Scientists have developed an enzyme that can start to break down plastic in a matter of days rather than the centuries it can take naturally.

The scientists were examining molecules produced by a bacteria that, in 2016, was found to be eating plastic, when they discovered that they had actually altered the molecule involved and made it up to 20% faster at breaking down PET plastic.

Cyber attacks blamed on Russian Government-backed hackers have targeted computer routers of government agencies, businesses and infrastructure operators around the world.

The United States and British governments plan to provide details so organisations can determine if they have been hacked and are asking victims to report on any infections.

White House cybersecurity coordinator Rob Joyce said the US will push back against any “malicious cyber activity.”

Sydney firefighters and residents have saved over 500 homes from a bushfire which is now being controlled.

Over the course of the blaze only two homes and one cubby house were damaged.

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the lack of major losses is “extraordinary.”

The Australian Greens are proposing to legalise cannabis with plans to issue licenses for its production and sale.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale said Australia’s war on drugs has caused tremendous harm and pointed to a recent poll showing that 55 per cent of Australians believe cannabis should regulated and taxed like alcohol or tobacco.

It is believed that regulating cannabis will give government more control and increase government revenue, which can be used to fund drug prevention and treatment.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, says that Brisbane’s current landfill spot for will be full in 2020 and the location of the new site is not being disclosed.

The opposition leader, Peter Cumming, says that it is not fair on residents and they should be notified if they end up living down the road from landfill.

Residents that may be living near the new landfill site have concerns about asbestos and the amount of trucks on streets.  

The first whales of the year have been spotted off Fraser Island.

A mother and calf pilot whale were seen just north of Eli Creek by a scenic flight, and four more were sighted later in the day closer to Fraser.

It’s quite early to be seeing whales, with the season usually going from July to November.