INTENSE THUNDERSTORMS, DESTRUCTIVE WINDS, AND BIG HAILSTONES FORMED IN QUEENSLAND AS RESIDENTS ARE ALERTED

Australian News

13th NOVEMBER 2024

By Oyenike

INTENSE THUNDERSTORMS, DESTRUCTIVE WINDS, AND BIG HAILSTONES FORMED IN QUEENSLAND AS RESIDENTS ARE ALERTED

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued multiple alerts for south-east Queensland as severe thunderstorms develop, raising flood risks in certain areas. Meteorologist Marina Newman noted that isolated storm cells are intensifying from the Gold Coast to Victoria, with potential hail reaching 5 cm in size.

The initial severe alert was released around 2 pm on Wednesday for regions including Maranoa, Warrego, Darling Downs, and Granite Belt, warning of large hailstones, strong winds, and heavy rain. The latest update at 7:15 pm cautioned residents in Noosa and parts of Gympie, Somerset, and the Sunshine Coast about further severe thunderstorms.

Newman indicated that hail poses the greatest threat, with sizes already reaching 3 cm, while flood risks remain a concern. The northern rivers have experienced up to 50 millimetres of rainfall in the past 44 hours, making the area prone to flooding.

Strong wind gusts of 72 kilometres per hour were reported in Roma, with damaging winds of up to 40 kilometres per hour recorded in other regions of Queensland. Severe storms are anticipated to continue until midnight, bringing large hail, strong winds, and minor flooding, with showers expected across the state until Thursday evening. The primary storm risk area for Thursday extends from the Capricornia coast to the southeast.

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BONDI ATTACKER KNIFED 16 IN JUST THREE MINUTES, INQUIRY REVEALED

Joel Cauchi fatally stabbed six individuals and injured ten others in a Sydney shopping centre within just three minutes, according to an inquest. The New South Wales Coroner’s Court revealed that the 40-year-old was obsessed with knives and had schizophrenia but was off his medication and homeless during the attack. Alarm systems did not activate until after police shot Cauchi.

The incident, which occurred on April 13, shocked Australia, a country where mass killings are uncommon, and sparked discussions on gender-based violence. Of the 16 victims, 14 were women, including five fatalities and a nine-month-old baby, indicating that Cauchi had specifically targeted women.

During the hearing, it was outlined that an extensive inquiry would commence in April 2025, focusing on potential security oversights and mental health system failures in New South Wales and Queensland. Dr. Peggy Dwyer SC emphasised that Cauchi had been off his medication since 2019, despite multiple warnings to authorities about his declining mental health.

Cauchi, who had been living on the streets in Maroubra before the attack, entered the Westfield shopping centre around 3:30 pm and began his violent spree. The timeline of events was detailed in Dwyer’s statement, highlighting the tragic unfolding of the incident in Bondi that day.

Four of Joel Cauchi’s Victims

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BALI FLIGHTS SUSPENDED BECAUSE OF DANGEROUS VOLCANIC ASH

A number of airlines have halted operations to and from Bali because of dangerous ash clouds generated by a volcano close to the popular Indonesian tourist spot. Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia informed travellers of the cancellations on Wednesday, stating that the ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki rendered flying unsafe. The volcano released a 9 km (6.2 miles) ash plume over the weekend, following a significant eruption that resulted in 10 fatalities.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has also cautioned that the volcanic ash could drift into northern regions of the country on Wednesday. Jetstar announced that all flights to and from Bali until 12:00 Australian Eastern Daylight Time Thursday (04:00 GMT) have been called off. Other airlines, including Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, India’s IndiGo, and Malaysia’s AirAsia, have also cancelled flights.

Virgin Australia, which halted all its flights to and from Bali on Wednesday, emphasised that safety is their top priority, with their meteorology team actively monitoring the situation. Singapore Airlines and its budget carrier Scoot have also cancelled some flights, although Singapore’s airport website indicates that other flights to and from Bali continued to operate on Wednesday.

Bali’s international airport general manager, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, reported that 22 international flights and 12 domestic flights were disrupted on Tuesday, but further details regarding Wednesday’s flights were not provided.

A number of airlines halted operations to and from Bali because of dangerous ash clouds generated by a volcano close

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RISING CANBERRA BUREAUCRACY ‘ALARMING’ FOR TAXPAYERS, ECONOMIST SAYS

The Albanese government is facing criticism after a report indicated a $5 billion rise in wages for Canberra’s bureaucracy, which one economist labelled as “alarming.” An Australian Bureau of Statistics report showed that annual salaries for Commonwealth public sector employees exceeded $37 billion, following an increase of over 26,000 workers since the government took office.

The federal public service now comprises 365,400 employees, with wage growth surpassing 10% in the past year and 15% over two years. Most of the new positions are based in Canberra, particularly in climate change, energy, environment, and water sectors. Economist Judith Sloan expressed her lack of surprise at the wage increase but urged the government to alter its approach.

Sloan remarked that such increases are typical of Labor governments, which tend to expand the public sector and raise salaries. She pointed out that these positions are not frontline workers like teachers, nurses, or police officers, but rather policy advisors and media consultants, making the situation concerning.

While Sloan advocated for a reduction in the size of the Canberra bureaucracy, she suggested that the government could avoid mass layoffs by simply imposing a cap on the total number of public service employees. She referenced former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman’s unsuccessful attempt to establish such targets.

The Albanese government is facing criticism after a report indicated a $5 billion rise in wages for Canberra’s bureaucracy

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PROSPECTS OF AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK UNCERTAIN AFTER IMG DISCONTINUES YEARLY EVENT

The future of Australian Fashion Week is uncertain after IMG, its long-time owner, announced it will no longer host the event. Typically held in May or June, the week features a combination of fashion shows, industry discussions, and offsite presentations, mainly at Sydney’s Carriageworks. IMG’s managing director, Natalie Xenita, expressed pride in the event’s contributions over the past two decades but did not clarify whether the event is for sale or will be discontinued.

Founded in 1996, Australian Fashion Week has helped elevate Australian brands like Alex Perry and Zimmermann to global prominence. At its peak, brands spent lavishly to invite international celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian. However, in recent years, the event has faced challenges attracting major participants, as high production costs have led brands to invest in digital marketing or larger overseas fashion weeks instead.

Over the years, the costs associated with traditional runway shows have skyrocketed, often reaching mid to high five figures for just a 20-minute presentation. Simon Lock, the event’s founder who sold it to IMG in 2005, reflected on the event’s legacy and its challenges in the current fashion landscape. The uncertainty surrounding the future of Australian Fashion Week raises questions about its place in the evolving fashion industry.

The future of Australian Fashion Week is uncertain after IMG, its long-time owner, announced it will no longer host the event

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