NSW puts $275m toward clean energy grants

NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced the state government will hand out $275 million in grants for clean energy manufacturing for small and medium-sized businesses. 

The South Australian government has signed an agreement to sell hydrogen to a company that owns the Whyalla steelworks, with the state government set to build a hydrogen power plant and storage facility near Whyalla in the state's Eyre Peninsula.

As the Coalition explores the prospect of building nuclear reactors in regional Victoria, locals warn there could be significant opposition to these reactors being built in their towns, even if the huge legal hurdles to constructing and running them could be overcome.

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Chris Minns announces $275m worth of renewable energy grants
NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced the state government will hand out $275 million in grants for clean energy manufacturing for small and medium-sized businesses. The grants are aimed at advancing solar and battery technologies.

SA government signs hydrogen deal with Whyalla steelworks
The South Australian government has signed an agreement to sell hydrogen to a company that owns the Whyalla steelworks, with the state government set to build a hydrogen power plant and storage facility near Whyalla in the state's Eyre Peninsula. Housing will also be built to accommodate workers required for the construction and operation of the hydrogen facility.

Victorian locals warn of resistance to nuclear reactors being built over retired coal plants
As the Coalition explores the prospect of building nuclear reactors in regional Victoria, locals warn there could be significant opposition to these reactors being built in their towns, even if the huge legal hurdles to constructing and running them could be overcome.

Fire danger expected to reach catastrophic levels in Victoria this week
Authorities are warning of potentially catastrophic fire danger across parts of Victoria mid-week as the west of the state reels from a bushfire that has been burning for five days. Relevant communities are urged to prepare and plan to evacuate.

CSIRO’s research vessel landlocked due to funding shortfalls
The nation's $126 million advanced marine research vessel is facing a significant funding shortfall that could see it "sitting idle" in port for almost half the year. The RV Investigator has completed more than 100 voyages over the past decade, allowing scientists to conduct critical oceanographic, atmospheric, biological and geoscience research.

New national park proposal in the NT leaves out habitat of Gouldian finches
The Northern Territory government is planning to declare Darwin's Casuarina Coastal Reserve as a national park, but advocates are disappointed the proposal leaves out protection for a nearby block of land where rare Gouldian finches have been sighted.