According to reports, the number of people with Dementia in Australia is expected to rise to more than a million by 2060. Apart from medical care, people living with Dementia need support and now a cafe in Queensland is trying to do that.

Australia: Queensland cafe for Dementia patients aims to improve community engagement

Imagine being on the other end of&nbsp;a fight with a crocodile. A 60-year-old found himself in such a situation in Australia and used a pocket knife to fight against a crocodile to rescue himself.

According to Queensland state environment department's Matt Brien, ''There was a struggle and he, fortunately, escaped the grip of a four to four-and-a-half-metre&nbsp;crocodile. The odds of doing that are about zero.''

Wildlife officials said that the man was extremely ''lucky to be alive.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/new-extinct-crocodile-species-found-in-australia-385812">Also read |&nbsp;New extinct crocodile species found in Australia</a>

The terrifying attack took place at a remote riverbank in Australia's far northern Cape York Peninsula.

He grabbed onto the branch of a mangrove tree in a desperate attempt to stay out of the river as the crocodile's jaws clamped around his boots.

He managed to retrieve his knife from his belt and stabbed the crocodile in its head until it let him go.

"It's an absolutely harrowing experience. He won't forget that in a long time," Brien told reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crocodile-hunters-toddler-son-helps-him-move-giant-snake-without-any-fear-418909">Also read |&nbsp;Crocodile hunter's toddler son helps him move giant snake without any fear</a>

After emergency treatment at Cooktown Hospital, he was later flown to Cairns Hospital where he was still recovering a week later.

Brien said the man had been left "quite traumatised" by the incident, adding he would need "time for healing, both mentally and physically".

Saltwater crocodile numbers have exploded in Australia's "croc country" since they were declared a protected species in 1971, with attacks increasing in recent years.

The "salties", which can grow up to seven metres long and weigh more than a tonne, are a common feature of the vast continent's tropical north.

Fatalities remain relatively rare, with locals and visitors warned to keep their distance from crocodile-inhabited waterways.

(With input&nbsp;from agencies)

Imagine being on the other end of a fight with a crocodile. A 60-year-old found himself in such a situation in Australia and used a pocket knife to fight against a crocodile to rescue himself.

Imagine being on the other end of a fight with a crocodile. A 60-year-old found himself in such a situation in Australia and used a pocket knife to fight against a crocodile to rescue himself. According to Queensland state environment department's Matt Brien, ''There was a struggle and he, fortunately, escaped the grip of a four to four-and-a-half-metre crocodile. The odds of doing that are about zero.'' Wildlife officials said that the man was extremely ''lucky to be alive.'' Also read | New extinct crocodile species found in Australia The terrifying attack took place at a remote riverbank in Australia's far northern Cape York Peninsula. He grabbed onto the branch of a mangrove tree in a desperate attempt to stay out of the river as the crocodile's jaws clamped around his boots. He managed to retrieve his knife from his belt and stabbed the crocodile in its head until it let him go. "It's an absolutely harrowing experience. He won't forget that in a long time," Brien told reporters. Also read | Crocodile hunter's toddler son helps him move giant snake without any fear After emergency treatment at Cooktown Hospital, he was later flown to Cairns Hospital where he was still recovering a week later. Brien said the man had been left "quite traumatised" by the incident, adding he would need "time for healing, both mentally and physically". Saltwater crocodile numbers have exploded in Australia's "croc country" since they were declared a protected species in 1971, with attacks increasing in recent years. The "salties", which can grow up to seven metres long and weigh more than a tonne, are a common feature of the vast continent's tropical north. Fatalities remain relatively rare, with locals and visitors warned to keep their distance from crocodile-inhabited waterways. (With input from agencies)

'Lucky to be alive': 60-year-old uses pocket knife to fight off crocodile

Several people were injured when a hot air balloon crashed in the Queenstown area of New Zealand on Friday. Among the injured at least&nbsp;two suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital.

According to Sunrise Balloons, the hot air balloon which was carrying eleven people including the pilot had a very uneventful ride and was within the speed limit when it approached a private airstrip briefly before 10 am.

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The company says that an uncontrollable wind gust caught the balloon as it approached, which led to its basket containing the passengers colliding with a low bank.

David Baillie, operations manager at St John Ambulance says that according to medical personnel reports the injured people were spread out over an area about the length of a football field. Due to this, it took them some time to assess the situation and respond to the patients.

According to the company, the balloon basket ended up close to a driveway while the balloon fabric ended up getting draped over a powerline.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-resolve-mystery-of-why-otters-stay-warm-in-cold-surroundings-397003">Scientists resolve mystery of why otters stay warm in cold surroundings</a>

Helicopters were used to transport the severely injured passengers to Dunedin Hospital. After being treated for minor or moderate injuries, the pilot and the remaining eight passengers were released.

The owner and chief pilot of Sunrise Balloons, Hugh McLellan, expressed deep sorrow and regret over the incident and injuries sustained by the pilot and guests.

Police and aviation officials are investigating the incident and the company has temporarily halted further flights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winchcombe-meteorite-gets-official-classification-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-396877">Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know</a>

According to the company, all the passengers are New Zealand residents as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a> had forced New Zealand's border to close more than a year ago.

Several people were injured when a hot air balloon crashed in the Queenstown area of New Zealand on Friday. Among the injured at least two suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital.

Several people were injured when a hot air balloon crashed in the Queenstown area of New Zealand on Friday. Among the injured at least two suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital. According to Sunrise Balloons, the hot air balloon which was carrying eleven people including the pilot had a very uneventful ride and was within the speed limit when it approached a private airstrip briefly before 10 am. Also read | 'Champagne is French': Ministers denounce Russia 'sparkling wine' law The company says that an uncontrollable wind gust caught the balloon as it approached, which led to its basket containing the passengers colliding with a low bank. David Baillie, operations manager at St John Ambulance says that according to medical personnel reports the injured people were spread out over an area about the length of a football field. Due to this, it took them some time to assess the situation and respond to the patients. According to the company, the balloon basket ended up close to a driveway while the balloon fabric ended up getting draped over a powerline. Also read | Scientists resolve mystery of why otters stay warm in cold surroundings Helicopters were used to transport the severely injured passengers to Dunedin Hospital. After being treated for minor or moderate injuries, the pilot and the remaining eight passengers were released. The owner and chief pilot of Sunrise Balloons, Hugh McLellan, expressed deep sorrow and regret over the incident and injuries sustained by the pilot and guests. Police and aviation officials are investigating the incident and the company has temporarily halted further flights. Also read | Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know According to the company, all the passengers are New Zealand residents as the coronavirus pandemic had forced New Zealand's border to close more than a year ago.

Hot air balloon crash injures 11 in New Zealand

Two&nbsp;Australian states are on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> alert after an infected woman and her husband travelled from Victoria, the epicentre of the country's latest outbreak, through the states of New South Wales and into Queensland, visiting dozens of sites en route.

Authorities in New South Wales and Queensland are rushing to trace close contacts and locate virus hotspots, officials said on Thursday. The couple may face criminal charges for breaching COVID-19 border restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-reports-second-death-possibly-due-to-blood-clots-after-astrazeneca-shot-390585">Australia reports second death 'possibly' due to blood clots after AstraZeneca shot</a>

The 44-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19 once in Queensland, authorities said late on Wednesday, and her husband has since tested positive.

Queensland state Health Minister Yvette D'Ath told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday that the couple's tests suggested they were likely at the end of their infectious period. Queensland has issued alerts for parts of the Sunshine Coast, a popular tourist spot, and two regional areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-melbourne-eyes-way-out-of-covid-19-lockdown-as-cases-ease-390045">Australia's Melbourne eyes way out of COVID-19 lockdown as cases ease</a>

On Thursday, Victoria reported four new locally acquired cases, versus one case a day earlier, taking the total infections in the latest outbreak to 90. The new cases, all from the same household, come as Melbourne prepares to come out of a two-week lockdown on Thursday night, although some curbs on travel and gatherings remain.

Two Australian states are on COVID-19 alert after an infected woman and her husband travelled from Victoria, the epicentre of the country's latest outbreak, through the states of New South Wales and into Queensland, visiting dozens of sites en route.

Two Australian states are on COVID-19 alert after an infected woman and her husband travelled from Victoria, the epicentre of the country's latest outbreak, through the states of New South Wales and into Queensland, visiting dozens of sites en route. Authorities in New South Wales and Queensland are rushing to trace close contacts and locate virus hotspots, officials said on Thursday. The couple may face criminal charges for breaching COVID-19 border restrictions. Also read | Australia reports second death 'possibly' due to blood clots after AstraZeneca shot The 44-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19 once in Queensland, authorities said late on Wednesday, and her husband has since tested positive. Queensland state Health Minister Yvette D'Ath told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday that the couple's tests suggested they were likely at the end of their infectious period. Queensland has issued alerts for parts of the Sunshine Coast, a popular tourist spot, and two regional areas. Also read | Australia's Melbourne eyes way out of COVID-19 lockdown as cases ease On Thursday, Victoria reported four new locally acquired cases, versus one case a day earlier, taking the total infections in the latest outbreak to 90. The new cases, all from the same household, come as Melbourne prepares to come out of a two-week lockdown on Thursday night, although some curbs on travel and gatherings remain.

Two Australian states on COVID-19 alert after infected woman's interstate travel

A teenager in Queensland's western Cape York&nbsp;has died from a jellyfish sting in the first fatality in 15 years.

The 17-year-old teenager died&nbsp;a week after being stung by a box jellyfish while swimming at a beach&nbsp;at Patterson Point, near Bamaga, on 22 February.

Royal Flying Doctor Service's spokesman said&nbsp;a team flew from Cairns and stabilised the teenager before transferring him to Townsville hospital’s intensive care unit.

The teenager’s death was preventable with better resources and education for remote communities as per&nbsp;Marine biologist and jellyfish expert Dr Lisa-ann Gershwhin.

“As a country we need to do better. There’s education programmes, there’s stinger nets, there’s protective clothing. There’s all these things that we use in the more populated areas of Queensland, in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.

“But up on the cape, sadly, we really don’t. We don’t have those programmes in place and I think we have absolutely failed our remote communities.

“We have miserably failed, and this poor young man, and his family and his community are paying the price for that failure.”

Gershwhin said it was not difficult to implement measures to protect communities from what is considered the most venomous animal on the planet.

She explained that a sting from a box jellyfish was the only thing from the natural world that “locks the heart” in a contracted state.

“When that happens, things go very bad, very quickly and irreversibly. Because you cannot unlock a clenched heart. You cannot unclench a clenched muscle.”

“So you can’t CPR it because there’s no passage for the blood to fill and be compressed and a defibrillator doesn’t work because it’s not going to be doing that.

“So the name of the game isn’t to rely on the treatment, because in most cases the treatment just isn’t fast enough. You can’t outrun that clenching of the muscle.”

The 17-year-old’s death is the 79th box jellyfish fatality since Australia began keeping records in the late 1800s.

Gershwhin said the last recorded death was in 2006 also occurred at Bamaga, near where the teenager was stung last month.

When asked how communities should respond, she said: “The one thing they should be doing the most to protect their safety from jellyfish is raising hell so that they get equal provision of safety and equal education.

“I would raise hell about needing the education, needing the safety provision, needing pools instead of the ocean, needing protective wear when people go in the water.

A teenager in Queensland's western Cape York has died from a jellyfish sting in the first fatality in 15 years. The 17-year-old teenager died a week after being stung by a box jellyfish while swimming at a beach at Patterson Point, near Bamaga, on 22 February.

A teenager in Queensland's western Cape York has died from a jellyfish sting in the first fatality in 15 years. The 17-year-old teenager died a week after being stung by a box jellyfish while swimming at a beach at Patterson Point, near Bamaga, on 22 February. Royal Flying Doctor Service's spokesman said a team flew from Cairns and stabilised the teenager before transferring him to Townsville hospital’s intensive care unit. The teenager’s death was preventable with better resources and education for remote communities as per Marine biologist and jellyfish expert Dr Lisa-ann Gershwhin. “As a country we need to do better. There’s education programmes, there’s stinger nets, there’s protective clothing. There’s all these things that we use in the more populated areas of Queensland, in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay. “But up on the cape, sadly, we really don’t. We don’t have those programmes in place and I think we have absolutely failed our remote communities. “We have miserably failed, and this poor young man, and his family and his community are paying the price for that failure.” Gershwhin said it was not difficult to implement measures to protect communities from what is considered the most venomous animal on the planet. She explained that a sting from a box jellyfish was the only thing from the natural world that “locks the heart” in a contracted state. “When that happens, things go very bad, very quickly and irreversibly. Because you cannot unlock a clenched heart. You cannot unclench a clenched muscle.” “So you can’t CPR it because there’s no passage for the blood to fill and be compressed and a defibrillator doesn’t work because it’s not going to be doing that. “So the name of the game isn’t to rely on the treatment, because in most cases the treatment just isn’t fast enough. You can’t outrun that clenching of the muscle.” The 17-year-old’s death is the 79th box jellyfish fatality since Australia began keeping records in the late 1800s. Gershwhin said the last recorded death was in 2006 also occurred at Bamaga, near where the teenager was stung last month. When asked how communities should respond, she said: “The one thing they should be doing the most to protect their safety from jellyfish is raising hell so that they get equal provision of safety and equal education. “I would raise hell about needing the education, needing the safety provision, needing pools instead of the ocean, needing protective wear when people go in the water.

Australia: First fatality from jellyfish sting reported in 15 years

An estimated of 150 people dressed as Santa Claus hit the waters in Queensland's iconic Gold Coast on Sunday (November 29) in a charity run for Australian children in residential care.

Australia's Santas ditch sleighs for jetskis in charity run

Voters in Australia`s Queensland state went to the polls on Saturday in an election overshadowed by COVID-19, with the Labor government expected to retain power for taking strict measures that have put it at odds with the national government.

"Today`s a really important day and it`s about Queenslanders making a choice," Annastacia Palaszczuk, premier of the country`s third-most populous state, told local media after casting her vote.

"It`s about who they want to be the premier to actually lead the state."

Palaszczuk has adopted stringent anti-virus controls, including the closure of state borders, causing friction with Prime Minister Scott Morrison who wants internal borders open to boost economic recovery.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anthony-fauci-lauds-australias-covid-19-response-says-people-ridiculed-in-us-for-wearing-masks-338731">Anthony Fauci lauds Australia's Covid-19 response, says people 'ridiculed' in US for wearing masks</a>

Morrison, leader of the centre-right Liberal Party, on Saturday backed Palaszczuk`s opponent Deb Frecklington, leader of the Liberal National Party of Queensland. 
"Australia needs Queensland to return to the powerhouse state it once was," Morrison said in a video message on Facebook.

Results are expected late on Saturday.

At the same time, residents in Australia`s second-largest city, Melbourne, on Saturday enjoyed their first weekend of relative freedom after an almost four-month lockdown, as coronavirus case numbers continued to dwindle.

As Melburnians have flocked to parks, tennis courts, restaurants and shops, officials reported no new COVID-19 cases in Victoria state and no deaths, saying that further tests on an earlier reported case confirmed it was not an infection.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-will-not-be-available-before-2021-fauci-declares-week-before-us-election-337855">COVID-19 vaccine will not be available before 2021, Fauci declares week before US election&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

That compares to average daily new cases of around 700 in July and early August, which made it Australia`s pandemic hotspot. "We need to enjoy our lives after three months of really constrained activity," Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told a news conference on Sunday.

Some travel restrictions, however, remain and venues including libraries and cinemas remain closed in Melbourne, the state capital. Officials are expected to announce a further easing of restrictions from November 09.

Australia has fared much better than many countries in managing the pandemic, recording just over 27,500 cases and 907 deaths since the start of the year. As of Friday, there were just under 200 active cases.

The government announced on Saturday it would spend A$500 million ($350 million) over the next three years to help Pacific and Southeast Asian countries roll out vaccination programs to against COVID-19.

The government has agreements with Britain`s AstraZeneca Plc and the Australia`s University of Queensland for potential vaccines and has pledged free immunisation to all Australians and donations to regional partners.

Voters in Australia`s Queensland state went to the polls on Saturday in an election overshadowed by COVID-19, with the Labor government expected to retain power for taking strict measures that have put it at odds with the national government.

Voters in Australia`s Queensland state went to the polls on Saturday in an election overshadowed by COVID-19, with the Labor government expected to retain power for taking strict measures that have put it at odds with the national government. "Today`s a really important day and it`s about Queenslanders making a choice," Annastacia Palaszczuk, premier of the country`s third-most populous state, told local media after casting her vote. "It`s about who they want to be the premier to actually lead the state." Palaszczuk has adopted stringent anti-virus controls, including the closure of state borders, causing friction with Prime Minister Scott Morrison who wants internal borders open to boost economic recovery. Also read| Anthony Fauci lauds Australia's Covid-19 response, says people 'ridiculed' in US for wearing masks Morrison, leader of the centre-right Liberal Party, on Saturday backed Palaszczuk`s opponent Deb Frecklington, leader of the Liberal National Party of Queensland. "Australia needs Queensland to return to the powerhouse state it once was," Morrison said in a video message on Facebook. Results are expected late on Saturday. At the same time, residents in Australia`s second-largest city, Melbourne, on Saturday enjoyed their first weekend of relative freedom after an almost four-month lockdown, as coronavirus case numbers continued to dwindle. As Melburnians have flocked to parks, tennis courts, restaurants and shops, officials reported no new COVID-19 cases in Victoria state and no deaths, saying that further tests on an earlier reported case confirmed it was not an infection. Also read | COVID-19 vaccine will not be available before 2021, Fauci declares week before US election That compares to average daily new cases of around 700 in July and early August, which made it Australia`s pandemic hotspot. "We need to enjoy our lives after three months of really constrained activity," Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told a news conference on Sunday. Some travel restrictions, however, remain and venues including libraries and cinemas remain closed in Melbourne, the state capital. Officials are expected to announce a further easing of restrictions from November 09. Australia has fared much better than many countries in managing the pandemic, recording just over 27,500 cases and 907 deaths since the start of the year. As of Friday, there were just under 200 active cases. The government announced on Saturday it would spend A$500 million ($350 million) over the next three years to help Pacific and Southeast Asian countries roll out vaccination programs to against COVID-19. The government has agreements with Britain`s AstraZeneca Plc and the Australia`s University of Queensland for potential vaccines and has pledged free immunisation to all Australians and donations to regional partners.

Australia's Queensland votes in COVID-dominated race, Melbourne eases lockdown

An Australian man was found safe after being lost for three weeks in a crocodile-infested forest, police said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Police initially feared that Milan Lemic had been eaten by a crocodile after he disappeared on December 22 in Daintree forest in the northeastern state of Queensland.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/utah-man-survived-from-alaska-wilderness-22-days-after-his-home-burnt-down-273987">Utah man in Alaska wilderness rescued 22 days after his home burnt down</a>

The 29-year-old disappeared after his vehicle became bogged down on December 22. &nbsp;

After days of searching, police found out that there are no reptiles in the area big enough to have taken him.&nbsp;

Lemic was found by police on Monday several kilometres (miles) from his vehicle after being spotted by a motorcyclist.&nbsp;

"He was in good physical condition considering he had been in the rain forest for three weeks," police said in a statement. 
&nbsp; 
Police added that Lemic survived on wild fruit and berries.&nbsp;

A cop also described the 29-year-old as a <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7883055/Missing-man-Milan-Lemic-alive-three-weeks-crocodile-infested-Daintree-forest.html">lone</a>r&nbsp;who was unilkely to seek any help, Daily Mail reported.

Lemic does have an undiagonsed medical condition, which may have led him to make poor choices, the cop added.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

An Australian man was found safe after being lost for three weeks in a crocodile-infested forest, police said on Tuesday. Police initially feared that Milan Lemic had been eaten by a crocodile after he disappeared on December 22 in Daintree forest in the northeastern state of Queensland.

An Australian man was found safe after being lost for three weeks in a crocodile-infested forest, police said on Tuesday. Police initially feared that Milan Lemic had been eaten by a crocodile after he disappeared on December 22 in Daintree forest in the northeastern state of Queensland. Also read: Utah man in Alaska wilderness rescued 22 days after his home burnt down The 29-year-old disappeared after his vehicle became bogged down on December 22. After days of searching, police found out that there are no reptiles in the area big enough to have taken him. Lemic was found by police on Monday several kilometres (miles) from his vehicle after being spotted by a motorcyclist. "He was in good physical condition considering he had been in the rain forest for three weeks," police said in a statement. Police added that Lemic survived on wild fruit and berries. A cop also described the 29-year-old as a loner who was unilkely to seek any help, Daily Mail reported. Lemic does have an undiagonsed medical condition, which may have led him to make poor choices, the cop added. (with inputs from AFP)

Australia: Man survives after being lost for three weeks in crocodile-infested forest

The fierce <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-navy-evacuates-people-trapped-in-mallacoota-as-bushfires-rage-271833">wildfires</a> raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day. Not only it is severely affecting the country's unique flora and fauna but also, impacting the vegetation of the bushlands. Experts believe that it could take&nbsp;decades for wildlife to recover.

Unprecedented temperatures across the continent have made this season's fires particularly deadly, killing at least 20 people and bringing apocalyptic scenes to an area roughly twice the size of Belgium.

The crisis has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-orders-mass-evacuation-over-bushfire-danger-military-moves-in-to-help-271499">intense bushfire season</a>, and the Australian government has faced widespread criticism over its response and wider environmental policy.

Watch:&nbsp;Australia bushfires: Koalas &amp; Kangaroos undergo partial burns

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Harrowing footage of desperate koalas drinking from water bottles handed to them by rescuers and kangaroos standing helpless in fire-ravaged towns and charred forests have shocked people across the world.

There is some hope, however, as experts believe scorched forests can recover in time, and decimated populations of koalas, kangaroos and other badly affected species may be able to return.

A University of Sydney study estimates that 480 million animals have been killed in just the state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-fires-in-australia-navy-helps-evacuate-the-stranded-271716">New South Wales</a> (NSW) since September 2019, and according to a statement released Friday the authors said the "highly conservative" mortality calculations could mean the toll could be "substantially higher".

In order to reach the figure, the researchers cross-referenced estimates of mammal population density in NSW with areas of vegetation known to have been scorched to work out the death toll, which includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats or frogs.

"The true loss of animal life is likely to be much higher than 480 million," the statement said.

"NSW's wildlife is seriously threatened and under increasing pressure from a range of threats, including land clearing, exotic pests and climate change."

Professor Andrew Beattie from Macquarie University near Sydney told media he believes the death toll of animals nationwide could be in the billions, "if you think of mammals, and birds, and reptiles, amphibians and say the larger insects such as butterflies".

"We can be pretty sure that in large parts of these very expansive fires, most of the wildlife will be dead," the emeritus professor from the department of biological sciences said.

"The flora and fauna will be gone, and that includes the smaller animals which form the food chain for the bigger ones, which people often don't think about."

Koala populations have been hit particularly hard because they live in trees, feed only on certain types of eucalypts and cannot move quickly enough away from the flames.

Even before this year's bushfire crisis, numbers in NSW and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-haze-settles-over-australian-capital-as-bushfires-burn-266894">Queensland</a> had already dropped by 42 per cent between 1990 and 2010, according to the federally threatened species scientific committee.

The plight of the marsupial, native to Australia, has been raised in the country's parliament, with Nature Conservation Council ecologist Mark Graham telling lawmakers: "The fires have burnt so hot and so fast that there has been significant mortality of animals in the trees, but there is such a big area now that is still on fire and still burning that we will probably never find the bodies."

Previous studies have found that fires do not spread across the landscape uniformly, and some places are left unscathed even if areas around them are totally devastated.

"It's those areas that are untouched or have suffered less where wildlife tends to accumulate if they can get there," Beattie told AFP, adding that if there are enough of these, the burnt forests should regenerate over time but only if conditions improve quickly.

Asked if there was hope for the repopulation of animals in the worst-hit areas, Beattie said it depends on factors including rainfall, climate and logging, and it could take up to 40 years for habitats to return to normal.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-announces-compensation-for-volunteer-firefighters-270788">Scott Morrison's</a> handling of the crisis has provoked fury in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-of-small-australian-communities-told-to-evacuate-as-fire-approaches-270749">Australia</a> and further afield, and Beattie said the response, particularly from the federal government, has been "lamentably slow and their attitude is still lamentably casual".

"You've got federal politicians with very little knowledge of the environment, which is, as we are now discovering 'the real world', and hence have not perceived the oncoming catastrophes."

The fierce wildfires raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day.

The fierce wildfires raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day. Not only it is severely affecting the country's unique flora and fauna but also, impacting the vegetation of the bushlands. Experts believe that it could take decades for wildlife to recover. Unprecedented temperatures across the continent have made this season's fires particularly deadly, killing at least 20 people and bringing apocalyptic scenes to an area roughly twice the size of Belgium. The crisis has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense bushfire season, and the Australian government has faced widespread criticism over its response and wider environmental policy. Watch: Australia bushfires: Koalas & Kangaroos undergo partial burns × Harrowing footage of desperate koalas drinking from water bottles handed to them by rescuers and kangaroos standing helpless in fire-ravaged towns and charred forests have shocked people across the world. There is some hope, however, as experts believe scorched forests can recover in time, and decimated populations of koalas, kangaroos and other badly affected species may be able to return. A University of Sydney study estimates that 480 million animals have been killed in just the state of New South Wales (NSW) since September 2019, and according to a statement released Friday the authors said the "highly conservative" mortality calculations could mean the toll could be "substantially higher". In order to reach the figure, the researchers cross-referenced estimates of mammal population density in NSW with areas of vegetation known to have been scorched to work out the death toll, which includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats or frogs. "The true loss of animal life is likely to be much higher than 480 million," the statement said. "NSW's wildlife is seriously threatened and under increasing pressure from a range of threats, including land clearing, exotic pests and climate change." Professor Andrew Beattie from Macquarie University near Sydney told media he believes the death toll of animals nationwide could be in the billions, "if you think of mammals, and birds, and reptiles, amphibians and say the larger insects such as butterflies". "We can be pretty sure that in large parts of these very expansive fires, most of the wildlife will be dead," the emeritus professor from the department of biological sciences said. "The flora and fauna will be gone, and that includes the smaller animals which form the food chain for the bigger ones, which people often don't think about." Koala populations have been hit particularly hard because they live in trees, feed only on certain types of eucalypts and cannot move quickly enough away from the flames. Even before this year's bushfire crisis, numbers in NSW and Queensland had already dropped by 42 per cent between 1990 and 2010, according to the federally threatened species scientific committee. The plight of the marsupial, native to Australia, has been raised in the country's parliament, with Nature Conservation Council ecologist Mark Graham telling lawmakers: "The fires have burnt so hot and so fast that there has been significant mortality of animals in the trees, but there is such a big area now that is still on fire and still burning that we will probably never find the bodies." Previous studies have found that fires do not spread across the landscape uniformly, and some places are left unscathed even if areas around them are totally devastated. "It's those areas that are untouched or have suffered less where wildlife tends to accumulate if they can get there," Beattie told AFP, adding that if there are enough of these, the burnt forests should regenerate over time but only if conditions improve quickly. Asked if there was hope for the repopulation of animals in the worst-hit areas, Beattie said it depends on factors including rainfall, climate and logging, and it could take up to 40 years for habitats to return to normal. Prime Minister Scott Morrison's handling of the crisis has provoked fury in Australia and further afield, and Beattie said the response, particularly from the federal government, has been "lamentably slow and their attitude is still lamentably casual". "You've got federal politicians with very little knowledge of the environment, which is, as we are now discovering 'the real world', and hence have not perceived the oncoming catastrophes."

Australia Bushfires: Destroyed wildlife could take decades to recover

Bushfires continue to rage in NSW, Victoria, Queensland

Climate change takes a toll on Sydney

Emergency Declared In New South Wales, Queensland As Australia Battles Wildfires.

Gravitas: Australia Bush Fires: Sydney On High Alert

Residents across a wide swath of Australia's east coast were bracing for "catastrophic" conditions on Tuesday, with searing heat and high winds expected to fan scores of already burning bushfires, threatening residential areas.

Residents across a wide swath of Australia's east coast were bracing for "catastrophic" conditions on Tuesday, with searing heat and high winds expected to fan scores of already burning bushfires, threatening residential areas. Millions of people across two states are subject to a seven-day state of emergency that was imposed by officials on Monday, with locals in areas deemed most at risk urged to evacuate before the worst hits. "We really need people to stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe and act in accordance with your plan and the advice that might be given out throughout the day," NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told reporters. Sydneysiders woke up to a city shrouded in smoke. Officials have rated the harbour city at "catastrophic fire danger" for Tuesday, the first time it has received that designation since new fire danger ratings were introduced in 2009. Home to more than 5 million people, Sydney is ringed by large areas of bushland, much of which remains tinder-dry following little rain across the country's east coast in recent months. Bushfires are a common and deadly threat in Australia’s hot, dry summers, but the current severe outbreak - across several parts of New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland states, as well as Sydney - weeks before the summer peak, has caught many by surprise. Lawmakers and firefighters in NSW, where temperatures were expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) said they were prepared, but warned there was only so much they could do. "We are planned, we are escalated to a high level of standby and readiness," Fitzsimmons said. There were 54 fires ablaze across the state, around half of which were uncontained, Fitzsimmons said, adding around 3,000 firefighters were deployed or on standby. "We are not going to control fires under catastrophic conditions," he said. "They have the ability to develop and grow extremely quickly and develop into very large fires." Seeking to avoid deaths, firefighters have been given broad powers to control government resources, force evacuations, close roads and shut down utilities. Around 600 schools and colleges were closed as a precaution and authorities advised anyone suffering respiratory conditions to stay indoors. In Queensland state, the danger was not quite as great, with the threat level pegged at "severe", two levels below the "catastrophic" conditions in NSW. Still, some 22 fires were burning across the northern state.

'Stay alert': millions of Australians brace for 'catastrophic' bushfires

Authorities in Australia's New South Wales and Queensland on Monday declared a state of emergency as the country's eastern region prepared for calamitous fire conditions.

Authorities in Australian asked for evacuation ahead of calamitous fire threat

Firefighters in eastern Australia were on Sunday assessing damage from ferocious bushfires that have devastated communities and rushing to prepare for "bad, if not worse" conditions expected to flare in the coming days.

Catastrophic fires have<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-leave-three-dead-at-least-150-homes-lost-260976"> killed three people</a> and razed more than 150 homes since Friday, but cooler weather overnight provided a measure of reprieve for firefighters and residents.

More than 100 fires were still burning across New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday, including dozens of blazes that remained out of control.

Five people reported missing have now been found, but the unpredictable nature of the disaster means officials have not ruled out the possibility that others could still be missing, NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman Greg Allan told AFP.

The mayor of the small town of Glen Innes, where two people died, said residents had been left traumatised and were still coming to terms with their losses.

"The fire was as high as 20 foot (six metres) and raging with 80 kilometre-an-hour (50 mile-an-hour) winds," Carol Sparks told national broadcaster ABC.

"It was absolutely horrific for the people that were impacted (by) it."

In Old Bar, which was spared the worst when the wind changed direction, hectares of bushland had turned charcoal and small pockets of flames continued to smoulder.

Peter McKellar, 75, was clearing debris from his property as his neighbour's home sat in ruins.

"The firies (firefighters) saved ours," he told AFP. "They are doing a wonderful job. They're angels."

High temperatures, low humidity and strong winds forecast from the middle of the week are predicted to fuel blazes that authorities have warned they will be unable to contain ahead of time.

"Under these conditions, these fires will spread quickly and will threaten homes and lives," the NSW Rural Fire Service said in a statement.

"These conditions will be as bad, if not worse, than those experienced on Friday as they will be across a much broader area including large population centres like Sydney."

'Primed to burn'

In Queensland, more than 1,200 firefighters were battling 51 active fires across the state on Sunday, with 39 aircraft deployed to assist for the first time ever in the state.

"Queensland does not usually have a fire season like we've experienced this year and last year," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters.

With thousands of people forced to flee from their homes, Australia's government was offering immediate emergency assistance payments of up to Aus$1,000 ($685) to those affected.

Bushfires are common in Australia but the country has experienced a dramatic start to what scientists predict will be a tough fire season -- with climate change and weather cycles contributing to the dangerous combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions.

The current disaster has not wreaked the human devastation of Australia's worst recent bushfires, the Black Saturday fires that killed 173 people in Victoria state in 2009, with some experts attributing that to better early warning systems.

But Ross Bradstock, from the Centre for Environmental Management of Bushfires at the University of Wollongong, described the situation as "unprecedented" for the affected regions, which have rarely -- if ever -- experienced such severe fires.

"Sadly, given the weather forecast for the coming week, the crisis may worsen and extend southward into landscapes primed to burn via extreme dryness," he said.

Firefighters in eastern Australia were on Sunday assessing damage from ferocious bushfires that have devastated communities and rushing to prepare for "bad, if not worse" conditions expected to flare in the coming days.

Firefighters in eastern Australia were on Sunday assessing damage from ferocious bushfires that have devastated communities and rushing to prepare for "bad, if not worse" conditions expected to flare in the coming days. Catastrophic fires have killed three people and razed more than 150 homes since Friday, but cooler weather overnight provided a measure of reprieve for firefighters and residents. More than 100 fires were still burning across New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday, including dozens of blazes that remained out of control. Five people reported missing have now been found, but the unpredictable nature of the disaster means officials have not ruled out the possibility that others could still be missing, NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman Greg Allan told AFP. The mayor of the small town of Glen Innes, where two people died, said residents had been left traumatised and were still coming to terms with their losses. "The fire was as high as 20 foot (six metres) and raging with 80 kilometre-an-hour (50 mile-an-hour) winds," Carol Sparks told national broadcaster ABC. "It was absolutely horrific for the people that were impacted (by) it." In Old Bar, which was spared the worst when the wind changed direction, hectares of bushland had turned charcoal and small pockets of flames continued to smoulder. Peter McKellar, 75, was clearing debris from his property as his neighbour's home sat in ruins. "The firies (firefighters) saved ours," he told AFP. "They are doing a wonderful job. They're angels." High temperatures, low humidity and strong winds forecast from the middle of the week are predicted to fuel blazes that authorities have warned they will be unable to contain ahead of time. "Under these conditions, these fires will spread quickly and will threaten homes and lives," the NSW Rural Fire Service said in a statement. "These conditions will be as bad, if not worse, than those experienced on Friday as they will be across a much broader area including large population centres like Sydney." 'Primed to burn' In Queensland, more than 1,200 firefighters were battling 51 active fires across the state on Sunday, with 39 aircraft deployed to assist for the first time ever in the state. "Queensland does not usually have a fire season like we've experienced this year and last year," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters. With thousands of people forced to flee from their homes, Australia's government was offering immediate emergency assistance payments of up to Aus$1,000 ($685) to those affected. Bushfires are common in Australia but the country has experienced a dramatic start to what scientists predict will be a tough fire season -- with climate change and weather cycles contributing to the dangerous combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions. The current disaster has not wreaked the human devastation of Australia's worst recent bushfires, the Black Saturday fires that killed 173 people in Victoria state in 2009, with some experts attributing that to better early warning systems. But Ross Bradstock, from the Centre for Environmental Management of Bushfires at the University of Wollongong, described the situation as "unprecedented" for the affected regions, which have rarely -- if ever -- experienced such severe fires. "Sadly, given the weather forecast for the coming week, the crisis may worsen and extend southward into landscapes primed to burn via extreme dryness," he said.

Australians warned worst bushfires may be yet to come

The United Nations has called on Australia's government to release a Tamil asylum seeker family from offshore detention, weighing in on a case that has galvanized huge public support.

The family of four has been held at the Christmas Island detention facility for the past month while their fight to stay in the country is before the courts.

Kokilapathmapriya Nadesalingam and Nadesalingam Murugappan, from Sri Lanka, arrived in Australia by boat separately in 2012 and 2013 seeking asylum and have not been accepted as refugees.

Their two children, Kopika and Tharunicaa, were both born in Australia and the family's legal battle hinges on the youngest daughter as her lawyer argues her claim has never been assessed.

Lawyer Carina Ford made a submission to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-kills-seven-islamic-state-terrorists-in-libya-air-strike-252922">U.N</a>.'s Human Rights Committee last month on the toddler's behalf.

In an October 1 letter, seen by AFP, the committee says in response that it "has requested the State party to transfer (the family) within 30 days into a community setting arrangement or to find another way to end their existing situation of detention".

The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Family friend Angela Fredericks described the U.N.'s position as "a positive step forward", saying she hoped the government "would comply and take this on board".

"We do see this as confirmation of what we've always known: that detention isn't any place for children or for families," she said.

"We've seen that over the last 19 months with the emotional and physical damage that has occurred to these girls."

Australia's hardline immigration policies include turning away refugees arriving by boat and de facto offshore detention, both measures condemned by the United Nations.

The Tamil family settled in a small rural Queensland town of Biloela, where their neighbours have banded together to push for them to be allowed to remain, a campaign that has received support even from some right-wing commentators and politicians.

A Federal Court judge ruled last month there was enough evidence for the toddler's case to go to trial, though a date has not yet been set.

Both children were born in Australia but do not have citizenship. They have never been to Sri Lanka.

The United Nations has called on Australia's government to release a Tamil asylum seeker family from offshore detention, weighing in on a case that has galvanized huge public support.

The United Nations has called on Australia's government to release a Tamil asylum seeker family from offshore detention, weighing in on a case that has galvanized huge public support. The family of four has been held at the Christmas Island detention facility for the past month while their fight to stay in the country is before the courts. Kokilapathmapriya Nadesalingam and Nadesalingam Murugappan, from Sri Lanka, arrived in Australia by boat separately in 2012 and 2013 seeking asylum and have not been accepted as refugees. Their two children, Kopika and Tharunicaa, were both born in Australia and the family's legal battle hinges on the youngest daughter as her lawyer argues her claim has never been assessed. Lawyer Carina Ford made a submission to the U.N.'s Human Rights Committee last month on the toddler's behalf. In an October 1 letter, seen by AFP, the committee says in response that it "has requested the State party to transfer (the family) within 30 days into a community setting arrangement or to find another way to end their existing situation of detention". The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Family friend Angela Fredericks described the U.N.'s position as "a positive step forward", saying she hoped the government "would comply and take this on board". "We do see this as confirmation of what we've always known: that detention isn't any place for children or for families," she said. "We've seen that over the last 19 months with the emotional and physical damage that has occurred to these girls." Australia's hardline immigration policies include turning away refugees arriving by boat and de facto offshore detention, both measures condemned by the United Nations. The Tamil family settled in a small rural Queensland town of Biloela, where their neighbours have banded together to push for them to be allowed to remain, a campaign that has received support even from some right-wing commentators and politicians. A Federal Court judge ruled last month there was enough evidence for the toddler's case to go to trial, though a date has not yet been set. Both children were born in Australia but do not have citizenship. They have never been to Sri Lanka.

United Nations urges Australia to release Tamil family

Fires continued to burn across the south of Queensland and the north of New South Wales, destroying homes and property in eastern Australia. Watch this video to know more.

Australia: 50 fires still ablaze in Queensland

One of Australia's busiest international airports was locked down after a man brandished a knife and made a bomb threat at a food court, prompting travellers to flee in panic, officials said Sunday.

Queensland state police said they evacuated Brisbane Airport's international terminal late Saturday after finding a "suspicious device" when they responded to reports of the 50-year-old man, who spoke Arabic, threatening a woman.

Terrorism was later ruled out as the cause and the man was charged with domestic violence offences, falsely claiming to destroy or damage an aviation facility, and making a hoax bomb threat.

The device was found to be "inert", but Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said its complex appearance "indicates just the extraordinary lengths that a person has gone to create a perception of risk, threat and fear".

The device looked like a small, black safe with wires sticking out of it, according to a photograph released by police.

The man, who was taken into custody by police, is due to face court on Monday. The terminal was reopened after two hours.

There have been growing fears of terror-linked attacks by radicals inspired by Islamic State and other groups, with a foiled effort to target an Etihad flight with a crude bomb in Sydney in 2017.

Canberra introduced sweeping new security laws last year that included allowing Australian police to conduct random identity checks at airports. 
&nbsp;

One of Australia's busiest international airports was locked down after a man brandished a knife and made a bomb threat at a food court, prompting travellers to flee in panic, officials said Sunday.

One of Australia's busiest international airports was locked down after a man brandished a knife and made a bomb threat at a food court, prompting travellers to flee in panic, officials said Sunday. Queensland state police said they evacuated Brisbane Airport's international terminal late Saturday after finding a "suspicious device" when they responded to reports of the 50-year-old man, who spoke Arabic, threatening a woman. Terrorism was later ruled out as the cause and the man was charged with domestic violence offences, falsely claiming to destroy or damage an aviation facility, and making a hoax bomb threat. The device was found to be "inert", but Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said its complex appearance "indicates just the extraordinary lengths that a person has gone to create a perception of risk, threat and fear". The device looked like a small, black safe with wires sticking out of it, according to a photograph released by police. The man, who was taken into custody by police, is due to face court on Monday. The terminal was reopened after two hours. There have been growing fears of terror-linked attacks by radicals inspired by Islamic State and other groups, with a foiled effort to target an Etihad flight with a crude bomb in Sydney in 2017. Canberra introduced sweeping new security laws last year that included allowing Australian police to conduct random identity checks at airports.

Bomb threat shuts Australia international airport

'Unprecedented weather' in the Australian state of Queensland said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, sparked 40 bushfires across the state on Monday, as emergency services tried to put containment lines around the fire zones.

"As we know there has been unprecedented weather in Queensland at the moment and this entire week we are going to see heat wave conditions right across Queensland. Around Rockhampton there has been averages the likes of which we have never seen in Queensland before. And these conditions are worse than what we saw in 2009 in Queensland. There are currently 40 wildfires that are happening right across Queensland as we speak."

Palaszczuk added that conditions were worse than those of 2009, when fire burnt through more than 11,500 hectares of bushland, and this entire week would see heatwave conditions across the state.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said the bushfires were being fanned by a combination of the temperature, the low humidity and the variable winds.

Two homes were lost near the Bundaberg region as authorities tried to evacuate residents.

'Unprecedented weather' in the Australian state of Queensland said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, sparked 40 bushfires across the state on Monday, as emergency services tried to put containment lines around the fire zones.

'Unprecedented weather' in the Australian state of Queensland said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, sparked 40 bushfires across the state on Monday, as emergency services tried to put containment lines around the fire zones. "As we know there has been unprecedented weather in Queensland at the moment and this entire week we are going to see heat wave conditions right across Queensland. Around Rockhampton there has been averages the likes of which we have never seen in Queensland before. And these conditions are worse than what we saw in 2009 in Queensland. There are currently 40 wildfires that are happening right across Queensland as we speak." Palaszczuk added that conditions were worse than those of 2009, when fire burnt through more than 11,500 hectares of bushland, and this entire week would see heatwave conditions across the state. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said the bushfires were being fanned by a combination of the temperature, the low humidity and the variable winds. Two homes were lost near the Bundaberg region as authorities tried to evacuate residents.

Video: 'Unprecedented weather' in Australia's Queensland causes bushfires

Australia's Queensland state has legalised abortion after lawmakers were allowed a free vote late on Wednesday (October 17), making it the fifth Australian state to do so.

Restrictions on abortion vary by jurisdiction in Australia and though it had been illegal in Queensland under a 19th-century statute, women had circumvented that using 1960s and 1970s common law rulings, which permit abortion on social and economic grounds. It was also permitted on medical grounds.

Under the new law, women can terminate pregnancies on request at up to 22 weeks gestation. The law passed Queensland's one-house parliament by 50 votes to 41.

Abortion is a raging political issue in a number of countries, including the United States, where many conservatives hope the Supreme Court will eventually overturn a landmark 1973 ruling known as Roe v. Wade, which legalised abortion.

Australia's Queensland state has legalised abortion after lawmakers were allowed a free vote late on Wednesday (October 17), making it the fifth Australian state to do so.

Australia's Queensland state has legalised abortion after lawmakers were allowed a free vote late on Wednesday (October 17), making it the fifth Australian state to do so. Restrictions on abortion vary by jurisdiction in Australia and though it had been illegal in Queensland under a 19th-century statute, women had circumvented that using 1960s and 1970s common law rulings, which permit abortion on social and economic grounds. It was also permitted on medical grounds. Under the new law, women can terminate pregnancies on request at up to 22 weeks gestation. The law passed Queensland's one-house parliament by 50 votes to 41. Abortion is a raging political issue in a number of countries, including the United States, where many conservatives hope the Supreme Court will eventually overturn a landmark 1973 ruling known as Roe v. Wade, which legalised abortion.

Australia's Queensland legalises abortion

A fully-ablaze trailer was being dragged along a highway in Queensland, Australia. The police service vehicle&rsquo;s dashcam captured dramatic visuals of the burning trailer throwing debris and sparks in its trail.

A burning trailer was spotted on the Bruce Highway near Miriam Vale in Queensland, Australia. In the early hours of January 18, police received information that a trailer that was being towed by a Holden Rodeo had caught fire on the Bruce Highway between Colosseum and Miriam Vale.

Just before 3am, police observed the vehicle travelling north with the burning trailer which was leaving burning debris on the highway and was causing sparks and flames to be sprayed all over the highway.

The trailer did not have any wheels and was being dragged along the highway.

The officer activated his car&rsquo;s lights and sirens in an attempt to get the driver to pull over, however, he kept driving.

The driver finally pulled over at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Dovedale Road.

Police received further information to suggest the driver had travelled approximately 20 kilometres along the Bruce Highway whilst fully engulfed in flames, causing burning debris to be littered across the highway which set multiple spot fires along adjoining bushland.

The 49-year-old male driver from Kybong is assisting police with their investigations into the matter.

The video was shared by&nbsp;Queensland police on Facebook.&nbsp;

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The officer activated his car’s lights and sirens in an attempt to get the driver to pull over, however, he kept driving.

A fully-ablaze trailer was being dragged along a highway in Queensland, Australia. The police service vehicle’s dashcam captured dramatic visuals of the burning trailer throwing debris and sparks in its trail. A burning trailer was spotted on the Bruce Highway near Miriam Vale in Queensland, Australia. In the early hours of January 18, police received information that a trailer that was being towed by a Holden Rodeo had caught fire on the Bruce Highway between Colosseum and Miriam Vale. Just before 3am, police observed the vehicle travelling north with the burning trailer which was leaving burning debris on the highway and was causing sparks and flames to be sprayed all over the highway. The trailer did not have any wheels and was being dragged along the highway. The officer activated his car’s lights and sirens in an attempt to get the driver to pull over, however, he kept driving. The driver finally pulled over at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Dovedale Road. Police received further information to suggest the driver had travelled approximately 20 kilometres along the Bruce Highway whilst fully engulfed in flames, causing burning debris to be littered across the highway which set multiple spot fires along adjoining bushland. The 49-year-old male driver from Kybong is assisting police with their investigations into the matter. The video was shared by Queensland police on Facebook. ×

Watch: Fire engulfed trailer in Australia, gets towed on highway for 20km

Rising floods continued to plague parts of eastern Australia as emergency workers battled to restore water and electricity in cyclone-hit areas Sunday, with the recovery efforts expected to last several months.

At least two people were dead and several missing after torrential rain inundated large areas of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) states, flooding homes and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.&nbsp;

Category four Cyclone Debbie smashed into Queensland on Tuesday between Bowen and Airlie, ripping up trees and causing widespread damage that is still being assessed.

It was downgraded to a tropical low as it tracked southeast through the week, packing high winds and dumping huge amounts of rain all down the east coast to Sydney before blowing out over the Tasman Sea.

Even as skies began to clear, numerous towns were still on flood alert and some regions remain under water.

Logan just south of Brisbane reflected the varied situation, with rising floods affecting some areas while other parts swung into clean-up mode as waters receded.

&quot;This is unprecedented for us,&quot; Logan city mayor Luke Smith said Sunday, warning that his city was still &quot;in flux&quot; with one key river remaining at high levels.

&quot;The sky is the limit at this stage about what that means,&quot; he added about the potential damage bill.

In Rockhampton in central-east Queensland, residents were bracing for the biggest floods they have experienced since 1954, with peak levels set to be reached late Wednesday or early Thursday.

&quot;Debbie is not done with us yet,&quot; Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said when visiting Rockhampton Saturday.

The torrential rain also wrecked havoc south of the Queensland border in NSW, bringing severe floods to several towns.

The bodies of two women were found in the state on Friday. Another three people were confirmed dead -- two in NSW and one in Queensland -- on Saturday but police were still investigating whether their deaths were flood-related.&nbsp;

&quot;The water busted the door open and dad started to have a panic attack,&quot; the son of one of the victims, a 46-year-old man from Murwillumbah in northeastern NSW, told the Courier Mail newspaper.

&quot;He fell down and it sounded like he was snoring, but he stopped breathing.&quot;&nbsp;

There were also fears for three other people missing in flood-affected areas in Queensland, with police searching for them Sunday.

Meanwhile, the military and emergency personnel were working to restore essential services such as water and electricity in towns that were in the direct path of Debbie in northern Queensland.

In cyclone-hit Proserpine, Colin Ridgway&#39;s home of two decades was destroyed by Debbie.

&quot;Oh, it breaks your heart, really. But not much you can do about it. It&#39;s gone,&quot; he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Saturday.

The Insurance Council of Australia has declared the Queensland and northern NSW regions disaster zones, estimating the damage bill could reach Aus$1 billion (US $770 million).

&quot;The devastation across our state is huge, it is going to take months to repair,&quot; Palaszczuk told reporters in Logan Sunday.

(AFP)

Category four Cyclone Debbie smashed into Queensland on Tuesday between Bowen and Airlie causing widespread damage that is still being assessed

Rising floods continued to plague parts of eastern Australia as emergency workers battled to restore water and electricity in cyclone-hit areas Sunday, with the recovery efforts expected to last several months. At least two people were dead and several missing after torrential rain inundated large areas of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) states, flooding homes and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. Category four Cyclone Debbie smashed into Queensland on Tuesday between Bowen and Airlie, ripping up trees and causing widespread damage that is still being assessed. It was downgraded to a tropical low as it tracked southeast through the week, packing high winds and dumping huge amounts of rain all down the east coast to Sydney before blowing out over the Tasman Sea. Even as skies began to clear, numerous towns were still on flood alert and some regions remain under water. Logan just south of Brisbane reflected the varied situation, with rising floods affecting some areas while other parts swung into clean-up mode as waters receded. "This is unprecedented for us," Logan city mayor Luke Smith said Sunday, warning that his city was still "in flux" with one key river remaining at high levels. "The sky is the limit at this stage about what that means," he added about the potential damage bill. In Rockhampton in central-east Queensland, residents were bracing for the biggest floods they have experienced since 1954, with peak levels set to be reached late Wednesday or early Thursday. "Debbie is not done with us yet," Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said when visiting Rockhampton Saturday. The torrential rain also wrecked havoc south of the Queensland border in NSW, bringing severe floods to several towns. The bodies of two women were found in the state on Friday. Another three people were confirmed dead -- two in NSW and one in Queensland -- on Saturday but police were still investigating whether their deaths were flood-related. "The water busted the door open and dad started to have a panic attack," the son of one of the victims, a 46-year-old man from Murwillumbah in northeastern NSW, told the Courier Mail newspaper. "He fell down and it sounded like he was snoring, but he stopped breathing." There were also fears for three other people missing in flood-affected areas in Queensland, with police searching for them Sunday. Meanwhile, the military and emergency personnel were working to restore essential services such as water and electricity in towns that were in the direct path of Debbie in northern Queensland. In cyclone-hit Proserpine, Colin Ridgway's home of two decades was destroyed by Debbie. "Oh, it breaks your heart, really. But not much you can do about it. It's gone," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Saturday. The Insurance Council of Australia has declared the Queensland and northern NSW regions disaster zones, estimating the damage bill could reach Aus$1 billion (US $770 million). "The devastation across our state is huge, it is going to take months to repair," Palaszczuk told reporters in Logan Sunday. (AFP)

Floodwaters still rising in Australia, police search for missing

At least three people were killed in Australia&#39;s largest theme park, Dreamworld in Gold Coast district in Queensland.&nbsp;

&quot;Dreamworld is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts around the incident,&quot; the park officials said in a statement.&nbsp;

&quot;Dreamworld&#39;s focus and priority is with the families of those involved in this tragedy and will be providing an update to the public as soon as information becomes available,&quot; Reuters reported.&nbsp;

<a href="http://&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdreamworld%2Fposts%2F10154105602893613&amp;width=500&quot; width=&quot;500&quot; height=&quot;161&quot; style=&quot;border:none;overflow:hidden&quot; scrolling=&quot;no&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allowTransparency=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;">http://&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdreamworld%2Fposts%2F10154105602893613&amp;width=500&quot; width=&quot;500&quot; height=&quot;161&quot; style=&quot;border:none;overflow:hidden&quot; scrolling=&quot;no&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allowTransparency=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</a>

However, Queensland police said that &quot;Four adults have been confirmed as being deceased,&quot; and that the accident took place on a ride called &#39;Thunder River Rapids&#39;.&nbsp;

According to eyewitnesses, the six-seater circular raft overturned when it was coming down the conveyor belt, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Lia Capes, a witness told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation,&quot;We saw (a) little girl and we believe it was her mum because it was just her and her little sister that was an infant.&quot;

&quot;I was speaking to one of the guys and he said it was the raft or the boat thing in front of him, the whole thing flipped and everyone was screaming,&quot; she added.&nbsp;

Another witness who was on the ride told Gold Coast Bulletin, &quot;My sister and niece were on the ride, they are so traumatised, there is a woman hanging by her foot, crushed from the ride.&quot;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The Dreamworld theme park in a statement said three people had been killed but Queensland police said four

At least three people were killed in Australia's largest theme park, Dreamworld in Gold Coast district in Queensland. "Dreamworld is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts around the incident," the park officials said in a statement. "Dreamworld's focus and priority is with the families of those involved in this tragedy and will be providing an update to the public as soon as information becomes available," Reuters reported. http://<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdreamworld%2Fposts%2F10154105602893613&width=500" width="500" height="161" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe> However, Queensland police said that "Four adults have been confirmed as being deceased," and that the accident took place on a ride called 'Thunder River Rapids'. According to eyewitnesses, the six-seater circular raft overturned when it was coming down the conveyor belt, AFP reported. Lia Capes, a witness told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation,"We saw (a) little girl and we believe it was her mum because it was just her and her little sister that was an infant." "I was speaking to one of the guys and he said it was the raft or the boat thing in front of him, the whole thing flipped and everyone was screaming," she added. Another witness who was on the ride told Gold Coast Bulletin, "My sister and niece were on the ride, they are so traumatised, there is a woman hanging by her foot, crushed from the ride." (WION with inputs from agencies)

Australia theme park: At least three killed in raft accident

Embattled Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull appeared likely to retain power after gaining the support of a key independent on Thursday, although the closeness of the vote signalled more tough political and economic times ahead. 
 
There were signs that the political instability after Saturday&#39;s cliffhanger election was beginning to take its toll on the Australian economy, with Standard and Poor cutting Australia&#39;s credit rating outlook to negative from stable, threatening a downgrade of its coveted triple A status. 
 
Turnbull flew to northern Queensland state to win reluctant support from Bob Katter, a maverick former member of the ruling conservative coalition who is now a potential kingmaker if Turnbull is unable to win the 76 lower house seats needed to form the government. 
 
&quot;Today we are announcing our support ... for a Turnbull government. I do so with no great enthusiasm,&quot; Katter told reporters. &quot;I will maintain my right to change at any point of time in the future.&quot; 
 
Katter&#39;s support gives Turnbull&#39;s coalition a total of 74 seats, according to the latest Australian Broadcasting Corp. projections, as vote counting continues. 
 
Labor is projected to win 66 seats, meaning they would need to win the six seats still being counted and do deals with all the four remaining independents to form government - a scenario considered extremely unlikely by pollsters. 
 
&quot;I remain confident that we will form a government, and we will unite the parliament as far as we are able to,&quot; Turnbull told reporters after meeting Katter. 
 
&quot;We will unite the nation in a common purpose to continue to ensure that we have strong economic growth,&quot; he said. 
 
Turnbull, however, will realistically only scrape through with the slimmest of margins and faces an even more hostile upper house Senate, making it difficult for him to pass planned economic reforms. 
 
&#39;Diminished authority&#39; 
 
That point was rammed home by Labor leader Bill Shorten, who acknowledged the coalition would most likely win, but &quot;with a diminished authority, diminished mandate and a very divided political party&quot;. 
 
&quot;If Mister Turnbull is dragged across the line narrowly, his problems and Australia&#39;s are only just beginning,&quot; Shorten said in Perth. 
 
The Australia dollar fell half a US cent after S&amp;P&#39;s announcement, which cited concerns the coalition government would be hampered in its plans to return to budget surplus as it struggles to form a majority government. 
 
&quot;I think what the Australian people want to be assured of today is that there is a clear plan, should we be able to form government, to maintain the fiscal health of this country and that is what the agencies are saying is necessary,&quot; treasurer Scott Morrison told reporters soon after the S&amp;P announcement. 
 
Turnbull&#39;s gamble in calling an election, ostensibly to clear the upper house Senate of what he saw as obstructive minor parties, backfired badly with a much bigger swing to the centre-left Labor opposition than expected. 
 
It also saw minor parties and independents become even more powerful, making it less likely that Turnbull will be able to push his reformist economic agenda, which includes a A$50 billion ($37.6 billion) corporate tax break over 10 years, through an intransigent upper house. 
 
That places Katter and centrist Nick Xenaphon as potential kingmakers with team members in both houses. Two other lower house independents, Andrew Wilkie and Cathy McGowan, have ruled out any deals with the government. 
 
(Reuters)

Bob Katter from Queensland gives a reluctant nod to support Turnbull, warns that he may change his stand anytime in the future

Embattled Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull appeared likely to retain power after gaining the support of a key independent on Thursday, although the closeness of the vote signalled more tough political and economic times ahead. There were signs that the political instability after Saturday's cliffhanger election was beginning to take its toll on the Australian economy, with Standard and Poor cutting Australia's credit rating outlook to negative from stable, threatening a downgrade of its coveted triple A status. Turnbull flew to northern Queensland state to win reluctant support from Bob Katter, a maverick former member of the ruling conservative coalition who is now a potential kingmaker if Turnbull is unable to win the 76 lower house seats needed to form the government. "Today we are announcing our support ... for a Turnbull government. I do so with no great enthusiasm," Katter told reporters. "I will maintain my right to change at any point of time in the future." Katter's support gives Turnbull's coalition a total of 74 seats, according to the latest Australian Broadcasting Corp. projections, as vote counting continues. Labor is projected to win 66 seats, meaning they would need to win the six seats still being counted and do deals with all the four remaining independents to form government - a scenario considered extremely unlikely by pollsters. "I remain confident that we will form a government, and we will unite the parliament as far as we are able to," Turnbull told reporters after meeting Katter. "We will unite the nation in a common purpose to continue to ensure that we have strong economic growth," he said. Turnbull, however, will realistically only scrape through with the slimmest of margins and faces an even more hostile upper house Senate, making it difficult for him to pass planned economic reforms. 'Diminished authority' That point was rammed home by Labor leader Bill Shorten, who acknowledged the coalition would most likely win, but "with a diminished authority, diminished mandate and a very divided political party". "If Mister Turnbull is dragged across the line narrowly, his problems and Australia's are only just beginning," Shorten said in Perth. The Australia dollar fell half a US cent after S&P's announcement, which cited concerns the coalition government would be hampered in its plans to return to budget surplus as it struggles to form a majority government. "I think what the Australian people want to be assured of today is that there is a clear plan, should we be able to form government, to maintain the fiscal health of this country and that is what the agencies are saying is necessary," treasurer Scott Morrison told reporters soon after the S&P announcement. Turnbull's gamble in calling an election, ostensibly to clear the upper house Senate of what he saw as obstructive minor parties, backfired badly with a much bigger swing to the centre-left Labor opposition than expected. It also saw minor parties and independents become even more powerful, making it less likely that Turnbull will be able to push his reformist economic agenda, which includes a A$50 billion ($37.6 billion) corporate tax break over 10 years, through an intransigent upper house. That places Katter and centrist Nick Xenaphon as potential kingmakers with team members in both houses. Two other lower house independents, Andrew Wilkie and Cathy McGowan, have ruled out any deals with the government. (Reuters)

Australian PM wins key support, edges closer to forming government

A crocodile in Australia snatched a woman taking a late-night swim in a national park and is believed to have killed her, media reported on Monday. 
 
The 46-year-old woman was swimming with a friend late on Sunday in waist-deep water at a beach in Queensland state when she disappeared, police said. 
 
&quot;They felt a nudge, and a large crocodile is alleged to have grabbed one of the ladies and pulled her into the water,&quot; Neil Noble, a supervisor for the Queensland state ambulance service, told reporters. 
 
Police would only say the woman was believed to have been taken by a crocodile. Media reported that the friend struggled to pull the woman back from the crocodile`s jaws. 
 
Police did not identify the woman or give her nationality but said she lives in Australia and has family in New Zealand. 
A police spokesman told Reuters a search and rescue operation would continue on Tuesday. 
 
Warren Entsch, the area`s member of parliament, said the incident occurred in a place that is popular with crocodile-spotting tours, with many warning signs. 
 
The incident should not encourage reprisals against the animals, he said. 
 
&quot;You can`t legislate against human stupidity,&quot; Entsch told reporters. &quot;This is a tragedy but it was avoidable. There are warning signs everywhere up there.&quot;

A crocodile in Australia snatched a woman taking a late-night swim in a national park and is believed to have killed her, media reported on Monday. The 46-year-old woman was swimming with a friend late on Sunday in waist-deep water at a beach in Queensland state when she disappeared, police said.

A crocodile in Australia snatched a woman taking a late-night swim in a national park and is believed to have killed her, media reported on Monday. The 46-year-old woman was swimming with a friend late on Sunday in waist-deep water at a beach in Queensland state when she disappeared, police said. "They felt a nudge, and a large crocodile is alleged to have grabbed one of the ladies and pulled her into the water," Neil Noble, a supervisor for the Queensland state ambulance service, told reporters. Police would only say the woman was believed to have been taken by a crocodile. Media reported that the friend struggled to pull the woman back from the crocodile`s jaws. Police did not identify the woman or give her nationality but said she lives in Australia and has family in New Zealand. A police spokesman told Reuters a search and rescue operation would continue on Tuesday. Warren Entsch, the area`s member of parliament, said the incident occurred in a place that is popular with crocodile-spotting tours, with many warning signs. The incident should not encourage reprisals against the animals, he said. "You can`t legislate against human stupidity," Entsch told reporters. "This is a tragedy but it was avoidable. There are warning signs everywhere up there."

Crocodile attacked woman taking late-night swim in Australia

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