TRANSCRIPT
- Rock lobster trade with China to resume by the end of the year
- Torrential rain and flooding disrupt north Queensland as evacuations loom
- Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham is showing progress after a 4-3 win over Manchester United in the E-F-L Cup
The federal government has announced it has reached an agreement with China to resume the live rock lobster trade.
It comes as China continues to lift its ban on products imported from Australia, such as barley, red meat and wine, following an improvement in bilateral relations.
The news will serve as a major financial boost, with sales from rock lobster exports to China reaching $700 million per year before the ban was enforced.
Australian fishers have welcomed the news, saying the development will have a significant impact on the industry.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins has expressed her gratitude towards all those who worked to bring this deal forward.
"I want to thank Australia's live rock lobster fishers for their patience as we work through this, and I also want to thank the Chinese government and officials who have patiently worked their way through this with us. This has been (a) careful, collaborated, considered process that we have gone through to get this trade restored and this is great news at this great time of year to get our live rock lobster back into China."
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Flooded roads and highway closures are causing disruption in north Queensland, with even worse conditions expected before Christmas.
A tropical low has brought torrential rain, with up to 200mm falling in some areas between Cairns and Mackay in 24 hours.
Townsville residents near the Bohle River and Bluewater Creek have been warned to prepare for evacuation.
Holidaymakers are advised to rethink travel plans, with the Bruce Highway among the affected routes.
Miriam Bradbury of the Bureau of Meteorology predicts more heavy rain today as the low moves along the coast, with coastal regions facing up to 220mm in six hours.
Intense rainfall in the Herbert and Lower Burdekin region could cause life-threatening flash flooding, with totals reaching 320mm in some areas.
"We're seeing a lot of flash flooding in these areas already with many roads and highways already cut. We urge communities in these areas to stay in touch with your local emergency services, do not drive into floodwaters, keep yourself as safe as possible."
Heavy rain is set to ease this weekend as the tropical low gradually starts to move away from the coast into the Coral Sea.
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Scores of Australians have returned home after being airlifted overnight from earthquake-hit Vanuatu by two Royal Australian Air Force planes.
A Brisbane Airport spokesman confirmed the planes arrived on Friday night but could not provide passenger numbers.
Since Wednesday, hundreds of holidaymakers, workers, and other returnees have arrived via military airlifts.
The planes also delivered humanitarian supplies, including hygiene kits, medical items, tools, hardware, and tarpaulins to assist affected households.
The 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila on Tuesday, killing at least 10 people, injuring over 200, and causing widespread damage to the city and nearby areas.
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Sydney’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks could be cancelled over transport safety concerns linked to planned rail strikes.
Last-minute talks are underway after the New South Wales police commissioner raised serious concerns about public safety during the city's largest annual event.
Sydney’s midnight fireworks are a major global celebration, attracting one million spectators to the harbour and watched by 400 million worldwide.
However, union-led train disruptions have cast doubt on the event, with Commissioner Karen Webb worried about how tired, intoxicated revellers will get home after midnight.
"Leaving the city is based on access to transport, including trains, and if trains aren't available and people can't leave the city, I have very large concerns of the risk that will create to the public, because families might be able to get home and they'll be trapped in the city, no way out. So I haven't ruled out that I will recommend to government that we cancel the fireworks."
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In football,
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has expressed his pride over the way his players have fought to progress to the E-F-L Cup semifinals.
It comes following a thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester United, with Tottenham being in front by 3-nil at one point in the match.
United attempted to mount a comeback, fighting back to 3-2, but Postecoglou's men quickly found a fourth to end the encounter.
The Aussie coach says his team is showing signs of progress.
"We're in the semifinal of a cup competition. So I think that's something to reflect as progress for us and we've got an opportunity now, obviously home and away (matches) to get to a final. And we've earned that opportunity and it's one to look forward to. But we've got important games starting this week, starting Sunday, that we've still got to get through."
Tottenham's attempt to win the trophy will not be easy, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle also making it to the semis.
