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James Tugwell
James Tugwell is a reporter in the ABC South East NSW newsroom, filing for radio, TV and online from the Batemans Bay bureau. Before joining the ABC, he worked in regional newspapers along the NSW South Coast.
Latest by James Tugwell
A 'living shoreline' of saltmarsh and oyster beds is working to protect this town, naturally
In low-lying Narooma on the New South Wales south coast, an award-winning initiative is creating a "self-healing" barrier against erosion and rising sea levels.
Cultural fishing practices given a leg up to help break into commercial fishing sector
Three Indigenous-owned corporations will receive government support, as they prepare to commercialise something they've been doing for thousands of years.
Can we solve one of the ocean's thorniest problems by eating it?
When abalone diver Chris Theodore noticed sea urchins destroying his fishery he started harvesting the marine menaces as a culinary delicacy. Now a Senate inquiry wants to see the industry boom.
NSW wildlife park celebrates 'perfect birth' of Subira the zebra
The baby boy only came into the world a week ago, but he's already racing around his enclosure and captivating all who come to see him.
Geographers have studied sand movement on this beach for more than 50 years. Here's what they've learnt
Sand movement has been recorded on this beach on the New South Wales southern coast since 1971. It's one of the longest data sets in the world, and holds important clues for the future.
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Senate inquiry into invasive 'Pac-Man of the ocean' proposes growing Australian sea urchin industry
A sea urchin that is rapidly spreading in warming oceans and overgrazing on kelp to the point it is creating marine deserts should be harvested for human consumption, a Senate inquiry has found, as it seeks ways to manage the native species.
Discovery of 'one in a billion' native plant sparks hope for more purple flowers
Indigenous horticulturalists have taken 21 cuttings of the first known purple Banksia spinulosa. But it remains to be seen whether they will flower, and what colour the petals will be.
Australian-first 'love machine' helps re-colonise little penguin population locally extinct for 30 years
When two little penguins recently came ashore on NSW's far south coast and mated they were, without knowing it, pioneers in re-establishing a colony that had been locally extinct for decades.
'We're getting out of here': People remain cut off from their homes after NSW South Coast fire
By Millie Roberts, James Tugwell, and Adriane Reardon
Locals affected by the Coolagolite blaze expressed their thanks to firefighters as they wait to be able to return back to their homes.
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Red-bellied black snake in the bedroom as summer heats up
A red-bellied black snake in the master bedroom of their holiday accommodation has frightened tourists on the south coast. It's only the start of what could be a very slithery season.
Prime minister urges Bega community to dig deep as homes are lost on NSW south coast
By Monty Jacka and James Tugwell
A man has been hospitalised and at least three homes have been lost as New South Wales south coast residents wait to see the damage left by a fire burning since Tuesday.
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NSW schools may close in hot weather this term — but some parents say it's not sustainable
A new bushfire risk register is being used to decide which schools close and which stay open during dangerous conditions. This is how it works.
Roadkill is up 20pc in NSW, but one council believes its virtual fence offers a solution
A one-year trial for roadside posts that emit a high-pitched sound to ward off animals whenever cars approach has concluded, and the results are turning heads.
Far South Coast fire danger upgraded to catastrophic as schools close, hot and windy conditions persist
The fire danger warning for the NSW Far South Coast is upgraded to catastrophic as the state endures a day of hot and windy weather.
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Gerard Dennis grew up 600km from the coast, now he hopes to be crowned the best oyster shucker in the world
A south coast oyster farmer who can shuck 30 in under three minutes hopes that's quick enough to beat the world's best.
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This couple lives on an 'insignificant road'. But naming it after a 'modest' Indigenous elder will change that
Gerard and Jennifer's home is on a dirt track without a name. Now they are proposing a "fittingly modest tribute" to honour a forgotten elder.
Hand-raised gorilla Kaius reunited with primate family at Mogo Wildlife Park
Park director Chad Staples has hand-raised a lion cub and a gorilla baby, and now he's an empty-nester after watching his primate friend graduate back to the troop.
This 'canary in the ocean' went missing from its home, but now there's hope it will come back
A colony of the world's largest seahorses disappeared from their habitat under Tathra Wharf earlier this year, with locals fearing the worst for the "iconic species".
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Seals in a 'frenzy-kill' most likely culprits as beheaded penguins and dead gannets wash up on NSW beaches
Wildlife rescuers believe seals are behind the unusual deaths of birds washed up on beaches near Batemans Bay and Currarong, and say it is possible they learnt the behaviour from seals off South Africa.
Social housing a 'mirage' as 50,000 people await support in NSW
With unrealistic wait lists for social housing and inadequate resourcing and funding, advocates are calling for urgent action during Homelessness Week.
Every visit to this aquatic and arts centre costs the local council more than $6
A report finds the centre in Batemans Bay — built with money from a scheme embroiled in accusations of pork-barrelling by the former NSW Coalition government — is bleeding money.
'It's an adrenaline rush': A day in the life of Australia's modern-day medieval knight
Ex-pro bullrider, blacksmith and keen horseman Darrell Bossley took up jousting at 66. When people ask him why then, he replies: "Because it's easier than starting at 67".
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Up to 100 playful orcas surround unsuspecting abalone diver off NSW
Jayde Theodore was about 15 kilometres off the coast of Batemans Bay when he found himself surrounded by a large pod of killer whales from Antarctica, a type only seen infrequently in Australian waters.
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Retiree's bird's-eye view of Australia from his homemade jet aircraft
It started with model aeroplanes as a teenager. Then he piloted gliders. Now, retired dentist Andre Viljoen has built his own jet aircraft to see Australia's best sights.
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