Nationwide casting call for four-legged koala protector
The search is on for a ball-obsessed rescue dog to help save endangered koalas from fires and floods, after a beloved veteran retired.
environmental issue
Invasive fire ants continue march into inner-city park
The discovery of fire ants in an inner Brisbane park raises questions about efforts to contain the spread of the invasive species ahead of the Olympics.
Aussie artificial intelligence may give robots a leg up
A new, water-efficient artificial intelligence hub could help robots make important decisions without delay.
Climate change risks billions in roads, hospitals bills
A state has been warned climate change-linked weather hazards endanger almost a fifth of the value of major infrastructure assets.
Aussie tech to tell heavy electric trucks where to go
How far and how fast can a battery-powered prime mover go? One Australian start-up is doing the sums so freight businesses don't have to.
Climate agencies to ask AI to predict future disasters
Artificial intelligence could play a major role in predicting natural disasters around Australia but authorities warn they do not understand it well enough.
Aussie-made cane toad leather almost ready for market
It won't be long before Australian-made leather goods, produced from one of the country's most notorious invasive species, are available to purchase.
Green groups warn climate courage missing from budget
Budget announcements for green industry and nature protection fall short as climate costs mount and opportunities to extract more fossil fuel income go missed.
Gas project model pours cold water on emissions goal
Modelling examining a $30 billion-plus offshore gas proposal has drawn conclusions on the likelihood of a major state reaching a 2050 emissions target.
Gas tax hopes flicker as reservation scheme revealed
Big gas companies will need to inject more LNG into the Australian market under a plan aimed at bringing down prices and shoring up supply.
Noisy, smelly and thirsty: call to pause data centres
Australia is on track to become a world leader for data centres powering the AI revolution but experts say their approvals need greater scrutiny.
‘No more tests’: One Nation basks in by-election bliss
A historic by-election win for One Nation has sent shock waves through Australian politics, legitimising the party as a right-wing force.
Batteries undercutting gas, keeping lid on power bills
Batteries are now the primary tool for managing evening spikes in electricity demand, a job previously falling to gas and hydro at greater expense.
Competition puts Australia’s green iron edge at risk
Australia's renewable energy and rich iron ore deposits make it a potential leader in green iron and steel but other nations may be closing the gap.
‘Trying times’: farmers stare down trifecta of troubles
Farmers are being forced to adapt and innovate as drought conditions intensify and global shocks push up costs and risk vital fertiliser supplies.
Stalled methane fight risks climate, energy security
Concerted efforts to curb methane from fossil fuel production in Australia and around the world could benefit both the climate and energy security.
Electric car sales surge ahead amid fuel uncertainty
Australian drivers have broken the record for electric car sales again, as petrol and diesel-powered vehicle sales stall.
End of the free ride: studies call for road user charge
Two transport groups say fuel excise is no longer running smoothly and the government needs to charge motorists based on how far they drive.
After the sun sets: hub to tackle coming e-waste crisis
With millions of solar power systems installed across the country, a national research centre will probe what to do with the panels at the end of their lives.
Caveat empty: car buyers beware fuel and range promises
Road tests show most vehicles are using more petrol, diesel or electricity than advertised, with one hybrid SUV using almost 30 per cent more fuel.
‘Elvis of birds’: clue found in hunt for elusive parrot
Researchers are racing against time to find and protect a critically endangered parrot after a decade-long search led to audio of the rare bird's call.
Trial could boost Australia’s bid to be battery leader
A multimillion-dollar pilot program will test whether Australia can produce more materials for electric vehicle batteries with less impact on the environment.
Coast clear as response to toxic algal bloom eased
Improved water quality has triggered the scaling back of a state's multi-million-dollar response to a toxic algal bloom but fishing closures remain in place.
Export tax push runs out of gas as budget hopes dashed
Furious lobbying for a 25 per cent tax on gas exports is failing to sway the federal government, which is ruling out the measure for the upcoming budget.
‘Like charging a phone’: $1.5m boost for EV network
More than 400 apartment buildings could get access to electric vehicle chargers as part of a push to remove a speed bump to their adoption.
Global Shift to Green Power Leaves Coal in the Shadows
For the first time in modern history, renewable energy sources have overtaken the world’s growing demand for electricity. Led by a record-breaking year for solar in China and India, clean power now makes up more than one-third of the global electricity mix. For a sun-drenched state like Queensland, this global shift offers a promising blueprint for our own energy future.
AI cameras spotted more than 1000 bushfires over summer
Cameras powered by artificial intelligence are helping Australian agencies identify fires before they can spread, protecting plantations and properties.
Electric vehicle batteries could spark recycling market
An Australian company will create a recycling plant for the batteries used in households and electric cars after a multimillion-dollar investment.
Court denies Aboriginal woman’s ‘on Country’ request
A magistrate has rejected an Aboriginal woman's request for a hearing on culturally significant land, saying the case can be fairly determined without doing so.
Aussies want electric cars to save cash, not the planet
Australians are considering electric cars as fuel prices rise, with potential buyers fuelled by the possibility of saving money rather than the environment.
Inquiry launched as governments spar over oil project
A state government has launched an inquiry into new environmental laws as it calls for a national interest exemption for an oil exploration project.