One of the fledglings that hatched this year in Melbourne’s CBD has been released into the wild after a dramatic rescue and rehabilitation.

The mercury hit 32 degrees in Sydney’s CBD and climbed to more than 40 degrees out west.

Firefighters are getting the upper hand over a bushfire burning near Ballarat, with the Creswick blaze downgraded to "advice level".

Another wave of intense heat is set to blanket western Sydney.

Residents of Clarkes Hill, Wattle Flat and Dean were told shortly before 7pm to leave immediately, after a bushfire started near Creswick, but that advice has since been downgraded.

National weather forecast for Tuesday December 17.

Though temperature records were not broken across the state on Monday as feared, scientists are finding that even a standard summer day presents real dangers in Sydney.

They’re the native bird we love to loathe, with disparaging nicknames – and the occasional council cull.

Victoria is facing searing heat and severe bushfire danger with the temperature to climb into the 40s.

National weather forecast for Monday December 16.

National weather forecast for Sunday December 15.

Heatwave conditions are forecast to intensify with most states to hit the mid 30s to 40s.

National weather forecast for Saturday December 14.

The Coalition’s nuclear costings put it at odds with the government as well as a global effort to reduce emissions by electrifying economies and building renewable energy infrastructure.

In the stretch of coast and hinterland from Kempsey to Grafton, the fates of thousands of people hinge for better or worse on the NSW government’s imminent decision about the Great Koala National Park.

National weather forecast for Friday December 13.

National weather forecast for Thursday December 12.

Scott Reef is, in the words of author Tim Winton, the last “unspoiled” clear-water coral reef in Australia. It’s also near the site of a major gas-drilling proposal.

Farmed Tasmanian salmon is on the naughty list this year, but plenty of delicious options will keep you in the good graces of the environment.

National weather forecast for Wednesday 11 December.

National weather forecast for Monday December 9.

Gas will be part of our energy mix but, despite industry claims, new gas production and infrastructure is not needed in the transition to renewable energy.

National weather forecast for Sunday December 8.

Sydney’s “low-intensity heatwave” is set to end on Sunday, with warnings of severe thunderstorms in the city cancelled.

National weather forecast for Saturday December 7.