Roadside Rubbish Used For New Melbourne Tram Stops

Melbourne’s busy tram stops could soon be made from kerbside rubbish. 

Monash University’s Institute of Railway Technology has received $300,000 in Victorian government funding to conduct research with Yarra Trams and Integrated Recycling and Advanced Circular Polymer.

Using roadside recycled plastic, the materials will be tested in a laboratory and then used to form a modular tram stop inspired design.

Those involved in the project have assured that this will be easily installed without a significant distribution to traffic and existing tram stops. 

 

Hungary Fans Clash With Police at Wembley Stadium

Police have clashed with crowds of Hungary supporters at Wembley Stadium during the World Cup Qualifier against England.

Disruption started early on as fans booed players for kneeling during the national anthem, which led to further unrest amongst the crowd and led to the police’s arrival.

Tensions escalated as many fans scaled the barrier onto the fields, leading to heavy resistance from the police, however the disorder was quickly resolved and no further issues occurred.

 

Early Turtle Nesting in Bundaberg

The first turtle has arrived at one of the world’s most important nesting sites, almost a month earlier than anticipated. 

The Flatback Turtle arrived at Mon Repos On Saturday night, its arrival heralded by the ringing of bells at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Bagara at 2pm yesterday afternoon. 

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith welcomed the early start to nesting season, and hopes more turtles will help give the region’s tourism industry a much needed boost.

 

Academic Loses High Court Battle Over Climate Change Criticism

Queensland Academic Peter Ridd has lost a High Court battle over his sacking for his criticism towards colleagues working on the impact of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef.

Ridd’s disparaging commentary was over work at Townsville’s James Cook University, which aimed at linking climate change and polluted water to coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Dr Ridd had argued his sacking was illegal because it breached the employment agreement which he said protected academic freedom. 

The university’s lawyers told the High Court his claims were flawed.

North Queensland's Hydrogen Production Plan

Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port in Gladstone is planning to develop a large scale hydrogen production facility for international distribution. 

Renewable energy generator CleanCo has signed an agreement to join the project, which will further assist in the development of the Queensland renewable Hydrogen Ecosystem, securing jobs for locals. 

Minister for Energy, Renewables, and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni says the agreement is one step further to ensuring Queensland is running on 50% renewable energy by 2030

 

Brisbane Aircraft Noise Concern

The national Aircraft noise Ombudsman has found Airservices Australia has failed to engage effectively with Brisbane residents over changed flight paths. 

A report released on Tuesday was instigated by 264 complaints about the number of low-flying planes being directed over inner-city and western suburbs.

It was concluded that Airservices Australia did not provide full and complete information regarding aircraft noise to potentially affected communities. 

Australian Wine Industry's New Sustainability Initiative

Australian Winemakers are being urged to produce more sustainable wines to display the new “trustmark” logo on their bottles, indicating to consumers the wine is sustainably produced. 

The program launched by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia will have a specific focus on the land and soil used in grape growing, the energy and waste output of the production process, and the people and business models used by the winemakers.

G20 to Tackle Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan

The G20 has announced they are determined to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, even if it means having to coordinate and negotiate efforts with the Taliban. 

During the meeting, the European Union announced a support package worth 1 billion euros, which will be channelled through the UN, despite a refusal by most states to officially recognise the hardline Taliban Government.

The G20 leaders called on the Taliban to tackle militant groups operating out of the country.