PM warns of a difficult summer as QLD bushfires destroy more homes

A deadly blaze west of Brisbane has destroyed more Queensland homes than the 2019 Black Summer fires, amid fears even more will be lost. Firefighters are battling extreme conditions, with the Prime Minister warning of a “difficult summer” ahead.

Restoration work on the severely eroded Mary River in Queensland is stopping tens of thousands of tonnes of sediment from smothering the Great Barrier Reef. The rehabilitation work has shown that rivers can be repaired by successfully tackling erosion.

A world-first ‘rewilding’ project is helping the endangered zebra shark by re-introducing the species to the waters of Raja Ampat in Indonesia. So far four zebra sharks originating from the breeding program at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium have been successfully released. 

Top stories

‘Heartbreaking’, says PM as more homes are razed by ferocious bushfire
Anthony Albanese flew into Queensland on Tuesday to pledge his support for bushfire victims dealing with the Western Downs blaze’s “heartbreaking scenes”.

River restoration work expansion saving valuable Mary River farmland and Great Barrier Reef
In the case of the Mary River, which empties into the Great Sandy Strait at River Heads, south of Hervey Bay, up to 80 per cent of its fine sediment erosion comes from bank collapse.

How a Sydney aquarium is helping endangered zebra sharks bounce back in Indonesia
A world-first shark 'rewilding' project is helping the endangered zebra shark, but it could also provide a template to help save other threatened marine species.

The right is firing misinformation bullets in its climate war on renewables – here’s a way to fight back
In the disinformation age it’s not enough for us to shake our heads about the lies the other side perpetrates.

Australia’s support to Pacific surges as China focuses on ‘friendly’ states, aid map shows
The map, released on Tuesday, also revealed that at a time of elevated debt sustainability risks in the Pacific, Australia has become the leading source of loans and contributed to a surge in infrastructure support.

Doubts cane toad sausages can protect Kimberley quolls as pest pushes into WA
Scientists have dropped sausages made out of cane toads to deter vulnerable wildlife in the Kimberley from eating the pest. Unfortunately, the snags don't appear to be working, but there's another plan afoot to protect the Pilbara.

Australian businesses bought into controversial carbon credit scheme to regenerate Zimbabwean forest
Australian businesses have bought into a carbon credit scheme that promised to regenerate Zimbabwean forest but is now under investigation for allegedly selling worthless emissions offsets.  

Lost continent discovered after 155 million years as ‘missing piece’ is spotted at bottom of ocean
An incredible discovery has been made as geologists locate a lost piece of land believed to have been detached from Australia during the Jurassic period.

Simple dietary substitutions can slash US carbon footprint by over 35%
The researchers identified potential food substitutions within four main categories: proteins, mixed dishes, milk and dairy, and beverages. If all suggested food swaps were adopted across the four categories, there is potential for a 37.5% reduction in the U.S.'s carbon footprint from food consumption.

New Scientist names South Australia as ‘remarkable’ world leader in push to net zero
The influential New Scientist journal has spotlighted South Australia as a world leader in a “remarkable” renewable energy transition, saying the state’s “push to net zero offers lessons and hope for the world”.

Endangered bison spotted for the first time in decades in Thailand
A wildlife sanctuary in Thailand captured a rare sighting of a bison for the first time in 37 years.