Townsville has elected a new mayor, Nick Dametto, following a significant shift in voter sentiment against the former mayor. Meanwhile, the Coalition government is proposing a new energy policy focused on affordability, and environmental activists are raising concerns about fossil fuel taxation and wildlife protection amid severe weather events.

New Mayoral Leadership in Townsville
In a decisive byelection, Nick Dametto, a former member of Katter's Australian Party, secured over 61% of the vote, marking a substantial swing against the controversial former mayor. Dametto's victory is being hailed as a pivotal moment for Townsville, which he aims to position as the capital of northern Australia. His election follows the resignation of the previous mayor, who faced significant public backlash.

Coalition’s Energy Policy Shift
The Coalition government has unveiled a new energy plan that prioritizes lowering consumer power prices over emissions reductions. This plan was endorsed during a special party room meeting, where members agreed to focus on tracking emissions cuts achieved by other nations rather than adhering to the previous net zero by 2050 target. This shift is seen as a response to internal pressures from the Nationals and aims to position the Coalition favorably in upcoming immigration policy discussions.

Protests Against Defence Conference in Sydney
In Sydney, twelve individuals were charged following a large pro-Palestine protest against a state-sponsored defence conference. Demonstrators gathered outside the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition, voicing opposition to the participation of Israeli weapons companies. The protest was met with a heavy police presence, which included uniformed and mounted officers to prevent disruptions. The event highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Severe Weather Hits Queensland
South-east Queensland experienced severe storms over the weekend, resulting in large hailstones and warnings of flash floods and tornadoes. Reports indicated hailstones measuring up to 8cm in diameter, causing significant damage in areas like Esk. Thousands of residents were left without power as authorities issued alerts for potential further severe weather.

Family Reunited After Long Separation
Fatma Badra, a 79-year-old grandmother from Gaza, was reunited with her family at Sydney airport after an 11-year separation. She was part of the first group of Palestinians to arrive in Australia since a recent ceasefire. Her son, Shamikh, had been working to bring her to safety, and the emotional reunion comes amid ongoing humanitarian crises in the region.

Environmental Activism in Newcastle
In Newcastle, climate activists from Rising Tide painted "Tax Me" on a coal ship, calling for a 78% tax on fossil fuel export profits. They argue that the funds should be used to support community transitions away from coal. This protest is part of a broader movement advocating for stronger climate policies and accountability from the federal government.

Wildlife Concerns Amid Shark Net Program
A juvenile humpback whale was found dead off the coast of New South Wales after becoming entangled in shark nets. This incident has reignited discussions about the effectiveness and ethics of the shark mesh net program, which aims to protect swimmers but has resulted in the deaths of marine wildlife. The whale's death marks the first confirmed case among 14 entangled whales this year.

Wrap-up
The political landscape in Australia is shifting, with new leadership in Townsville, a redefined energy policy from the Coalition, and rising environmental activism. These developments are occurring alongside significant weather events and humanitarian issues, reflecting the complex interplay of local and national concerns.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team