Critically endangered parrots begin returning to Melaleuca
Critically endangered parrots which only breed in Tasmania have begun flying back to Melaleuca. Here’s why things could be looking up for the birds.
West Coast
‘Elitist’: $40m Next Iconic Walk in conservationists’ crosshairs
Tipped to rival the Three Capes Track, a proposed new multi-day walk on Tasmania’s West Coast has been derided as a “purely commercial” development for wealthy tourists.
Hydro’s stoush with mayor continues with ‘potential way forward’ rejected
Hydro Tasmania accused a mayor of spreading ‘deliberately misleading’ information. Find out what happened during round two of the war of words.
Hydro slams mayor for ‘incorrect and deliberately misleading’ claims
Hydro’s boss has expressed ‘sincere disappointment’ over comments a mayor made to his constituents about the organisation. Find out why the Hydro head honcho got so angry.
EPA hands down decision on $400m+ mining development
The owners of a West Coast mine want to transition from open-cut to underground operations. Find out what the EPA said in its assessment of the proposed development.
Drunk and drugged-up driver jailed for wild highway police chase
‘A bad case of dangerous driving’ is how a Supreme Court judge described a police chase that ended after a man’s car spun out of control and smashed into a guard rail.
Mining company’s move to exit Tas prompts calls for change
A Perth-based mineral exploration company is set to exit Tasmania even after receiving six grants from the state government, prompting calls for a review of mining laws.
Gutwein’s final steps in 350km Tasmania journey
Former premier and Migrant Resource Centre chair Peter Gutwein wrapped up the last leg of his 350km journey across Tasmania on Sunday, with a big payday for charity.
Where to nab a bargain block in Tasmania
Burnie, Interlaken, York Town, Zeehan – these are the suburbs all home to some of the cheapest blocks of lands in the state. See what makes the list.
Where to find Tasmania’s riskiest roads
Whether it be a dramatic four car pileup or a minor fender bender, here’s Tasmania’s top 10 most dangerous roads for crashes. Check out the interactive map >>
‘Unfortunate’: penguins trapped in wire fence at beach development
Burnie Council has described footage from local residents as “extremely unfortunate” after penguins caught in development fencing emerges online. Watch the video.
$400m plan to transition Tassie mine to a ‘strong future’
By 2029 Grange Resources hopes to transition to underground mining at its Savage River site. However, it will cost more than $400 million to make that happen.
West Coast RSL club shuts its doors
An RSL on the West Coast has shut its doors after being placed in voluntary administration.
Greens’ plan to ‘guarantee’ jobs for workers if salmon farm closes
The Greens want to remove salmon farming from Macquarie Harbour and laid out how workers could transition into other roles. However, the plan has not been well received by everyone.
Major project status given to 500-turbine wind farm plan
The Whaleback Ridge wind farm is only the third proposal to be declared a major project by the State Government. Find out what it means for the proposal.
Cloud of anxiety over region left reeling from mine closure
A significant ripple effect impacting the West Coast has been predicted if aquaculture is removed from Macquarie Harbour, with the region already suffering the blow of job losses.
Workers ‘blindsided’ by West Coast nickel mine’s closure
Having been in receivership and on the hunt for a new owner since September, the life support for the embattled Avebury Nickel Mine has been turned off. Why it closed.
‘It’s all unnecessary’: Dutton slams Plibersek over aquaculture decision
Ahead of a decision that could heavily affect the aquaculture industry on the West Coast, Peter Dutton has urged Tanya Plibersek to not politicise the issue.
‘Had a gutful’: Wilkie’s swipe at ‘greedy airlines’
Ever felt stunned at the price of a flight’s return tickets? One independent MP expressed his frustrations with “scam” pricing, lodging a complaint with the ACCC.
Staff crisis: Remote town pleading for teachers
A remote Tasmanian school is at crisis point as it struggles to secure teachers. What the union says needs to be done to fix the problem.
New Year delivers a special bundle of joy for first time parents
It’s the story of the cycle of life in the birth of Tasmania’s first baby in 2024, with the little girl a namesake for a treasured family member.
The 1500MW hole in Tasmania’s plan to become hydrogen heavyweight
As the state’s energy wars reignite, with Hydro Tasmania finally confirming there is no spare capacity for projects of 50MW or more, the government’s much-vaunted hydrogen plan could be at risk.
‘Immense pride’: Double the joy for first-time meerkat mum
Tasmania Zoo celebrated two holidays this December – Christmas and the one-month birthday for its youngest furry members. Watch.
Why Tassie town is despairing over fate of beloved ‘Hobbit house’
A rustic old home that once belonged to an amateur artist, astronomer and photographer is being demolished, according to distraught locals who are calling for the property to be preserved.
Bob Brown’s idea: Strahan centre to honour ‘thylacine of the sea’
Bob Brown has proposed that a Maugean skate centre, akin to Beauty Point’s Seahorse World, be built at Strahan. He also wants the skate’s captive breeding program moved there.
Tassie’s 2022 road deaths on track to more than double 2021
Road fatalities for 2022 so far have catapulted ahead of figures from this time last year as authorities scramble to curb the horrific figures.
Tassie passes staggering Covid milestone as cases spike
As Tasmania records over 1000 new cases overnight the state has passed a scary infection milestone. POPULATION PERCENTAGE INFECTED >>
Take a glide on the wild side
Sipping on some of Tasmania’s finest bubbles as you cruise out to the famous Hells Gates at sunset is a magical way to spend a warm summer’s evening on the West Coast.
Country servo’s surge of customers as word spreads about cheap fuel
A regional Tasmanian service station has experienced a rush of new customers after word spread about the proprietor’s decision to keep his fuel prices low. CHEAPEST FUEL NEAR YOU >>
WATCH: Water bomber planes winning fight against bushfire
Dramatic footage has shown bright yellow water bombers filling up in a lake to battle the still burning Olegas Bluff bushfire. SEE VIDEO + FIRE UPDATE >>
‘I’m shaking!’: Mystery lotto winner’s sweet surprise
More than 48 hours later, following numerous attempts to track down Tasmania’s mystery lotto winner, the lucky local has been named. THE WINNER >>
Hot offer: Digital access, weekend delivery
Looking for a great value offer? New Mercury subscribers can get full digital access plus the paper home delivered every weekend for less than a latte. Here’s how.
Dirt cheap rentals and properties in Tasmania
From one-bedroom iron shacks to ‘repulsive’ rusty dorms with shared bathrooms, the Mercury has tracked down the cheapest properties out there. FULL LIST >>
Cause of West Coast tailings spill revealed
A mining company has identified the cause of a tailings spill at its Rosebery site, which led to the release of waste materials into nearby waterways.
Injured rock climber rescued from iconic climb
An injured rock climber has been rescued from one of Tasmania’s most infamous climbing routes. LATEST >>
The secrets behind Tassie’s pub barons
The faces behind the state’s most iconic pubs have unveiled their secrets to pouring beers mid-pandemic and their exciting plans for 2022. MEET THE PUBLICANS >>
NAMED: Tassie’s nightclub brawlers, bashers and shooters
From a powerlifter who fired a rifle inside a venue to a jawbreaking bashing in Hobart – Tasmania’s clubs are no stranger to violence. FULL LIST OF CRIMES >>
Where to get your child vaccinated in Tasmania
Parents are being urged to get their kids vaccinated if they haven’t already, as the rush continues before students return to school next week. LATEST + CLINIC DETAILS >>
Muggy and tropical-like conditions hit Tasmania
Tropical-like conditions from the top end of Australia have made their way down to Tassie, with Hobart recording its warmest minimum temperature in two years. LATEST FORECAST >>
Tullah blaze to be contained by weekend, say firefighters
Firefighters are confident they’ll have the Tullah bushfires contained by the weekend, but warn that further fires could be on the horizon. LATEST >>
‘Unprecedented pressure’: Covid-19 pushes childcare staff to brink
The director of a Hobart early learning centre says her staff are being forced to act as de facto healthcare workers and isolate with sick kids who can’t be picked up by parents. LATEST >>
Tasmania decides Australia’s best tap water
The most crisp, refreshing, thirst-quenching tap water in Australia was decided by a panel of Tasmanian water-drinkers in a blind taste test. WHICH STATE WON? >>
Hectic queues subside as Tassie relaxes airport rules
The hectic queues have subsided somewhat at Hobart Airport, as Tasmania relaxed its Covid-19 flight rules. Do you agree with the change? HAVE YOUR SAY + LATEST >>
$10k granny flat grants to relieve housing shortage
A $10,000 state government grant to build a granny flat on existing properties has been touted as relief for the housing crisis, but some aren’t happy. HOW TO APPLY >>
Heavy rains leave Eastern Shore washed out
Wild weather that lashed the state left numerous businesses in need of drying out – and there are warnings the big wet might not be over yet. LATEST >>
Tassie council threatens to put 60 ratepayers’ houses under hammer
A local council will auction some 60 houses in three months’ time if the owners cough up their unpaid rates. LATEST >>
Perfect day for a barbie and backyard sport
Christmas is shaping up to be a perfect day for a barbecue and some backyard cricket, with mild and pleasant weather on the cards. LATEST FORECAST >>
Firebugs charged after car and truck go up in flames
Two men and a woman have been charged after a ute and truck were set on fire in the driveway of a local home. LATEST BREAKING NEWS >>
Polling shows voters back Liberals’ actions on Covid
The latest polling shows voters’ intentions are virtually unchanged since the May state election, but the reopening of the state’s borders may change that result. DETAILS >>
‘Totally false’: Government hits back in water fight
TasWater and the state government have hit back at Labor’s claims around proposed price rises for water and sewerage services, but Labor is standing by its figures.
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