Qld heatwave to push power grid to the limit

Queensland is expected to swelter through heatwave conditions today. Energy Minister Mick de Brenni says there will be enough electricity supply to “keep the lights on” but warns the system will be “tight”.

An irrigator on the Queensland-New South Wales border has been ordered to pay a record $350,000 in fines for water-theft, after taking water with faulty metering equipment for crops such as cotton.

And a gas terminal in Newcastle has been axed, with its backers claiming volatile international gas markets made the facility “economically unfeasible.” 

Queensland to swelter through heatwave conditions, power grid pushed to limits
Queensland is predicted to reach a new record for electricity demand this evening as the state’s heatwave intensifies. Brisbane is expected to hit a maximum of 35C today, but the BOM said the humidity would make it feel even hotter.

NSW irrigator hit with $350,000 fine for water theft offences
A Moree Plains irrigator has been ordered to pay a record $350,000 in fines after pleading guilty to knowingly taking water, using an under-recording meter system and constructing an unlawful dam. It is the first time a “tier one” offence has been successfully prosecuted by the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR).

LNG import plant axed
The Newcastle gas terminal has been shelved, with its South ­Korean backers claiming volatile international gas markets made the facility “economically unfeasible”.

Climate Council report shows 12 big polluters created emissions equal to half of Pacific nations combined
A dozen of Australia's big coal and gas companies created emissions equal to half of those emissions from Pacific Island nations between 2016 and 2021, according to a new Climate Council report.

Tesla opens up some electric car chargers to other EV brands
Non-Tesla EVs can now be charged at five Tesla stations across New South Wales, with more expected to open across the country.

Antarctica's only EV redesigned because of climate change
Venturi has revealed that it upgraded its Venturi Antarctica electric explorer early last year due to warmer conditions on the continent. 

Sea urchins are wreaking havoc on Tasmania's kelp forests
Every year an ocean current supercharged by climate change brings a destructive, spiky species south from New South Wales to the rocky reefs of eastern Tasmania. A Senate Inquiry into sea urchins will hold its first public hearing in Hobart today.

Sweltering Cities reveals Sydney's worst bus stops amid hot summer weather
Nine places are in the sights of Sweltering Cities in suburbs including Erskine Park, Minchinbury and Fairfield West. Heatwaves can be up to 15 degrees Celsius higher in Sydney's west than east, researchers say