WA fails to back state premier’s gas claims

Western Australia’s premier has claimed at a WA energy transition summit that expanding the state’s gas industry – and increasing its greenhouse gas pollution in the short term – will be good for the planet as it will lead to a “dramatic reduction” in global emissions. Yet, the state government has failed to produce evidence that supports this claim, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) also warning recently that global investment in oil and gas needs to be cut roughly in half by 2030 to put the world on track to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Meanwhile, outspoken union boss Steve McCartney wants the West Australian government to get unions, business and the community behind the state’s energy transition. Many unions in the state see opportunity in the state’s wealth of minerals needed for the move away from fossil fuels, with some saying it’s not too early to begin developing a transition plan that would involve supporting the development of a green steel industry.

And in an unprecedented move, French renewable energy giant Neoen has gifted the Worlds End Gorge to the South Australian government to create a new national park. This move comes  after the company purchased it to offset the environmental effects of its Goyder project nearby, set to become one of the biggest renewable energy developments in the world.

Top stories:

WA government fails to back up premier’s claim expanding gas industry will be good for planet
Western Australia’s government has declined to say whether the claims made by WA premier Roger Cook are backed by publicly available government or third-party analysis.

Union calls for a united push to get behind WA’s energy transition
Outspoken union boss Steve McCartney wants the West Australian government to get unions, business and the community behind the state’s energy transition.

French green energy giant Neoen gifts Worlds End Gorge as new SA national park
French renewable energy giant Neoen recently bought the land to offset the environmental effects of its massive Goyder project nearby and then in an unprecedented move, gifted it to the South Australian government for a new national park.

Ditching school to save the planet
From the streets, to the courts, to the halls of parliament, the youth climate movement continues to knock on the doors of power. Meet some of the young people striking to save our planet.

It’s important to understand the additional difficulties some people face in an emergency
For those living with a chronic illness, neurodivergence, or a disability, the thought of needing to evacuate in a severe weather-related emergency can be daunting.

SA's Barngarla traditional owners win conservation award for Kimba anti-nuclear victory
A long battle to prevent a nuclear waste dump being built on traditional lands of the Barngarla community in South Australia has been recognised with an Australian Conservation Foundation award.

Research shows subsidies and discounts for two-wheeled EVs can drive active transport
There are a range of subsidies, tax breaks and incentives to encourage Australians to switch to electric cars, but experts argue that e-bikes and e-scooters could be a valuable part of the e-mix.

Firefly season begins in NSW as bioluminescent beetles take flight in mating display
At the bottom of the Macquarie Pass National Park, south of Wollongong, sits a popular bushwalking track that, for a short period in November, turns into a bioluminescent wonderland. 

Paddy the green turtle spends winter in South Australian waters, defying 'natural history books'
An endangered green turtle rescued from Middleton Beach in early 2023 has surprised experts by being the first known hard-shelled marine turtle to spend winter in South Australian waters.