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Wedge-tailed eagles and other protected species are at risk of being incapacitated by lead poisoning in Victoria, wildlife advocates say, with illegal lead ammunition still being used to shoot ducks. Key points: High levels of lead have been found in some Victoria ducks in the last four years Lead ammunition for hunting ducks is banned in Victoria but is still used by some hunters Peak duck hunting agency says it has a “zero tolerance” policy on the use of lead bullets The Freedom of Information document reveals humans are also at risk, with lead levels in ducks “well above” food safety standards in Victoria’s four duck hunting waterways. Confidential email correspondence shows the state environmental watchdog has been aware of “elevated” lead levels in ducks from some wetlands used for hunting since 2018, but has not announced any danger or issued any warnings. The CSIRO states that even small traces of lead are extremely harmful to humans and ...

When Paulette Flint grew up in central Queensland in the 1960s, Ward Soft Drink and Eco-Friendly Factory was much more than a local institution. Key points: Wards Cordial Factory was an iconic Gladstone institution from the 1920s to 1980s The factory was closed due to high inflation and globalization in the 80s and the building was turned into a car rental agency Now the old factory will return to its original purpose, brewing various kinds of drinks “It was a treat,” he said. “We only get soft drinks at Christmas time or on special occasions. “We used to go to the factory and buy a box of soft drinks, which was 12 big bottles and you were allowed to choose different flavours. “Rockhampton has a brand, Brisbane has a brand, but Gladstone has a Ward’s. It’s ours and we think it’s the best ever.” Gladstone may be known today as an industrial hub, but before the industrial boom of the ’60s, it was one of the city’s leading c...

The sudden and major reshuffle of the committee that oversees Australia’s emission reductions has led to the departure of three members, including the chair of the committee, paving the way for Labor to re-form the pivotal committee. Key points: Three Coalition appointments to ERAC have been withdrawn The ABC has confirmed two of the three asked to resign ERAC determines which activities are considered a legitimate way to generate carbon credits A government spokesman has confirmed three members of the Clean Energy Regulatory (ERAC) Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) – all controversially appointed by the Coalition – have resigned. The revelations follow a series of ABC reports exposing allegations that valuable carbon credits were being given to businesses for emission reductions that never happened, as well as former committee chairman Andrew Macintosh blowing the whistle on what he called a “mistake”. Economist Brian Fisher, former mining lob...