~theguardian-world | Bookmarks (130)

Heavy rain, strong winds and large hailstones reported in parts of state as BoM warns of potential life-threatening flash floodingMore than 40,000 Victorian homes and businesses were without power and some would remain in the dark overnight as wild thunderstorms swept across the state, causing flight delays at Melbourne airport.A severe thunderstorm warning was issued on Tuesday afternoon for Bendigo, Maryborough, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Ballarat,...

Seven of at least 148 people released after November judgment have since been rearrestedA further two former immigration detainees released in the wake of the high court’s NZYQ ruling have been rearrested after breaches of their conditions.The men’s arrests over the Christmas period bring the total number of arrests to seven since the high court ruled that indefinite detention is unlawful where it is...

Tyalgum residents hit by devastating flooding in 2022 have stepped up to support each other again after being isolated for nearly two daysResidents of a small town near the New South Wales-Queensland border still grappling with the fallout from major flooding in 2022 have banded together to support each other after the community was again hit by severe weather.Tyalgum, a Tweed Shire village of...

State government says group has specialist skills and appropriate agency is chosen at federal levelThe Australian defence force was not deployed after storms hit the Gold Coast because it was determined other agencies would be better suited to the clean-up task, according to the Queensland disaster coordinator.Acting deputy commissioner, Shane Chelepy, told media on Monday afternoon that the state response to continued thunderstorms and...

‘Sea sparkles’ appeared at Hobart’s waterfront, the NSW mid-north coast and Sydney’s Manly, with hundreds delighting in the natural phenomenonRevellers along the Hobart waterfront welcomed in the new year with the glow of fireworks in the sky – and bright, blue bioluminescence lighting up the ocean.With an easterly wind bringing the “sea sparkle” to the east coast, onlookers were treated to a truly glowing...

BoM forecasts heavy rain for south-east Queensland and northern NSW, while across the far north temperatures will remain in the 40sParts of south-east Queensland are being battered by heavy rain in a soggy start to the new year, with dangerous flooding predicted.Intense falls in some areas could lead to life-threatening flash flooding, the Bureau of Meteorology warned on Monday afternoon. Continue reading...

The Department of Primary Industries is investigating after protected fish species allegedly killed in CronullaThe killing of a protected fish species by a spear fisher in Sydney over the weekend is being investigated.According to local reports, onlookers were left outraged after an endangered blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) was allegedly speared and killed at Oak Park in Cronulla on Saturday. Continue reading...

Trains, buses, trams and ferries: here’s what you need to know, for your state or territoryAs revellers prepare for the trek home after New Year’s Eve celebrations, most cities are offering free public transport, and more of it.Here is what you need to know, depending on your state or territory. Continue reading...

Despite a surplus of eggs at fertility clinics around the country, very few end up being donated to research or other prospective parentsThe vast majority of eggs frozen by prospective mothers go unused, causing headaches for IVF clinics and preventing potentially groundbreaking research.Scientists are decrying a wasted opportunity as thousands of frozen eggs sit unused in storage instead of being used in potentially valuable...

Illegal use of fireworks can lead to thousands of dollars in fines and even jail. Here are the rules around the countryHefty fines and even jail time are on the cards for those who set off illegal fireworks this New Year’s Eve.People right across the country used to partake in the annual “cracker night” festival, setting off fireworks in their backyards, but most states...