Three tornadoes hit coastal towns: 17 hurt

A badly damaged house and downed power lines are seen after a tornado ripped through Bargara on Queensland's coast. YouTube/nikkogsxr

WARNING signals will be broadcast for the Wide Bay area as tornado activity continues throughout the night, with five tornadoes earlier hitting the region.

Earlier this evening, radar imagery was showing a sixth tornado gaining strength about 30km west of Maryborough and moving south to southwest at about 50km/h.

Locals are watching nervously after seeing Bargara, near Bundaberg, hit with the first tornado about 1pm.

It brought down powerlines, tearing off roofs and flinging iron and windows across the streets.

Burnett Heads, just north of Bargara, was then hit about 3pm with a third tornado ripping through Coonarr soon after.

For our comprehensive wrap of the flood crisis, click here.

Bungadoo, around 40km south southwest of Bundaberg was hit just after 4pm and the fifth tornado struck again at Burnett Heads about 6.21pm, damaging the roofs of two homes and several powerlines.

"We've had quite a lot of damage from the tornadoes, with major damage to shopping centres and powerlines down," Bureau of Meteorology technical forecaster Ken Kato said.

Raw vision from Channel Ten shows the impact of wild storms and a tornado near Bundaberg on Queensland's coast.

"I would not call them mini, they are proper tornados," he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology and Emergency Management Queensland will be issuing the Standard Emergency Warning Signal before updates to the severe weather events over radio or television.

EMQ Assistant Director-General Bruce Grady said EMQ had been advised by the BoM that current radar imagery suggests the strong possibility of tornado-like activity would continue to affect areas across the Wide Bay and Burnett District.

"While it is not possible to indicate where exactly these events will occur, destructive winds, heavy rainfall, abnormally high tides and dangerous surf has been forecast for the Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt Districts," Mr Grady said.

The tornadoes have left at least 20 people injured and two people seriously hurt.

Two people were critically injured when a giant pine fell on their parked car on the Esplanade at Bargara, while two homes were completely destroyed in the tornado that struck Burnett Heads.

Authorities said Burnett Heads was again struck by the latest in the series of twisters, which hit the area at 6pm AEST and 6.30pm.

Bargara Bowling Club after the tornado. Picture: Sabrina Lauriston

Two people were believed to have been injured in the second onslaught, with powerlines down and at least one roof torn from a home.

And the Bureau of Meteorology says the worst may be yet to come.

It has forecast the "strong possibility" of further tornado activity around Burnett Heads, Wide Bay and at Maryborough, south of Bundaberg.

See more pictures from the damage

Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey, who lives in Bundaberg, said 150 homes had been damaged at Burnett Heads.

Mr Dempsey said he could not confirm the number of injuries, but said a triage centre had been set up in Bargara to deal to tend to at least a dozen people injured by flying glass and other debris.

Two people were critically injured when their car was struck by a tree and were undergoing emergency treatment in Bundaberg hospital, he said.

This Twitter photo from Channel 7 Bundaberg shows emergency crews working to free a man trapped in his car after a pine tree fell on the vehicle during a mini-tornado. PIC: Pippa Bradshaw/ Channel 7

Mr Dempsey said East Bundaberg and small townships in the area had also been hit by mini-tornadoes, but it was not clear whether there had been several individual tornadoes or whether they were part of the same weather system.

Local councillor Greg Barnes told The Courier-Mail he witnessed the Bargara tornado as it tore through his neighbourhood.

Cr Barnes said a man and woman are currently trapped in their ute after a Norfolk Pine was brought down onto the cab of the vehicle. They appear to be seriously injured, he said.

Cr Barnes said the tornado swept through the northern end of Bargara, impacting buildings and homes including his own.

He said the most affected areas were between Bargara Road and McCavanagh Street and Davidson Street and the Esplanade.

Emergency crews have been activated and residents are urged to stay away from the area as there are live wires down.

Cr Barnes said he had heard reports the local bowls club may have lost its roof (Story continues below).

View Triple Twisters in a larger map

"It's not a good situation. I urge people to keep away. It's not something you need to come and see. It's very dangerous. There are live wires down in nearly every street,' Cr Barnes said.

"They're going to have to shut down the power out here. We need the public to play their part and keep away."

Bargara resident Judith McNamara, who witnessed the tornado through her kitchen window, said it left a car in her yard with a tree through it.

"All of a sudden ... I looked up and a tree went flying through the air ... and the car went up," she told ABC radio.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said it damaged homes, shops, a bowling club and government buildings.

All roads into the town are closed.

DAMAGE in Bargara after a tornado struck on Saturday. Pic: Ergon Facebook

Kathleen Donaghy, Kelmeny Fraser and Brittany Vonow with AAP

This Twitter picture from Channel Nine News shows emergency personnel at Bargara after the mini tornado hit. PIC: Courtesy Nine News.

A tornado has ripped through Bargara, tearing roofs off homes, ripping down powerlines and knocking down trees. Emergency crews are on scene and many roads have been closed. Picture: Ergon Enegy Facebook Page

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WA celebrates Australia Day

Thousands flocked to Cottesloe Beach for the Havaianas Thong Challenge. Picture: Thomas Davidson Source: PerthNow

WEST Australians revelled in all the colours of the flag for Australia Day - from swimming in the blue waters of Broome to kicking a footy across the red dirt of the Pilbara or camping on the white beaches of Esperance.

The nation's proudest day brought 300,000 to the shores of the Swan River to see Perth's Australia Day climax, the Skyworks, with nine tonnes of explosive material lighting up the night sky.

Families crowded the shoreline for the 30-minute display, which was accompanied for the first time by giant water fountains lit up with coloured laser beams.

It followed a day of barbecues, beers and beach bathing for many Sandgropers keen to enjoy the clear-blue skies and 35C temperatures.

As the Australian and Aboriginal flags flew side-by-side on the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the first time yesterday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard granted Englishman Ian Mears his Australia Day wish by giving him a kiss on the cheek during his citizenship pledge in Canberra.

The downpours across central Queensland caused by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald forced the cancellation of many Australia Day activities, including Yeppoon's Aussie beach party.

In WA, the hot weather proved a boon for the Havaianas Thong Challenge, with almost 2100 people turning out to Cottesloe Beach to break the world record to create the longest line of inflatable airbeds for the second year in a row.

Revellers south of the river flocked to Bathers Bay in Fremantle for the Indian Ocean Skyshow fireworks after a day of family entertainment and activities.

There were also fireworks in Broome, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Bunbury and Bassendean.

In Karratha, the Whittles family celebrated the life of Steve Irwin by dressing as the famous crocodile hunter.

A flash mob entertained beach-goers cooling off at Scarborough, while young Jordyn Niemann and Kaylee Clift escaped the Kalgoorlie heat by visiting the local pool.

Australia Day breakfast celebrations were a big family hit, with thousands making their way to dozens of bush and beach locations across WA for a snagger and some serenity.

Settled on the South Perth foreshore since 9.30am, Dianella brothers Clint and Rhys Jasper enjoyed the day from the comfort of their 25-foot ski boat.

"What's not to love?" Clint Jasper said, from his inflatable island. "Beautiful city views, beautiful water and we're a pretty good-looking bunch of people."

Accompanied by about 30 family and friends, he said his day would be dictated by "when the beer runs out". Megan Schmitt, 22, held an Australia Day party in the front yard of her $500-a-week rental, complete with a DJ set up and inflatable pool.

In a prime position, only one street back from the South Perth foreshore, the party was attracting attention from honking motorists as they exited the freeway.

Ms Schmitt said she was not worried about gate crashers, providing they had "the right attitude".

"We invited about 100 people but it was a Facebook invite so we only expect half of that," she said.

The party was interrupted by a passing motorcyclist, who fell off his bike after crashing into road barriers.

 That was hectic, she said, before inviting the shaken man in for a beer. Meanwhile, those after something a little different turned up to various Fringe World Festival shows in Perth, including acts with comedy and stripping, drag queens and murder mysteries.

In community centres around the state, thousands of new citizens stood together to pledge their loyalty to Australia.

The biggest citizenship ceremony was held at the Wanneroo showgrounds, with almost 700 people from countries as diverse as Iran to Austria officially becoming Australians.

Further north, ordinary West Australians were honoured for their extraordinary efforts at the City of Joondalup's 2013 Premier's Australia Day Awards.

Sacred Heart College student Rossana Hywood received the Individual Active Citizenship Award for her humanitarian efforts both here and abroad.

Teenager Esme Keogh received the council's Active Citizenship Award for under 25s for her extensive community work, and the West Perth District Football Development Council and the West Perth Football Club were honoured for expanding and developing football opportunities for young people in the north-west corridor of Perth.

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Oz Day: Small steps to reconciliation

As Australia Day is celebrated at home, troops overseas send messages to family and friends.

IT was a small step, but a significant one.

At around 8am (AEDT) on Saturday, before the obligatory family barbecues and citizenship ceremonies were under way across the country, the Aboriginal and Australian flags were slowly raised on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Full Australia's Day honours list here

It was the first time both flags have flown side by side atop the bridge on Australia Day.

But while the iconic bridge may have become a symbol of unity for the day, many Aboriginal people see little reason to celebrate January 26, which also marks 225 years since the First Fleet arrived.

The Aboriginal flag sits on top the Harbour Bridge for the first time. Picture: Sam Ruttyn Source: News Limited

About 50 people marked the day near the famous tent embassy in Canberra by announcing that the country's first Aboriginal political party, formed in the Northern Territory two years ago, would contest this year's federal election.

There were calls for people to stand up for their rights and end the NT intervention program, but no repeat of the angry protests that marred last year's Australia Day celebrations in the nation's capital.

In Sydney, NSW Governor Marie Bashir said Captain Arthur Phillip knew he was an intruder who would change the lives of Aboriginal people forever.

Australia Day celebrations are ready to go off this long weekend

''We are walking together, I believe, as one people,'' she said of steps being taken toward reconciliation.

The message of ''one people'' rang true today for the more than 17,000 people from 145 countries who took the citizenship pledge to become freshly-minted Aussies.

At a ceremony in Canberra, National Australia Day Council chair Adam Gilchrist told a crowd that new citizens will enjoy all the opportunities Australia can provide.

PM Julia Gillard kisses Ian Mears from London .. who has now becoman Australian Citizen today in a ceremony with Governor General Quentin Bryce on the shore of lake burley griffin in Canberra . Picture: Kym Smith Source: News Limited

''There's no doubt we are richer, we are stronger and a more egalitarian country because they and many others choose to come here,'' he said.

The Canberra ceremony kicked off  with a parade of the Federation Guard and the playing of the national anthem.

The ceremony was attended by Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose, Young Australian of the Year Akram Azimi, Senior Australian of the Year Professor Ian Maddocks and Australia's 2013 Local Hero Indigenous leader Shane Phillips.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Governor-General Quentin Bryce looked on as the Australian flags were raised and a group of Hawk 127 aircraft flew overhead. A 21-gun salute resounded over the capital.

Jessica Mauboy will perform on two floating stages at Athol Bay and Blues point reserve as part of North Sydney's Australia Day celebrations. Picture: John Appleyard

Almost 100 people from 22 countries were taking part in the citizenship pledge in Canberra.

Ms Gillard, who was born in the UK, said she was a proud member of the millions who had taken the pledge since 1949.

A 90 second wrap up of the live Sky coverage of flag raising and citizenship ceremony in Canberra

''As migrants - all four million of us - we did not just adopt a new country,'' she said.

''This is your new country, and you'll never want another. Welcome to citizenship. Welcome to Australia. Welcome home.''

Ms Gillard also gave one Englishman a kiss on the cheek, when he became a citizen.

Ian Mears from London was wearing a tie saying "Kiss me I'm Aussie", and the Prime Minister gave him his Australia Day wish.

World-renowned British actor Miriam Margolyes, known for her roles in the television comedy Blackadder and as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, was among those to take the pledge in Canberra.

As Australian of the Year, Ita Buttrose will have ageist attitudes and dementia in her sights.

''I'm just very happy to be here, and I will be with friends and the rest of my life will be joyous,'' she said.

Thousands of new people were welcomed at citizenship ceremonies in each state, and families were encouraged to soak up the fun and atmosphere at a variety of free events.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott told an Australia Day breakfast and citizenship ceremony in Adelaide that new citizens are changing the country for the better.

PM Julia Gillard giving actress Miriam Margolyes her certificate for becoming an Australian Citizen at the Australia Day Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith Source: News Limited

Change should be welcomed ''when it's in accordance with the customs and traditions of our people'', he said.

Thousands of people turned out in Sydney's CBD to watch The Wiggles unveil their new line-up, as indigenous artist Jessica Mauboy performed on a floating stage in Sydney Harbour.

In Tamworth, country music fans lined the town's main drag for an annual cavalcade that celebrates both Australia Day and the finale of the iconic 10-day country music festival.

There was less fanfare in Queensland, where Premier Campbell Newman warned Australia Day revellers to batten down the hatches as heavy downpours threatened parts of the state with flooding.

Almost 100 people have taken part in a citizenship ceremony in Canberra.

Gladstone was declared a disaster area, while mini-tornadoes damaged scores of buildings and injured up to 20 people in Bargara, Burnett Heads and other townships in the Bundaberg district.

Australia Day video messages from Australian Defence Force personnel serving in United Arab Emirates

Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan said the second anniversary of the Queensland floods this year reminded him of those who pulled together to help friends and strangers faced with losing everything.

''The Australian spirit is never stronger than when we face these kinds of events together,'' he said.

Sydney Harbour turns into a race course as the iconic Sydney Ferries race under the Harbour Bridge. Photo: Sam Ruttyn Source: News Limited

Victorians were reminded to remember the volunteers spending their Australia Day fighting blazes in some parts of the state and dealing with the aftermath of others.

Thousands of Tasmanians gathered for a concert at the same pub in Dunally, in the state's east, where ferocious bushfires tore through the region earlier this month.

Local Mayor Kerry Vincent said despite the horror the bushfires brought with them, the community was coming together in the spirit of solidarity.

Not all Australians are celebrating January 26. The Aboriginal community in Tasmania speak out against what they call Invasion Day.

In Western Australia, more than 2500 new citizens from 92 countries took the pledge at more than 80 citizenship ceremonies around the state, including the second-largest in the country, at Wanneroo in Perth's north.

About 300,000 people are expected to attend Perth's Skyworks display on the Swan River tonight, up 50,000 from last year thanks to milder weather.

The city has enjoyed a 36C degree maximum, compared to 2012's sweltering 41C.

Overseas in Afghanistan, Aussie troops sent their recorded messages to loved ones via video link.

Jessica Mauboy's moving rendition of Advance Australia Fair celebrating Australia Day

In the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wished all Aussies a safe and happy Australia Day and reiterated that the US remains a committed partner and friend.

"As you celebrate your national day with loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a committed partner and friend," Ms Clinton said in a statement received today.

"I wish all Australians a safe and happy holiday celebration and continued peace and prosperity in the coming year."

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says new Australian citizens are changing the country for the better.

Ms Clinton said her recent visit to Australia for the annual AUSMIN talks had reminded her of the strong bonds that united the two countries.

Brad Ivers of Eltham CFA bats with Matt Thomas (left) of Eltham CFA and Andrew Griffith (centre) of Wattleglen CFA in the field as they celebrate Australia Day with a game of cricket after their night shift on the Hurstbridge Tanker 2 before heading home on January 26, 2013 in Hayfield, Australia Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

 "We are cooperating on more issues than ever before, from strengthening security to space exploration, from expanding educational exchanges to increasing trade and commerce," she said.

"We are also working tirelessly to advance the causes of freedom, democracy and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and across the globe. All of this is reinforced by the ties of family, friends, values and principles."

Australia in our own words

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Birnie waits for election to learn fate

Serial killer Catherine Birnie's life sentence will be reviewed on Friday, January 25 2013. Source: PerthNow

A SENTENCE review for serial killer Catherine Birnie is expected to be completed in early March but a decision can't be made until after the State Election.

The Prisoners Review Board began the review today and is scheduled to hand its report to Attorney General Michael Mischin around March 2.

But with the Government in caretaker mode at that time, Mr Mischin can't make his final decision on Birnie's future until after the State Election on March 9.

Under law, Birnie's life sentence is reviewed every three years.

Former Attorney-General Christian Porter, who left State politics for a tilt at the Federal arena, in March 2010 decided Birnie would not be placed on parole or put into a re-socialisation program.

WA's Attorney-General in 2007, Jim McGinty, said Birnie should never be freed from jail.

Birnie and her late partner David Birnie raped, stabbed and clubbed to death four victims in their Willagee house, in Perth's southern suburbs, in 1986.

They were caught only when one of their intended victims escaped after they abducted her at knifepoint.

The pair were handed strict-security life sentences for the murders and David Birnie hanged himself in his protective custody Casuarina Prison cell in 2005.

She wasn't allowed to attend his funeral.

A 2007 review of Birnie, who is serving her sentence at Bandyup Women's Prison on Perth's north-eastern outskirts, found she was at low risk of reoffending but her release was rejected because of the extreme nature of her crimes.

Birnie, now 60, left her husband and six children in 1985 to live with David Birnie.

She did not marry him but took his surname.

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Sex victims scoff at McKenna apology

NOTORIOUS: Dennis John McKenna - pictured leaving court in 2010 - claims to be sorry for the hurt he has caused, his defence lawyer told a court today. Source: PerthNow

NOTORIOUS serial pedophile Dennis McKenna has apologised to his victims ahead of his sentencing for a further 34 charges of sexually abusing boys while he was the warden at a WA hostel.

McKenna, 68, appeared in Perth District Court today for sentencing submissions and kept his head down during most of the proceedings.

He is already serving a six-year prison term for molesting boys at St Andrew's Hostel in Katanning between 1975 and 1990, and was previously jailed in 1991 for similar offences.

Among the charges that McKenna pleaded guilty to were several counts of unlawful indecent dealings, carnal knowledge against the order of nature and gross indecency.

During submissions, prosecutors outlined graphic details about the abuse McKenna inflicted on some his victims, including forcing them to watch pornography with him, plying them with alcohol, oral sex and sexual penetration.

McKenna's lawyer Patti Chong read a statement to the court from McKenna to his victims, in which he claimed he regretted breaching their trust.

"I robbed the victims of their innocence, corrupted them, destroyed their lives, caused them and their families profound sorrow and committed acts which have had grave lifelong consequences for them and their families,'' the statement read.

"I sincerely and truly apologise to all the victims of my abuse, their friends and families, and express my deep remorse and contrition for my conduct.

"I seek forgiveness from the victims and their families for my sins and my crimes but accept it may be an insurmountable task in the face of the pain and suffering I have caused.

"I hope that in some way, my apology may appease the victims and help them heal and move on with their lives.''
The courtroom full of victims scoffed at the apology.

Ms Chong also cited pre-sentence and psychological reports, and argued that her client felt "immense shame and horror'' over his crimes.

She said he accepted and regretted his offending, and referred to a report that noted he had been on a ``journey of self-discovery'' since his first imprisonment in 1991 and had not reoffended since then, having successfully rehabilitated himself.

McKenna felt empathy for his victims after exploring unresolved issues about his own abuse as a child, Ms Chong said.

However, when she suggested the offences were opportunistic, Judge Kevin Sleight said he did not accept that and considered it an "entrenched pattern'' of abuse.

Judge Sleight apologised to the victims in the court that he could not deliver a sentence today and said he understood their pain.

McKenna will be sentenced on February 18.

The case prompted an inquiry last year into whether authorities knew about the sexual abuse at the Katanning hostel.

The scope of the inquiry was later expanded to include St Christopher's hostel at Northam, Hardie House at South Hedland and St Michael's House at Merredin.

WA Premier Colin Barnett apologised to the victims on behalf of the state government.

The victims can apply for up to $45,000 in compensation.

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Mum's own loss prompts candlelight fund-raiser

LENDING SUPPORT: UnitingCare volunteers drop off a teddy bear and flowers at the home of Nate Dunbar. Picture: Kaitlyn Offer Source: PerthNow

WHEN Tamika Hinkley heard about the death of Nate Dunbar this morning, she knew she had to help.

"I've lost a baby myself, so when I heard about this I had to do something," she said.

The northern suburbs mum is one of the organisers of a candlelight fundraiser in memory of the eight-month-old boy, who was killed in the early hours of this morning when a Toyota Hilux ploughed into his bedroom.

Ms Hinkley said when she noticed fellow organiser Kelly Storer urging people on another community Facebook page to light a candle in Nate's memory, she joined Ms Storer in creating a candlelight service to raise money for Nate's family.

"It (losing a child) comes with a lot of cost," Ms Hinkley said.

"Because you have to take time off work and there's the cost of the funeral. It's pretty hard."

She said the family would be going through a distressing time.

"I lost my son when he was three weeks old, she's had him for eight months … you get to know them and they've developed a personality," Ms Hinkley said.

"It's like a piece of your heart's ripped out."

To rally support for Nate's family, Ms Hinkley and Ms Storer have invited residents to gather at Kingsbridge Park, Butler on Thursday, January 31 from 7.45pm for a minute's silence at 8pm.

Donations from $2 and above will be collected and will go to Nate's family.

Since the page Candlelight fundraiser for little Nate was set up about 1pm today, about 150 people like it within two hours.

Ms Hinkler said the support was amazing.

"I think this has hit home for a lot of people," she said.

"A lot of people just want to help out."

www.facebook.com/events/562016747143973/

 

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Rioting juveniles given TVs at Hakea

Juvenile detainees have been moved to Hakea Prison and supplied with their own television sets. Source: PerthNow

JUVENILES who caused extensive damage to Banksia Hill detention centre have been supplied with their own televisions at Hakea Prison.

The Department of Corrective Services has tonight confirmed that televisions have been fitted to the cells to provide entertainment for the detainees.

PerthNow understands that more than 70 televisions have been fitted.

A department spokeswoman said not all those currently being kept at Hakea were involved in last Sunday's riot and the decision to supply televisions was to help alleviate the current restrictive conditions. The young offenders at Hakea Prison have spent most of their time locked up in their cells, she added.

Around 60 young offenders went on a rampage causing extensive damage to almost 100 cells as well as thousands of dollars of equipment.

As a result, on Monday the Department of Corrective Services had to move 66 detainees to the adult remand centre despite concerns from youth advocates that Hakea was not an appropriate place for young offenders.

Following inspections carried out at both Banksia Hill and Hakea today, the department has now decided to move all male juveniles to Hakea.

The 110 boys will be relocated to units 11 and 12 by mid-February.

"Not all of the detainees currently held at Hakea Prison were involved in Sunday night's disturbance at Banksia Hill Detention Centre," the spokeswoman said.

"They have been moved for a range of reasons, not the least of which is the lack of accommodation at Banksia Hill Detention Centre due to damage caused. Until investigations are completed, all detainees will be subject to normal routines and as such, the detainee cells at Hakea have been fitted with televisions."

Corrective Services Commissioner Ian Johnson said it was understandable that some people in the community would not have compassion for those responsible for last Sunday's riots.

"I fully understand, however, my job and that of the executive is to set aside our personal feelings and ensure the people in our care are treated humanely and managed appropriately," he said.

"This is not a soft option but a response to a difficult situation and in keeping with my responsibilities under the Young Offenders Act 1994. If I let my personal feelings takeover, getting or not getting televisions would be the least of their problems."

He added the decision to move all male young offenders to Hakea stemmed from concerns raised by staff.

"Banksia Hill staff have strongly expressed that they don't feel safe continuing to manage the remaining detainees at Banksia Hill given how compromised a number of the units are," he said.

"While I maintain that having detainees anywhere other than at Banksia is not ideal, we've looked at all of the options from a number of angles and this solution is the best in the short to medium term.

"It is separate from the main prison, it is attached to recreational areas, and it keeps Banksia Hill's educational, psychological and behavioural program supports in close proximity so that we might continue normal routines."

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No cane and able to return home to Perth

THE Perth-based maritime worker arrested by Singaporean authorities for swearing on a Tiger Airways flight out of Perth has had his passport returned and been told he faces no further action.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed today that Bruce Griffiths, 47, had been allowed to leave the country after initially being accused under the country's outrage of modesty laws.

It had originally been thought he may face the cane as a potential punishment, after becoming involved in a swearing match with another male passenger whose sleep he disturbed while allowing a female passenger out of her seat.

But as PerthNow revealed yesterday, that punishment was ruled out by local police and Mr Griffiths was today told he was free to leave the country.

"Singapore Police have advised the Australian High Commission that Mr Griffith's case was concluded today and his passport has been returned to him,'' a DFAT spokeswoman said.

"Our obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 constrain us from providing any further details of the case without consent of the individual concerned.''

Australian consular officials have been assisting Mr Griffiths, who had his passport seized on January 4.

Tiger Airways had earlier confirmed there was an incident on the flight, and said it would not compromise on its zero-tolerance policy of bad behaviour on its carriers.

"Tiger Airways has a zero tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour on board our aircraft,'' a spokeswoman said.

"Safety and security of staff and passengers underpins the operation at all times and is something we will not compromise.''

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Parched towns soaked by Peta onslaught

Cyclone Peta as seen from the PerthNow car on the North West Coastal Highway, 70km west of Karratha. PICTURES: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

ASTONISHING rainfall in the Pilbara region of Western Australia has doubled the water in one of the state's dams in just 24 hours.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Peta and associated weather have dumped more than 28 gigalitres of water into the Harding Dam since Wednesday morning, elevating the dam's storage level from under 40 per cent to 80 per cent in just one day.

The category one cyclone weakened rapidly after crossing the Pilbara coast to the east of Point Samson at around 4pm on Wednesday, the Bureau of Meteorology in WA said.

But the weakening front still brought huge rains.

Hooley Station was the wettest location in WA in the 24 hours to 9am this morning with 261.6 mm, which was its wettest day in 29 years of record.

The last wettest day on record for the station was 159.5 mm on February 22, 2001.

Mount Florance also recorded its wettest day since records started at the station 106 years ago, recording 220mm, while Coolawanyah received 178mm and Wittenoom 122mm.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Peta is now lying in the inland central parts of the Pilbara and will move slowly westwards as it weakens.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, are still forecast for parts of the Pilbara.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned people in the Fortescue River catchment to prepare for possible minor flooding expected on Thursday and Friday.

All roads are open but authorities advise drivers to take extreme caution on approach to floodways.

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Bushfire contained in Trigg

Amateur footage of bushfires in the suburb of Trigg in northern Perth.

Trigg resident 'Snakey' hoses down his home as a fire burns in nearby Trigg Bushland Reserve. Picture: Thomas Roy Photography. Source: PerthNow

Trigg Bushland Reserve after the fire that threatened homes in Trigg and Karrinyup. Picture: Thomas Roy Photography Source: PerthNow

A helitac works to bring a bushfire in Trigg and Karrinyup under control. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

The aerial view from the Channel 10 news chopper. PICTURE: Channel 10 Source: PerthNow

Another view of the fire from Karrinyup Road. PICTURE: Amelia Broun / Twitter Source: PerthNow

A fire burns near West Coast Highway in Karrinyup, forcing road closures and peak-hour traffic mayhem. PICTURE: Drew Barrett Source: PerthNow

ROADS were closed and Trigg residents were told to evacuate their million-dollar homes as a bushfire burned in Trigg Bushland Reserve this afternoon.

The fire was first reported at 4:06pm and contained just after 6:30pm.

There is no longer any threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

Firefighters from eight stations and volunteer firefighters from five stations are working to bring the blaze under control.

They have been assisted by the aircrane, four helitacs and an aerial intelligence helicopter.

West Coast Highway remains closed between Pearl Parade and Karrinyup Road.

Karrinyup Road is closed between West Coast Highway/Marmion Ave and West Coast Drive.

Motorists have been warned to avoid the area.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a bushfire advice for people in Trigg and Karrinyup in an area bounded by West Coast Highway, Milverton Avenue, Lynn Street, and West Coast Drive.

This includes Elliott Road, Lefroy Street, King Albert Road, Hepworth Avenue, Joffrey Road, Spence Street, Trigg Place.
 

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The Hottest 100: What the bands think

Hottest of the hot: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Birds of Tokyo and the boys from The Rubens. Picture: Supplied Source: news.com.au

THE votes are in and the day is nearly upon us where we all crank up the volume and settle in to enjoy the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown. But who have the bands got their money on?

Having backed their top songs for 2012, music lovers across the nation will tune in to Triple J this Saturday for the famed Australia Day countdown to see how their faves fare against the rest.

Of course, there are the "sure things" expected to crack the holy list - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are the boys we can't stop talking about, while Aussie beat-maker Flume will surely score a nod or two and Mumford and Sons looks set to dominate.

We chatted to The Rubens frontman Sam Margin, who was happy to spill on his predictions as to who will top this year's list.

Sam Margin's predictions:

-Alt-J: Breezeblocks
-Tame Impala (probably two songs)

-The Black Keys: Gold On The Ceiling

While The Rubens are favourites this year with hit singles My Gun and The Best We Got, the super talented musician said the four boys from country NSW will be content with just cracking the list.

"Anywhere in the top 100, if we beat the top 100, we'll be happy. If we scrape into the top 20 that would be absolutely amazing", he said.

Birds of Tokyo drummer Adam Weston shared his own fantasy forecast for the countdown:

Adam Weston's predictions:

-The Shins: Simple Song
-Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Thrift Shop
-Tame Impala: Elephant

"[Elephant] is a stompin' kind of track; it's quite infectious", he confessed.

Adam, who's mother's birthday falls on Australia Day, admitted that there is a fairly strict "no radio" policy in his house so he relies on updates from the band via text.

"We'll be happy to crack the top 50 this year", Weston told.

Online bookmakers were forced to suspend betting earlier this week when some tech-whiz decided to ruin the surprise and circulate his very own Warmest 100 Countdown, which was created by compiling some 35,000 song votes shared on social media sites.

But this doesn't mean we can't still have our very own Fantasy Top 10.

PerthNow's Top 10 Frontrunners:

Of Monsters and Men: Little Talks
Flume: Holdin On
Mumford & Sons: I Will Wait
The Rubens: My Gun
The XX: Angels
The Temper Trap: Trembling Hands
Rudemental: Not Giving In (ft. John Newman & Alex Clare)
Ball Park Music: Surrender
Two Door Cinema Club: Sun
Alabama Shakes: Hold On

Last year, Aussies voted for Gotye's Somebody That I Used To Know as the top song of 2011, with Angus and Julia Stone's Big Jet Plane taking out the title in 2010.

Who have you tipped to take out the top dog spot for 2012? Have your say below.

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Aussie 'bikie links' in Thai shooting

This gun was photographed on a police desk as the Australians were interviewed. Picture: Phuketwan.com Source: Supplied

TWO Australian men with alleged links to an outlaw motorcycle gang have been arrested in Phuket over the shooting of two German tourists.

The men were allegedly involved in an altercation with a Danish man over a motorbike at Patong Beach on Tuesday.

Johann Baschenegger, 41, and Joseph Woerner, 71, were wounded near the Baan Pirin Hotel about 7.45pm in Soi Sansabai, according to Thai news service Phuketwan.

Shea, believed to be from Sydney, was arrested at The Aussie Bar in Soi Bangla.

Cohen, reportedly a long-term expat who owns a hotel in Patong, was arrested in the OTOP bar sector off Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi Rd.

Police are questioning the men, believed to have links to either the Rebels or Bandidos motorcycle gangs, over the incident.

The shooting victims were taken to Patong Hospital.

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Deep shock on death row in Bali

Lindsay June Sandiford in the cell she now refuses to leave. Source: AFP

BRITISH woman Lindsay Sandiford is in shock and tears after being sentenced to death in Bali and won't leave her jail cell, refusing to even see her sister.

Guards at Bali's Kerobokan Jail said that the 56-year-old had spent most of the day in her cell crying and depressed and had not wanted to see anyone.

When her sister, Hilary Parsons came to the jail to visit her, she even refused to leave the cell to go to the visiting area and eventually Ms Parsons was escorted to the cell block, in highly unusual circumstances.

"She looked shocked and very depressed today. She also kept crying. She just locked herself in the cell and she doesn't want to talk and meet anyone," a female guard said.

Sandiford is being held in Cell number 10 at the women's block of the jail and has about 12 women in her cell.

She is not in a cell with Australians Schapelle Corby or Renae Lawrence, but in a cell especially for detainees, or women not yet convicted.

That however will now change with her conviction and death sentence handed down yesterday.

She will be one of four foreigners on death row in Kerobokan Jail.

One guard said that during her detention Sandiford, had been dubbed the "Queen of Cocaine" over the drug she was caught with in her suitcase as she flew in to Bali from Bangkok.

Schapelle Corby has long been dubbed the Queen of Marijuana by the Indonesian press.

Prior to her conviction this week, guards said that Sandiford had adapted well to prison life and spent time doing embroidery in the cell block.

But the prison itself is highly overcrowded and three times over capacity. There are 988 male and female prisoners in a jail originally built to house one-third that number.

There are 126 female prisoners held in 10 cells in the women's block area, known as Block W.

Sandiford, a grandmother, now joins almost 200 other people on death row in Indonesia.

She faces years of appeals. If she loses all of those in court, her final chance at reprieve will be to seek clemency from the Indonesian President.

It took Schapelle Corby seven years from the time of her conviction to receive her clemency, cutting her sentence from 20 years to 15 years.

Indonesia has not executed anyone since the Bali bombers in late 2008 and many analysts had believed this signaled an unofficial moratorium on the death penalty.

But then, at Christmas time, the Attorney-General's office announced that 10 prisoners would be executed in 2013.

Two Australians, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran of the Bali Nine, are on death row in Bali, having lost all their legal appeals.

They have lodged clemency pleas with the President, but these are yet to be decided.

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Mayor stuck after Pilbara cyclone fury

Cyclone Peta as seen from the PerthNow car on the North West Coastal Highway, 70km west of Karratha. PICTURES: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Cyclone Peta as seen from the PerthNow car on the North West Coastal Highway, 70km west of Karratha. PICTURES: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Heavy rain as a result of a tropical has caused flooding in Port Headland. Source: PerthNow

THE Pilbara coast has felt the force of category one Tropical Cyclone Peta, with communities on high alert although conditions were expected to weaken.

The major export operations at Port Hedland were to resume today after temporarily closing when Peta hit to the east of Point Samson.

Send your pictures to the PerthNow newsdesk

Port Hedland Port Authority said conditions had improved, with the swell and wind reducing enough to allow shipping operations to restart from 4pm.

The Bureau of Meteorology's alert just before 3pm said a cyclone warning continued in coastal areas from Port Hedland to Dampier, including Karratha.

Gales with gusts to 100km/h are expected close to the cyclone centre over the next few hours, the bureau said.

Squally thunderstorms are expected while locally heavy rainfall is possible, prompting a flood watch for the Pilbara.

Mining giant Rio Tinto closed its Cape Lambert facility at Port Walcott and Dampier port yesterday as it prepared for the wild weather and expects most of its coastal operations will resume in the morning.

The resumption of ship loading will depend on prevailing sea conditions, however.

Although the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Peta could move back off the west Pilbara coast later in the week, it was not expected to redevelop into a tropical cyclone.

MAYOR REFUSED ENTRY INTO TOWN

Port Hedland mayor Kelly Howlett was even caught up in the drama, forced to miss a council meeting due to the severe conditions.

Ms Howlett was travelling with PerthNow to Port Hedland to attend a council meeting when our team was forced to turn around due to the extreme weather.

She said the severity of the cyclone caught her by surprise.

"It was very intense considering it was a Category 1 system," she said of the conditions.

"We couldn't get through and were forced to turn back.

"There was 30-45cm flooding on the highway and extreme gusts of winds."

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Perth prepares for big bang at Skyworks

PERTH CELEBRATES: Fireworks from the South Perth foreshore on Australia Day last year. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: PerthNow

IT will begin with bouncy castles and a circus and end with several big bangs when Perth celebrates Australia Day this weekend.

In what has become Western Australia's biggest annual community event, the City of Perth's 29th annual Australia Day Skyworks on the Swan River is expected to be more colourful than ever this year.

Last year's crowd numbers were down to about 250,000 due to extreme heat and a thunderstorm, but with a sunny 35 degrees expected this Saturday, organisers are hoping for larger crowds.

There are free activities at Langley Park, following the closure of some viewing points due to the construction of Elizabeth Quay.

The Langley Park Entertainment Zone would offer circus shows, motor cross displays, bouncy castles, mini-golf, face painting, and a laser and water show during the 30-minute pyrotechnics display.

Boaties will also be able to get closer this year, with new river access restrictions expanded to east of the Narrows Bridge.

Limited alcohol will be permitted in two Picnic Zones at Langley Park and Kings Park, but other areas will remain alcohol-free.

Other local councils will also host events including the Cities of Fremantle and Cockburn that will host the Indian Ocean Skyshow at Bathers Bay.

Police Commander Murray Smalpage said there would be a significant police presence where large crowds were expected to gather.

"Police will focus on anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence as they ensure families have a safe and enjoyable night wherever they choose to celebrate,'' he said.

Surf lifesavers are also reminding beach-goers to swim between the red and yellow flags, apply sunscreen and stay hydrated over the long weekend.

Since patrols began this season in October, Surf Life Saving WA volunteers have performed 481 rescues, administered first aid to 1840 beach-goers and carried out 10,609 preventative actions.

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Lucky escape after plane crash lands

TWO people are in a satisfactory condition in hospital after their light plane crash landed at Kununurra Airport in Western Australia's far north early today.

A Health Department spokesman said the pair received minor injuries in the incident, which occurred before 9am as the light plane was attempting to take off.

The plane was reportedly a single engine Cessna and wound up on its roof, leaking fuel.

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Barnett defends record on police funding

WA Premier Colin Barnett. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: The Australian

Police Union boss George Tilbury. Source: PerthNow

WESTERN Australia's Premier Colin Barnett has stoutly defended his government's record on police funding, as the force's union placed itself at the heart of the state election campaign with a demand for 800 more officers.

The WA police union released its pre-election submission, arguing for 800 more officers over the next four years, demanding exemption from any government funding cuts, and also flagging a future demand for more pay and more allowances.

"Policing is a profession unlike any other, and it is up to our politicians to ensure police have the right training, knowledge and equipment to be as effective and as safe as they can be on our streets," union president George Tilbury said.

A defiant premier defended his government's record on resourcing the state's police, saying it was on track to deliver a previous promise of 700 new staff, including 350 new officers.

And he said new laws and new technology had given the state's police more scope to protect the community during the past four years.

"We made a commitment at the last election for a big increase in police numbers up until 2014 and we are on track to do that," Mr Barnett said.

"We always need more numbers and the policing numbers will continue to grow as the population grows.

"Policing is changing, and a lot of what the police commissioner is requesting has been better technology ... things like new legislation to protect police officers, laws on out-of-control parties.

"Numbers matter but it is not just that."

The police union's 17-point wish list also included new laws to make offenders who assault police take a mandatory blood test for communicable diseases and a minimum six month prison term for those who assault police.

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Message in bottle reaches Perth after 76 years

A message in a bottle found 76 years after it was thrown into the sea has been reunited with the family of the Perth man who wrote it.

A message in a bottle, written by a Perth man in 1936, has been reunited with the man's family. Source: Herald Sun

A MESSAGE in a bottle found 76 years after it was thrown into the sea has been reunited with the family of the Perth man who wrote it.

Sky News UK reports that the bottle was found on a beach in New Zealand by Geoff Flood in November 2012, but had been set adrift in 1936.

Inside was a note, dated March 17, which said: "At sea. Would the finder of this bottle kindly forward this note...to undermentioned address."

Underneath the note was written the name: "H E Hillbrick, 72, Richmond Street, Leederville, Western Australia".

The message had been written on headed paper bearing the mark of the shipping company P&O and the ship's name SS Strathnaver.

Mr Flood had been out for a walk on Ninety Mile Beach at the top end of New Zealand's North Island when he made the discovery.

He told local media he was astonished and quickly decided to find out how the bottle had got there.

It took him a couple of months to find the sender, who turned out to be a man called Herbert Ernest Hillbrick.

Mr Hillbrick had died in the 1940s, but further investigation led Mr Flood to Herbert's grandson Peter Hillbrick, who was living in Perth.

Peter Hillbrick was amazed by the discovery: "For this one to be floating around in the ocean for 76 years and just all of a sudden pop up in New Zealand. Where has it been? What story is it going to tell?"

His only theory was that his grandfather had dropped it into the sea during a P&O cruise. His family still have photos that Herbert and his wife Ethel took on board the ship.

He said that because his grandfather had died so many years ago, he had never got to know him so was delighted another link had turned up.

"The only connection I have with Grandfather is now that bottle. That's about all. So, it's a fascinating story," he said.

Mr Hillbrick has decided to donate the bottle to a maritime museum in New Zealand.

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WA ports close for cyclone threat

The latest tracking map for a tropical low near the Pilbara coast that may develop into a cyclone. Picture: Bureau of Meterology Source: PerthNow

RIO Tinto is closing its Cape Lambert and Dampier ports in WA's Pilbara region to prepare for a low-pressure weather system that could become a tropical cyclone tomorrow.

The miner said harbour masters were expected to close the Cape Lambert facility at Port Walcott and Dampier port later this afternoon to allow ships to move outside the affected area.

"Operations are continuing at this stage, but preparations are commencing to secure port and associated coastal infrastructure ahead of expected deteriorating conditions this evening,'' the company said in a statement.

The Port Hedland harbour, Australia's highest-tonnage port, is also being evacuated for closure.

The last vessel will set sail from its inner harbour at 3.30pm.

The low-pressure system brought heavy rain overnight and today across the region and is expected to continue into Wednesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) estimated at 2pm that the tropical low was 130km northeast of Port Hedland and 305km east-northeast of Karratha, and moving west-southwest at 11km/h.

The low may develop into a tropical cyclone tomorrow as it moves to the west just off the Pilbara coastline.

If the system reaches cyclone intensity, gales with wind gusts to 100km/h could develop between De Grey and Dampier during Wednesday and possibly extend west to Onslow on Thursday, the bureau said.

Squally thunderstorms are also expected with locally heavy rainfall.

Blue alert for Pilbara towns

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a blue alert - warning people to take precautions - for communities between De Grey and Mardie including Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Wickham, Point Samson, Karratha and Dampier.

A cyclone watch is also current for people in or near coastal communities from Mardie to Onslow, while the all-clear has been given to the communities of Pardoo and De Grey.

The Pilbara coast was on alert earlier this month as Cyclone Narelle threatened, although the system never reached the mainland and eventually petered out.

Hot and humid temperatures are forecast for much of the Pilbara and Kimberley regions this week, with thunderstorms possible.

Clear and sunny skies ahead

In Perth, sunny skies are here to stay and while the weather will be warm tomorrow with a predicted maximum of 36, the rest of the week will be sunny and fairly mild.

Australia Day looks set to be a hot one, with the mercury expected to reach 35C.

Tuesday 22 January - Max 36. Sunny. Winds easterly 25 to 30 km/h tending east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then turning south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the late afternoon.

Wednesday 23 January - Min 21, Max 30. Sunny.
Thursday 24 January - Min 16, Max 32. Cloud clearing.
Friday 25 January - Min 17, Max 33. Sunny.
Saturday 26 January - Min 20, Max 35. Sunny.
Sunday 27 January - Min 21, Max 35. Sunny.

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Burning smell on flight prompts evacuation

A Skywest aircraft arriving at Perth Domestic Airport. Source: PerthNow

PASSENGERS aboard a Perth-bound Skywest flight were forced to disembark in a southern town after burning smell was noticed in the cabin.

The flight on the turboprop Fokker 50 took off early on Monday from Esperance and was scheduled to land in Ravensthorpe, then Perth.

Chief executive Jason Bitter said 23 of the 46 passengers planned to disembark at Ravensthorpe but all were evacuated as a precaution.

"There was the smell of something burning - nobody saw any smoke," Mr Bitter said.

He said the matter had been referred to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

All Perth-bound passengers were bussed back to Esperance and assigned to another flight.

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Hero cops tell of river plunge rescue

EVERYDAY HEROES: Senior Constable Mal Lee and Senior Constable Nick Harlin, who rescued a man in the Swan River. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

GOOD JOB: Senior Constable Mal Lee and Senior Constable Nick Harlin. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

RESCUE: A car is removed from the Swan River near Barrack Street Jetty by police and emergency services. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

TWO police officers who dived into the Swan River to save a man from his submerged car have spoken of their frantic moments trying to free him.

Senior Constable Mal Lee and Senior Constable Nick Harlin were on patrol on Scarborough Beach Road, North Perth, about 10.40am yesterday when they received the report that a car had crashed into the river, just metres away from the Aquatic Super Series open water swimming event.

After driving under priority to Barrack Street Jetty, the pair were told a white Hyundai sedan had been deliberately driven through a temporary fence before hitting rocks at the water's edge.

The vehicle became airborne and crashed into the river.

"When we got there, there was nothing really to be seen," Sen Const Harlin said.

"We asked where's the car, and people pointed into the water. We saw some bubbles come up about 10m from the shore and 5m from the jetty. So we looked at each other and thought, 'we're going in'."

Witnesses had reported seeing a man drive the sedan along a footpath before the incident, where he stopped the vehicle and removed some personal items, including an empty jerry can, before getting back in the car and driving into the water.

The driver was seen to tread water as the car sank, but then swam back under and into his car.

The two police officers knew the man had been underwater for several minutes, and stripped off their clothes to dive in and rescue him.

"We couldn't really see anything but we managed to stand on the roof of the car and then it was a case of duck diving down and feeling around," Sen Const Harlin told reporters.

"After trying one side of the vehicle through an open window and not feeling anything, we swam around to the other side and did the same again. That's when I felt something, so I dived down again and gave a big pull and fortunately managed to get hold of the t-shirt of the chap and pulled him to the surface."

The officers pulled the unconscious man to the jetty, where waiting paramedics performed CPR before he was rushed to hospital.

But the big concern was whether more people were trapped in the vehicle up to four metres below the surface.

"Even once we got the chap out and he was being worked on on the jetty, we kept diving back down again and again trying to clear the car," Sen Const Harlin said.

"After a few minutes the Water Police got there with diving equipment and they were able to...confirm there was nobody else in the car."

The two officers, who received a few scratches in the rescue, shrugged off praise for their heroic actions, saying it was all in a day's work.

"Every day there are a lot of boys and girls wearing uniform who go out and put themselves in situations of risk," Sen Const Harlin said.

"It's just what we do."

Sen Const Lee said though he and his colleage were traffic officers, it was not his first time rescuing a person. He pulled a man from a fiery car crash after a high speed chase in the 1990s.

"It's just our everyday job that we got out and we do what we're asked to do," Sen Const Lee said.

"All we can say is that we saved a person and we hope that he does survive."

The 30-year-old Yokine man remains in a critical condition in intensive care at Royal Perth Hospital.

Police have not yet named the man and are attempting to notify his family, who live overseas.
 

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Bushfire threatens homes in Harvey

A BUSHFIRE 11km south-west of Harvey is threatening lives and homes.

The fire, which has already burnt 300ha, has entered private property and is moving in a west-north-westerly direction away from South Western Highway.

A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for residents north of Benger Swamp Nature Reserve and south of Mitchell Road.

The fire has crossed Mitchell Road but no property has been lost.

The fire is burning through grassland.

A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for people in an area bounded by Hope Ave, Treasure Rd, Mitchell Rd, and Bernies Rd, north of Benger Swamp Nature Reserve.

A bushfire advice notice has been issued for people in the vicinity of the fire but outside of the emergency area.

There is a lot of smoke in the area.

Mitchell Rd has been closed to non-local traffic.

DEC fire crews are trying to contain the fire, with the help of heavy earth moving machinery, two fixed-wing water bombers and a type-one helicopter.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.
 

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Housing pressure could dwell on voters

WA Treasurer Troy Buswell Source: PerthNow

THE strength of Western Australia's economy is no surprise given the level of business investment, Treasurer Troy Buswell says.

A report by equities trader CommSec says that WA's economy is expected to remain the best performing in the nation this year, underpinned by its growing population.

The report released today showed the state had the strongest retail trade, equipment investment, completed construction work and population growth, but second-placed Northern Territory had closed the gap.

WA was the second strongest state or territory with regard to retail trade and housing finance.

On unemployment, it ranked third while it placed fifth on dwelling starts.

CommSec said both WA and the Northern Territory were likely to hold their top positions over 2013, thanks to population growth.

Mr Buswell said the state's strong performance was no surprise, with much of the strength driven by business investment.

It was "head and shoulders" above other states and territories in equipment investment, Mr Buswell said.

"Strong population growth, including high rates of migration to the state, demonstrates confidence in current conditions and future prospects for WA," he said in a statement.

WA is one of three Australian states - alongside NSW and Victoria - to hold a AAA credit rating with Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service.

But the ratings agencies warned in December that the mining state was at risk of losing this rating because of high debt levels.

In its Mid Year Economic Review released last month, WA's Liberal government warned the state's books were tipped to slide into the red by $187 million in 2013/14 amid softer mining royalties.

The Barnett government expects a surplus of $140 million for the current financial year, down from the budget estimate of $196 million, although iron ore prices have bounced back since that estimate.

Opposition reaction

The Opposition meanwhile says housing will be a big issue in the coming state election, claiming that a fall in dwelling starts amid a rising population shows the government has failed to manage the boom.

While the CommSec report ranked WA in first place for retail trade, equipment investment, completed construction work and population growth, it placed the state fifth for starting new home construction.

Opposition treasury spokesman Ben Wyatt said a rapid increase in home rental prices and a fall in housing approvals was concerning.

"When you get massive population growth and yet the government fails in respect of new housing, that ensures that Western Australians aren't getting benefit from our good economic times and are in fact being punished by the poor management of our boom by the Barnett government,'' Mr Wyatt said.

"In 2012, we had 11,000 housing approvals and compare that to 2007/08 when we had 18,000.

"It's not sustainable and more Western Australians will end up having year-in, year-out increases in their rent by over 13 per cent, which is what we had in 2012.''

Mr Wyatt said land releases needed to be sped up and made more efficient to help relieve WA's housing pressure.

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Smoky bushland fires north of Perth

Water bombers have been called to assist at two fires north of Perth. Source: PerthNow

FIRE crews are working to control two large fires burning north of Perth, which are causing a lot of smoke but not posing a risk to lives or homes.

Lake Pinjar fire

AN out of control and unpredictable bushfire is raging near Lake Pinjar, north east of Perth this afternoon.

The fire started about 1.30pm between Higgins Road and Regelia Road.

Up to fifty volunteer fire-fighters are on the scene and water bombers are also helping put out the blaze.

The cause of the fire is unknown and while there is no threat to lives or homes, there is a lot of smoke in the area

Tree top fires in Gnangara Pine Plantation

Bushfire advice has been issued for people in the northern part of the Gnangara Pine Plantation in the City of Wanneroo.

The out-of-control fire is burning in a north-east direction and flames are burning in the tree tops.

No roads are closed but motorists should avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

The Department of Environment and Conservation is managing the fire.

Laverton fire reaches 45,000 hectares

Bushfire advice also remains for people travelling on Connie Sue Road, 80km south of Warburton in the Shire of Laverton today.

A fire there is burning in bushland on both sides of Connie Sue Road and although there is no immediate danger, residents in the area need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

The fire is approximately 45,000 hectares in size and the DFES is continuing to monitor the blaze.

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Pilot praised after TV chopper crash

A Channel 10 cameraman is in hospital after a helicopter crashed east of Perth.

The wreckage of the Channel 10 news helicopter. Source: PerthNow

THE TV cameraman who had a lucky escape when the helicopter he was filming from crash landed in Perth has returned to his office, after thanking the pilot of the aircraft for saving his life.

Adam Delmage, a cameraman for the Ten Network in Perth, and Paul Debenham from helicopter charter company Heliwest, both walked away from the crash in Baskerville, a rural suburb northeast of Perth on Saturday.

They were filming a truck rollover from the air when their aircraft made a 'hard landing', with the tail snapping away from the body of the chopper as it rolled.

Mr Delmage made a brief appearance at the Network Ten offices today to thank friends and colleagues for their support. Having been treated for neck pain, and with his arm in a sling, Mr Delmage is believed to be taking some time off work to recover.

He was also keen to praise the actions of the pilot, whom he said had saved his life, and those of others already on the scene for the earlier traffic accident.

"Debo my chopper pilot today did an amazing job getting us down the way he did with trees, people, powerlines, hills etc. Everything happened so fast, he saved my life and I didn't know if he was alive for a while there," Mr Delmage posted on his Facebook page.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an inquiry into the crash, which was caught on camera by other media personnel at the scene.

"I kind of got flung out the cabin and was hanging over the door," Mr Delmage said.

"If it had rolled one more time I wouldn't be here. The tail was up on end, the chopper was on its side.

"I thought the pilot was dead. I didn't know whether to run back and help him out because I didn't know if it was going to go up in flames."

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Driver critical after Swan River car plunge

A car is removed from the Swan River near Barrack Street Jetty by police and emergency services. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

A car is removed from the Swan River near Barrack Street Jetty by police and emergency services. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

Two police officers involved in the rescue of a man after his car ploughed into the Swan River. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

THREE police officers have dived into water with near zero visibility to free a man whose car had plunged into the Swan River near the Barrack Street jetty.

Police say three of its officers, two from the Central Metro Traffic bureau and one from Wembley police station, jumped into the water to rescue the man.

Police said before the man drove the white Hyundai sedan into the water, witnesses saw him leave some objects on the jetty, which included a jerry can and general personal items.

After stopping the vehicle, and placing some personal items including an empty jerry can on the jetty side, the man got back into his car, accelerated hard and ploughed through a temporary fence.

At speed, the car hit rocks at the water's edge, which catapulted the vehicle metres into the water.

Duty Inspector Derek Staats said the man was seen to come to the surface of the water initially after the car hit the river but then went back under the water, after which police arrived and dived into the 3-4m deep water to help him.

Insp Staats added there was zero visibility under the water.

"One witness indicated he saw the car driving along the footpath towards the jetty," Insp Staats said.

"A few minutes later he heard the revving of the car and the squealing tyres and he looked up and saw the vehicle drive off the end of the jetty."

The incident was reported to police just after 10.40am and the driver, whose age has not been released, has been taken to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition.

The car was completely submerged and is expected to be removed from the river this afternoon.

with AAP

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Shots heard, spent cartridge found

POLICE have launched an investigation after shots were heard in South Perth overnight.

About 10pm last night police were called to an address in Garden Street, South Perth after reports of gunshots.

It's been confirmed at least one spent cartridge was found in the street.

Police say they have not yet received reports of anyone presenting at hospital overnight with gunshot type injuries buy say a black hatchback vehicle and a white utility were seen in the vicinity at the time the shots rang out.

"Detectives are continuing their investigations into the matter," a police spokeswomen said.

Anyone who has information about the incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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