Victoria faces worsening climate risks without adequate preparation, as communities and institutions remain exposed to impacts that are already expected to intensify. The warning points to more frequent or severe flooding, bushfires, drought and sea-level rise, underscoring that adaptation is needed even if emissions cuts continue.

Some new housing developments in western Sydney are coming under criticism for design choices that can make extreme heat worse. Dark roofs, sparse tree cover and heat-absorbing roads and surfaces are among the features cited, raising concern that fast-growing suburbs are locking in higher temperatures for residents.

US researchers are preparing to tag sharks off the East Coast with electronic sensors that gather ocean and environmental data to help improve hurricane forecasting. The project aims to capture real-time measurements as storms approach shore, adding observations from the water where conventional data can be limited.

Western Australia is stepping up protection for endangered Australian sea lions near Geraldton as concern grows about possible bird flu spread in the region. A conservation and monitoring effort is focused on pups, with the goal of sustaining or strengthening the population before any disease outbreak causes further pressure.