South Australian Government Cracks Down on Climate Protesters

The South Australian government is pushing through new legislation in an effort to clampdown on climate protestors with fines potentially increasing from $750 to $50,000. It comes a day after four climate protesters were arrested after allegedly throwing paint at the Santos building in Adelaide.

Pacific leaders are warning the Albanese government it must raise its climate goals or risk harming Australia’s security ties to the region, following an alarming forecast that global warming will almost certainly exceed a crucial temperature limit within the next five years.

And, the federal government has pledged $50 million in funding for rare-earths mining and battery-focused projects as it ramps up efforts to diversify supply chains and build local processing facilities for the key materials that will power the world’s transition to a green energy economy. 

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Extinction Rebellion protesters arrested as SA government plans drastic fine increase
The South Australian government is planning a severe crackdown on public demonstrations, as four climate change protesters were arrested this morning after allegedly throwing paint at the Santos building.

Pacific pressure: Island leaders say security ties at risk unless Australia does more to cut emissions
The Pacific Elders Voice Group issued a statement to the federal government on Thursday, warning its funding package of nearly $2 billion to counter China’s growing influence in the region could fail if Australia did not increase its climate action

Miners, battery makers and refineries to share $50m to power energy transition
The $50 million will be split between seven projects in Western Australia, three in NSW and three in Queensland, including $5 million for the design and engineering of Queensland Pacific Metal’s full-scale refinery at its Townsville energy chemicals hub.

El Niño and La Niña have become more extreme and frequent because of climate change, study finds
The strength and frequency of La Niña and El Niño were once determined entirely by natural forces, but now the climate patterns are showing the fingerprints of humans.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek grants exemption for some household plastic waste to be exported
Some of the most easily recycled household plastic waste — including milk cartons, vegetable oil containers and soft drink bottles — will be sent overseas for processing after a decision by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to "temporarily" exempt them from a nationwide plastic export ban.

Development panel grants another extension to $700 million Woakwine Wind Farm
A proposed $700 million wind farm on South Australia's Limestone Coast has received a third time extension to begin construction. 

New Hunter coal mine to blow hole in NSW’s net zero plan
A coal mine expansion in the Hunter Valley is set to blast a large hole in the state’s net zero climate plan, a government agency has warned.

Rainy, snow, extreme winds forecast for eastern states
Extreme weather conditions are about to intensify over the east of Australia according to meteorologists, who are reporting more rain and strong winds for some states.

Conservation Regulator investigates reports of illegally tagged magpies in Melbourne's west
Authorities are investigating a potential case of animal cruelty after receiving reports of illegally tagged magpies in Hoppers Crossing.