Automotive lobby accused of anti-electric car campaign
A climate group has accused representatives for Australia's biggest car makers of privately lobbying the government for weak vehicle pollution cuts.
environmental politics
Experts to consider critical listing for ancient fish
An ancient fish on the brink of extinction could be listed as critically endangered within a fortnight, after such action was passed over just last year.
Water theft laws so bad only ‘morons’ are at risk
Australia's water inspector has railed against holes in laws meant to safeguard the resource, calling them rubbish and saying only morons are at risk.
Govt to force change on packaging industry
Australia's packaging industry will be forced to clean up its act with work underway on new regulations after voluntary reforms failed dismally.
Green power target will require ‘huge’ investment surge
A huge surge of investment will be needed for the government to achieve its green energy ambitions, senators have been told.
Parks chief struggled to find cash for pest control
The managers of Australia's national parks had to make tough choices during a decade of underfunding that prevented basic activities from being carried out.
Farming export success linked to sustainability
Australian producers are increasingly being asked to prove their sustainability with export sales dependent on growers being able to back up their claims.
Aussies encouraged to sound off on electric car safety
Australians are being asked whether electric vehicles should make more noise, technology that one report says could save dozens of lives.
Victoria swings axe to fell native logging industry
The Victorian government will phase out native timber logging in 2024 and has announced a transition package in the state budget.
Minister nixed Palmer coal mine, dept approved another
The environment minister personally killed off Clive Palmer's coal mine but trusted a delegate to decide on another Queensland mine that got the green light.
Landowners could be hit with wind, solar wind-up costs
Landholders could be left with huge bills to dismantle wind and solar power infrastructure unless they sign the right deals with developers, an expert warns.
Electric trucks spark debate about road restrictions
Electric trucks are finally rolling out of factories and into showrooms but many will not hit Australian roads unless weight and width rules change.
Economist tells leaders to rethink green evolution
Australia must think bigger if it's serious about morphing into a renewable energy superpower, economist Ross Garnaut says.
Threatened species dudded by planting scheme: study
Simplistic concerns about cost trumped outcomes for imperilled species under a high-profile program to plant 20 million trees across Australia, researchers say.
Environmentalists launch another Qld coal challenge
Environmentalists have launched a fresh legal challenge against Queensland's New Acland coalmine expansion on the Darling Downs.
Queensland’s ecotourism plans ‘poorly defined’: report
A report by Queensland's auditor-general has found the state's ecotourism plan to be lacking coherent policy and poorly defined.
Toyota faces revolt in its ranks over electric vehicles
Australia's biggest car brand is being urged to reveal its climate lobbying efforts amid claims the company is missing opportunities with electric cars.
Reef island purchases protect sensitive habitats
Leases on two Great Barrier Reef islands are now in the hands of the Queensland government and will become protected areas for native habitats.
Federal budget to ‘turn the tide’ on nature destruction
Animals and plants at risk of extinction will be overseen by two powerful agencies as the federal budget outlines funding for a range of environmental measures.
Budget boosts cash for climate infrastructure
The federal government has set aside hundreds of millions of dollars in the 2023/24 budget to shore up efforts to deal with the consequences of climate change.
Electric vehicle ad campaign claps back at ex-PM’s jibe
A new advertising campaign for electric vehicles makes fun of former prime minister Scott Morrison's election claim that Labor's policy would "end the weekend".
Toyota says it’s too early for electric car transition
Australia's top-selling car maker says it is too early for electric vehicles to replace all cars, arguing some motorists could be left behind in the move.
Aussie motorists might miss out on cheap electric cars
Thousands of cheaper electric vehicles are being stopped from entering Australia due to parallel import laws, experts warn.
Why the fight for cleaner cars is about to get dirty
A new policy will limit pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles in Australia but debate over where that limit should be set is expected to become heated.
Going with the flow to charge a clean energy revolution
Non-lithium batteries may be needed for the next era of cutting-edge energy and a local firm has already done the hard yards on making them safe.
Electric car innovations win $70 million charging boost
Innovative ways to charge electric cars at home, work and in public areas are the focus of a new $70 million fund designed to fuel the transport transition.
Govt to spend $150 million on reef water quality woes
The environment minister has announced a $150 million program to address poor water quality on the reef, one of the key threats identified by UN inspectors.
Packaging industry won’t meet its own targets on waste
None of the waste-busting targets the packaging industry set for itself five years ago will be met, a long-awaited review has confirmed.
New electric vehicle discount to cut $2500 off loans
A $40 million program will cut the price of electric vehicle loans for some buyers in a new national scheme.
New policy hits accelerator on electric car sales
Automakers will be encouraged to bring more electric and low-emission vehicles to Australia after the government committed to placing a limit on car pollution.
Calls mount for SA to expand Aboriginal ranger program
Key Indigenous groups have stepped up their calls for SA to follow other states and establish a wider program of land management by Aboriginal rangers.