Renowned Australian scientist Tim Flannery warns NT against investing in gas, Jemena pipeline

Former Australian of the Year and climate expert Tim Flannery has warned the Northern Territory not to invest in "dying" fossil fuel industries like gas.

Tim Flannery believes the Northern Territory
would lose out if it invested in gas.

Professor Flannery, the former chief commissioner of the now defunct Climate Commission, was brought to Darwin by the Environment Centre and Nightcliff Sea Breeze Festival organisers to speak at the festival on the weekend.

Ahead of the event, he told the ABC despite the Territory's economic woes, investing in gas infrastructure or fracking would mean the NT would lose out economically and environmentally.

"There is no conflict between going renewable and economic development; what we do have is an industry that is determined to hang onto life," Professor Flannery said.

Read the ABC News story - “Renowned Australian scientist Tim Flannery warns NT against investing in gas, Jemena pipeline.”

El Nino here to stay: seasonal risk agronomist

Weather models are in agreement that the current El Nino weather pattern is here to stay until April.

El Nino can bring drying conditions to south-eastern Australia and this year areas of Victoria have been hardest hit.

Seasonal Risk Agronomist with Victoria's Department of Economic Development, Dale Grey, who studies weather patterns and impacts for agriculture said El Nino loomed large over spring in the state.

Read the ABC Rural story - “Record Indian Ocean temperatures have potential to bring more rain to Australia, but El Nino lingers.”