App to reveal how much farmers can reap from renewables
Work will be fast-tracked on software that can assess how much landowners could earn from installing renewable energy projects on their properties.
environmental politics
Government kicks can down the road on climate target
Labor has refused to reveal Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target before the election, despite it being the subject of cabinet debate for over a year.
PM waves off Dutton gas pledge as ‘bubble bath’ policy
Peter Dutton is seeking a mandate to fast-track a 50-year gas expansion but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insists the idea is but a thought bubble.
Wages and worker rights ‘on the line’ at next election
Unions say industrial relations changes have got wages moving again but employer groups want them axed, arguing they constrain businesses and productivity.
Koalas ‘closer to extinction’ with new disease outbreak
A potentially devastating disease has been found in one state's last healthy koala population, further endangering the species.
Climate fight here and now, and linked to living costs
Fighting misinformation and communicating the link between cost of living and back-to-back weather disasters are key priorities for climate advocates.
Public service jobs on line as poll battlelines form
The coalition has doubled down on plans to axe public service jobs if elected as the prime minister goes into bat for Australians working from home.
Move to enshrine eco approval smells fishy, critics say
The federal government has been accused of selling out the environment and undermining democratic rights after pushing controversial laws through parliament.
Climate advocates label Australia a ‘petro-state’
In the shadow of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, climate advocates have gathered in the NSW capital for Climate Action Week Sydney to consider a policy response.
Climate 200-backed candidates edging out incumbents
Momentum is building for Climate 200-backed independents as they claw away at major party margins and have a strong chance of being elected at the federal poll.
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.
Libs refuse to back Australia-Pacific climate forum bid
The Liberal Party it's more concerned about household costs than hosting climate talks with Pacific nations, ahead of the federal election.
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.
Space junk and carbon emissions could cut your internet
The number of satellites providing vital services could be cut in the coming years due to rising greenhouse gas emissions and growing space debris.
New vehicle sales stuck in slow lane, even popular SUVs
Hybrids are among few vehicles to withstand a continuing slowdown in new vehicles sales, with one model racing into the top ten.
Green iron investment could reinforce Aussie economy
Australia could reap the benefits of a market worth up to almost $300 billion, and cut emissions, if it takes the right steps toward a green iron industry.
Green fuel cash injection prepares market for take-off
A $250 million investment in sustainable fuels could tell the rest of the world that Australia is ready to turn its farm waste into flights.
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.
Plug-in hybrid car tax breaks about to hit the skids
Drivers have one month left to claim a tax break on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, amid calls for Labor to give the fuel-saving cars more support.
Former PM ‘sceptical’ about nuclear, keen on hydropower
Australia needs more hydropower projects to store and supply cheap, renewable energy, a former leader says, while hosing down hopes for a nuclear future.
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.
Nuclear plan may miss nation’s energy goal by a decade
Switching from renewable energy to a nuclear power plan could push Australia's 2030 climate target out until 2042 and produce significantly more emissions.
Household solar panels create a ‘worry’ for energy boss
Australian households may face changes to the way rooftop solar is handled as electricity grids adapt to more renewable energy created during daylight hours.
Funding boost charges up Australian battery innovation
Australia could compete with China for lithium battery production after a local company announced plans to establish a $60 million factory.
Anger over climate assessment delays after US exit
Donald Trump's decision to halt US scientists' participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change may have implications for key reports.
Big changes needed to connect cars to the power grid
Most Australians want to turn their electric vehicle into a battery on wheels in future but there are still speed bumps to making the technology work.
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.
Police say pepper spraying ‘peaceful’ protester lawful
Police say the pepper spraying of a man claiming to be peacefully protesting was justified because he was impeding an arrest, as the activist's trial starts.
‘Preferred’ koala park opens door to major logging
A state's so-called koala wars appear no closer to being resolved as spatial mapping highlights the possible impact on native forest of a national park plan.