbacks for students that may weigh on their future earnings, a report says.
Electric kickstart: call to fund clean, greener trucks
Small transport companies need to adopt electric fleets to remain competitive, industry experts say, but many will need financial help to get there.
AI pioneers look to douse bushfires before they happen
Machine-learning technology could become the next weapon against bushfires with researchers developing a prototype delivering more accurate predictions.
‘Real possibility’: the bushfire risk to Aussie cities
The world faces a blurring of the lines between traditional fire seasons, throwing up major problems in fighting blazes that increasingly threaten major cities.
Tax breaks for clean aluminium to foil carbon emissions
Australia's aluminium industry is set to share in billions of dollars of tax credits to help emissions-intensive smelters convert to cleaner sources of energy.
Urban fire risk for climates like LA as planet warms
Australian cities with similar climates to Los Angeles are experiencing the same drying conditions and erratic rainfall, which does not bode well for fire risk.
Duck hunting reloads despite a shorter season
A state report on duck season has conservationists at odds with hunters over the future of the recreational activity.