7News Just In

A road rule requiring motorists to slow down for reduced speed limits at roadworks outside of construction hours has been removed. Drivers are no longer required to observe roadwork speed limits during non-work hours such as overnight and on weekends. Construction crews must now remove roadwork speed limit signage when work is not being conducted.

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Australian households can access three hours of free electricity daily from 11am to 2pm under new federal regulations requiring energy retailers to offer plans that absorb excess renewable energy from the grid. The government estimates households shifting high-energy appliances to midday can save hundreds of dollars annually.

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Moore Park Golf Club in Sydney is being reduced from 18 holes to 12 as part of a $50 million state government project to create 20 hectares of new parkland in one of Sydney's most densely populated areas. The 113-year-old golf course now has fences up, temporarily operating with only 10 holes during construction. The golf club and its members oppose the transformation, arguing it will reduce access to the sporting facility.

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The Australian government implements new financial year changes including stage three tax cuts, minimum wage increases of 4.75%, extended paid parental leave to six months, and instant asset write-off for small businesses. National house prices record their largest monthly fall in nearly four years with a 0.4% drop in June, attributed to interest rate rises, low consumer confidence and budget measures.

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Four five-month-old snow leopard cubs at Melbourne Zoo have been given palm fronds rubbed with dried herbs and fresh rosemary as part of their enrichment program. The scent enrichment is designed to mimic the changing environments snow leopards would experience in their natural habitat.

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Sydney house prices have dropped 1.2% in June, the largest decline since August 2022, with expensive suburbs like the eastern suburbs, inner west, lower north shore and northern beaches experiencing falls of more than 10% over three months.

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A 25-year-old man has been arrested in Silverwater and charged over three alleged separate shooting attacks targeting homes in Merrylands and Wentworthville in south western Sydney last April. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents. Three people have now been charged in connection with the attacks.

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The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has launched an investigation into the state's Liberal Party over allegations of illegal donations.

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New research reveals Australian teenagers are spending more than four hours daily on screens, with fewer than one in five children getting adequate exercise. Medical experts, including Professor Ken Purnell from CQUniversity, warn that 'doom-scrolling' has become a major public health crisis affecting not only children's sleep, exercise and brain development, but also adults' relationships, work and overall wellbeing.

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Sydney petrol prices are increasing as the fuel excise returns at a half rate of 16 cents per litre for the next month, following a three-month grace period. The Albanese government is gradually restoring normal pricing after the Middle East ceasefire. Motorists are seeking the cheapest petrol locations across Sydney as the excise changes take effect.

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