Australian researchers at Southern Cross University are excited by the success of their ‘coral IVF’ experiment on the Great Barrier Reef.

The experiment on Heron Island has been underway since 2016 where they placed larvae onto certain parts of the reef in order to reproduce more.

Professor Peter Harrison said after four years of growth the size of corals ranges from just a few centimetres to dinner plate size.

Frontline workers in Queensland’s hotel quarantine who do not get tested for COVID-19 every week face up to six months in prison or a $13,000 fine. 

On Monday, a new testing regimen came into effect which means workers at all quarantine facilities will be swabbed on a rolling weekly cycle. 

If a worker develops symptoms, they must remain in self-isolation until they receive a negative result and are symptom-free.

Workers waiting for test results with no symptoms will not need to self-isolate unless they have been identified as a close contact.

A public health specialist said prolonged increases in temperatures are causing more injuries in outdoor workplaces.

Associate Professor at JCU, Richard Franklin will undertake a new study to determine how heat has impacted our ambulance, emergency and hospital figures over the last 10 years.

Dr Franklin said the findings will help advise workplaces on how to best keep employees safe as the climate continues to warm in the future.

Bolivia’s civil registry authorised a same-sex civil union for the first time after a two-year legal battle. 

David Aruquipa, a 48-year-old businessman, and Guido Montano, a 45-year-old lawyer, were initially denied the right to register their union in 2018 by authorities in Bolivia, who said the country’s laws did not allow same-sex marriage.

Bangladesh launched the world's largest "climate refugee" project in Cox's Bazar, a city in the south-east of the country. 

The project will house a growing number of people forced to flee their homes because of climate change and a failing economy.

Bangladesh is one of the worst affected countries of global warming despite having one of the lowest carbon footprints. 

Labour’s Michael Pettersson has announced he will be introducing a bill to the ACT Legislative Assembly next year to decriminalise possession of illicit substances. 

Advocates believe Australia’s prohibition approach to stop drug use has failed and legalising possession would give drug users better access to health services. 

If passed, those found with a small amount of drugs would not face criminal charges, but would be issued a $100 civil fine and be sent to a health program.

Cricket Australia are investigating members of the Brisbane Heat after they allegedly breached COVID-19 protocol.

Chris Lynn and Dan Lawrence were allowed to play in last night’s match in Canberra, despite having close contact with members of the public over the weekend.

This is Cricket Australia’s first COVID-19 protocol breach of the domestic season as the women’s BBL went without incident.

Queensland coastal regions are expecting more high tides as tides are reaching 30 centimetres higher than usual.

Since Friday, the state has endured hundreds of millimetres of rainfall and winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour.

The Bureau of Meteorology are expecting storms to ease today as the rain moves down south.

The Queensland Department of Agriculture in the Sunshine Coast are on a quest to breed an all new white strawberry.

Senior scientist Jodi Neal and her team have created 12 new strawberry varieties in recent years, with this being the most recent.

Dr Neal wants consumers to have greater variety when they shop for the loved fruit, as well as improve shelf-life, fruit quality, disease resistance and climate tolerance.