Bird Flu Alert: Australia has confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in two migratory seabirds in WA—brown skua and northern giant petrel—marking the first detections of this highly pathogenic strain in the country, with surveillance stressing there’s no sign yet of widespread wildlife or poultry impacts. Water Pollution Watch: Tasmania’s “Map the Crap” campaign highlights sewage-laden waterways, warning swimmers and paddlers face pathogens and toxins after TasWater released billions of litres of wastewater, including under-treated sewage. Basin Plan Update: The Murray-Darling Basin authority is preparing its first Murray-Darling Basin Plan review after thousands of community submissions, with users pushing for a balance between environmental outcomes, water quality, farming needs and cultural values. Climate Extremes & Rain: Eastern Australia is set for a wetter pattern as a trough and onshore winds bring showers and storms, while Victoria braces for a shift to more sustained rain. Drought-Proofing Trial: Murdoch University’s SMART SPRAYS project is testing a biodegradable polymer approach to capture and redirect rainfall to crop roots in WA’s Wheatbelt. Data Centres Pressure: Forty mayors, including Melbourne and Phoenix, backed a pact to shape data centre growth so it doesn’t strain city power, water or climate targets. Herbicide Paraquat: Australia’s chemical regulator has approved restricted ongoing use of paraquat despite bans in 70 countries, reigniting health and farming concerns.