The Coalition’s proposed nuclear sites in Queensland would not have access to enough water to operate or manage a nuclear incident, according to an explosive new report by the Queensland Conservation Council.&nbsp;

According to the Queensland Conservation Council, the proposed nuclear reactor in Callide would use more than double the water currently allocated to the existing Callide power station, while the proposed Tarong nuclear reactor would use 50 per cent more water than is allocated to the existing coal power station.

We’ve just hit 14 years since the Fukushima nuclear accident. This report shows that during the Fukushima emergency, the nuclear facility was flooded with 1.3 million cubic metres of sea water to prevent the plant from blowing up. There is no such water allocation for emergency response in Queensland dams, nor a storage solution for the potential millions of cubic metres of heavily radioactive water that such a disaster would create.

Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman says:

“The findings of this report are damning for the Coalition’s nuclear fantasy. There simply is not enough water available in the proposed locations to run nuclear facilities, and no plan for where to store irradiated water required for heat reduction in the case of an emergency. It would be a health and environmental catastrophe if highly irradiated water was returned to these dams.

“The Coalition is not being honest with farmers and the community about the realities of their nuclear scheme. At best it’s impractical, at worst it’s grossly irresponsible and could result in a major incident.

“We’ve seen during droughts that there’s not enough water for existing coal power stations, especially in Central Queensland, so coal units have to wind down their operation.&nbsp;

“So the Coalition’s ‘plan’ is to build the most expensive form of electricity generation that won’t be ready in time to replace our retiring coal power stations, and then won’t be available at times because of water constraints.&nbsp;

“You know what doesn’t use a lot of water? Renewable energy and it’s already powering 40 per cent of Australia.”

The Coalition’s proposed nuclear sites in Queensland would not have access to enough water to operate or manage a nuclear incident, according to an explosive new report by the Queensland Conservation Council.&nbsp;According to the Queensland Conservation Council, the proposed nuclear reactor in Callide would use more than double the water currently allocated to the existing Callide power station, while the proposed Tarong nuclear reactor would use 50 per cent more water than is allocated to the existing coal power station.We’ve just hit 14 years since the Fukushima nuclear accident. This report shows that during the Fukushima emergency, the nuclear facility was flooded with 1.3 million cubic metres of sea water to prevent the plant from blowing up. There is no such water allocation for emergency response in Queensland dams, nor a storage solution for the potential millions of cubic metres of heavily radioactive water that such a disaster would create.Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman says:“The findings of this report are damning for the Coalition’s nuclear fantasy. There simply is not enough water available in the proposed locations to run nuclear facilities, and no plan for where to store irradiated water required for heat reduction in the case of an emergency. It would be a health and environmental catastrophe if highly irradiated water was returned to these dams.“The Coalition is not being honest with farmers and the community about the realities of their nuclear scheme. At best it’s impractical, at worst it’s grossly irresponsible and could result in a major incident.“We’ve seen during droughts that there’s not enough water for existing coal power stations, especially in Central Queensland, so coal units have to wind down their operation.&nbsp;“So the Coalition’s ‘plan’ is to build the most expensive form of electricity generation that won’t be ready in time to replace our retiring coal power stations, and then won’t be available at times because of water constraints.&nbsp;“You know what doesn’t use a lot of water? Renewable energy and it’s already powering 40 per cent of Australia.”

Electricity / Gas / Resources / Energy

Environment / SGDs / Recycling

Nuclear power would steal agricultural and drinking water and require emergency storage for irradiated water

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for the public’s help in its investigation into the suspected mass poisoning of hundreds of native&nbsp;Corella birds across multiple Newcastle suburbs, including Hamilton, Carrington, Waratah, Broadmeadow, Lambton, and near Newcastle University.

The EPA received initial reports on Monday 17 March 2025 of 14 sick and dead birds in Hamilton but by midday reports had escalated to hundreds of affected birds in Carrington and surrounding areas.

NSW EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon, said the EPA is investigating pesticide misuse as the possible cause based on EPA observations and advice from local veterinarians.

“This is a serious incident, and any assistance from the public could be critical to our investigation,” Mr Gordon said.

“This is a very distressing situation for everybody involved, particularly the wildlife carers and residents who are finding and collecting the birds as well as the vets who are treating them.

“The birds are exhibiting symptoms such as bleeding, staggering, paralysis, and an inability to fly and so far, we understand that veterinary clinics across Newcastle have reported over 200 bird deaths.

“We have collected samples for testing, and our officers will be visiting all sites where sick or dead birds have been found over the coming days. Anyone who thinks they may have information on how the birds have died or on potential pesticides misuse is strongly encouraged to call the EPA on 131 555.

“The misuse of pesticides, whether deliberate or unintentional, is completely unacceptable and carries heavy penalties. If you use pesticides, it is essential to follow label directions and be mindful of the surrounding environment and wildlife.”

Wildlife volunteers from Hunter Wildlife Rescue and WIRES, along with members of the public, have been assisting in the response and transporting sick birds to veterinary clinics. Members of the public should avoid handling affected wildlife.

The negligent use of pesticides in a manner that harms any non-target animal, or plant can attract penalties of up to $500,000 for an individual and $2,000,000 for a corporation.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for the public’s help in its investigation into the suspected mass poisoning of hundreds of native&nbsp;Corella birds across multiple Newcastle suburbs, including Hamilton, Carrington, Waratah, Broadmeadow, Lambton, and near Newcastle University.The EPA received initial reports on Monday 17 March 2025 of 14 sick and dead birds in Hamilton but by midday reports had escalated to hundreds of affected birds in Carrington and surrounding areas.NSW EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon, said the EPA is investigating pesticide misuse as the possible cause based on EPA observations and advice from local veterinarians.“This is a serious incident, and any assistance from the public could be critical to our investigation,” Mr Gordon said.“This is a very distressing situation for everybody involved, particularly the wildlife carers and residents who are finding and collecting the birds as well as the vets who are treating them.“The birds are exhibiting symptoms such as bleeding, staggering, paralysis, and an inability to fly and so far, we understand that veterinary clinics across Newcastle have reported over 200 bird deaths.“We have collected samples for testing, and our officers will be visiting all sites where sick or dead birds have been found over the coming days. Anyone who thinks they may have information on how the birds have died or on potential pesticides misuse is strongly encouraged to call the EPA on 131 555.“The misuse of pesticides, whether deliberate or unintentional, is completely unacceptable and carries heavy penalties. If you use pesticides, it is essential to follow label directions and be mindful of the surrounding environment and wildlife.”Wildlife volunteers from Hunter Wildlife Rescue and WIRES, along with members of the public, have been assisting in the response and transporting sick birds to veterinary clinics. Members of the public should avoid handling affected wildlife.The negligent use of pesticides in a manner that harms any non-target animal, or plant can attract penalties of up to $500,000 for an individual and $2,000,000 for a corporation.

Nature / Weather

Government offices / organizations

 EPA INVESTIGATING SUSPECTED CORELLA MASS POISONING IN NEWCASTLE

Australians for Affordable Energy (AFAE) is calling for answers after a widely respected international expert questioned the cost and timeframe of building seven nuclear reactors in Australia.

Leading US climate diplomat Jonathan Pershing has warned the Coalition’s plan to delay the roll out of renewable energy in favour of delivering nuclear technology over a much longer time is a “big bet on an unknown future”.

“Australians have one main concern: dropping the price of their power bills. Important questions remain unanswered about how much nuclear will cost and when it will actually deliver power, and now new questions have now emerged,” AFAE spokesperson Jo Dodds says.

“We need to know why we would press pause on cost-effective and timely solutions in favour of a risky experiment funded by taxpayers?

“Jonathan Pershing is an expert and as he notes in the US, the high cost of building new nuclear facilities has led to nuclear energy declining as a share of the overall energy mix. Across the globe, the evidence shows us the cheapest option for reliable power is a combination of solar and batteries.”

Climate Change Authority Chair Matt Kean’s comments on ABC’s Q&amp;A have also raised new questions about the Coalition’s nuclear proposal.

“A formal Liberal state treasurer has branded his own party as ‘socialist’ and criticised the policy as far too expensive, further reiterating our fears the taxpayer will be left to fund nuclear as private investors avoid it,” Ms Dodds said.

“Energy bills are rising sharply, and households and small businesses are set to bear the brunt if real solutions aren’t found. Our energy future should not be shaped by unrealistic promises, Australians deserve clear answers on how to keep power affordable and reliable.”

Australians for Affordable Energy (AFAE) is calling for answers after a widely respected international expert questioned the cost and timeframe of building seven nuclear reactors in Australia.Leading US climate diplomat Jonathan Pershing has warned the Coalition’s plan to delay the roll out of renewable energy in favour of delivering nuclear technology over a much longer time is a “big bet on an unknown future”.“Australians have one main concern: dropping the price of their power bills. Important questions remain unanswered about how much nuclear will cost and when it will actually deliver power, and now new questions have now emerged,” AFAE spokesperson Jo Dodds says.“We need to know why we would press pause on cost-effective and timely solutions in favour of a risky experiment funded by taxpayers?“Jonathan Pershing is an expert and as he notes in the US, the high cost of building new nuclear facilities has led to nuclear energy declining as a share of the overall energy mix. Across the globe, the evidence shows us the cheapest option for reliable power is a combination of solar and batteries.”Climate Change Authority Chair Matt Kean’s comments on ABC’s Q&amp;A have also raised new questions about the Coalition’s nuclear proposal.“A formal Liberal state treasurer has branded his own party as ‘socialist’ and criticised the policy as far too expensive, further reiterating our fears the taxpayer will be left to fund nuclear as private investors avoid it,” Ms Dodds said.“Energy bills are rising sharply, and households and small businesses are set to bear the brunt if real solutions aren’t found. Our energy future should not be shaped by unrealistic promises, Australians deserve clear answers on how to keep power affordable and reliable.”

Unanswered nuclear questions put Australians at risk

RMIT sustainable fashion experts have collaborated with brands to create guidelines aimed at eliminating wasteful designs and promoting durable fashion that supports reuse and recycling.

The global fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

The new guide,&nbsp;<a href="https://refashioning.org/download/" target="_blank">Refashioning: accelerating circular product design at scale,</a>&nbsp;outlines steps for makers to transition from linear to circular design, focusing on maximising the lifespan of products and materials.

Lead author and Dean of RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles, Professor Alice Payne, said the guide challenged traditional design thinking with practical steps to enable change.

“This guide provides a systematic and methodological approach to implementing circular clothing design in a way that all organisations can implement, regardless of their size,” she said.

“Based on extensive research with the industry, we’ve created practical steps businesses can take to improve the circularity of their outputs.

“Although other circular design guides are available,&nbsp;Refashioning&nbsp;is unique in providing a systematic methodology that enables designers to both slow the flow and close the loop.”

The dominant production and consumption method used by most brands today creates clothing for a linear economy – a system of take, make and waste.

To switch to a circular method that allows materials to be recycled, critical aspects such as material choices, product purpose and use, durability, and end-of-life options need to be considered early in the design process.

Funded by Sustainability Victoria, the guide’s production was a collaboration between RMIT, Country Road Group brands and two independent partners, circular design expert Courtney Holm and sustainability expert Julie Boulton.

Sustainability Victoria’s CEO, Matt Genever, said the research connected industry, government, and academia to address textile waste.

“It’s an example of how effective cross-sector collaboration can generate impactful results in the transition to a circular economy,” he said.

“By fostering partnerships across sectors, Sustainability Victoria enables meaningful change that moves beyond theory and into real, actionable solutions.”

Applied expertise was central to the design of the guidelines, as they were tested by users on actual products.

For over a year, the team worked with eight product and design teams across four brands within the Country Road Group – Country Road, Trenery, Witchery and Politix – to test and refine the guides in a commercial context.

Country Road Group’s Head of Sustainability, Erika Martin, said working on the guide’s creation has started the Group on a journey towards having a common understanding and approach to circular design across its brands.

“This project delivered a clear vision for circular design, and leveraged the expertise in the industry, academia and our own business,” she said.

“The opportunity to help create guidelines based on real life feedback and challenges and not just academic theory was a key driver for our involvement, alongside our commitment to building a better future.”

<a href="https://refashioning.org/download/" target="_blank">Refashioning: accelerating circular product design at scale</a>, with RMIT co-authors Alice Payne, Yassie Samie, Jenny Underwood, Saniyat Islam, Rebecca Van Amber and Regine Abos,is published on&nbsp;<a href="https://refashioning.org/" target="_blank">refashioning.org</a>.

RMIT sustainable fashion experts have collaborated with brands to create guidelines aimed at eliminating wasteful designs and promoting durable fashion that supports reuse and recycling.The global fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.The new guide,&nbsp;<a href="https://refashioning.org/download/" target="_blank">Refashioning: accelerating circular product design at scale,</a>&nbsp;outlines steps for makers to transition from linear to circular design, focusing on maximising the lifespan of products and materials.Lead author and Dean of RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles, Professor Alice Payne, said the guide challenged traditional design thinking with practical steps to enable change.“This guide provides a systematic and methodological approach to implementing circular clothing design in a way that all organisations can implement, regardless of their size,” she said.“Based on extensive research with the industry, we’ve created practical steps businesses can take to improve the circularity of their outputs.“Although other circular design guides are available,&nbsp;Refashioning&nbsp;is unique in providing a systematic methodology that enables designers to both slow the flow and close the loop.”The dominant production and consumption method used by most brands today creates clothing for a linear economy – a system of take, make and waste.To switch to a circular method that allows materials to be recycled, critical aspects such as material choices, product purpose and use, durability, and end-of-life options need to be considered early in the design process.Funded by Sustainability Victoria, the guide’s production was a collaboration between RMIT, Country Road Group brands and two independent partners, circular design expert Courtney Holm and sustainability expert Julie Boulton.Sustainability Victoria’s CEO, Matt Genever, said the research connected industry, government, and academia to address textile waste.“It’s an example of how effective cross-sector collaboration can generate impactful results in the transition to a circular economy,” he said.“By fostering partnerships across sectors, Sustainability Victoria enables meaningful change that moves beyond theory and into real, actionable solutions.”Applied expertise was central to the design of the guidelines, as they were tested by users on actual products.For over a year, the team worked with eight product and design teams across four brands within the Country Road Group – Country Road, Trenery, Witchery and Politix – to test and refine the guides in a commercial context.Country Road Group’s Head of Sustainability, Erika Martin, said working on the guide’s creation has started the Group on a journey towards having a common understanding and approach to circular design across its brands.“This project delivered a clear vision for circular design, and leveraged the expertise in the industry, academia and our own business,” she said.“The opportunity to help create guidelines based on real life feedback and challenges and not just academic theory was a key driver for our involvement, alongside our commitment to building a better future.”<a href="https://refashioning.org/download/" target="_blank">Refashioning: accelerating circular product design at scale</a>, with RMIT co-authors Alice Payne, Yassie Samie, Jenny Underwood, Saniyat Islam, Rebecca Van Amber and Regine Abos,is published on&nbsp;<a href="https://refashioning.org/" target="_blank">refashioning.org</a>.