Jess Davis

Oct 11, 2024 | abc.net.au | Jess Davis

John Morales's voice cracks as he explains to his audience how tropical storm Milton had turned into a category five monster within hours. "I apologise, this is just horrific.""It is just gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico…where the seas are just so incredibly, incredibly hot, record hot."Straight off the back of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene, Milton developed at record-breaking speed, pA seasoned weatherman with 40 years of experience, Morales's exasperation is palpable.

Oct 4, 2024 | abc.net.au | Jess Davis

Hundreds of solar installation businesses have been left almost $90 million out of pocket. They say the industry is riddled with "cowboys" and in desperate need of better regulation. Installers are calling for tighter checks in the financial backbone of Australia's flagship green power scheme. Rooftop solar is booming in Australia, but in the shadows of this billion-dollar industry are operators who appear to be taking advantage of a system where they can "print money" with little oversight.

Aug 30, 2024 | abc.net.au | Andy Burns |Charlotte King |Jess Davis |Lucy Sweeney

Loading... In this small rural community, Parkinson's disease is all too common. Many fear that farm chemicals could be behind it. It's a chilly night in Dean, just outside Ballarat in the heart of Victoria's potato country. The local town hall has seen generations of farming families through its doors for celebrations, concerts, weddings and school speech nights. But tonight the mood is sombre.

Aug 28, 2024 | abc.net.au | Jess Davis

On Sunday afternoon, Australians across the country basked in the glorious winter sunshine. The blossoms had sprung early, in Melbourne the footy was played in 24 degrees, and the ski fields mourned as heavy rain killed the remainder of another poor snow season. Instead of enjoying what felt like a late spring or hot summer's day in some places, an ominous shadow hung over the weather. In Victoria, dark clouds gathered in the evening unleashing summer storms across parts of the state.

Jul 3, 2024 | abc.net.au | Jess Davis |Alex Lim |Lucy Sweeney |Tim Leslie |Edwina Farley

Australian homes are notoriously cold in winter. Take a tour with an energy assessor to learn how a few tweaks can keep you warm, save money and reduce emissions. Laine Taylor fell in love with the character of this 1880s miners' cottage, in the Victorian town of Ballarat, the first moment she saw it. But she was under no illusions about the downsides of buying an old, cold house, in an old, cold town.