New single-use plastic bans commence in QLD, WA and SA

New rules banning single-use plastics, including microbeads and polystyrene packing peanuts, will come into effect today in Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. 

After an unseasonably warm winter, large swathes of Australia are likely to experience an “increased risk” of bushfires due to forecasts of above-average temperatures, decreased rainfall, high fuel loads and changing weather patterns this spring.

Eastern Australia requires “imminent and urgent investment” in renewable energy to bolster the reliability of the electricity grid, the Australian Energy Market Operator says, as it warns of the risk of outages in Victoria and South Australia this summer. 

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Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia to bring in new single-use plastic bans
There's no overarching laws or rules governing plastic bans in Australia, meaning states and territories set their own standards. It also means rules and regulations about single-use plastics differ greatly between jurisdictions.

Australia headed for hot and dry spring after unseasonably warm winter
There is a chance of a higher number of bushfires occurring that require pre-emptive management and firefighting compared with the average. Areas at increased risk include regions in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Eastern Australia warned ‘urgent investment’ in energy needed as risk of summer power outages rises
A slowdown in clean energy investment approvals has stoked concerns about the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Delays for projects such as the Marinus link between Tasmania and the mainland and Snowy Hydro’s 2.0 pumped hydro project – reported now to cost as much as $12bn – have added to fears.

Menindee mass fish deaths symptomatic of degradation of river ecosystem, NSW chief scientist says
Prof Hugh Durrant-Whyte’s report released on Thursday concludes that 20-30m fish died in March after floods in the region. This eclipsed the other major fish kill in January 2019, which occurred after months of drought and a wave of high temperatures.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen takes aim at Coalition for handling of Snowy 2.0 hydro project
Mounting issues facing Snowy 2.0 hydro were hidden from the public by the former Coalition administration, according to Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, who has reset a new timeline for the embattled scheme.

Energy minister says the government is working with AEMO amid fears over power grid's stability
Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen insists the government is working to ensure the power grid is as "stable as it can be" amid warnings that a hot and dry summer will put Victoria and South Australia at "elevated" risk of blackouts. 

Jakarta to spray water mist from high-rises as city chokes on air pollution
High-rise buildings in Jakarta will soon be forced to spray water mist from their rooftops as part of the government’s desperate bid to tackle the toxic air pollution that has been choking the megacity for weeks.