National weather forecast for Wednesday 11 December.

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.

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.

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.

National weather forecast for Saturday December 14.

National weather forecast for Sunday December 15.

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

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.

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

National weather forecast for Monday December 16.

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.

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.

National weather forecast for Tuesday December 17.

National weather forecast for Wednesday December 18.

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

Essential workers and low and middle-income earners will be enticed with government-subsidised cheaper loans to take up electric vehicles, including second-hand EVs.

Last Christmas a storm cell smashed Sydney and a plane was struck by lightning. Here’s what’s in store this year.

The Blue Mountains artist has cared for hundreds of injured kangaroos as a WIRES volunteer. She stands accused of animal cruelty for allegedly failing to provide veterinary treatment.

Urgent flood warnings are in place in southern Queensland after days of heavy rain.

National weather forecast for Thursday December 19.