Sydney is looking at the biggest ever expansion of its central business district with a multi-billion dollar project to build a forest of skyscrapers on the city’s southern fringe.

Plans have been released by the New South Wales Government which involves potentially building over large tracts of Central Station, Australia’s busiest transport hub.

Academics reject claims that koalas are close to extinction.

Dr Valentina Mella, a koala conservationist in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, said the claims could be dangerous to conservation efforts.

“The term 'functionally extinct' refers to species whose reduced populations are no longer viable,” said Dr Mella.

“Focus should be shifted to the valuable research-based management strategies that can be applied to enhance koala conservation, which could address the threats that have recently been highlighted." 

Described as "a banana on steroids", enset may be the superfood you've never heard of, let alone tasted, but scientists say it could be a life saver for a warming world.

The plant, which grows up to 10 metres, is a staple for 20 million people in the Ethiopian Highlands who turn it into bread and porridge, construction materials, packaging, cattle feed and medicine.

James Borrell, a scientist at London;s Royal Botanic Gardens said, "it's amazingly resilient. It's said to be very drought tolerant and we're trying to test that."

China warns the US it could take "firm counter-measures" if Washington continues to demonstrate support for Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters.

The warning came after US President Donald Trump signed the Human Rights and Democracy Act into law, mandating an annual review checking if Hong Kong has enough autonomy to justify special status with the US.

Moreton Bay Regional Council warned residents to be cautious of a fraudulent parking fine scheme.

A fake penalty infringement notice issued to a vehicle in the Clontarf area on November 25 alerted council to the issue. 

The dodgy infringement notice displayed council’s logo and claims to have been issued by council officers.

A dog is believed to be responsible for an attack on a cat forcing its owner, Tara Williams, to amputate one of her cat’s legs. 

Ms Williams took her cat, Vee Vee, to her local vet Furkids who says the leg couldn’t be saved.

Ms Williams says that according to the puncture wounds in the cats leg indicate it was definitely a dog.

Firefighters are still battling more than 160 bush and grass fires across NSW after about 100 fresh blazes ignited in a 24-hour period.

There were more than 2200 personnel in the field working to slow the progress of the blazes.

“Crews will work over coming days to control this large number of fires ahead of forecast elevated fire danger on Saturday,”  the RFS posted on Twitter.

An Australian teacher who spent more than three years being held hostage by the Taliban has arrived home.

The Wagga Wagga teacher was working at a university in Kabul when he was kidnapped at gunpoint in 2016.

Timothy Weeks was freed earlier this month along with his American colleague as part of a prisoner swap

"I am very pleased to confirm that Tim has returned to Australia and very much welcome his return," she said.

President Trump has visited American troops in Afghanistan and said the US and Taliban have been engaged in talks.

The visit for Thanksgiving came after a prisoner swap with the Taliban aimed at resuming peace negotiations.

Mr Trump has also reaffirmed the US will "substantially" reduce troop numbers to about 8,600.