Considerations for the rescheduling of psychedelic drugs for PTSD

The Therapeutic Goods Administration may reschedule MDMA and psilocybin from prohibited drugs to controlled drugs. 

The Former Chief of Defence said the change would allow psychedelic drugs to be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. 

Retired admiral Chris Barrie said if the drugs were downgraded they could be used to expand research.

Volcano likely to erupt on Icelandic peninsula

Scientists in Iceland say there are strong signs that volcanic eruptions may occur near Mount Keilir following several days of tremors. 

The volcano is located 12 kilometres from Keplavik International Airport and about 30 kilometres south of the capital, Reykjavik.

Víðir Reynisson of the island’s civil defence force said it was “more likely than not” that an eruption would occur – the first in the area since the 12th century.

The eruption poses no immediate danger to the island. 

 

Grant given to group associated with MP's brother to be reviewed

Grants to a farming group associated with a federal MP's brother will be reviewed after a $107,000 grant was awarded to the group, despite them not applying for it.

Monaro Farming Systems, an agricultural group that includes federal MP Angus Taylor’s brother, was offered the grant by the New South Wales Government's Local Land Services department.

NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said he hold an internal review into the grant. 

Australia acknowledges extinction of 13 native species

The Australian Government has officially acknowledged the extinction of 13 native species, including 12 mammals and the first reptile known to have been lost since European colonisation.

Australia is the world’s capital for mammal extinction, with a total of 34 mammals known to have become extinct.

More than 10% of land mammals known to have lived in Australia in 1788 are extinct.

The Wilderness Society’s Suzanne Milthorpe said there was “not another country, rich or poor, that has anything like this record” in mammal extinction.

Camping restricted over Easter on North Stradbroke Island

Camping restrictions over Easter have been introduced to North Stradbroke island by Minjerribah Camping. 

Minjerribah Camping says the decision was made in accordance with COVID-19 safe plans. 

The move to protect campers and the local Indigenous community will see three campsites closed and other hotspots capped. 


 

Green superbugs to treat sewage water

A Brisbane water waste plant has grown superbugs that feed on nutrients in sewage water in an Australian-first initiative. 

Anammox bugs reduce the need for chemicals as they naturally remove ammonium and nitrogen from the wastewater. 

It is the first time Anammox bugs have been farmed in Australia and it took Brisbane wastewater plant Urban Utilities five years to grow the amount needed for treatment.

Urban Utilities says the 10 year project will be more sustainable than traditional sewage treatment processes as the superbugs use 60 percent less energy. 

Extinction Rebellion challenge Brisbane by-laws

Climate activists will defy Brisbane City Council by-laws to demonstrate in Queen Street Mall at 4pm today. 

"The city council, who denies the climate crisis, are also denying our right to talk about it,” said Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Rene.

By-laws prevent assemblies with more than 15 people from gathering in the mall. 

“Our planet is undergoing a mass extinction that threatens our existence - we need to talk! Instead, people organising public forums have been penalised with fines totalling over $2,500.”