Stubborn weather systems over the last two weeks have caused persistent rains and maximum temperatures to hit a five-year low.

Death is certain for a sea turtle once 100 pieces are ingested, a study concluded, as balloons, lolly wrappers and single-use shopping bags were found in one turtle’s stomach.

On a sunny Friday morning grower David McIntyre packed his walnuts and set out from the tiny Victorian town of Stanley to plead with beer giant Asahi to stop buying the water from beneath him.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has blamed the rush to grant almost half a billion dollars to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation in one hit on then Treasurer Scott Morrison and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann.

The controversial recipient of a $443.4 million grant from the Turnbull government reveals its plans to raise almost as much money by itself.