Good morning: One Nation ramps up its energy debate in Victoria, South Australia reveals a $96 million MotoGP circuit plan, and concerns grow over power at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear site.
Politics One Nation Pushes Coal, Nuclear, Anti-Renewables Stance In Victoria
One Nation outlined energy plans to about 1,000 supporters at a Farmers Fightback rally in Marnoo, Victoria, pledging to back coal and gas projects and scrap renewable energy zones. Victorian leader Warren Pickering said a One Nation government would remove VicGrid's compulsory acquisition powers for the VNI West transmission line, while federal leader Pauline Hanson said the state should consider new coal plants and nuclear power. Neither leader specified costs, though Pickering said coal and gas expansion would rely on private investment; more policy detail is expected at an event at Yallourn Power Station.
Sources: ABC News
Sport SA unveils $96m MotoGP street circuit design
South Australia's government has released plans for a 4.13km street circuit in Adelaide's eastern parklands, set to host MotoGP from November 2027 and the Tour Down Under from January 2028. About 400 trees will be removed or relocated for the project, with Premier Peter Malinauskas saying 3,770 trees would be planted under a 10-to-1 replacement scheme. The announcement follows earlier protests, including a petition signed by more than 43,000 people opposing tree removal.
Sources: ABC News
World Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant running on backup generators
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has lost off-site power for over a week and is relying on emergency diesel generators, the IAEA said, warning it has only about 10 days of fuel left. The agency said the outage followed military activity near the Dnipro River and that it is seeking a local ceasefire to allow repairs. Elsewhere, a Russian strike on a munitions depot near Kyiv killed at least 37 people, and Germany is reportedly preparing sanctions over a drone incident at Leipzig airport.
Sources: Guardian Australia
Economy TikTok sardine craze empties supermarket shelves
A TikTok trend called 'sardinemaxxing' has led to sardines being cleared from supermarket shelves, with influencers promoting the fish for purported skin and anti-ageing benefits. Experts warn the viral demand raises concerns about sourcing and could put pressure on fish populations if it spreads to other seafood, though sardines themselves are considered a resilient, fast-growing species. Researchers note Australia's own sardine fishery in South Australia is sustainable, but most tinned sardines sold locally are imported from fisheries with less oversight.
Sources: SBS News
Culture Longtime Simpson Desert ranger Don Rowlands retires after 32 years
Don Rowlands, Queensland's first ranger for Munga-Thirri National Park near Birdsville, is retiring after more than three decades in the role, which he began in 1994. He advocated for the park's traditional name and native title recognition, a process finalised in 2014, and was involved in numerous desert rescues alongside local police. Family and community members say his knowledge of the desert and its songlines has been significant for both conservation and cultural preservation.
Sources: ABC News
Culture Teen with fragile X syndrome tours ABC bureaus nationwide
Newcastle teenager Hayden Eastbury, who lives with fragile X syndrome, has spent almost 20 months travelling Australia with his family visiting ABC bureaus, having now reached 36 of the broadcaster's 56 locations. The Fragile X Association of Australia says his journey has raised awareness of the rare condition and encouraged other families to pursue similar experiences. As Hayden turns 18 this week, ABC presenters from across the country recorded birthday messages for him.
Sources: ABC News