UQ Develops AI to Combat Bush Fires

In a world first, the University of Queensland, with support from Google, are developing Artificial Intelligence to detect and warn of bushfires. 

The project, managed by the School of Earth and Environmental Services, will use AI to trace the movement of embers and deliver real-time updates on extreme bushfire hazards. 

Consultation Underway for Environmental Regulator

Consultation is underway on the development of an Independent Queensland Environmental regulator. 

The Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs, The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon describes the mission the regulator as “to protect our environment, provide greater investment certainty, and support economic recovery”. 

A survey to support the consultation is open to all Queenslanders who have a view on environmental protection. 

 

Bogong Moth Added to Endangered List, Amongst 124 Australian Species Added

The bogong moth population has now been declared endangered, it joins 124 Australian species now added to the the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) "Red List of Threatened Species". 

Jess Abrahams from the Australian Conservation Foundation says “we need serious action on climate change” citing many habitats of the animals have drastically changed due to flooding and droughts.

Ms Abrahams says the list should be a wake-up call for the government that more action is needed.

 

Trees Planted in Effort to Protect Flying Foxes from Heatwaves

Trees have been planted and a sprinkler system installed in Western Sydney to help flying foxes survive heatwaves. 

Greater Sydney Parklands and wildlife rescue service WIRES installed 36 sprinkler systems and 1,860 metres of piping along the Parramatta River.

The project is in response to a mass death of fly foxes in the area in the summer of 2019. 

 

New Zealand Government to Ban Smoking

The New Zealand Government has announced plans to introduce legislation to ban smoking. 

The legislation implements the Smokefree by 2025 goal, which hopes to see smoking reduced to five percent of the population. 

To be introduced next year, it is anticipated the legislation will make it an offence to sell tobacco to anyone born after 2011 and place greater limits on nicotine content.

 

Stranded Queenslanders Set to Return Home after Border Opening

Hundreds of Queensland have flocked to the NSW-QLD borders ahead of its opening after being stranded for months. 

Residents like Vicki Hutchins have been stuck in NSW after making a trip to help her son who suffers with schizophrenia, one of many Queenslanders stuck after her border reentry was denied. 

50,000 vehicles are expected to enter the state along with dozens of quarantine free flights. 

 

 

Hot Weather Sets Higher Risk for Preterm Births

Recent research has found that babies are more likely to be born prematurely on hotter days. 

According to a study from the Kolling Institute, spontaneous preterm labour is more likely to occur when the temperature is greater than thirty three degrees than when on a twenty degree day. 

Experts have highlighted the implications the research findings have on housing and climate change policy.

 

Conservation Project to Protect Mur'rindum Underway on K'gari

Work continues on a conservation project to protect mur'rindum, also known as the black-breasted button quail.

Traditional owners, state parks and wildlife services, volunteers and researchers are monitoring the birds, which are listed as vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act, on K'gari and the mainland. 

Cameras, set up by rangers, have found evidence of the bird despite the habitat destruction from Bushfires in 2020.

 

Victorian Health Authorities Urge Boosters After Possible Reinfection

Health authorities in Victoria have urged those able to get their booster shots as evidence of possible reinfection emerges. 

Victoria has recorded a household wherein members have tested positive for the virus twice, in July 2020 and again in July 2021.

Victoria has recorded 1290 new cases and two deaths in the current outbreak.