Poo-loving superbugs cleaning Brisbane’s sewers

Anammox bugs are Australia’s first homegrown, poo-loving superbugs are cleaning Brisbane’s sewage. The bugs feed on nutrients in sewage water and are the first ones farmed in Australia after 5 years after it took Urban Utilities to grow the amount needed. Urban Utilities spokeswoman Michelle Cull says we call them superbugs, they don’t have x ray vision or super strength, it’s their appetites that make them remarkable.

Prince Philip in hospital until at least the end of the week

Prince Philip has been transferred to a new hospital in London where he is expected to stay until at least the end of the week. According to Buckingham Palace, The Duke Of Edinburgh will continue to be treated by doctors for an infection and observing a pre-existing heart condition. The move comes after former secretary of The Queen claimed Prince Charles was asked to visit his father's bedside. The 99 year old remains comfortable and is responding to treatment. 

Hong Kong protest is the biggest in months

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters risked arrest as 47 pro-democracy activists appeared in court charged with subversion under the national security law. Protestors were chanting the banned slogan, "Liberate Hong Kong! Revolution of our time” as this is the largest protest seen in the city for months. Prosecutors argued that the defendants were involved in a massive, well-organized scheme to subvert the Hong Kong government.

 

COVID-19 detected in wastewater in Melbourne

Fragments of COVID-19 detected in wastewater have caused an urgent alert for three suburbs in Melbourne’s West. People who have been or live in Tarneit, Werribee and Hoppers Crossing are being urged to get tested if any symptoms arise. The urgent alert was released on Monday by the health department although there are no known people in the area who have recently tested positive.

 

Sconi nickel and cobalt mine amidst global transition to clean energy

The new Sconi nickel and cobalt mine is set to place Mt Isa at the centre of Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery amidst a global transition to clean energy. The mine is expected to produce over two hundred thousand tons of cobalt sulphate, a key component in electric vehicles, during its initial thirty year lifespan. With the world’s second largest reserves of the valuable trace element, Australia’s cobalt mining industry is set to more than double by 2030.

Bushfire recovery scheme questioned

9AM Tomorrow morning marks the beginning of the public hearing of the 2019-2020 bushfire recovery scheme. During the hearing, local people and businesses will be allowed to speak about their recovery experiences over the last 14 months. Specifically in relation to housing, sanitation and access to and affordability of insurance. Christine Walters of Cobargo Bushfire Relief Centre claims in her opening statement that there was not enough help for those during and after the fires leaving some homeless to this day.

 

Camooweal National Park renamed to its former Indigenous name

Following a lengthy parliamentary process, Camooweal National Park in north west Queensland has been renamed to Wiliyan-ngurru National Park. The change sees the national park return to its former Indigenous name and came as a result of a lobbying effort from Colin Saltmere, a traditional Indjalandji-Dhidhanu custodian.The nearly 14,000 hectare national park contains bushland, caves and a vast underground river system, and gets its name from a native species of goanna.

Proposed entertainment arena set for construction at Roma Street

A proposed entertainment arena is set for construction above the new Cross River Rail station at Roma Street. The arena would have an Olympic-sized pool and eighteen thousand seats for spectators. The plan is part of Brisbane’s bid to host the 2032 Olympic Games, a plan endorsed by the International Olympic Committee.