Environment
Sustainability
Why doesn't Victoria have a container deposit scheme?
Container deposit schemes are effective in reducing litter and enjoy community support. So why is Victoria the only mainland state not to have agreed to introduce one?
- by Jewel Topsfield
Latest
Water
'Major shortcomings': Productivity Commission backs Murray-Darling revamp
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority should be split, while taxpayers face a hefty bill if projects fail, the Productivity Commission has found.
- by Peter Hannam
Extreme weather
Pressure mounts for early Sydney water use curbs on desalination delay
Calls are mounting for the government to bring forward water restrictions as storage levels plunge amid signs the $1.8 billion desalination plant won't operate at full capacity for a year.
- by Peter Hannam
Water
Federal agency pushes back at Barnaby Joyce's environmental water grab
The body in charge of environmental water purchases rejects calls by special drought envoy Barnaby Joyce to divert flows to assist graziers.
- by Peter Hannam
Extreme weather
All models used by Bureau now point to El Nino by the end of spring
Hopes for quenching rains that would aid farmers and ease the bushfire risks appear to be dimming with fresh indications of El Nino thresholds will be surpassed by the end of spring.
- by Peter Hannam
Extreme weather
'Death certificate': Ex-water chief slams Barnaby Joyce's drought plan
Diverting water tagged for the environment to help drought-hit farmers would breach the federal Water Act, ex-Commonwealth Environment Water Office boss says.
- by Peter Hannam
Good Weekend
Why plantscrapers are springing up across the globe
My, how you’ve grown. The rise of tree towers is no surprise: they’re adept at fighting pollution, reducing energy costs and creating more peaceful places.
- by Greg Callaghan
Animals
Giraffe, rhino deaths raise alarm at former Buenos Aires zoo
Critics argue that a lack of resources and stress from nearby construction work contributed to the deaths.
Animals
'They seizure, they froth, they die': Warning to pet owners over fox baiting program
It comes just weeks after a rogue fox in urban Ryde sparked concern among residents.
- by Cassandra Morgan
Great Barrier Reef
'Whole thing is a mystery': Reef Foundation windfall hits private fund
Government's claim that its $444 million grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation will stimulate private donations has been disputed by a leading coral scientist.
- by Peter Hannam
Coal
Government tests interest in Sydney's first mining licence since 1993
The Sydney basin faces more coal mining after the NSW government said it would seek market interest in the first new exploration licence in more than 20 years.
- by Peter Hannam