post your shit articles not worth a new thread....

City turns back clock on parking fines
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,328245,00.jpg
DODGY parking meters that steal minutes are trapping thousands of innocent city drivers.

The meters, dubbed "short timers" by parking officers, run fast, leaving motorists to be fined.
They are a key contributor to the $3.29 million in parking fines thrown out by Melbourne City Council over the past two years.

More than 12,000 drivers had $630,000 in fines cancelled because of faulty parking meters and ticket machines, documents obtained under Freedom of Information show.

Incorrect time clocks, electronic faults, flat batteries and jammed coins were among the problems plaguing machines.

Another 37,000 drivers had $2.66 million in fines cancelled after the council admitted mistakes such as incorrect parking signs and drivers pleading extenuating circumstances.

Hungry city parking meters have gobbled almost twice as much money from motorists as they did five years ago.

A Herald Sun investigation reveals:

PARKING fees paid by drivers soared to $18.2 million last year, up from $9.8 million in 1998.

PARKING fine revenue was a whopping $24.6 million, up 10 per cent from five years ago.

MOTORISTS parking in Lonsdale, Queen, Collins and Little Collins streets copped the most fines.

CBD parking meters with incorrect time clocks are routinely adjusted.

DISGRUNTLED drivers lodged some 84,000 complaints about parking meters and ticket machines in the past two years.

COUNCIL officers reported about 10,000 additional complaints to contractor CityWide Service Solutions.

A Gembrook businessman told the Herald Sun he successfully challenged his $50 fine last year after his meter short-timed him.

Jack, who did not want his surname used, said he was parked in Queen St.

"I usually cut it pretty fine but I was sure I had two or three minutes left on the meter," he said.

"I asked the parking officer who told me it must be `short timing'.

"It was only $50 but it's still better in my pocket than theirs."

Council finance chairman Cr Kevin Chamberlin said each CBD parking machine was checked three times a week and only 5.4 per cent of parking fines were withdrawn.

He said it would be difficult for a malfunction to go unnoticed for a long time.

But Consumer Law Centre director Chris Field warned parking meter problems were widespread and should be addressed.

"This would happen in every part of Victoria," he said. "Councils across Victoria generate a very significant level of revenue from these meters.

"It is not acceptable to generate revenue from machines that are inaccurate. Councils should reinvest some of their revenue in the system to make sure it is as accurate and state of the art as possible."

Cr Chamberlin said the council encouraged motorists to report any faults and there were toll-free numbers on all meters and ticket machines to do so.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,8966556%255E2862,00.html

ABC staff threaten walkout on Wilko
RUGBY league commentator Peter Wilkins's debut as ABC TV's national sports presenter tonight could be disrupted, with staff threatening widespread walkouts before the 7pm news bulletin.

From tonight, ABC audiences outside Sydney will have their local sports presenter replaced by "Wilko" reading national and international news, with local sports news read by state-based newsreaders.

The move to centralise the sports bulletin from Sydney has been met with fierce opposition from ABC staff. And several premiers and sporting legends have signed a Friends of the ABC protest letter to the broadcaster's board.

Victoria and South Australia have lobbied particularly hard against the change, expressing concern about retaining a high level of AFL coverage in a bulletin presented by a rugby league commentator.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann said: "I'm dis gusted with the ABC. It's Sydney's ABC."

But ABC management said Friday's announcement had sparked a campaign of misinformation.

"The argument that local sports coverage will be entirely replaced by Wilko's segment is just plain wrong," ABC News Victorian editor Marco Bass said.

"The wrap will only be 2 1/2 minutes of a 7 1/2-minute sport segment . . . Local sports reporters will still be out there doing local sports, and football codes will be pretty much left out of it (the national wrap)."

Staff in Melbourne will meet at 10am today to decide on industrial action. This will be followed by afternoon meetings in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, the Northern Territory and Hobart. Western Australia will keep its own sports presenter and will not receive the national wrap.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,8968065%255E2702,00.html

Docklands studios cut rosy forecasts
http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/03/14/15STUDIO,1.jpg
The operators of the Docklands film and television studios - in which the State Government is a key investor - have halved their original production forecasts, and pushed back the timetable for filling the $110 million complex.

Central City Studios Holdings blamed the changes on the sharp decline in local and international film production in the 18 months since contracts were signed with the Government.

Central City's executive chairman, Sino Guzzardi, said local and international productions were now likely to be split "fifty-fifty", despite an initial target of attracting 70 per cent of business from overseas.

Mr Guzzardi did not expect the studios to shoot many Australian films, and most of its local production would be television.

An investigation by The Age has found:

Power is not yet installed at the facility despite the Government announcing last month the studios were finished. Mr Guzzardi said the studios were running on generators but he expected high-voltage power cables to be installed "in a couple of weeks".

Legal proceedings have been issued against Central City Studios Holdings by a Melbourne company that claims it is owed $130,000 for acoustic consulting services. Central City has denied the claim.

Mr Guzzardi said he was negotiating with the Nine and Ten television networks for them to move to Docklands. But the networks say they have no plans to move.

Former consortium executive Robin Lick claimed the two losing bidders for the project could be entitled to take legal action because the Government had allowed Central City to "dramatically" change the project.

"If you compare what we tendered and the final deal, it is completely different," he said. "It is unbelievably different."

Deputy Opposition Leader Phil Honeywood said the "project was changing every day, and taxpayers would be the losers in the end". Under its contract with the Government, which has spent more than $47 million on the project, Central City is required to generate $100 million of new production each year, including $25 million in local production.

Central City told the Government in July 2002 the studios would attract $202 million in production next financial year.

It told the Government the production target was among a series of "key performance indicators" it expected to meet in 2004-05.

But Central City's chief operating officer, Tim Barnett, said the downturn in the film industry since the contracts were signed had forced the company to revise its forecasts.

Mr Barnett and Mr Guzzardi would commit Central City to meeting only the $100 million contractual requirement - half the 2002 forecast. "The business model (in 2002) was based on the state of the industry at that time," Mr Barnett said.

Central City's loan agreement with the Government requires the facility's sound stages to have a utilisation rate of at least 70 per cent by 2004-05.

Meeting the target is also a key performance indicator. But Mr Barnett said it would take up to two years to reach the target
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/14/1079199095650.html

15 Australians honoured as 'national living treasures'
The National Trust has announced 15 new "Australian Living Treasures", which were selected by a popular vote conducted over several months.

They replace 15 of the original 100 Living Treasures who have died since the list was first released in 1997.

Those who have departed include Sir Donald Bradman, Ruth Cracknell, Slim Dusty, RM Williams and Judith Wright McKinney.

Living Treasures committee chair Michael Ball says months of voting by Australians has resulted in a diverse list of new names.

The new names include last year's Australian of the Year Professor Fiona Stanley; refugee advocate Julian Burnside; Australian Breastfeeding Association founder Mary Paton; actors Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman; and sportsmen Pat Rafter and Steve Waugh.

It also included Australians working in medical and social services overseas, such as Mavis Taylor in East Timor, who at age 86 set up a sewing co-operative for East Timorese women; and Dr Catherine Hamlin, who has treated birth injuries in Ethiopia for 30 years.

Perth burns specialist Dr Fiona Wood, who received worldwide recognition for her work with Bali bombing victims, says she is honoured by the recognition.

"I think it's really very important for us, I think it's very important for society to realise that there's an awful lot of people out there who are doing their best and contributing and there's an awful lot more as well," Dr Wood said.

"But to have a balance and to realise we need all different facets of society I think is very positive."

Other new names are: New South Wales Governor Marie Bashir; Victorian Governor John Landy; singer and administrator Ted Egan; singer Jimmy Little; and scientist Dr Basil Hetzel.

Director of Western Australia's Institute of Child Health Research and last year's Australian of the Year, Professor Fiona Stanley, says she is extremely proud of her latest award.

"I love it because, not just because it's an acknowledgement of what I've tried to do but it actually acknowledges the work we've done at the Institute here in Western Australia to improve child health and wellbeing," Professor Stanley said.

"It acknowledges the kind of public health approach I have - in other words all the people who are working in trying to prevent disease and improve outcomes for children and young people."

Living Treasures committee chair Michael Ball says the people chosen are deemed to have added lasting attributes to our culture and heritage.

"Some of them I'd never heard of and obviously some are very famous, but no, some of the scientists and academics and those involved in social service, some of those were very unfamiliar to me and to others," Mr Ball said.

"So it proves the good sense of the Australian people."
http://www.abc.net.au/wa/news/200403/s1065651.htm

http://www.theage.com.au/ffxmedia/2004/03/14/GAMES.jpg

Games organisers move to put aerial ads to flight
As Melbourne begins the two-year countdown to the Commonwealth Games, organisers have raised their battle against ambush advertising to the skies.

Aeroplanes will be forbidden from skywriting and towing giant banners across air space in sight of a Games venue or event, unless authorised by organisers.

Proposed laws before State Parliament carry fines of up to $240,000 for companies and $40,000 for individuals.

Melbourne 2006 chairman Ron Walker said the aerial advertising rules were to protect official sponsors.

"People who have paid millions of dollars to have their products advertised during the Commonwealth Games don't want people ambush advertising on top of us," he said.

He suggested that Games sponsors also would not be able to advertise overhead.

"We're not keen on aerial advertising because if you're looking upwards, you're not looking downwards at the event," he said.

As well as skywriting and banner towing, the ban covers unauthorised laser or digital projection and advertising attached to hang gliders, parachutes or paragliders, airships, blimps, hot-air balloons and helicopters.

Although the games run from March 15 to 26, 2006, the ban covers the whole month.

The Commonwealth Games Arrangements (Further Amendment) Bill also makes it an offence to hinder participants in the Queen's Baton Relay, with fines of up to $6000.

This follows problems with the torch relay for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

And in news that will please families, Commonwealth Games Minister Justin Madden expects people will be able to take a packed lunch to events. Sydney Olympics organisers were criticised for tough rules covering what could be taken into venues.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/14/1079199095647.html
Melbourne 2006 - on track for a world-beater
Two years from today, Melbourne's Commonwealth Games will start. State Editor Darren Gray reports.

Seven hundred and thirty sleeps, and much still to be done. There are venues to be built, sponsors to be lured, performers to be signed up for the opening and closing ceremonies - and more than a million trees to be planted across the state.

The countdown to the 2006 Commonwealth Games reaches a milestone today, with Melbourne 2006 to start in exactly two years with a colourful opening ceremony at the refurbished Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Games organising committee is in many ways the grand event's nerve centre. It occupies a suite of offices at the World Trade Centre in Melbourne and has grown to a full-time staff of 90. It will swell to 650 full-timers next year.

It's a boom in staff, but it's nothing compared to the boom ahead for those who will deliver the opening and closing ceremonies. A team of five is now considering ideas, but the end result will be performances involving 6000 volunteers on stage and 800 backstage, plus the star performers.

Artistic director Nigel Jamieson and executive producer Doug Tremlett told The Age that the opening ceremony often set the scene for how people regarded an Olympics or Commonwealth Games.

Mr Jamieson said more than a billion people would watch the ceremonies on television.

"They're some of the biggest shows in the world and I think the people of Melbourne are expecting something remarkable and fantastic, and we are confident that that's what they're going to get," he said.

While Games organisers and the State Government are steering clear of the preparations for the dancing and singing in the ceremonies, they are closely watching the progress of the hundreds of millions of dollars of Games building projects.

Work on both the Games Village in Parkville and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre redevelopment started months later than scheduled.

Melbourne 2006 chairman Ron Walker said he visited the MCG and village projects to stay in touch and had regular discussions with builders and union leaders about progress.

He expressed confidence yesterday that "all the building programs" would be completed on time. "Some projects are ahead, some projects are slightly behind - because of delays in raw materials. But overall, we're delighted... And I think when the world starts to look at Melbourne, when the Games start, they'll be absolutely amazed at what we've got here," he said.

Commonwealth Games Minister Justin Madden said he was "very confident" all building projects would be finished on time and on budget.

If you want to be involved in the Games but can't swim or run fast enough or jump high enough to be a competitor, there will be many other opportunities to join in. From next year recruiting will begin of 15,000 Games "volunteers". Mr Walker expects 30,000 people to apply.

Games tickets will also go on sale next year, after prices and ticket numbers are determined.

Mr Madden again repeated the pledge that tickets will be affordable. "We are determined to have affordable tickets. And we're fortunate that we've got large venues. And we think that complements affordability," he said.

Many opportunities will arise for people to see Games activities or enjoy the Games without buying a ticket. Mr Madden said people would be able to watch the marathon and walking events from the roadside for free. The triathlon would also be free.

He said people might also be able to watch the Games on giant video screens at different places around the city.

"There's potential for some live sites, but we still have to determine whether we have those (and) where we have those," he said.

A 12-day cultural and free entertainment festival will be held in the city during the Games.

Mr Walker said the Games would be "one of the last chances we have to project Melbourne to the world masses through the media... Because we are so lucky to have had the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games in the same decade. And that will never occur (again) in our lifetime."

To help their Games planning, Mr Madden and Mr Walker will attend the Athens Olympics this year, watching how organisers manage transport as well as village, catering, security and other arrangements.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/14/1079199094910.html

Festival rages without Blink
http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/250-gen15dion9.jpg
The Rock-It music festival rocked on yesterday at Arena Joondalup without Californian headliners Blink 182, after the punk trio's drummer Travis Barker fractured his foot hopping off a bus in Melbourne.

Barker played with a cast on his injured foot in Adelaide on Saturday night but the band decided to can their Perth appearance, plus shows in Sydney, Brisbane and Japan.

Rock-It promoter Paul Sloan heard the news at 4am yesterday, giving him only seven hours to rejig the gig. He said he would have preferred Blink 182 to play with a substitute drummer, but the band decided against any makeshift arrangements.

Patrons were offered the option of a $15 rebate or the full refund of $58, while the door price was adjusted from $70 to $50.

The rebate reflected the fact that the promoters would not have to pay Blink 182, Mr Sloan said.

Very few people took up the offer of a full refund. Most of the 23,000 punters discovered that Blink 182 had already left the country when they arrived at Arena Joondalup.

Good vibes were restored early in the day with The Flairz - a trio of pre-teen future rock stars with a love of classic hard rock - impressing the burgeoning crowd.

Their new fans cheered the pint-sized Perth punkers - consisting of drummer Scarlett Stevens, 11, and guitarists John and Dion Mariani, both 10 - during their 20-minute set, capped off with a cover of AC/DC's TNT.

Melbourne punk act Bodyjar roused the Rock-It faithful when they played the opening bars to Blink 182's What's My Age Again?

Once the beer began flowing, the home grown rock'n'roll and plenty of young flesh was exposed to the afternoon sun, the missing headliners were mostly forgotten.

Beer, babes and bogans set the tone, with plenty of moshing and crowd surfing going on, despite such activities being forbidden by the organisers.

A young crowd mostly aged between 14 and 17 dominated the action in front of the big stage, while the young adults kept bar staff busy and slightly more mature types - oldies in their late 20s and beyond - viewed proceedings from the Arena's grassy slopes.

Rock-It became an almost all-Australian affair - youth radio station Triple J favourites Grinspoon took star billing as Resin Dogs, The Butterfly Effect and Americans Brand New played extended sets.

By late afternoon, 65 people had been treated by St John Ambulance volunteers, mainly for heat and alcohol-related conditions or injuries caused by being crushed in the crowd. Two were taken to hospital.

Yesterday's event was the fifth instalment of Rock-It.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040315/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto121500-pic23418.html

Originally posted by chrisaus
City turns back clock on parking fines
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,328245,00.jpg
DODGY parking meters that steal minutes are trapping thousands of innocent city drivers.

The meters, dubbed "short timers" by parking officers, run fast, leaving motorists to be fined.
They are a key contributor to the $3.29 million in parking fines thrown out by Melbourne City Council over the past two years.

More than 12,000 drivers had $630,000 in fines cancelled because of faulty parking meters and ticket machines, documents obtained under Freedom of Information show.

Incorrect time clocks, electronic faults, flat batteries and jammed coins were among the problems plaguing machines.

Another 37,000 drivers had $2.66 million in fines cancelled after the council admitted mistakes such as incorrect parking signs and drivers pleading extenuating circumstances.

Hungry city parking meters have gobbled almost twice as much money from motorists as they did five years ago.

A Herald Sun investigation reveals:

PARKING fees paid by drivers soared to $18.2 million last year, up from $9.8 million in 1998.

PARKING fine revenue was a whopping $24.6 million, up 10 per cent from five years ago.

MOTORISTS parking in Lonsdale, Queen, Collins and Little Collins streets copped the most fines.

CBD parking meters with incorrect time clocks are routinely adjusted.

DISGRUNTLED drivers lodged some 84,000 complaints about parking meters and ticket machines in the past two years.

COUNCIL officers reported about 10,000 additional complaints to contractor CityWide Service Solutions.

A Gembrook businessman told the Herald Sun he successfully challenged his $50 fine last year after his meter short-timed him.

Jack, who did not want his surname used, said he was parked in Queen St.

"I usually cut it pretty fine but I was sure I had two or three minutes left on the meter," he said.

"I asked the parking officer who told me it must be `short timing'.

"It was only $50 but it's still better in my pocket than theirs."

Council finance chairman Cr Kevin Chamberlin said each CBD parking machine was checked three times a week and only 5.4 per cent of parking fines were withdrawn.

He said it would be difficult for a malfunction to go unnoticed for a long time.

But Consumer Law Centre director Chris Field warned parking meter problems were widespread and should be addressed.

"This would happen in every part of Victoria," he said. "Councils across Victoria generate a very significant level of revenue from these meters.

"It is not acceptable to generate revenue from machines that are inaccurate. Councils should reinvest some of their revenue in the system to make sure it is as accurate and state of the art as possible."

Cr Chamberlin said the council encouraged motorists to report any faults and there were toll-free numbers on all meters and ticket machines to do so.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,8966556%255E2862,00.html

Im surprised - I thought Melbourne would of had the more advanced 'Machine ticketing system'......

In Brisbane its known as "Pay n' display" meters

"Pay n' Display Meter. If you park in a parking space covered by a pay n' display meter, you need to buy a parking coupon from the meter. Place this coupon on the front dash of your vehicle. The expiry date and time on your coupon must be clearly displayed."

For heaps of Brisbane News not worth a thread check the link below.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73981&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

jt

Originally posted by NCC1701D
Im surprised - I thought Melbourne would of had the more advanced 'Machine ticketing system'......

In Brisbane its known as "Pay n' display" meters

"Pay n' Display Meter. If you park in a parking space covered by a pay n' display meter, you need to buy a parking coupon from the meter. Place this coupon on the front dash of your vehicle. The expiry date and time on your coupon must be clearly displayed."

Most of the machines in Melbourne are the type where there is one machine for four spaces and you push a button which corresponds to your space, then you enter your money.

Those older type meters are seen mostly in the parking spaces on the middle of the road.

Originally posted by invincible
Most of the machines in Melbourne are the type where there is one machine for four spaces and you push a button which corresponds to your space, then you enter your money.

Those older type meters are seen mostly in the parking spaces on the middle of the road.

Thats what I thought....

The pay n display machines are about 6-8 carparks apart. You put your money in for the time you want (no more than 2 hours) than you put the ticket in your car. There is no way to rort the system now.

Originally posted by NCC1701D
Thats what I thought....

The pay n display machines are about 6-8 carparks apart. You put your money in for the time you want (no more than 2 hours) than you put the ticket in your car. There is no way to rort the system now.

We have had that system in Adelaide for donkeys years. From memory, I don't remember an old style parking metre in the city for the last 15 years.

*edit* - emphasis (all caps) on "we" was accidental.

perth's uses the ticket machines to, some areas you have limits ie. 30mins or 2 hours and others its unlimited, there are still a few parking metres around though

Nope, Brisbane has only had them for the last few years - no more than 5 years. There are only a 1 hour limit or 2 hour limit Machines. They're all $4 for 1 hour.

I hate it because under the old parking meter system you could drive around and hopefully find one with a half an hour or hour left on them. Some days if I drove to work I was so scabby I would play musical chairs with parking meters and not pay for sh*t for about 8 hours........... these days .... no chance....

CITY OF PERTH PARKING FEES>>>
http://www.perth.wa.gov.au/html/ser_pdffiles/fees0304.pdf

[Note Prices Have Seen Major Rises After Several Government Tax Increases To Pay For The Free Inner City CAT Bus Service]

Kerbside
Within CBD $2.20 per hour (Half hour or part thereof $1.10)
Outside CBD $1.70 per hour (Half hour or part thereof $0.90)

Car pooling
$3.50 per day
Queens Gardens and Mayfair Street carparks only.

Motor cycle parking (In motor cycle bays only):
Ground Level Car Parks 50% of car parking fees
Multi Storey Car parks 50% of car parking fees
Staffed Multi Storey Car parks 50% of car parking fees

Special Events parking
SPECIAL EVENTS PARKING (subject to approval): selected reserves only.
$7.00 per entry

www.perth.wa.gov.au

Wilko's sports report: strike 1
THE age-old feud between Sydney and Melbourne erupted again yesterday, with ABC staff striking over a plan to nationalise sports reports in its 7pm bulletin.

ABC managing director Russell Balding and Victorian politicians traded barbs over the state divide.

The plan was rejected by all Melbourne and Adelaide staff, who went on strike yesterday against the report, which would be fronted by former The Fat panellist Peter Wilkins.

The interstate staff feared the idea would open the door to a nationalised news bulletin instead of the state-based services currently airing.

Football – AFL versus NRL – was another factor in the parochial battle, with South Australian and Victorian fans fearful of a former rugby league caller telling them about their game.

While Sydney politicians focused on matters of state yesterday, key Victorian ministers put the boot into the national sports report idea.

Speaking at the opening of a lawn bowls green, Acting Premier John Thwaites predicted that the ABC management's "penny-pinching" decision would backfire.

"ABC management have shown that they're just not listening to Victorians, they're totally Sydney-centric," Mr Thwaites said.

"I think people will just switch off and I think ABC management are going to have to change this decision."

Mr Thwaites said Victoria – "the sporting state", with a strong following for racing, AFL football and state-based cricket – would be affected.

Mr Balding responded, slamming the strikers and accusing Victorian politicians of interference.

"The decision to go out on strike over proposed changes to the 7pm news bulletin was not only regrettable, but unlawful," he said.

"The Australian Industrial Relations Commission has ordered staff to return to work as there was no legitimate basis or justification for their action.

"This issue goes to the heart of the ABC's independence. The ABC shall and must resist all attempts by outside parties to direct its content, particularly within a news bulletin."

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance federal secretary Chris Warren said staff believed the idea was part of a larger plan to rationalise local services.

"There's a lot of concern that this is about the ultimate goal – nationalising the 7pm bulletin and devaluing local news," he said.
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1260&storyid=1045710

Airport patrols in daytime only
POLICE are providing only 9-to-5 security at Melbourne airport, despite air terminals being considered an ideal gateway for terrorists.

Revelations that the country's second-biggest airport had a skeleton staff came as police chiefs met yesterday to discuss plans to prevent a Madrid-style bombing in Australia.
Just two Victoria Police officers patrol Melbourne airport between 9am and 5pm, seven days a week.

This was confirmed in a letter from Terry Moran, the secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, to a federal inquiry into aviation security.

Mr Moran said the two foot patrol officers from Broadmeadows police station were enough, but extra police could be called in to handle full-scale emergencies.

The airport was the scene of a major terrorist scare in May last year, when a crazed passenger tried to hijack a Qantas flight to Launceston, injuring crew with sharpened wooden stakes.

"Victoria's response times depend on the nature of the offence, as well as the location of police units," Mr Moran said in a submission to the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit.

"In the event of an incident within the airport that would affect or disrupt aviation security, Victoria Police would be at the location within 10 minutes."

He described the airport as similar to a small city with similar crimes -- theft, traffic offences and assaults.

About 16 million people pass through the domestic and international terminals each year.

Two officers have patrolled the airport seven days a week since 1999.

Police saw no reason to beef up their presence after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington in September 2001.

State police at the airport are backed up by officers from the Australian Federal Police and Australian Protective Services.

The AFP and APS have the power to make arrests for federal offences, such as terrorism and drug trafficking, but state police play a back-up role.

A spokesman for Victoria Police said two officers between 9am and 5pm was all that was needed to keep the public safe.

"We believe this is sufficient, because in the case of a terrorist attack or anything major there is back-up 10 minutes down the road," the spokesman said.

Crime statistics compiled by Victoria Police show an average of 17 offences reported at the airport each month.

An AFP spokesman refused to disclose how many AFP or APS officers patrolled the airport.

"We consider staffing levels available to operational duties to be sensitive operational detail, and accordingly will not discuss numbers," he said
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,8977522%255E2862,00.html

Crows star over .08 in car crash
CROWS forward Ronnie Burns has been reported by police for driving with undue care and failing an alcohol breath test after a car accident at Tennyson on Sunday.

The 31-year-old goalsneak, who escaped the crash with cuts and bruises, will today face disciplinary action from the Adelaide Football Club.

The Crows last night confirmed Burns had a blood-alcohol reading of more than .08 when he was tested at the Port Adelaide police station after he rolled his Jeep on Military Rd shortly before 3am on Sunday. No other vehicles were involved.

Burns will be served a police summons in the next fortnight and will have to answer the charges in court.

The Crows' football operations committee will review the incident this morning and is expected to hit the former Geelong star with a severe fine and will compel Burns to attend counselling.

Under the AFL Players' Association code-of-conduct rules, an AFL club can fine a player up to $2500 for his first serious offence.

Adelaide football operations manager John Reid last night described Burns' behaviour as "totally unacceptable".

"We are very disappointed and very annoyed," said Reid, who interviewed Burns yesterday. "There will be disciplinary action."

Burns, who had played in Adelaide's trial against Port Adelaide in Kadina the afternoon before the accident, has told the Crows he did not think he was over the limit when he decided to drive home.

Reid said the Crows would insist Burns undergo counselling. The incident is embarrassing for Burns, who in the past year has been presented as a role model to young Aborigines, talking to them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Last year Burns was recruited from Geelong, where he played 134 AFL games and kicked 239 goals after his 1996 debut.
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8978214%255E2682,00.html

Trust moves to save classic streets
http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/03/16/17HERITAGE,0.jpg
The National Trust has stepped up its efforts to obtain heritage listing for Melbourne's Victorian-era shopping strips, warning that the State Government's Melbourne 2030 strategy has undermined local heritage safeguards.

Yesterday the Trust revealed it would first classify High Street, Northcote, and Chapel Street, Prahran, following detailed studies of both areas. Next in line is Smith Street, Collingwood.

"The Trust has had to wind the clock back to the 1970s, when it began to classify these historic precincts. Our hand has been forced because of the State Government's poor implementation of its Melbourne 2030 strategy," said Trust senior historian Celestina Sagazio.

Other classic precincts earmarked for heritage studies include Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, Burke Road, Camberwell, Acland Street, St Kilda, and Bridge Road and Swan Street in Richmond.

The Trust will target precincts identified in Melbourne 2030 as "activity centres", suitable for high density development. It says the State Government's bid to concentrate population in established shopping centres is threatening the inner and middle suburbs.

In particular, it points to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal's approval of large new housing developments as a threat.

"When councils started to bring in heritage controls we thought, 'great, these places are safe'. But then you get a policy like Melbourne 2030 and everything is under review. These precincts are at great risk again," Dr Sagazio said.

National Trust listing does not carry legal weight but it does provide strong moral support for classified buildings and streets. But not everyone supports the Trust's campaign.

"We should not lock up large areas of Melbourne unless we can demonstrate absolutely that they are of the highest value in heritage terms," said the Royal Australian Institute of Architects' Victorian president, Eli Giannini.


'We should not be protecting something that was poorly designed in the first place, or not designed at all.'
- ELI GIANNINI, Royal Australian Institute of Architects
"We should not be protecting something that was poorly designed in the first place, or not designed at all. A lot of that 19th-century building was pattern-book stuff," Ms Giannini said.

Dr Sagazio said the Trust focused on High Street, Northcote, because the Darebin Council and community were "under siege" with development applications. The Trust will classify High Street between Merri Creek and Separation Street as a 19th-century throughfare of regional significance. Chapel Street will get a "state significance" listing.

The heritage watchdog will soon turn its attention to Smith Street, Fitzroy/Collingwood, which is also under development pressure, including a proposal for an eight-level supermarket and apartment project by the Banco Group. Last week, Yarra Council failed in its bid for a blanket two-storey height limit across key strips such as Smith Street, with a Government-appointed panel citing Melbourne 2030 in opposing the limit.

Last night Planning Minister Mary Delahunty said she looked forward to examining the Trust's proposals. The Banco Group refused to comment on its Smith Street project.

Streets classified by the Trust in the past include Brunswick Street, North Fitzroy, and Lygon Street, Carlton.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/16/1079199224782.html
Nice and friendly, and that's the way it should stay
George Seherlis has been running the Special Cake Shop in Chapel Street, Prahran, for almost 30 years, and he is happy to report that little has changed during that time.

"We like Chapel Street the way it is," says the 61-year-old pastrycook, who bought the cake shop in 1975. "If something is good, why change it?

"It's like my coffee machine. It's 60 years old. It's one of the oldest ones around, but it is the best."

Mr Seherlis says he is hopeful the National Trust will succeed in its bid to preserve the heritage and character of shopping strips such as Chapel Street.

"A lot of the shops have changed over the years. Different traders have come and gone... they have made a few renovations and things along the way.

"But Chapel Street itself has stayed as it is, you know. There hasn't really been much building and development." And, according to Mr Seherlis, that is the way it should stay.

"You don't want to have shopping developments, like in the suburbs, in the middle of Chapel Street. There's enough here," he says.

Mr Seherlis believes higher-density developments along the shopping strip would cause serious traffic and parking problems, and make it more difficult for some smaller businesses to survive. But, most of all, he fears losing the strong sense of community that exists in the precinct.

"Every day the same people come in to the shop. It's amazing," says Mr Seherlis, adding that the locals don't always come in just for a coffee and a pastry.

"People will just sit down here and just talk to Nick," he says. Nick is Mr Seherlis's friendly brother-in-law, who works in the store part-time, along with Mr Seherlis's wife, daughter and nephew. "Everyone calls him Uncle Nick."

Mr Seherlis says: "You get to know nearly everyone in the street. You walk down Chapel Street and you stop and say hello a few times, before you can get anywhere.

He laughs. "The people are nice and very friendly. We want it to stay like that."
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/16/1079199224802.html

Home prices still rising
THE median price of houses in Perth continued to climb last month despite forecasts that the market would slow.

It rose to $243,300, a rise of 3.8 per cent on January and 19.7 per cent over the year, according to Real Estate Institute of WA figures released this week.

However, properties took longer to sell and more were for sale, an analysis of the figures showed.

Demand from people buying more expensive homes fuelled the rise in property prices.

First homebuyers continued to drop out because of the high costs.

Institute president Jim Henneberry said the market had strengthened after relatively quiet months in December and January.

"The real estate market in WA has adjusted after the sales frenzy last year," he said. "There are fewer sales than last year and the market has levelled out at what is considered more normal levels of activity."

In regional WA, the median house price stayed at $157,700 but it was still a rise of 5.4 per cent over February last year.

There were 4314 established homes sold in WA last month, 10.2 per cent more than in January.

After a chronic shortage of homes for sale last year, the supply had evened out with a 10.7 per cent rise from February last year to 9491.

The average selling time for residences in Perth last month was 49 days, three more than in January.

Brick shortages looked set to continue for another 18 months, Austral Bricks managing director Lindsay Partridge said.

Austral had brought nearly a million by ship from interstate since November. Nearly 1000 tonnes arrived this week and the company would have to continue importing for 18 months to fill the backlog of work and keep up with demand.

Another problem was the lack of trucks in Perth.

"We had to subcontract a crane trailer and three semi-trailers from Melbourne," he said. "We brought them over and will leave them here for two months so we can get more people into their homes by Easter."

Mr Partridge said the latest brick shipment would do up to 50 new homes but would add roughly $1000 for each new home.

Master Builders Association director Gavan Forster said the brick shortage had eased from late last year but it still was taking builders about 18 months for a new home that in a normal market took a year. "It is the delay in titles, shortages of bricks and labour, a lack of land and the extra bricks needed for two-storey homes that has been holding up completion times," he said.

Midland Brick general manager Peter Hogan said the market was robust but in an abnormal cycle, peaking simultaneously in commercial, new residential and retail building. Normally, they ran counter-cyclical. It was impossible to predict when the brick supply would level out until they returned to a more normal cycle.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040318/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto121689.html

Woman hurt on chairlift
AN elderly woman yesterday became the latest victim of the jinxed Arthurs Seat chairlift when her legs were broken as her chair came adrift.

Paramedics were called to the chairlift about 4.25pm.
Early indications suggested the woman and a friend were in a chair descending when the accident happened.

It seemed the chair became unattached and slipped along the cable for 20m before hitting the chair in front.

Despite fearing the worst after last January's collapse, paramedics had to treat only one patient.

Metropolitan Ambulance Service group manager Andrew Watson said: "It brought back fears from 12 months ago."

The woman was treated at the scene, given painkillers and taken to Frankston Hospital.

The ride has been closed pending a WorkSafe investigation. Spokesman Michael Birt said: "The WorkSafe investigation team will take whatever action is necessary to immediately ensure public safety, which is paramount.

"It is not clear what has happened.

"There are conflicting reports and it would be inappropriate to comment until a full investigation is completed.

"Following the original incident at Arthurs Seat in January 2003, WorkSafe inspectors blitzed all Victorian chairlifts to ensure operators understood their public safety responsibilities."

After reopening in the wake of last year's collapse, which injured 18 people, Arthurs Seat chairlift had to be closed within a day because a chair carrying two people bumped into a pylon. It was back in operation following a day of repairs.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9007864%255E2862,00.html

Restaurant opponents plan protest
OPPOSITION to a proposed 510-capacity restaurant and function centre in Brisbane's New Farm Park has grown, with furious residents organising a protest rally for tomorrow.

Residents have plastered New Farm and Teneriffe with posters and are handing out flyers to CityCat passengers and letter-boxing unit owners. They expect several hundred to attend.

Local councillor David Hinchliffe yesterday backed a call for a reduction in size and operating hours.

Since the plans were revealed in Saturday's Courier-Mail residents have accused the Brisbane City Council of being sneaky about its redevelopment, which aims to replace the heritage-listed Summerhouse kiosk which burned down three years ago.

Residents want the redevelopment to be about the same size as the old kiosk – not including the space taken up by a marquee that was used for functions.

Cr Hinchliffe said the venue was 40sq m larger than previous operations and seating was about the same.

Architect Robert Riddel said ordinarily, the proposed facility would seat a maximum of 320 but would have a capacity of 510 only if all seats were taken at the same time as a stand-up function.

"Functions are usually at night and the restaurant is open in the day," he said.

"There might be an over-lap at times if a wedding occurs while the cafe is still operating."

Mr Riddel said it was a quality building which would be run by a proven operator and be a significant asset.

Resident Stephen Pellegrino said the BCC had sought a material change of use with extended trading hours and hours for live bands.

"The park code states the nature and type of noise generated must be within realistic expectations of any affected residents," Mr Pellegrino said.

"The park provides for passive recreation only.

"This is our only chance to stop this thing. Once it's in, we'll be stuck with it forever."

Cr Hinchliffe said the proposal was called a convention centre only because the City Plan required anything with a function room to be known by that term.

Resident Thomas van Vliet said development documents were misleading by saying the function centre would be similar to the kiosk because there were significant changes.

Adjoining landowners had not been informed in writing of the redevelopment and no one had seen it advertised in a newspaper as required under BCC policy.

Mr van Vliet said public notice signs had been partly hidden. The redevelopment would have an additional take-away facility, toilets, a roof-covered external area, a delivery loading area, a 39 per cent increase in operating hours and the total leased area would be 42 per cent larger.

Cr Hinchliffe said signs had been posted in the park and in Dixon, Sydney and Brunswick streets.

He wanted a residents' delegation to meet council planning staff.
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,9007638%255E3102,00.html

Mayor's restaurants fined over hygiene
TWO city restaurants part-owned by Melbourne Lord Mayor John So have been fined $75,000 after his own council staff prosecuted them for serving dodgy yum cha.

The Lord Mayor was prosecuted by Melbourne City Council health services for conditions at the Dragon Boat Palace and Dragon Boat BBQ King in Lonsdale St, Melbourne.
The adjoining restaurants are popular lunch spots during the week and a hit with the yum cha crowd on Sundays.

Council food inspectors performing a routine inspection in early February found the premises were selling unsuitable food and had poor hygiene and cleanliness.

Food was stored in open containers and the walls were grimy.

The owners pleaded guilty to 11 separate charges in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The court heard both restaurants have since cleaned up their act.

The Lord Mayor is a shareholder in both businesses.

Mr So refused to comment yesterday, instead issuing a statement through his spokeswoman.

"The Lord Mayor had no role in the management of the restaurants that were fined in the Magistrates' Court on the 18th of March, 2004," his statement said.

"He has an indirect interest in the company which has a shareholding."

The only direct comment from Mr So backed the fine.

"I strongly support the actions of the City of Melbourne in dealing with the council's health and safety regulations," his statement said.

Diners at the restaurants yesterday chowed down on aged egg and pork meat congee, special prawn and chinese sausage fried rice, and minced beef with raw egg on rice. Both restaurants were nearly at capacity: more than 200 customers were in for lunch.

Customer Mario said he was horrified to discover the mayor's restaurant, and his lunch venue, had been fined for poor food practices.

"I think that's a bit absurd," he said. "I certainly wouldn't come here again. If this is the mayor's place, that is a disgrace."

Other diners said they would support their regular lunch spot.

"I've eaten here many times and I think some of the regulations are crazy," said Sean Thompson, a city information technology worker who said he knew the mayor part-owned the restaurants.

"The food here is colossal. I like it," he said.

City of Melbourne chief executive David Pitchford said the matter had been dealt with in the same way as any other prosecution under the Food Act.

A council spokeswoman said the council inspected all food premises in the city at least once a year, and that was how the mayor's places had been caught.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9016844%255E2862,00.html

Welcome to the peak-hour crawl
TRAFFIC speeds on major arterial roads leading to the city have slowed to record lows.

RAA surveys of travel speeds and on-road time along Goodwood Rd conducted last month show the morning peak hour average speed has dropped to 20km/h – 10km/h below the national standard.

The journey from Seacombe Rd, Darlington, to South Tce in the city along Goodwood Rd takes about 36 minutes – up to 12 minutes longer than 10 years ago.

Not only Goodwood Rd commuters face frustrating times. The bulk of Adelaide's arterial road network is being crippled by slow-moving traffic. The RAA says the figures show "SA's metropolitan road system has well and truly exceeded its use-by date" and it is pushing for the State Government to inject major capital investment into the upgrade of these avenues.

"The Draft Transport Plan released mid-2003 fails to adequately address increasing congestion levels on arterial roads," RAA traffic and safety engineer Rita Excell said yesterday.

"The plan refers to a proposed Road System Management Strategy but nearly a year later and there is no word of this being prepared. The RAA considers this strategy an urgent requirement and it must contain details of the funding required to upgrade and maintain satisfactory traffic flow on our network."

Graeme O'Dea has collected traffic flow data for the RAA for nine years. The state's peak motoring body has been monitoring flows and travel times for 18 years.

"RAA travel time surveys conducted over 18 years have demonstrated the ongoing deterioration of travel times and average speeds on the major links into Adelaide including Goodwood Rd, South Rd, Brighton Rd and Fullarton Rd," Ms Excell said.

"Increases in delays and thus travel times have a significant cost to the community in additional fuel consumption, productivity losses, and loss of quality of life of those living, working and recreating adjacent to congested roads.

"The Jurassic conditions at Britannia intersection, the lack of an effective north-south freight route, and the third-world condition of South Rd, Croydon, are prime examples of years of government inaction over transport issues."

Average peak hour speeds on South Rd dipped to 24km/h last year and improved only slightly this year to 25km/h. The total travel time for the section from Seacombe Rd to the city has risen about 7 1/2 minutes from 10 years ago.

Afternoon peak hours speeds for South and Goodwood Rds improved slightly on last year – 28km/h from 25km/h for South Rd and 27km/h from 25km/h for Goodwood Rd – but they are also much slower than the 35+km/h speeds on both roads 10 years ago during that time of the day.

Speeds also have reduced on Marion and Flagstaff Rds, Main North Rd, North East/Hackney Rds, Brighton Rd, and Fullarton/Old Belair Rds.
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,9018907%255E2682,00.html

Smoking plans scuttled
BOLD plans to further crack down on smoking in Victoria have been scuttled by the State Government with the axing of a top-level inquiry into tobacco reform.

New anti-smoking laws were expected to be high on the Government's agenda this year after Premier Steve Bracks ordered an all-party committee to investigate tougher tobacco controls.
The Family and Community Development Committee was given its terms of reference in August 2002 and was due to deliver its reform package late last year.

But the Herald Sun has now learned the inquiry was quietly abandoned shortly after the re-election of the Bracks Government.

Insiders said the Government feared the inquiry could be a "poisoned chalice" with the health sector pushing for a new wave of cigarette bans and business groups opposing any further crackdowns. Some MPs believed restrictions had gone far enough.

Among the proposals to be considered were bans on smoking in all Victorian pubs and clubs, at sporting stadiums with reserved seats, outdoor train stations, tram stops and indoor workplaces.

Opposition health spokesman David Davis said tobacco reform needed to be a key plank of government policy, with 19,000 Australians dying each year because of smoking.

"The Liberal Party had welcomed the Government's inquiry and is disappointed the Government chose not to continue with what would have been a constructive and bipartisan approach to this key health issue," he said.

A spokesman for Health Minister Bronwyn Pike, Ben Hart, said the inquiry was discontinued because it was felt it would be doubling up on internal work the Government was doing in the area of tobacco reform.

Mr Hart said the Government was continually assessing and evaluating existing policies.

Quit chief executive Todd Harper said it was important the Bracks Government continued to build on its good work. "The (Government) has a responsibility to the health and safety of those in the community," he said.

But the Australian Hotels Association's chief executive officer Alan Giles said banning smoking from bars would cripple many businesses.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9033182%255E2862,00.html

Teens trade in exam drugs
VICTORIAN teens are selling prescription amphetamines known as "kiddie speed" in school playgrounds.

Prescribed for the behavioural condition Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the drugs are sold by profiteering pupils to peers wanting an academic advantage in exams or a cheap high.
The prescription medicines, Ritalin and dexamphetamine, are designed to improve the concentration of children with behavioural difficulties.

Psychologists, doctors and social workers yesterday said the trade was rife in Victoria.

Sydney schools are tackling their blackmarket where students are reportedly selling the pills for $2.

Adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said a 15-year-old Melbourne patient had admitted to selling the drugs at his eastern suburbs school.

"Young people use whatever drugs are available to them because they don't have the money to buy more expensive drugs," he said.

Australia has the world's third highest prescription rate for drugs to treat hyperactivity.

While the drugs calm patients diagnosed with ADHD, experts warn of reverse effects on others.

Dr Carr-Gregg urged schools to include prescription drugs in their drug education programs.

Social worker Les Twentyman said teens in western suburbs schools were taking prescription pills for their perceived mind-altering qualities.

He said the penchant for popping prescription pills had seen some teens sell their mothers' contraceptive pills as "kiddie speed".

"A lot of these kids are coming from dysfunctional families where they are exposed to drug taking at home, so they think nothing of doing it at school," he said.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9034629%255E2862,00.html

300 schools fail computer targets
STUDENTS at hundreds of Victorian schools are being denied adequate computer equipment.

Figures obtained by the Herald Sun under Freedom of Information laws reveal more than 300 schools fail to meet the Government's own benchmark minimum of one computer for every five students.
The State Opposition has labelled the situation an embarrassment, as it was revealed:

WORST-case schools reported a ratio of 12 students a computer.

SCHOOLS are resorting to lamington drives and other fundraising to pay for new machines.

NEARLY 20,000 curriculum computers now in use are more than five years old.

EDUCATION Department annual reports from the last two years show more schools are failing to meet the 1:5 ratio.

Opposition education spokesman Victor Perton said the situation was unacceptable.

"On the Bracks Government's own reports, Victoria is going backwards instead of forwards," Mr Perton said.

"Nowhere else but Victoria would these figures be acceptable to a government that claims education is a priority."

Mr Perton said Victorian schools needed to purchase at least 27,500 new computers every year.

But computer purchases by schools have decreased from 28,000 in 2000 and 22,000 in 2001, to just 12,000 in 2003, he said. And the end last year of a program funding 25,000 computers a year meant the situation would decline.

There are also concerns over inadequate internet access.

The acting principal of Hawkesdale Primary, Ian Saddler, said the internet was now students' primary research tool, but only a few could access the system at any one time before it slowed to unworkable speeds.

"One e-mail took me 16 1/2 minutes to open," he said.

Hurstbridge Primary's assistant principal, Rowan Kayll, said the last computer census had been taken soon after the school was gutted by fire; hence, its poor ratio of 12 students a computer. Mr Kayll said the situation had since improved, but the school would have been in a precarious position had it not been for the fire.

"The fire saved us – I know that for a fact – in terms of restocking our computers."

He said many schools could not afford to restock. The ones achieving better than a 1:5 ratio were raising money or diverting funds from other programs.

Mr Kayll said he was certain an overhaul of current funding was the only way to achieve a better ratio.

A spokesman for Education Services Minister Jacinta Allen said the Bracks Government had made a major financial commitment to IT in schools, which had seen Victoria's student-to-computer ratio improve to be the nation's best.

"Part of the problem in maintaining that position and that ratio is that schools retire computers too early, and we are working with them to improve that situation."

He said bandwidth had been upgraded in 79 per cent of schools last year.

"We know there is more to be done and we will continue to work to improve bandwidth in schools," he said.

Other schools, including Kingsville Primary and Flemington Primary said their ratios had improved since the last audit.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9034399%255E2862,00.html

Criminal checks catch 47 teachers
ONE teacher has been sacked and 46 others are being investigated after criminal history checks revealed they had been charged with serious or repeat offences.

Court transcripts, police records and other evidence is being examined to determine whether it is safe for them to remain in schools.

The sacked teacher has been deregistered after checks uncovered an indecent dealing conviction.

Education Minister Anna Bligh said an independent auditor, a former police officer, would finalise checks into the 46 teachers who had been charged with serious offences.

Ms Bligh said this was only a small percentage of the 38,000 teachers checked by the Board of Teacher Registration.

"Overwhelmingly our teachers are of good character," she said. "However an exercise such as this is worth it if it stops even one person of dubious character being close to our children."

The registration board has been conducting background checks into 38,191 of the state's teachers since September to ensure they do not pose a sexual or physical threat.

These teachers previously escaped scrutiny because they were registered before 1998 when compulsory checks began.

Teachers registered after that have been checked.

Teachers also face regular spot checks to reveal any recent criminal behaviour.

Overall, the latest checks found 1002 teachers, or 2.6 per cent, had some sort of criminal history. Most were for minor offences such as shoplifting or drink-driving and 75 per cent were committed more than a decade ago. No action will be taken against these teachers.

Queensland Teachers Union vice-president Steve Ryan yesterday said he was not surprised by the results.

"This is a very low percentage and it does demonstrate that the vast majority of teachers are reputable," he said.

Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Association president Wanda Lambert agreed but welcomed State Government attempts to rid the profession of potentially-dangerous individuals.

"We're very happy that they're attempting to weed out the people who are unsuitable to be there because one is one too many," Ms Lambert said.
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,9035399%255E3102,00.html

High-rise development has tenants doing their block
With faulty fixtures, overzealous security guards and cranes making a racket at 7am, life in a new apartment is not always as glossy as the brochures promise.

After six months renting at the Crown Square complex in Moore Park, Nicole Diven could no longer stand paying $300 a week as Meriton busily built even more apartments next door.

"It's like living on a construction site," she said, before she and her boyfriend, Steve Bardsley, moved out.

There are already 1000 apartments on the site, with another 1500 planned.

Ms Diven and Mr Bardsley said soon after moving in their front doorknob broke, a towel rack fell off the wall and one night the power was disconnected by someone unhappy about them playing music at 9pm.

A Meriton spokesman, Ross Kocass, confirmed the couple's electricity had been turned off.

"We've done everything we can to ensure this does not happen again," he said.

Other residents said they enjoyed living in the complex, with its swimming pools, gym and proximity to the city.

Meriton, which owns all the apartments in the building, claims a 100 per cent occupancy rate.

Despite oversupply fears, developers continue to build.

Austcorp is seeking approval for 200 apartments in the Victoria Park area of Green Square. Six months ago Meriton bought a site in nearby Rosebery for $22 million, also destined for units.

City unit prices have held up better in recent times than houses. In the last quarter of 2003, the median house price in Alexandria fell by 6 per cent, while unit prices fell by less than 1 per cent, Residex figures show.

But high-density apartments in areas like this were at risk of bigger price adjustments in the future, said John Edwards, managing director of Residex.

"Unless people are very careful about the planning issues, it is looking like it could become a ghetto of the future," he said.

"It's so dense already . . . and I certainly wouldn't call the developments that have gone on there as being developments of exceptional quality
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/21/1079823240659.html

Man in coma after nightclub brawl
Police are investigating a brawl between up to eight bouncers and five patrons at a city nightclub yesterday that left a man in a coma, another with a broken jaw and two others treated in hospital for cuts and bruising.

Rodrigo Grveno, 25, of Westmead, was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition at about 4am after the fight broke out at the bar, police said.

Mr Grveno's brother, Luis Aguirre, said his sibling suffered "internal and brain injuries".

"Some blood vessels have burst in his brain. This morning he was in a coma. He was in a critical condition for the first five hours and he had a chance that he might be dying," Mr Aguirre told the Herald.

The fight broke out after one of the group, Shaun Ormsby, 24, of Parramatta, was refused entry to the bar because a doorman said he was too intoxicated.

"He just pushed me and I pushed him back and then one of their mates just smacked me in the side of the head and that dropped me and then about five or six of them crowded around me . . . and started laying into me," Mr Ormsby said after he was released from St Vincent's.

Louis Acevedo, 31, of Parramatta, said he went to hospital with a fractured jaw after a bouncer "king hit" him.

Cenay Akpinar, 24, of Northmead, said he was also hit by two bouncers.

"They both grabbed me and then one of them started punching me in the head, he split my lip and he gave me a busted eye," Mr Akpinar said.

Mr Akpinar said he saw a group of people, including bouncers, running onto Elizabeth Street, where the fighting started again. He saw about 10 bouncers surround Mr Grveno on the ground, he said.

Inspector Phil Roche, of The Rocks police, said: "We believe he [Mr Grveno] was hit, punched and kicked while he was on the ground."

Inspector Roche said police had not yet established whether Mr Grveno was assaulted by security staff.

No charges had yet been laid, he said.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/21/1079823240144.html

Northbridge clash 'not gang-related'
Police say a violent clash in the Perth suburb of Northbridge early this morning, in which several people were badly injured, is not gang-related.

Five people are in hospital, one with multiple stab wounds to the back, after the fight.

Knives, iron bars and bats are alleged to have been used in the attack..

Police say the fight was between a number of Somalian, Aboriginal and Caucasian men.

It broke out on James Street, moved to Russell Square then to a car park in Roe Street.

Detective sergeant Steve Reilly says the men were not gang members.

"I don't think it's a revenge or anything," he said.

"Just groups of people meeting each other on the street and having an altercation and things have escalated from there."

Police blocked off a number of streets in Northbridge as they investigate the clash.
http://www.abc.net.au/wa/news/200403/s1070553.htm

Street prostitute fined $500
THE first penalty has been issued in the latest police crackdown on street prostitutes in the Perth inner city.

Vanessa Anne Holloway was fined $500 for breaching a restraining order when she appeared in East Perth Magistrate's Court on Saturday. The maximum penalty for the offence is $5000.

The new campaign comes after an increase in street prostitutes soliciting in Highgate and Northbridge in the past 18 months.

Officers from the street prostitution team arrested Holloway near Hyde Park in William Street, Highgate, on Friday afternoon.

The court was told that a restraining order had been granted against the 22-year-old on March 8. The order prohibited Holloway from entering an area bounded by Newcastle, Lord, Fitzgerald and Walcott streets for 12 months.

During the original application the court was told that Holloway had been issued with five "move-on" notices in two months.

Police told the court at the time that she had been observed walking along inner city streets and waving at motorists.

Holloway had admitted to police she had been touting for sex work because she needed money.

It is understood that on Friday, Holloway was a passenger in a car driven by a well-known kerb crawler who told police that he was giving her a lift home.

Last month, a 29-year-old kerb crawler was fined $500 for breaching a "move-on" notice.

The construction worker was caught driving his car in Bulwer Street, Highgate. He was issued with a "move-on" notice after he admitted cruising the streets looking for prostitutes.

Yesterday, the head of the street prostitution team, Sgt Steve Beswick, said applications for more restraining orders had been lodged with the courts.

"The people who are the subject of the restraining order applications are the same people who have already had numerous move-on notices," he said.

"Once there's a hearing and if the restraining orders are granted we will move quickly to serve them on the people concerned."

Sgt Beswick said the latest moves had been welcomed by local residents.

"From what I gather they are quite happy," he said.

"I think we will continue to get positive feedback as the campaign continues."

The West Australian reported last year that 95 per cent of kerb crawlers were married. Many had children and their families had no idea of their activities.

They sought street prostitutes because it was cheap, anonymous and quick.

Some would pay more to have sex without a condom, despite most of the street prostitutes being infected with hepatitis C.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040322/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto121874.html

Aboriginals, Somalis clash with knives in Northbridge
FIVE men were taken to hospital yesterday after a violent clash between Somali and Aboriginal groups armed with knives and clubs in Northbridge.

One Aboriginal man had seven stab wounds and a suspected punctured lung. A group of Somali men is said to have stabbed the 21-year-old near Russell Square about 6am.

Another Aboriginal had minor injuries, including a cut to his head. Three Somalis were taken to hospital for treatment.

One of the stabbed man's friends, Daryl Davey, said he dragged two of the attackers off while the third member of his group chased the other Somali men along James Street to a carpark.

"It all happened so quickly. He got stabbed in the back and we tried to help him out," Mr Davey said.

Det-Sgt Steve Reilly said the groups had seen each other in a Northbridge nightclub earlier.

Forensics experts closed roads in Northbridge for several hours as they searched for weapons and blood samples.

A white Holden Apollo, believed to belong to one of the Somali men, was towed to the Maylands police complex for forensic tests. The front window of the car was smashed during the fight.

Perth detectives last night charged three men. A 20-year-old man has been charged with grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding, a 23-year-old man has been charged with being an accessory after the fact and a 22-year-old man has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

They are expected to appear in Perth Magistrate's Court this week. Northbridge Business and Community Association president Vincent Tan said three recent violent incidents after 1am highlighted the need for more police in the early hours.

The Perth city councillor, who is seeking Liberal Party preselection in Riverton, said people had a right to feel safe when out on a Saturday night.

Perth officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Geoff Stewart said police from a number of sections were rostered to work until 4am, 6am and 7am during peak times.

He said increasing the number of beat police would be a band-aid solution and community leaders had a responsibility to work to quell street violence
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040322/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto121882.html

Protest as uni fees go up 25%
STUDENTS at Monash university protested yesterday against a 25 per cent HECS fee rises.

About 200 protesters tried to stall a university council meeting, which voted to increase HECS fees to the maximum allowable 25 per cent for most courses.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said there were no arrests.

"I think it got a bit heated at one stage, but nobody was arrested," she said.

Monash University's 25 per cent fee hike follows similar decisions by Deakin, La Trobe and Swinburne universities, which have all announced 25 per cent fee increases for some courses.

Federal Opposition education spokesman Jenny Macklin said the Howard Government had forced Monash to make the change.

"This means students will now be paying a massive $20,000 for a basic science degree from 2005," she said.

"The responsibility for this fee hike lies squarely at the door of the Howard Government.

"Since 1996 the Howard Government has slashed $5 billion from Australian universities, including over $337 million from Monash University alone."

Ms Macklin said more universities would follow suit despite Education Minister Brendan Nelson's assurances only select universities would increase fees by 25 per cent.

Monash vice-chancellor Professor Richard Larkins said he understood student concern over higher contributions.

But the council's decision would provide extra resources necessary for Monash to maintain its high quality education, he said.

"Without extra resources, the quality of education and the facilities for students would inevitably deteriorate.

"Australia needs high quality universities and the students will benefit from better student-staff ratios and better facilities," he said
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9045674%255E2862,00.html

Crimes anger Somali leaders
SOMALI community leaders say they are furious and embarrassed by a recent string of violent crimes involving young Somalis.

WA Somali Community Association president Aboli Shakur Nor yesterday spoke of his disappointment at the youths' alleged involvement in a vicious brawl at the weekend and a spate of carjackings in January.

Mr Nor blamed the youths' upbringing in Somalia, where they witnessed excessive violence, as well as drug and alcohol abuse, for some of their behaviour.

He plans to raise his concerns of growing violence among Somali youths with the parents of those involved, members of the broader community, police and State Government agencies.

"I can say it (recent violence) is very isolated but it's getting out of hand," Mr Nor said. He said although a small minority of the 3500 Perth Somalis were behind recent incidents, their crimes affected the entire community.

"We become very embarrassed as well as furious," he said.

"We have to cope with it and as a community we should find a resolution to this."

Mr Nor agreed with comments by Perth police station officer-in-charge Geoff Stewart that community leaders had a responsibility to quell growing violence among the youths.

Association vice-president Jama Mohamed said sports groups had been established in September to allow Somali youth to develop a rapport with community leaders.

The association also planned to hold parent consultation meetings and hoped to develop a program to forge closer ties with police.

Both Mr Nor and Mr Mohamed said some youths did not trust or respect law enforcement agencies because of excessive violence of authorities in Somalia.

"(Being a refugee) has a telling effect on life," Mr Nor said.

"To see some loved one die of starvation or war . . . it contributes as well. We're not looking for any leniency in terms of the law, the law is the law."

In Perth Magistrate's Court yesterday, police alleged 20-year-old Yusuf Osman Qalib used a kitchen knife to stab a 21-year-old man in the back five times during a fight in Northbridge at the weekend. Magistrate Peter Malone refused bail.

Jimi Joe Richard Gela, 22, and Mohamed Mohamud Haji, 23, also appeared in court in relation to the incident. Mr Gela was remanded in custody and Mr Muji was remanded on bail of $5000 with a $5000 surety to reappear on April 19
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040323/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto121938.html
New judge sets tough rules
TWO years of burglars, thugs and drunken brawlers turning the Children's Court into a revolving door came to an abrupt end yesterday when the juvenile court's new judge set about making his presence felt in his first day in the job.

Within hours of taking over from controversial Judge Kate O'Brien, Judge Denis Reynolds handed down jail sentences in each of his three cases, telling the young offenders they had either crossed the line, just gone too far or could not keep getting chances.

By the end, defence lawyers, used to bending his predecessor's sympathetic ear with ease, could be forgiven for believing they now had to work harder to keep their clients out of detention.

"Tough but fair" was one observation as Judge Reynolds set about dispensing justice in an almost fatherly fashion.

He listened to their personal stories - but then made it clear they would not excuse their criminal behaviour. One 15-year-old Kalgoorlie youth who broke the three-strikes rule was sentenced to 12 months jail under the State's mandatory sentencing laws.

Under the laws, the court can impose a suspended jail term but Judge Reynolds said the offender's long criminal record demonstrated previous court orders had failed to deter him.

"You can't keep being given one chance, another chance without some point being reached," Judge Reynolds said.

"Unfortunately for you, you've just gone too far."

Jailing a 17-year-old promising footballer proved to be the surprise of the day, considering the prosecution was not actively seeking detention for the so-called second-striker.

He was sentenced to four months detention after pleading guilty to breaking into a hotel room to steal handbags, jewellery and mobile phones during drunken New Year's Eve celebrations in Bunbury.

He later used a stolen axe to break into a car to steal money for a taxi ride home. Judge Reynolds said the young offender had received many warnings in the past about his criminal actions and there came a point when courts had to take a stand.

"A court can't just sit by and keep telling people not to do things," Judge Reynolds said.

"I'm prepared to be fair but sometimes you have to say enough is enough, and I'm afraid you've crossed that line."

The youth responded to the judge's remarks like a football player pumped for the second half of a critical match.

"I can get fit while I'm in there," the youth said.

A third youth was sentenced to 12 months detention for a crime spree which spread from the State's North-West to the suburban streets of Perth.

A robbery at a general store in a remote outback community which netted him $3600 was just one of six burglaries he committed. He burgled two homes after escaping from a medical clinic he had been sent to for psychiatric treatment.

"You've been causing a lot of anxiety to other people who are trying to do the right thing - you've got to stop it," Judge Reynolds said.

"You've got to understand the more trouble you cause the longer you get (in detention)."

Judge Reynolds resorted to real-life comparisons in a bid to drive home the effect of the crimes on their victims as well as their own futures.

"How would you like it if you worked hard for two weeks only to have your pay stolen at the end of it?" he said.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040323/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto121935.html

Worthless News Thread... aka a mirror of all the newspapers' websites.

http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/250-gen25anna1.jpg
Anna slips out after short Perth stay
RUSSIAN tennis ace Anna Kournikova slipped out of Perth yesterday after just a day inside the Hyatt Hotel's presidential suite with her boyfriend, Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias. She jetted in quietly on Tuesday and left yesterday without so much as a glance beyoond the hotel.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040325/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto122074.html

Does this thread belong to Chrisaus or can anyone post here?

jt

High-rises fetch high prices
PERTH'S thriving apartment market is leaving the floundering Sydney and Melbourne markets for dead.

A spate of luxury apartment sales above $1 million and continuing investment in units under $300,000 are keeping the market buoyant.

The only downside has been a cooling in sales of apartments priced between $300,000 and $600,000.

While an oversupply of apartments in Melbourne and Sydney is shaking investor confidence and the Reserve Bank has tried to cool the housing market with interest rate rises, buyers are pouring money into riverside apartments in Perth.

Ten upmarket apartments released last weekend in the South Perth Altitude development all sold within three days to local buyers. They were priced between $600,000 and $1.95 million.

Developer Saville Property Group managing director Sam Cheir was stunned by the result. "We thought it would take between eight to 12 weeks to sell," he said.

"These aren't cheap apartments. To sell out in under a week shows there is a lot of confidence in the market."

Agent Dee Seed, who specialises in top-end apartments, was able to list seven properties off the top of her head - all between $2 million and $3.5 million - that have sold this year.

"People were scared the bottom was falling out of the market, but Perth wasn't seeing the hype at the top-end like the Eastern States and apartments here aren't overpriced," she said.

Ms Seed is expecting offers of more than $4.5 million at the auction of a penthouse at 4 Bellevue Terrace, West Perth, today.

Record off-the-plan sales in two high-profile developments - Multiplex's redevelopment of the Raffles Hotel in Applecross and Allegro, the first tower in Mirvac Fini's The Peninsula development next to Burswood Resort, signalled the strength of Perth's apartment market last year, both all but selling out in days.

In 2003, there were 41 apartment sales of more than $1 million. Ten years ago there was only one.

The question is who in Perth can afford such lavish apartments?

Apart from big businessmen such as Brian Gardner, who paid a record $6.7 million for the Raffles penthouse, and AdultShop.com's Malcolm Day, who secured a West Perth penthouse for $6.1 million, agents say its cashed-up baby boomers, mining and building magnates and some Eastern States and overseas investors.

David Cresp, research manager for Colliers International, said local baby boomers were driving the luxury apartment market.

He said typical buyers were couples in their 50s or 60s who wanted to sell their family homes for something smaller and more manageable once their children had flown the coop.

Real Estate Institute of WA public affairs director Lino Iacomella said WA's mining industry was also fuelling the luxury apartment sector as investors bought apartments to lease to executives.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040327/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto122206.html

Police ride shotgun as students run riot
http://images.news.com.au/thedailytelegraph/1101762_bus.jpg
POLICE boarded a school bus yesterday to escort the driver after children went on a rampage, pelting him with food and other missiles and ripping fittings from the bus.

The 41-year-old driver was forced to stop and get off but the violence continued when students threw rocks at motorists who stopped to help while the bus was on the side of the road.

A primary school student is believed to have received minor injuries and several were reported to be traumatised by the incident.

Police, the Education Department and the bus company are working together to identify those responsible and determine appropriate punishment, which could range from suspension from travelling on school buses to charges or summonses under the Juvenile Justices Act.

Robyn McKerihan, the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Director of Education, said the behaviour was totally unacceptable.

"We are working very closely with the police to investigate the matter, including identifying the students responsible," she said.

"Serious and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken immediately."

The incident happened about 4pm on Thursday on the run from Raymond Terrace to several Port Stephens suburbs.

Secondary and primary students from Irrawang and Raymond Terrace schools as well as primary students from St Brigid's Catholic School were aboard the bus for the home run into suburbs such as Lemon Tree Passage.

It is believed some children started a food fight on the bus. When the driver asked them to stop, he was pelted with food and a piece of wood.

The wood missed the driver, but hit the front window of the bus.

The driver radioed his company depot and police were called. Two police cars met the bus at Salt Ash and escorted the driver for the rest of his run.

St Brigid's assistant principal Greg Ginns said three of the school's students were on the bus but were not involved in the incident and were not injured.

Blue Ribbon Coaches manager Rodney Landers said he was shocked by the behaviour.

"Our bus driver and the car drivers were all pelted with missiles," he said.

"The kids pulled the fire extinguisher out of the bus and threw it on to the road.

"They also ripped the money till out of the bus and threw it out a window. We can't believe the behaviour, it was totally uncontrollable."

The driver, who has been working the school run for three years, decided to get back behind the wheel for his regular run yesterday.

He was joined by two police officers for the hour-long trip.

Mr Landers said a code of conduct had been developed by State Transport in conjunction with bus companies, parent group representatives and education authorities.

The Code of Conduct guidelines have been in place for two years and are printed on School Student Transport Scheme application forms.

Chief Inspector Wayne Humphrey from the Lower Hunter local area command said there were about 40 students on the bus but police believe there were 10 "main protagonists".

"We are working with the bus company and schools to identify those responsible," he said.

"We are investigating the incident in conjunction with the Education Department.

"We believe this was a one-off incident as there has been no suggestion to police it has been an on-going problem."
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1260&storyid=1101236

Here is another tidbit of worthless news:

Collingwood lost to Richmond last night by 40 points :(


Of course had we won, it would have been the biggest news story of the day and I would have plastered it all over the forum lol.

We're more in debt than ever before
A CHRISTMAS spending spree by Australians has pushed the average household debt to a record $97,650.

The average Australian household borrowed another $4130 in the three months leading up to December 25.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics yesterday revealed Australian households' borrowing and investing habits in its financial accounts for the December quarter.

Households borrowed an extra $31.8 billion, bringing Australia's total household debt to $742.6 billion.

The level of debt for every household has risen almost 18 per cent in the past year to the highest level on record.

The figures came a day after the Reserve Bank warned an unprecedented number of households risked losing their homes if economic conditions turned bad.

The average Australian household deposited an extra $1454 into bank accounts, bought $857 worth of shares and paid $610 into life insurance or retirement funds in the three months to December.

This brought the total value of a household's financial assets to $181,428.

Treasurer Peter Costello yesterday said he agreed with the Reserve Bank warning to Australians who had borrowed heavily to enter the property market.

"There is no risk to financial stability in Australia but the point is this, that as interest rates have come down and people have borrowed more . . . their debts have gone up which have been matched by rising house prices," Mr Costello said.

"The Reserve Bank says that you wouldn't want to have the kind of interest rate levels we had in the 1980s in Australia.

"You wouldn't like to have the unemployment rate that we had in the late 1980s-early 1990s because that could do a lot of damage and I agree with that."

Earlier the Reserve Bank warned high house prices and household debt remained a risk to Australia's economic stability.

In its first-ever stability scorecard, the central bank said the financial sector was basically in good shape, with banks in particular reporting strong profits and few bad debts.

Research by the banking watchdog showed even if house prices fell 30 per cent and mortgage default rates rose dramatically, 90 per cent of lenders would still be OK.
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1260&storyid=1100930

Originally posted by chrisaus
Smoking plans scuttled
BOLD plans to further crack down on smoking in Victoria have been scuttled by the State Government with the axing of a top-level inquiry into tobacco reform.

New anti-smoking laws were expected to be high on the Government's agenda this year after Premier Steve Bracks ordered an all-party committee to investigate tougher tobacco controls.
The Family and Community Development Committee was given its terms of reference in August 2002 and was due to deliver its reform package late last year.

But the Herald Sun has now learned the inquiry was quietly abandoned shortly after the re-election of the Bracks Government.

Insiders said the Government feared the inquiry could be a "poisoned chalice" with the health sector pushing for a new wave of cigarette bans and business groups opposing any further crackdowns. Some MPs believed restrictions had gone far enough.

Among the proposals to be considered were bans on smoking in all Victorian pubs and clubs, at sporting stadiums with reserved seats, outdoor train stations, tram stops and indoor workplaces.

Opposition health spokesman David Davis said tobacco reform needed to be a key plank of government policy, with 19,000 Australians dying each year because of smoking.

"The Liberal Party had welcomed the Government's inquiry and is disappointed the Government chose not to continue with what would have been a constructive and bipartisan approach to this key health issue," he said.

A spokesman for Health Minister Bronwyn Pike, Ben Hart, said the inquiry was discontinued because it was felt it would be doubling up on internal work the Government was doing in the area of tobacco reform.

Mr Hart said the Government was continually assessing and evaluating existing policies.

Quit chief executive Todd Harper said it was important the Bracks Government continued to build on its good work. "The (Government) has a responsibility to the health and safety of those in the community," he said.

But the Australian Hotels Association's chief executive officer Alan Giles said banning smoking from bars would cripple many businesses.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9033182%255E2862,00.html Softcocks.

Angry buyers in legal fight: Docklands units under siege
MORE Docklands apartment buyers are fighting to bale out of their investments.

And this time, a high-flying sales agent is the target of buyers' anger.
Law firm Jerrard and Stuk confirmed yesterday it is mounting a legal action for 20 buyers in Mirvac's Yarra's Edge development at Docklands who want to dump units with an estimated worth when they were bought of about $15 million.

Jerrard and Stuk partner Johnathan Cohen said the buyers allege former Mirvac sales agent Wendy Wilkins made claims about the expected price growth of their apartments.

But Mr Cohen said current market information indicated the buyers would probably lose money on what they paid more than three years ago.

Some claims also centred on "assurances on the size and finish" of certain units, he said.

"The assurances differ from purchaser to purchaser . . . but there were assurances made about the value of the properties increasing over time," Mr Cohen claimed.

The buyers want to use the alleged assurances as the basis to withdraw from contracts under the Trade Practices and Fair Trading acts.

A Mirvac spokesman yesterday denied any allegations of misrepresentation. He also denied it provided any financial advice to buyers.

Ms Wilkins, who lives in the Yarra's Edge development, said she had never during her career given assurances about capital growth on units and regularly shunned speculators.

Ms Wilkins has promoted herself as one of Melbourne's most successful apartment sales agents, boasting sales of more than $600 million in four of Mirvac's high-profile developments.

Ms Wilkins added that floor plans, unit sizes and finishes were all detailed in contracts, and that buyers were encouraged to check them carefully.

The latest move by the Docklands buyers is another blow for developers.

Last month a Supreme Court judge threw out a Mirvac challenge to force a buyer to pay for an apartment that he believed had slumped in value.

The court's decision could have opened the door to hundreds of other off-the-plan buyers to quit their contracts.

But the State Government moved to close the loophole, forcing buyers to honour their contracts.

Mr Cohen said he was preparing claims for another 10 unit buyers in other developments that he declined to name.

Legal firm Slater and Gordon confirmed it was representing up to 15 unit buyers who also wanted out of their contracts.

Partner Robert Lees said the latest claims largely related to misrepresentation about the value of properties, extent of capital growth and rental returns on properties, but not to any Mirvac developments.

But the claims may only be the beginning as apartment values drop and banks tightened the screws on lending.

"I believe over the next 12 to 18 months many people will come forward wanting to get out of contracts because when it comes time to settle and their bank does a valuation they will be horrified at some of the valuations that come in -- they will be substantially below the price they paid," Mr Lees said.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9171711%255E2862,00.html

Hundreds of flat buyers say they were deceived
Mirvac and several other leading property developers are facing a prolonged legal battle with hundreds of disgruntled apartment buyers over claims of deceptive conduct by sales staff.

Slater and Gordon partner Robert Lees said the firm was representing about 300 buyers who claim to have been lured into the apartment market under false pretences.

Mr Lees said the nature of the alleged misrepresentations usually related to the market value of an apartment, expected rental returns and the likelihood of capital appreciation.

The Slater and Gordon cases involve Mirvac and other developers, but the names of the others have not been confirmed.

Certain property marketeers and sales staff had resorted to "unscrupulous practices" to clear the oversupply of CBD apartments, according to Mr Lees, who called on the State Government to legislate to protect consumers.

He said the Government needed to consider changes similar to those introduced by the Queensland Government 18 months ago, which require developers to give buyers an independent property valuation.

A Mirvac spokesman rejected the allegations of misrepresentation and denied financial advice was provided to prospective buyers.

"Our sales people undergo thorough training and are well briefed in regard to their ethical and legal obligations, he said. "Mirvac prepares detailed sales manuals, which provide accurate information on apartments being offered for sale."

A buyer in Mirvac's Yarra's Edge development, Jeff Xu, claimed to have been misled by a leading Mirvac saleswoman.

Mr Xu told The Age he met the saleswoman at Mirvac's Southbank sales suite in September 2000 and was told a $500,000 apartment in Tower Two of Yarra's Edge would be 125 square metres.

He said he agreed to buy the property after the saleswoman wrote its size on the contract. "If you can't measure the size of an apartment, you are relying completely on the word of the salesperson," he said.

He planned to use the 16th-floor apartment as a main residence.

Mr Xu said he inspected his completed apartment in January last year and found it was only 100 square metres. He settled on the property last April and is now pursuing damages through the Federal Court.

"This is not primarily about the money, I feel I have been cheated and this sends a very bad message to overseas investors," he said.

The Mirvac saleswoman in question sold more than $600 million worth of apartments over an eight-year career with the company and is believed to be involved in a number of legal disputes over alleged misrepresentation.

Law firm Jerrard & Stuk confirmed it was also acting on behalf of a number of Mirvac apartment buyers who claimed to have been misled by sales staff.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544690267.html

Filmmakers seek Docklands probe
Melbourne filmmakers want the nation's competition watchdogs to investigate the troubled Docklands film studios after revelations that the studios are being hired out at huge discounts.

The producers of the Australian feature film Hating Alison Ashley, starring pop singer Delta Goodrem, are paying just $2000 a week to use the new $110 million complex, The Age has learned.

Advertised rates range from $11,000 to $31,625 a week for one sound stage.

The film's six-week shoot will start on Monday, but only six days will be spent filming at the studios.

Local film producers say that Central City Studios Holdings is charging a fraction of the commercial market rate and undercutting local businesses.

Four Melbourne producers - David Parker of Cascade Films, Karl Slotboom of Illusions, and Paul Green and David Pulbrook of Horizon Films - yesterday co-signed and sent letters of complaint to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the National Competition Council.

The letter warns that the "predatory pricing actions of Central City Studios - with the assistance of taxpayer subsidies - has the potential to destroy our businesses and adversely affect local film production in Victoria".

"It's just ridiculous that they can give it away for nothing. It's our taxpayers' money, and now they are backstabbing us and taking our business as well," Mr Green said yesterday. "They are supposed to be getting movies from overseas."

The $2000 weekly fee for Hating Alison Ashley is as little as one Melbourne producer, Ann Darrouzet, is paying to shoot the new children's television series, Holly's Heroes, at a Deer Park warehouse.

Mr Parker said it was "completely unfair competition. How can we compete against a set of studios that are charging producers $2000 a week when our base rate is $6000 (a week)?"

The call for an inquiry puts ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel in a sensitive position as he was the State Government's commercial adviser on the studio project.

An ACCC spokeswoman said yesterday commission members tended to "err on the side of caution" when it came to potential conflicts of interest.

Central City executive chairman Sino Guzzardi yesterday refused to confirm or deny details of the deal with HAA Films.

"It's none of your business," he said. "It's a commercial arrangement between two people doing business. I would not tell you if they were paying $45,000 a month or a week or a day."

He dismissed the producers' complaints. "They can complain, they can do whatever they want, they can send a copy to the Queen as well," he said.

A spokesman for state Treasurer John Brumby said the Government was not aware of details of the deal between Central City and HAA Films. "We don't have a role in the day-to-day operations of the studios," he said. "Everyone is well aware that it was the industry that was calling for film and television studios in Victoria and the Bracks Government has delivered those studios."

Opposition major projects spokeswoman Louise Asher said Mr Brumby had boasted in State Parliament this week that the local film industry was undergoing a renaissance.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544690877.html

Fines for fare evasion derailed in CityRail chaos
CityRail almost stopped booking fare evaders at the height of February's rail crisis, after inspectors were told their priorities lay elsewhere during the period of massive commuter disruption.

In early and late February, the inspectors issued up to 400 fines a day. But after 88 weekday trains services were axed every day from February 9 to bring their number into line with available train drivers, the number of fines dropped dramatically.

Between February 10 and February 22, the number of fines dropped to double digits per day, compared with 296 on February 7 and 211 on February 8.

The number of fines returned to normal, however, within days of the worst disruptions being over, jumping by hundreds from mid-February to the end of the month.

Commuters faced almost 100 cancelled train services each day from February 9 as CityRail struggled to deal with an acute shortage of train drivers said to be prompted by driver frustration at tough medical standards brought in after the report on last year's Waterfall crash.

This was on top of fresh lows in on-time running statistics so extreme that on the East Hills, Airport and South lines, as few as 2.5 per cent of trains ran within four minutes of their scheduled times during evening peak hours in early February.

CityRail issued free tickets for weekly commuters and a fare-free day for those who take trains more sporadically as an apology.

As the Government tried to minimise the disruption and get the drivers working enough overtime to run the system, CityRail officials told their 400 transit and revenue protection officers - who fine commuters without valid tickets as part of their duties - to focus on handling the crowds.

On February 13, as commuters faced further confusion at stations over how to claim their free weekly tickets, only four fines were issued for fare evasion by the 200-odd inspectors on duty.

The number of fines sprang back to normal from February 23, after a $400 bonus deal was put before drivers to encourage them back to work overtime, increasing from 229 that day to a peak of 400 on February 28.

A spokeswoman for CityRail, Jane Lavender, said no formal memorandum had been issued to inspectors to stop booking people, but they were told that their priority during the disruptions was to be responsible for crowd management and commuter information.

She said the rate of fare evasion on the network had fallen, as shown by an increase of $19 million in ticket revenue last year without any real increase in passengers.

Of the rise, $9 million is attributed to a decrease in fare evasion, the fruit of the work of transit officers, with fines ranging from $200 to $550
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544687535.html

LMAO. Chris... you're a classic.

Call to ban smokers' surgery
A SURGEON has re-ignited the debate on elective surgery access, arguing that smokers should be barred from a wide range of elective procedures.

In the latest edition of the Medical Journal of Australia, NSW surgeon Matthew Peters claimed that continued smoking increased the risk to the individual and put further pressure on stretched health care resources and expenditure.

Evidence showed people who did not try or did not succeed in giving up the habit before undergoing surgery were at far higher risk of infection.

He said: "If smokers as a group have a reversible factor that causes a longer hospital stay, incurs greater costs and leads to poorer outcomes, might it be reasonable to allocate them a lower priority?"

Wound infection rates were higher in smokers than non-smokers for those who have had joint replacement surgery, breast reconstruction, face lifts and plastic surgery procedures, Dr Peters said.

One study found wound infection rates in joint replacements were reduced from 27 per cent in continuing smokers to zero in those who quit.

Reduction in smoking rather than a complete stop did not work.

The optimum period to stop smoking before surgery was uncertain but was at least six weeks.

Dr Peters said there needed to be serious community debate on the issue of barring smokers from certain procedures.

Australian Medical Association (WA) president Brent Donovan said elective surgery should be conducted on the basis of clinical need.

"Clearly it is desirable that people give up smoking but come the crunch, I think patients should be operated on because of clinical need," he said.

"If you took that (theory) to the nth degree then people who are overweight, you shouldn't operate on them.

"We all know we should all be fit and healthy but that is not life as we know it. If (patients) can stop smoking for a period of time or lose weight and surgery can be reasonably delayed, then fine, but I think it is going too far to say we are not going to operate on you unless (people do those things)."

Health Department director-general Mike Daube said while he did not agree with the proposition that smokers should be banned from some elective surgery, discussion might be helpful to encourage smokers to quit.

"There are overwhelming reasons for smokers to quit and for doctors to encourage their patients to quit, but not for discriminating on the grounds of behaviour any more than we would discriminate against a driver whose behaviour had caused an accident," he said.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040405/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto122714.html

Mint makes a silk purse for these pigs here
http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/100-gen05gold11.jpg
IF THESE three little pigs went to the market, they would fetch a hefty price, especially sitting on top of a one-kilogram South Korean gold bar.

They are part of a 120-piece international gold bar exhibition worth more than $1 million which opens at the Perth Mint today.

Perth residents Nigel and Brigida Desebrock, of Grendon International Research, created the concept of the collection and are now the curators.

In South Korea, "pig bars" are popular gifts, particularly for weddings and anniversaries, given as gifts of money.

Mr Desebrock said pigs were a symbol of wealth,with pig bars trading at a small premium above the gold price in South Korea.

Other pieces include gold in the shape of boats, biscuits and doughnuts from Hong Kong, a replica of the world's first gold coin from the Bank of England Museum and an Indian wedding jewellery set.

Mr Desebrock said a popular attraction was an authentic smuggling vest, capable of carrying up to 125 small bars weighing 14kg, used to smuggle gold into India.

For the past 10 years, the exhibition has toured internationally, and belongs to a global collection of more than 700 pieces, involving 110 bar manufacturers and issuers.

The display includes the gold-making process, from ore taken from Australian gold mines to gold bars and end uses for gold.

Ed Harbuz, chief executive officer of Gold Corporation which operates the Perth Mint, said the collection was a world-class attraction and had drawn significant support from the gold industry.

The collection is expected to remain at the Perth Mint for at least three years.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040405/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto122701.html

Gridlock could break the bank
THE State Government must spend $2 billion a year more on transport infrastructure to keep pace with NSW and start addressing 20 years of neglect, a report says.

Or within a decade traffic congestion costs would equate to $12,000 a household a year, six times that of NSW.

"Building Our Future" acknowledges the Smart State Building Fund – an extra $1.4 billion over the next four years – but says about $1 billion a year more is needed.

Professor Ian Leyton and engineering consultant Alan Moreton prepared the report for the Civil Engineering Construction Alliance.

A spokesman for Treasurer Terry Mackenroth, head of the new Office of Urban Management, said further funding decisions were a matter for the June State Budget.

Funding options canvassed in reports and forums in the past two years include abolishing the $450 million-a-year state fuel subsidy.

Engineers Australia state president Peter Jorss said this was not much against the $9.3 billion-a-year congestion costs Brisbane would face by 2015 if underspending continued
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,9189217%255E3102,00.html

Clouds on economic horizon
SOUTH Australia is losing economic ground against the rest of Australia, a major new report has found.

The Business Outlook quarterly report from economic forecaster Access Economics – to be released today – raises doubts about the longevity of SA's "sudden conversion from growth slowpoke to star".

While the report acknowledges the state is "fighting back" in housing, business investment and exports, it also casts a pall over SA's long-term future.

"Access Economics does not want to overstress the potential positives," the report states.

It reinforces the drop in economic output forecast in the last quarterly report, despite strong demand in recent years. The new report says that after the "savaging" of the recession in the early 1990s, "it was not until this century that SA began to show signs of clawing its way back into national contention". The authors of the report remain "grumpily unconvinced" that SA has turned the corner, with the state's continuing population decline "a heavy burden to overcome".

"With the nation's oldest population, the rising tide of baby boomer retirement will hit earlier and harder in SA than elsewhere," the report says. It also harbours "deep worry" a national decline in the manufacturing sector will hit the state hard.

"SA relies more heavily on manufacturing than any other state," the report says.

Access Economics director Chris Richardson told The Advertiser that SA's economic recovery may be on shaky ground and State Government initiatives on population and economic strategy were unlikely to offset the forecast malaise.

"Do I think governments make or break state economies? No I don't," he said.

Mr Richardson said governments needed to be bold on microeconomic reform such as "investment in capital works rather than wages for public servants".

"I don't see a wonderful track record at the state level," he said.

Mr Richardson said while "demand had been booming", he worried about "the combination of a weaker Australian dollar and cooler domestic demand".

SA exports have driven the recovery, based largely on the "wine lake" and motor vehicle manufacturing.

"I see that demand going elsewhere," Mr Richardson said. "In 2005, more so than in 2004, I bet we'll also see the housing industry starting to have problems . . . 2005 could be a problem for SA."
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,9190467%255E2682,00.html

To break the vicious cycle of abuse...

Jobless rate at 14-year low
April 8, 2004
A SURPRISE jump in employment pushed Australia's jobless rate down to a 14-year low of 5.6 per cent in March, new figures showed today.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said businesses put on 66,900 more staff last month, more than three times market expectations.

The rise was the biggest monthly jobs gain in 14 months, economists said, and also strengthened the chance the Reserve Bank would raise interest rates again in coming months.

The Reserve Bank left interest rates on hold again this week amid signs of a slowdown in housing and borrowing following back-to-back rate rises late last year.

Treasurer Peter Costello said the data showed the strength of the Australian economy, and expected jobs growth would continue.

http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9226202%255E1702,00.html

Comment: The detailed stats are not yet available from the ABS....maybe next week.

WA resource sector worth $32b: report
A new report shows Western Australia's resource sector is worth $32 billion to the state.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy commissioned the report because it says information provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not include how the sector impacts on other industries.

The State Development Minister, Clive Brown, says the resource sector provides many jobs and benefits the community is not always aware of.

"They're not aware of the full value of what the resources industry does in terms of the resources industry creating environmental work, the resources company leading to the development of new technology companies and new technologies," he said.
http://www.abc.net.au/wa/news/200404/s1083828.htm

Kath and Kim hit bullseye in old Dart
CULT TV heroines Kath and Kim are picking up where Neighbours and Sylvania Waters left off as Australia's latest cultural ambassadors to Britain.

The ABC comedy about a mother and daughter in suburban Melbourne scored rave reviews when it debuted on Living, one of Britain's biggest pay-TV stations, on Thursday night.

Living TV deputy controller Hannah Barnes said the show, which is screening in the coveted 10pm timeslot right after Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, was a surefire hit.

"Some of the subtleties will go over people's heads, but the relationship between mother and daughter, daughter and husband, daughter and friend, is all universal," Ms Barnes said. "It's a really sophisticated, clever, funny, funny show."

Four national British newspapers, including popular tabloid The Sun, declared Kath and Kim the "pick of the day" on its debut on cable TV.

The comedy had already built a small but loyal following on boutique digital channel Ftn before it was poached by Living.

Creators Jane Turner and Gina Riley, who are in London this week for a promotional tour, said they had been recognised on the street by fans who watched the show on Ftn.

"It's really surprised us," said Riley, who plays Kim. "They say, 'We've stumbled across Kath and Kim and we're obsessed by it'."

Turner said the local lingo and sense of place would make Fountain Lakes as alluring to international viewers as the New York of Woody Allen movies.

The duo wanted to make a show that was specific rather than generic, and initially never considered overseas sales.

"When we were writing the first series, we'd just look at each other and say, 'Oh my God, is anybody going to get this at all? Is this just going to be for us?'," Riley said.

Now the show is screening around the world, including New Zealand, the US, Canada, South Africa, Ireland and Scandinavia.

ABC manager of program sales worldwide Augustus Dulgaro said he believed British viewers would respond to the humour but not take the show too seriously.

"I would be very scared if, in any culture, people thought that was an accurate representation of anyone," Mr Dulgaro said. "I'm sure they appreciate the humour of it, and that it's having fun with characterisation and people."

But Riley said she believed Kath and Kim was "probably more realistic than Neighbours".
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9236835%255E2702,00.html

City nearing traffic chaos
TIME is running out to avoid a nightmare traffic scenario that could paralyse Melbourne.

But a decision on a new lower Yarra crossing will not be made before the end of next year.
Two years ago the State Government was told by the Infrastructure Planning Council that the West Gate Bridge will reach capacity in 2007.

Options to cure the problem include expanding the West Gate Bridge, an entirely new bridge or a tunnel.

CityLink tunnel lanes were closed 64 times without warning in March, mostly to ease congestion outside the tollway.

RACV general manager public policy Ken Ogden said the lane closures were not CityLink's fault.

"It's a lack of capacity to the west of the tunnels," Dr Ogden said. "The Government has got to realise it has a problem."

This month, works will begin on a $2.5 million project to ease West Gate congestion.

Extra freeway lanes in both directions will be built between the Bolte Bridge and Montague St.

Traffic lights to regulate traffic flow entering the freeway will also be installed.

VicRoads' Bruce Gidley said a review of the West Gate's future was in progress. But they will not decide until late next year whether a second Yarra crossing is needed.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9234442%255E2862,00.html

Drivers don't get the message
A MOTORCYCLIST travelling at 230km/h was one of almost 3000 motorists caught speeding in the first 24 hours of Operation Tortoise, the Easter road blitz.

Despite warnings from police and the threat of double demerit points over Easter, almost twice as many motorists were caught speeding in northern NSW than in the same period last year.

Across the state 2998 motorists were issued speeding tickets. Out of 27,195 breath tests conducted, 60 motorists were charged with drink-driving, compared to 77 in 2003.

There was one fatality, on the far South Coast on Thursday night.

A 49-year-old man died when his car and a 4WD collided on the Princes Highway near Bodalla about 11.20pm.

A driver in Bourke with two children in the car recorded a blood-alcohol reading of .260.

Traffic Services commander Chief Superintendent John Hartley said while there had been just one fatality on NSW roads it was more "luck" than anything else.

"We have had one fatality and we don't want any more. We've been lucky because 36 people have been injured in the first 24 hours," he said.
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1260&storyid=1176698

Carr is 'gutting' tourism: Hockey
THE Federal Government has threatened to slash tourism funds earmarked to promote NSW after the Carr Government made mini-budget cuts to its own tourism department last week.

Federal Tourism Minister Joe Hockey made the threat yesterday, saying the $3million mini-budget cut and the closure of NSW Tourism's London office would be devastating for the state industry, which generates 190,000 jobs and contributes $9.34billion to the state's economy.

Mr Hockey warned that NSW would not be allowed to rely on $235million of tourism White Paper money to make up any shortfall in promotional spending.

"We are not going to subsidise NSW," Mr Hockey told The Australian.

Launching the White Paper late last year, Mr Hockey warned the states and territories not to wind back their own tourism spending.

But the Minister said that appeared to be what NSW was doing.

"I want to see some more detail, but if it does equal a raw cut in tourism funding, then we will commensurately cut our activity with NSW," Mr Hockey said.

"We have increased our budget by 50 per cent annually while NSW has cut its by 6per cent in the mini-budget on top of the previous budget's cut of 5 per cent."

Mr Hockey's comments are set to reignite the feud with his NSW counterpart Sandra Nori, who attacked the federal minister when he told an audience in Tokyo that Sydney was "tired and complacent".

Mr Hockey said the mini-budget cuts were evidence that his view was correct.

"There is a consistent pattern of Bob Carr gutting tourism activity and just when you think that Tourism NSW couldn't get any lower - Bob Carr comes along and cuts more," he said
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9255292%255E421,00.html

Man shot during fight at festival
AN Easter celebration turned violent last night when a man was shot in the chest.

Witnesses at St Augustine's Church in Somerville Rd, Yarraville, said a fight broke out between men waiting to enter an Albanian festival being held in the church hall.
About 7.15pm, one man produced a gun and shot a 47-year-old interstate reveller in the chest.

Police immediately herded witnesses, including family groups, into the hall for questioning.

A police helicopter scanned the area while officers on foot searched a railway line where the gunman was believed to have escaped. The victim was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital.

A nearby resident said the church hall was a hotbed of tension that had threatened to boil over for some time.

"I'm shocked but not surprised," said the resident, who did not wish to be named
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9253884%255E2862,00.html

Rioting gatecrashers put paid to quiet night
A SMALL gathering of friends in Bassendean turned into a full-scale riot involving more than 100 gatecrashers and 40 police on Saturday night.

An 18-year-old man, who did not want to be named, said he was among the group who met at the Old Perth Road house to watch the football and have a few drinks.

He said dozens of gatecrashers arrived at the house over several hours.

Police were called about 11pm as the unruly mob started driving dangerously on the street and throwing bottles.

More than 100 people had gathered at the property at the height of riot.

The 18-year-old said many of the gatecrashers were older than his friends and were not known to the group.

"It's just ridiculous," he said. "It was only supposed to be a few friends.

"I just felt sorry for the girl whose house it is because she didn't expect it."

Nobody was injured during the riot but a 17-year-old youth was arrested and charged with damage, assault and disorderly conduct.

Officers from the recently formed regional operations group were among those who responded to the riot.

Regional operations group officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Charlie Carver said five cars from the unit and several other police cars from the Midland district were sent to break up the riot.

"The regional operations group was set up to deal with these kinds of situations," Sen. Sgt Carver said.

"Last night was an example of that and we will continue to do so in the future."

The group was formed in January after violent clashes at Scarborough, Ballajura and Fremantle.

Group officers patrol in specially marked cars, are equipped with riot gear and have been trained in crowd control techniques.

They support district-based officers across the metropolitan area and act as a rapid response unit for violent riots.

Sen. Sgt Carver said he was satisfied with how the group was coming together and its members' response to the riot.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040412/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto123061.html

Crowd angered by ticket chaos
FOOTBALL fans packed Telstra Dome yesterday for a blockbuster finish to the Easter long weekend as St Kilda stormed home over Richmond.

Thousands of supporters decked out in red, white and black cheered the Saints on to a 45-point win.
The win sealed St Kilda's stellar start to the season, despite the club's being embroiled in a sex scandal. Young stars Stephen Milne and Leigh Montagna are still under investigation over rape allegations.

With big crowds expected, the AFL declared the match fully ticketed weeks ago, forcing fans to reserve seats.

Supporters from both teams heeded the warning and began to queue at the stadium long before the game. Official figures put the crowd at 43,468, well below Telstra Dome's 53,399 capacity.

Ticketing did cause confusion and frustration for some. Disgruntled season-ticket-holders were especially angry at being made to wait in long queues to get seats.

St Kilda fan Louise Care, who queued with her husband, Rod, and four children, said it was ridiculous.

"That's why we bought the membership, so we can get off the train and go straight in," she said.

"We're lucky we got here when we did."

Vin Foti, who had a reserved seat, was forced to change his plans when he discovered the special ticketing system meant his eight-year-old son Cameron could not sit with friends.

Mr Foti said he decided to pay for a season ticket this year after missing the first quarter of last year's St Kilda-Richmond blockbuster because of long queues.

"This has just put everything into disarray," he said.

Heather Wearne, from St Kilda, said the system was confusing.

She said separate lines were needed at ticket booths outside the ground for members and those buying general admission tickets.

"It's a very unclear process when you get here," she said.

"It's very frustrating."
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9262834%255E2862,00.html

Suburbs miss out on a ride
SUBURBANITES do not use bicycles because there aren't enough safe places to ride.

More than half of suburban Melbourne lives more than 1km away from a bicycle track, a Newspoll survey has found.
Bicycle Victoria, which commissioned the poll, says more bike tracks would help combat the obesity problem.

Campaigns manager Bart Sbeghen said the suburbs were missing out.

"They are the places where the families are moving," Mr Sbeghen said.

The survey found city residents were well catered for: 72 per cent said they had easy access to bike paths.

Without good tracks, suburbanites would not consider the bike as an alternative to the car, Mr Sbeghen said.

"For most people thinking about riding, they don't want to start riding on a busy road.

"You want somewhere traffic-free, somewhere to take your kids."

New housing estates on the suburban fringes were beginning to consider cyclists.

"It's starting to change. They've got bike paths going around the lake, but that's about it," Mr Sbeghen said.

But, in most cases, there were no paths going to shops or schools.

"So you hop in the car, take your bike down to the lake, ride around it, hop back in the car and drive home."

Mr Sbeghen said cycling could be a viable alternative transport with a network of paths, particularly past schools.

"You're not going to replace 90 per cent of car trips to school. But if you just did 10 or 15 per cent, you've made a significant difference," he said
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9262962%255E2862,00.html

Big cities force very poor to fringes
THE underclass is congregating in regional areas of NSW, Victoria and Queensland and in poorer capitals such as Adelaide and Hobart, a population researcher believes.

But Sydney, the nation's biggest city, is a sharply divided metropolis with growing pockets in the southwest of welfare dependency and disadvantage, especially among non-English speaking residents.

Bob Birrell, from Monash University's Centre for Population and Urban Research, said that despite this "bifurcation", Sydney still emerged as the wealthiest and least welfare-dependent part of Australia. "Overall, Sydney's much better off ... It just reflects the overall economic setting," Dr Birrell said.

Census data showed the working poor and jobless were being locked out of the inner-city and expanding urban fringes of cities such as Melbourne and Sydney because of soaring housing costs. But employment levels and incomes were still lower in the regions.

"When we compared the Sunshine Coast (in Queensland) with Fairfield (in Sydney's west) we found it worse on the Sunshine Coast by all our indicators than it is in Fairfield because there is not too much in the way of job opportunities for the poor," he said.

"But in Sydney, the gulf between places like Fairfield and the rest of the city is so much greater."

Outer urban areas on the fringes of the big capitals, where Mark Latham's much-vaunted aspirational voters lived in their "McMansions", had fewer welfare dependents than in the past.

"That's not where the poor are going," Dr Birrell said. "They tend to be concentrated increasingly in middle suburban areas where the quality of the houses is poor."

As well, many poorer people were leaving the high housing prices of the bigger cities for regional coastal areas.

"There is some movement of the anglos because they can move to the coast -- they're not losing out culturally," he said.

"But you don't find ethnics moving. They're really stuck because they depend heavily on services and their community language. A lot of employment is generated within the ethnic enclave."

The nation's biggest charity group, St Vincent de Paul, said there was a permanent underclass that had created "two Australias".

National social justice committee president Terry McCarthy said welfare dependents were "punished" for finding employment because Centrelink offered no financial buffer during the transition to work.

"If we can dream up some ideas, think of what they can do in Treasury to get people back into the workforce, perhaps with a subsidy, and get them off welfare and get them some self-respect," Mr McCarthy said.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9273882%255E2702,00.html

Get out of disabled car parks
MORE than 15,000 Victorians were caught pinching parking places from drivers with disabilities last year.

A Herald Sun council survey found the worst offenders were in Melbourne, Maribyrnong and Kingston.
Councils said the misuse of disabled parking bays was growing alarmingly. Last year, 15,335 drivers were fined.

Almost 1900 $100 fines were handed out in Maribyrnong, and in Kingston fines jumped 50 per cent to 1519.

Disabled groups said the safety of wheelchair users who were forced to use normal parking bays was under threat.

Some had been trapped in their cars, unable to move, after they were "parked in".

A random check over the past week found more than half of the cars in disabled parking bays in Melbourne and Maribyrnong did not have permits.

Disabled drivers say they have had enough.

"It's disgusting," paraplegic Simon Ogilvie said.

"Sometimes you see people who've obviously borrowed nana's sticker and they think that makes it all right.

"Other times you feel frustrated because able-bodied people are being selfish and lazy and parking in your bays."

Mr Ogilvie said paraplegics didn't ask to spend their lives in a wheelchair.

"Tell people if they want my disabled parking bay, they can take my disability, too," he said.

VicRoads, doctors and Disabled Motorists Victoria have formed a working party to stop the growing misuse of parking bays.

VicRoads' traffic and transport integration manager, Ted Vincent, said the working party would look at the number of permits and eligibility requirements.

The problem is expected to worsen as the population ages and more drivers demand permits to park in disabled bays.

Brimbank Council is testing time restrictions on disabled parking bays. An Australian Quadriplegic Association survey in Melbourne found 44 per cent of people using the bays did not have a noticeable disability.

Kingston Council spokesman Michael Petit said residents were more likely to dob people in for doing socially unacceptable things.

"This goes for people throwing away cigarette butts as much as it does for parking in disabled bays," he said.

"There's been a real cultural shift in the type of behaviour people will tolerate."
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9272682%255E2862,00.html

Qantas flies into 'cheap fare' row
QANTAS was forced to declare its allegiance to the Gold Coast yesterday after it was accused of treating Australia's fastest-growing city like "Hicksville".

Gold Coast community and business leaders were fuming after the airline announced it would cut its business-class flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, and substitute budget carrier Jetstar. The no-frills service also will take over some Qantas business-class flights to Sydney.

Qantas was forced on to the back foot after The Gold Coast Bulletin accused it yesterday of treating the nation's seventh-largest city like a "no-frills Hicksville" and declared in its front-page headline: "Damn you, Qantas."

The newspaper even offered readers a free trip to Sydney - flying Virgin Blue - for the best response to the decision.

Rob Gurney, head of sales and distribution at Qantas, defended the changes and said the airline was increasing capacity to the Gold Coast by 20 per cent.

"Qantas has never been more committed to the Gold Coast," he said. "We're putting a significant additional investment with more capacity to the Gold Coast, which to us is a pretty strong indication of the value we place on the market."

Mr Gurney said business-class travel to Melbourne was not "economically sustainable" because only two or three seats per flight were taken.

"The (Melbourne) market is heavily skewed towards leisure, which is more price-sensitive, so what we're doing is providing more seats at lower prices which is good for tourism," he said.

But that argument did not wash with new Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke, who said he "hasn't been on a Qantas plane that wasn't packed", and called for the decision to be reconsidered.

"If Qantas was marketing a second airline, that's fine, but they're marketing it as a cheap airline, which I think reflects on the destination," Mr Clarke said.

"It says that well-heeled people won't go to the Cold Coast."

Gold Coast Combined Chamber of Commerce chairman John Witheriff said the decision could reduce the amount of business tourism to the city.

"We want to work with Qantas to bring back business class," Mr Witheriff said.

"A number of travellers who come to the Gold Coast choose to travel business class and, whether it's fair or unfair, good or bad, that does impact on the decision of some travellers."

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said he would "reserve my judgment until we see how it works".
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9282676%255E2702,00.html

Survivor's guide to a hold-up
http://images.news.com.au/thedailytelegraph/1196403_holdup.jpg
PUBLICANS are being taught how to survive armed hold-ups as the number of Sydney hotel robberies soars.
With at least five pubs robbed on Monday night alone, police have set up strike force Icely to investigate 22 such robberies since the end of January.

Police believe two gangs operating in tandem may be responsible for the raids.

They are committed by two to four men wearing balaclavas who threaten staff with pistols, guns or machetes. In some cases shots have been fired.

Australian Hotels Association spokesman Natasha Mitchell said armed hold-ups of hotels were increasing. Police from the metropolitan robbery unit are attending the AHA's branch meetings as well as visiting individual hoteliers.

Among the advice officers are giving publicans is to be compliant, don't make sudden movements and not to walk in if a robbery is in progress. One publican, whose hotel was held-up in recent months, said the police lectures were "very helpful".

"They gave us tips on what to look out for and how to more properly secure our premises," said the woman, who did not want to be named.

She said the information gleaned from the talks may have helped prevent the robbery at her hotel.

The gangs, which have struck up to three times a night, are believed to have netted hundreds of thousands of dollars. A dark blue car, believed to be either a BMW or a Subaru WRX, has been used as a getaway vehicle during a number of the robberies.

On Monday night pubs were held up at Maroubra, Leichhardt, Ashfield, Allawah and Rooty Hill.

The Maroubra robbery occurred at 8.55pm at the Sands Hotel in Curtin St. About an hour later police saw a Holden utility used in the Marou- bra robbery. Officers chased the car along Gardeners Rd, Mascot where it smashed head-on into a police car. Four occupants of the vehicle fled on foot but two men in their early 20s were arrested and charged a short time later.
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1260&storyid=1196402

Bus ride ends in bit of a jam
http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/250-gen17bus5.jpg
THE big, red, double-decker bus clearly was never going to fit under the West Perth subway - but that didn't stop the person who took it for a joy-ride from trying.

That's how the bus became wedged under the subway in Sutherland Street early yesterday morning.

With its top peeled open like a tin can, the bus was well and truly stuck, causing disruption to morning peak-hour traffic.

Main Roads workers were able to free the vehicle and remove it by lunchtime.

Police allege that the thief stole the bus from the nearby La-Bog nightclub in Newcastle Street early yesterday.

The bus, which was a write-off, was a regular part of the Perth nightclub scene, used to ferry partygoers from one nightspot to the next around the city and Fremantle.

La-Bog owner Nunzio La Bianca said he would replace it as soon as possible because it was a valuable part of his business.

A 32-year-old Warwick man, who previously was banned from driving for life, was arrested at the scene and charged with stealing a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, refusing a breath test and driving without a licence.

Sen. Const. Ralph Stevenson said the man faced a further charge of damage after allegedly hitting a wall in anger at the Perth police station following his arrest.

He is due to appear in Perth Magistrate's Court on April 21.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040417/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto123403-pic23909.html

NEWS 55 of the 67 posts in this thread are by chris

Spy centre will film rail hoons
A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR spy centre will be set up to boost security at city and suburban train stations.

Within 12 months, 800 cameras across the urban rail network will feed around-the-clock vision to a room of TV monitors at a secret Perth location.

By the time the Perth-Mandurah line is completed in late 2006, about 1200 cameras will be linked to the system, which will be staffed by up to six Public Transport Authority officers.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan is expected to announce today the signing of a $7.1 million contract with Honeywell Ltd to beef up security surveillance across the network.

The officers in the monitor room will be able to react instantly to a situation via an intercom to the railway station, as well as make contact with police or PTA guards.

Ms MacTiernan said between five and 15 cameras would be installed at each station, on all platforms and station car parks.

"We have worked with the WA Police Service to develop improved camera techniques aimed at better identifying offenders," she said.

"Passengers on our urban rail can have every confidence of optimum safety and security 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

There are fixed cameras operating at all stations now but with limited monitoring.

Under the new project – loosely modelled on a system set up at Darling Harbour in Sydney before the 2000 Olympics – every station will have around-the-clock surveillance and most cameras will be controllable to allow the movements of offenders, or incidents to be tracked.

"A world-class urban rail system requires a world-class security system," Ms MacTiernan said.

`This sophisticated surveillance will reduce the incidence of crime and vandalism by deterring criminals and by helping PTA security staff identify and track offenders.

"It will help in the prosecution and conviction of offenders by providing video and still images of sufficient quality to be tendered in court as evidence."

She said a code of conduct had been developed to ensure images were managed properly.

The system is part of the $24 million TrainSafe package, which has introduced on-train cameras, emergency call buttons on trains and platforms, improved lighting at stations, plus locked compounds and patrolled car parks. More than 200 guards have been employed.
http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,9306010%255E2761,00.html

Name no easy street
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,337105,00.jpg
LIVING in a street with an unusual name could wipe thousands of dollars off the sale price of your property.

Melbourne has no shortage of strange street tags: a city strip was last week renamed Bionic Ear Lane.
Footscray real estate agent Justin Bonventre said street names affected buyers just as a person's name influenced first impressions.

The impact of a really odd name could knock five or 10 per cent off the purchase price, he said.

Buyers occasionally refused outright to visit a property based on the street name, he said.

"Strong Anglo-Saxon names tend to do better," he said.

Wilson Pride Prahran sales director Lee Pellizzer said pleasant-sounding names, such as Best St or Friendly Court, made people feel better about a purchase.

"The more unusual the name, it's going to appeal to less of the market," he said.

But Cranbourne agent Mark Elkhalil said he was yet to come across a street name that had driven down a sale price.

Sale prices in Cranbourne's Lawless Drive were among the highest in the area, he said.

"It's a very popular pocket. The name doesn't seem to have any effect at all," he said.

An agent who asked not to be named said buyers were less fussy in working class areas. "In Camberwell or Toorak, street names need to have a more prestigious ring about them," he said.

Local councils rename hundreds of existing roads each year, often after lobbying from residents sick of gibes.

The latest edition of the Melway's street directory included 114 street name changes, and 1621 entries for new streets or roads.

Residents of Fashion Pde, Broadmeadows, are the butt of constant jokes, and often have to convince taxi drivers or pizza shops that their address is not a hoax.

But resident of 27 years Angela Guardabascio said she was used to the name now and would not want it altered.

"People always comment on it. We think it's quite a nice name, and it's a very friendly street," she said.

Another long-time resident, Shirley Deed, said that the name was lovely and gibes about it were only occasional.

Councils must notify Victoria's Registrar of Geographic Place Names before making alterations.

Roads can't be named after a commercial enterprise or a living person, and aren't allowed to be derogatory or offensive, a registry spokeswoman said.

"Councils can decide to name or rename a road for whatever reason they see fit," she said.

Melbourne City Council last week voted to change Corporation Lane to Bionic Ear Lane, prompting a spat between some locals who think the new tag is silly.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9320863^2862,00.html

Hobart air as bad as Sydney
HOBART'S air is as dirty on some levels as Australia's biggest city, Sydney.

The first national air quality report shows that when measuring "inhalable particles" in the air in 2001, Hobart and Sydney were about even.

However, Hobart, with a population of about 200,000, and Sydney, with about 3.5 million, both met the air quality standard for air-borne particles caused by cars, wood heaters, controlled burns, dust and sea salt.

But another Tassie city was the only one to breach the standard -- Launceston.

Hobart Mayor Rob Valentine said that from a glance at the report, which was released last week, it appeared there were issues the city should be concerned with.

"Obviously, it's not just Launceston that has environmental air pollution issues," he said.

"In order to retain our clean, green image we must redress the issues that cause us to float next to these maximums.

"It's important for tourism and quality of life for those who live here."

Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment director of environmental management Warren Jones said he thought the main reason for Hobart's air quality result was heater smoke in winter.

He said he believed there were enough particles in the air "to be of concern from a health perspective".

Mr Jones said while Hobart easily met the national standard for particles, there were areas in the city where air quality was worse.

"I think there's certainly grounds for looking to reduce wood smoke pollution in Hobart," he said.

Particles in the air have been associated with increased respiratory symptoms, aggravation of asthma and increased hospital admissions.

The air quality results were contained in the federal Environment and Heritage Department document titled State of the Air: National Ambient Air Quality Status and Trends Report 1991-2001.

Hobart barely registered on other pollutants the report measured, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, lead and fine particles.

Ald Valentine said the Hobart City Council had done its own air quality sampling, which showed that over the past 15 years there was a trend towards improved quality.
http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,9322050%255E3462,00.html

School rot: kids in decaying portables
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,337114,00.jpg
FIFTY thousand Victorian students are being taught in broken-down portable classrooms, many of them leaking, smelly, and riddled with asbestos or filled with dust.

State schools are cluttered with more than 2000 portable rooms that are almost 40 years old.
As term two commences today for half a million state school students, many will endure the school day in ramshackle portables only ever meant for temporary use.

Freedom of Information documents obtained by the Herald Sun reveal 2110 of the oldest portables were still in use late last year.

Common complaints and safety concerns about the old weatherboard classrooms include water leaks near electrical fittings, the presence of asbestos, overheating, bad odours, structural rot and dust pollution.

When housing an average number of students, the portables also fail to meet the Government's specifications for student-to-space ratios.

The oldest temporary classrooms, the "Mod Twos", were introduced in the 1960s and were criticised in an Auditor-General's report last year that called for 1000 portables to be scrapped immediately.

Freedom of Information documents reveal only 82 of the oldest portables were decommissioned in the two years from 2001.

Education Department spokesman Paul Barber was unable to say how many portables had been decommissioned since the Auditor General's report.

But Mr Barber said the Government had complied with the report by revamping up to 641 of the buildings.

"You renovate them, you paint them, and you move them on to another school," he said. "Every time you move one, you renovate it."

The Opposition's spokesman on education, Victor Perton, said that this was a far cry from what the Auditor General's report had demanded.

"Lying to the public, saying a lick of paint and moving them from place to place is replacing them, is Alice in Wonderland stuff," Mr Perton said.

"The Government has shown a flagrant disregard for the Auditor General and the safety of pupils in that these buildings are falling apart and many of them have an asbestos risk."

Principals are expected to fund repairs of portables from their budgets. But those contacted by the Herald Sun said older portables were falling apart so rapidly they required almost constant maintenance.

Victorian Primary Principals Association president Fred Ackerman said one of the things preventing the Government from retiring the buildings was a commitment to low class sizes.

He said the 1:21 teacher-to-student ratio it promised for Prep to Grade 2 classes had put a huge strain on space, leading to buildings being recycled.

"They are in poor repair. All things considered, the old weatherboard portables are quite a liability," he said.

The Bracks Government, as part of its 2003 election campaign, promised $50 million towards a replacement program for portables, but schools are still waiting to see the details of the program or the money.

Mr Barber said details would be revealed in the May Budget.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9319907%255E2862,00.html

School for dummies
ADELAIDE University's School of Medicine is being derided as the "Med School for Dummies" for having Australia's lowest entry score and rejecting a stream of the state's brightest students, a prominent Adelaide family has warned.

Professor Judith Sloan said entry to the school had become a joke and was being mocked by students interstate.

Prof Sloan – an economist whose credentials include being deputy chairwoman of the ABC, Productivity Commission commissioner, director of Santos and Mayne and former professor of labour studies at Flinders University – called for an overhaul of the entry system which relies on a pre-entry interview.

Her husband, obstetrician Dr Christopher Verco, said the system needed an independent inquiry.

Their criticism comes as the Australian Medical Association raised concerns the interviews were ideologically skewed against children of doctors and private school students.

Prof Sloan and Dr Verco's daughter Lucinda was rejected for medicine despite a TER (Tertiary Entrance Rank) of 99.9 and perfect scores in maths, chemistry, physics and biology.

She was accepted by two other universities and now is studying medicine at Melbourne University with a growing colony of high-achieving South Australians rejected by Adelaide University.

Lucinda would have been the fourth generation Verco to study medicine at Adelaide.

"It is too late for Lucinda, she has gone to Melbourne and is unlikely to return to Adelaide when she graduates," Prof Sloan said.

"We are speaking out for other families who will be facing this situation in the future.

"The people we are losing interstate are not just academically gifted, they are well-rounded.

"People have been trying to get some kind of accountability about the entry system.

"Entry systems vary but only Adelaide puts such reliance on the UMAT and interviews – it is an absolute joke.

"Adelaide only has a TER entry score of 90 and when I was interstate I discovered the kids in Melbourne are calling it the Med School for Dummies."

Melbourne University's TER entry this year was 99.6.

AMA SA president Dr William Heddle has received numerous complaints by doctors about the interview system.

"It is interesting to note children of doctors and private school students seem to have great difficulty getting into the medical school despite excellent academic scores and personal qualities," he said.

"We have great concern it may be happening for ideological reasons and are having discussions with the university.

"We want a system that is fair and equitable, and we have serious concerns the interview system is not – it needs a full review."

Several doctors have contacted Lucinda's family saying the interviews appear weighted against children of doctors "for social engineering reasons".

Lucinda said it was common for students to pay about $300 to be coached for the UMAT and interview so they could "tell interviewers what they want to hear".

"I'll never return to Adelaide – after six years of study in Melbourne I'll be staying," she said.

"The whole entry process was ridiculous – not everyone gets the same questions and they change it each year.

"Living in a doctor's house was a disadvantage because they want you to give an idealistic view of medicine rather than what it is like in the real world."

Dr Verco noted the entry system placed enormous reliance on communication skills.

"What they don't realise in trying to pick the doctor of the future by a short interview with a 17-year-old is after years of study doctors go into all sorts of specialties suited to different personalities," he said.

"You also have to ask, if you are going in for brain surgery, do you want a neurosurgeon with a good bedside manner or one who is technically competent?

"Questions have to be asked about the reliability and validity of the interview."

Adelaide University vice-chancellor Professor James McWha rejected the criticism, noting the interviews were carefully structured.

"The interviewers are assessed regularly and compared against other interviewers and if there is a disparity it is evaluated and a decision made whether a remedy is required," he said.

"You don't need just academic skills to be a good doctor, you need other qualities."

Prof McWha dismissed claims the interviews were skewed against doctors' children or private school students, or that the medical school was gaining the reputation as a Med School for Dummies.

"It simply is not the case – if you are saying the top 4 per cent of students in the country are not the best you are mistaken," he said
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,9311805%255E2682,00.html

Ambulance wait times put lives at risk
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,337439,00.jpg
VICTORIANS urgently needing hospital are dying because ambulance response times have blown out by up to 45 per cent.

FOI documents show hundreds of sick Victorians waited for up to 26 minutes for an ambulance – double the accepted response time.
Some desperately ill patients waited almost an hour for help.

Details emerged as ambulance paramedics claimed at least 50 patients who died last year could have been saved as standards hit a five-year low.

"We're looking at at least 50 people – that would be a minimum – who died last year and didn't need to," a paramedic instructor said.

"It's getting to the point where it's disgusting. You hear paramedics say, more and more, we couldn't get there. We couldn't help that person because we were too late."

Freedom of Information reports obtained by the Herald Sun show 2659 Victorians waited more than 16 minutes for emergency help last year.

More than 330 of them – many with their lives in the balance – were forced to wait more than 26 minutes.

State benchmarks require 90 per cent of Code One responses to reach emergency patients within 13 minutes.

Bacchus Marsh mother Carole Hickman has called for a public inquest into the death of her son Ben, 10.

Ambulance paramedics arrived at Ms Hickman's home 26 minutes after she called 000 and told an operator her son was unconscious and had no pulse.

"I relive those 26 minutes every single day," she said.

"There is a certain horror about being in that situation.

"I don't know if my son would have survived if the ambulance had come earlier, but every second was crucial.

"Politicians could have no idea how this trauma has affected our family," Ms Hickman said.

Ambulance paramedics told the Herald Sun under-resourcing was at crisis point, as the service's workload continued to grow.

Ambulance Employees Association spokesman Rod Morris said demand for ambulances was growing by up to 10 per cent a year.

"We are close to drowning, only surviving because paramedics are working through their meal breaks. It's outrageous," he said.

"We need more staff or we'll quickly slide back into the crisis days of the mid-'90s," Mr Morris said.

Documents released to the Herald Sun, which include 12 months' data to October 1, 2003, reveal the following:

SUNBURY is the riskiest place to live – 122 residents endured long waits for paramedics.

ENTRENCHED ambulance practices are putting lives in outer suburbs at risk.

AN ALTONA patient, a priority Code One case, waited more than an hour for an ambulance on August 3 last year.

AUGUST was the worst month – 21 ambulances were late on August 3.

EMERGENCY patients in Chelsea, Gembrook, Toorak and Warburton have waited 52 minutes to an hour for paramedics.

WAITING times have worsened since the government-run Emergency Communications Victoria replaced Intergraph in September 2002.

Mr Morris said the Bracks Government improved ambulance operations and resources when it came to power in 1999.

But he said a lack of ambulances and crews was again emerging as a worrying problem.

Opposition health spokesman David Davis urged the State Government to act.

"No Victorian believes this is acceptable and no Victorian should have to tolerate such disgracefully long waits," he said.

The ambulance royal commission, which ran for 23 months to November 2001, found Intergraph acted illegally in making test calls to improve its performance statistics.

ECV replaced Intergraph in September 2002.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9329842%255E2862,00.html
Public beds may be shut down
UP to a quarter of beds in public hospitals may be shut down tomorrow as the battle between nurses and the State Government intensifies.

Elective surgery is likely to be cancelled at a similar rate.
Work bans proposed by 26,000 nurses will also affect outpatient clinics and the collection of blood. The bans were a last resort by nurses to resolve their dispute, said Australian Nursing Federation Victorian branch secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick.

"Nurses have been extremely frustrated by that lack of good faith . . . there has been no compromise at all," she said.

Yesterday public hospitals were preparing for the bans as Health Minister Bronwyn Pike appealed to nurses to drop the action.

Nurses are seeking a pay rise and opposing a move by the Government to abolish patient-nurse ratios, which guarantee a minimum of five nurses to 20 patients in most wards.

Nurses had sought a 24 per cent rise over three years. The state offered 9 per cent, including a 0.75 per cent productivity rider.

Nurses will vote today on industrial action.

Ms Fitzpatrick denied the wage claim was at the heart of the action, saying nurses were concerned about the loss of minimum staffing levels.

Patients would not be endangered by the action but Ms Pike urged nurses to think carefully about the safety of patients.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9331493%255E2862,00.html

1000 beds now closed
VICTORIA'S health system was in disarray yesterday with more than 1000 hospital beds now closed.

Private talks between the Government and the Australian Nursing Federation have so far failed to end the stand-off which has also seen 233 operations cancelled.
Crisis talks will continue today.

State Health Minister Bronwyn Pike yesterday said the union had under-estimated the impact of the industrial action.

Ms Pike said it had been predicted 1000 beds would be shut by the nurses' next stopwork meeting on May 4, not after just four days of action.

"They've come too hard, they've come too quickly and I don't think the union could have anticipated the damage that's actually been caused to our health system and to patients," she said.

"I'm very concerned that as they escalate that more elective surgery will be cancelled, that sick people will be turned away from out-patient clinics and that our emergency departments will continue to clog up."

Ms Pike said her priority was to have the bans declared illegal in the Industrial Relations Commission tomorrow.

ANF state secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick yesterday said the union had strong public support.

Ms Fitzpatrick said the union had been negotiating with the Government since November and was committed to resolving the dispute.

"We are hoping to get these issues resolved as quickly as possible," she said.

The union wants an 8 per cent annual pay rise and the preservation of nurse-to-patient ratios.

The Government has offered a 3 per cent rise and wants to replace ratios with a patient dependency system.

Pressure on emergency departments continued to mount yesterday with a blow-out in waiting times for treatment and beds.

Royal Melbourne Hospital emergency department director Professor Marcus Kennedy said things would get worse.

"By Monday and Tuesday we can expect things to become much more uncomfortable," he said.

Opposition health spokesman David Davis said the Government's failure to resolve the dispute was putting Victorians at risk.

"I call on the Premier to personally visit Lisa Fitzpatrick at the ANF headquarters in a direct step to break the logjam," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Davis said new figures showed that with just 50 beds, Victoria was 22 neo-natal intensive care beds short.

Mr Davis said critically ill babies may soon have to be flown interstate for treatment.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9379893%255E2862,00.html

A sign of the times
http://images.news.com.au/thedailytelegraph/1243368_Sign.jpg
IN HUGE neon letters, drivers stuck in the morning rush hour are told: "Caution, lock your car."

As they crawl along in their cars, the mobile alert switches to: "Bag snatchers in area."

Police resorted to the electronic plea -- broadcast every day since Monday from 8am to 10am and 3pm to 5pm -- to put an end to a string of robberies from moving cars over the past two weeks.

While officers believe only one youth may be responsible for the crime spree, the sign is just another indicator of how our once-carefree city is changing.

In recent years, ultra-violet lights have been installed in pubs and parks to deter drug users, playgrounds have been locked up by councils fearing they may be sued if children are injured, and events such as fairs and Christmas celebrations have been cancelled due to rising public liability costs.

In petrol stations, cashiers hide behind bullet-proof barriers while taxi drivers are enclosed in plexiglass "bubbles" to deter attackers.

Police said the latest weapon against crime, placed on the corner of Palmer and Cathedral Sts, has been remarkably effective.

The suspect, aged between 14 and 16, had struck six times over two weeks, mostly targetting women drivers stopped at the traffic lights with their passenger door unlocked and their handbags lying on the front passenger seat.

The youth loitered on the footpath at the intersection, at the exit ramp of the Eastern Distributor, and picked out likely victims.

The attacks were not violent and no weapon had been used.

Kings Cross local area commander Superintendent Dave Darcy said one of his officers had the idea to use the message board to warn drivers when council had informed police it planned to post a sign at the intersection.

He said no decision had yet been made to extend the use of mobile message warning, but they would "see how this experiment goes".

"The great thing is that since we've done this we've seen the bag snatches stop and we've only had it up at certain times," he said.

The idea is similar to the "Amber Alert" system used in the US in which photographs and details of missing children are broadcast on freeway signs.

A City of Sydney spokeswoman said the council was aware of a rise in bag snatches at Kings Cross.

The council had initiated a Gone in a Flash poster program to warn locals about rising crime.
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1260&storyid=1243363

Other States already beneficiaries of shock Sydney taxes
http://www.propertyreview.com.au/archives/2004/21042004/headline/image/australand_fwp.gif
Private investors are deserting the Sydney investment apartment market in their droves as the fall-out to the NSW government’s bombshell taxes continues.

Whilst developers, financial institutions and industry bodies lampoon the Carr government for its recent mini-budget, which will see Sydneysiders virtually “penalised” for owning investment properties over $400,000, other States and New Zealand appear to be the beneficiaries.

Developers and agents in Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and New Zealand told propertyreview.com.au yesterday that the inquiry rate from Sydney investors has increased five-fold since the Carr government slugged property investors with increased taxes.

“The interest from Sydney has been consistent for sometime now as people become priced out of the Sydney property market, which has made the Brisbane and Melbourne markets far more attractive,” a national developer told propertyreview.com.au.

“Since the mini-budget in New South Wales the number of Sydney investor inquiries has gone from five a week to more than 20.

“It would seem price wise Melbourne has a huge advantage especially when you also add in the stamp duty savings and tax depreciation allowances on major landmark towers.”

Melbourne residential landmarks such as Royal Domain in St Kilda Road; Freshwater Place at Southgate are both gaining investor interest from Sydney in recent weeks.

Property circles also believe two of the biggest sales in Melbourne property market ever were at the $750 million Freshwater Place in recent times were to Sydney investors.
http://www.propertyreview.com.au/archives/2004/21042004/headline/image/sunland_q1.gif
Australand’s Rob Pradolin would not confirm that two whole floors penthouses sold for $8 million and $10 million respectively to well known Sydney businessmen.

If the $10 million penthouse sale is correct it is a record for the Melbourne property market.

“It is Australand policy not to confirm the identity of people who buy at Freshwater or the sale prices of penthouses,” Pradolin said.

“However, on a comparative basis you can buy a luxury apartment at Freshwater for around half the price you would pay on Sydney’s harbour.”

More than a third of the buyers at Freshwater Place are from Sydney.

Of course, no names from the developer have been mentioned amongst the future residents at Freshwater Place, however, our spies tell us that ex-Packer Jodi Meares, former ABC chief honcho Jonathon Shier and top end of town transport mogul Paul Little are amongst future residents.

In Queensland and Perth the inquiry rate has also increased from Sydney investors with Sunland’s world’s tallest residential tower Q1 on the Gold Coast and Perth’s prime Terrace Road precinct have witnessed increased investor interest from the Harbour City.

Q1 has been hotly sought after by Sydney investors since its launch, but according to Sunland the amount of interest in top end apartments from buyers from NSW has increased dramatically in recent times.

“There is still plenty of money for investment properties, but these new taxes are killing the investment property market in Sydney and all the money is going to Melbourne and to a lessor extent Perth and Brisbane,” according to a high profile inner city Sydney agent.

According to agent Real Estate Institute of WA, Perth has experienced boom conditions over the past two years. In 2003, there were 41 sales of apartments in Perth over $1 million. Ten years ago, in 1993, there was only one apartment sale over $1 million.

The REIWA confirmed that may of Perth’s best apartment have been purchased by buyers out of London as well as a continuing stream of buyers from the Australian eastern seaboard particularly Sydney.
http://www.propertyreview.com.au/archives/2004/21042004/headline/image/sydney_horizon.gif
http://www.propertyreview.com.au/archives/2004/21042004/headline/21042004004.html

Street sleaze blitz catches 40
http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/250-gen30cops11.jpg
Up to 40 kerb crawlers and street prostitutes have been caught in a four-day police crackdown on the sex trade on Perth's inner-city streets.

Operation Crawler, which ended last night, saw about 30 men and 10 women issued with move-on notices.

The notices allow police to ban prostitutes suspected of soliciting or kerb crawlers attempting to procure a prostitute from an area bounded by Newcastle, Lord, Fitzgerald and Walcott streets for 24 hours.

The recent issuing of move-on notices marks a change of tactics by police. Previously they relied on charging people with soliciting or attempting to procure when targeting the street sex trade.

Both offences are difficult to prove but anyone who ignores a move-on notice can be charged with breaching the order and then be hit with a restraining order banning them from the area for 12 months.

Street prostitution team leader Sgt Steve Beswick said the blitz was in response to complaints from local residents and businesses.

"We are letting it be known that if you come to this area and continually get caught you are going to get embarrassed," he said.

"You are also going to be put in front of court for a restraining order as well and then have to explain that to everybody."

Sgt Beswick said despite previous crackdowns, women and young girls who live in the area were still being approached by men for sex.

"We've also got businesses contacting us on a weekly basis informing us about activities at the rear of their premises . . . where the deed is actually being done," he said. "They are coming to work and there's condoms, syringes and all sorts of stuff lying around in their carparks."

Police generally find most kerb crawlers are married or have partners.

Many have children and their families have no idea of their activities. They seek street prostitutes because they are cheap, anonymous and quick.

In addition to issuing dozens of move-on notices, officers from the street prostitution team have also charged people with drug, drink-driving and weapons offences. A 43-year-old Bunbury man who was issued with a move-on notice on Monday afternoon was charged with breaching the order about three hours later after he allegedly ignored the notice and returned to the area.

Sgt Beswick said that the street prostitution team was also gathering intelligence "for other ongoing investigations in other areas".

Sgt Beswick declined to comment on investigations into two unsolved murders involving street prostitutes and the abduction and attempted murder of a third in the area.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040430/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto124144-pic24122.html

Victorian youth biggest uni losers
http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/04/29/30TAN_NEXT.jpg
As many as 7000 eligible students in Victoria, and up to 24,300 across Australia, missed out on a university place this year, according to the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee.

The committee's annual survey on unmet demand, to be released today, estimated that between 19,200 and 24,300 applicants who qualified for an undergraduate place could not secure one.

Victoria again recorded the highest level of unmet demand, accounting for about one-third of students who missed out, followed by NSW/ACT and Queensland.

Students in Victoria are eligible for university if they successfully complete VCE and pass year 12 English. State admissions centres received 228,414 applications from eligible students - but 63,329, or more than a quarter, were unsuccessful.

The survey estimated a level of unmet demand by discounting multiple applications and offers rejected by students. It showed there has been no improvement in student access to university education, despite the passing of the Federal Government's higher education reforms.

However, contrary to warnings by the Opposition and students, there has not been a significant increase in students missing out this year either.

In 2003, 18,700 to 25,700 students missed out in Australia, including 3300 to 7300 in Victoria. This year between 4100 and 7000 would-be students in Victoria missed out.

Under the higher education changes passed at the end of last year, universities will be financially penalised if they fail to cut the number of students they over-enrol to 5 per cent above their quota by 2008. The Government is creating 25,000 fully-funded places to replace those it is forcing universities to cut, but they do not begin until next year.

Students feared that more eligible applicants would miss out on a place this year as institutions began phasing out the number of over-enrolments to meet the deadline. They were also concerned that there would be few second-round offers as more students take up first-round offers instead of deferring, to avoid HECS increases of up to 25 per cent that begin next year.

While the vice-chancellors supported the reform package, they believe it did not go far enough to meeting demand for places. They will use the figures to continue to pressure the Government for more publicly-funded places.

The survey warns that demand will soar by the end of the decade, with the population of 15 to 17-year-olds expected to rise by 40,000 in the next six years.

Veterinary, medical, dental and law courses continued to be the most difficult to enter.

About 78 per cent of eligible students who applied for veterinary studies, and 75 per cent of those vying for a medical studies place, missed out. But the prospects of getting into a nursing course improved slightly
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/29/1083224517378.html

China signs North West Shelf gas deal
China has finalised a deal to buy $25 billion worth of natural gas from the North West Shelf from 2006.

The contract, signed today in Beijing, firms up an earlier agreement and represents a record export deal with Guangdong province.

Western Australia's State Development Minister, Clive Brown, was in Beijing for the signing.

The deal includes a contract to build the terminal to receive and distribute the gas.

"The contract signed this morning will now facilitate the construction of that terminal," he said.

"It will also facilitate off-take agreements so that power stations and other users are now contracted to use Western Australian gas."
http://www.abc.net.au/wa/news/200404/s1098892.htm

Tourists pay $100 to stroll on beach
TAX and immigration officials are being sooled on to rogue tourist operators who are ripping off Asian visitors.

Claims of Gold Coast tourists being charged $100 to walk on the beach, sold $10 packs of Tim Tams and forced to shop at overpriced warehouses away from the tourist strip has led to the crackdown.

Federal Tourism Minister Joe Hockey, speaking on the Gold Coast yesterday, said new federal measures would complement police and fair trading initiatives by the states. "Dodgy consumer practices can downgrade Australia's tourism reputation and affect the number of visitor arrivals," Mr Hockey said.

"It is important that Australia maintains its reputation as a value-for-money shopping destination."

While Japanese tourists are seen as the main victims of the scams, it is feared the new target is the rapidly growing number of Chinese visitors.

Surfers Paradise Traders Association spokesman Stuart Cowen said kickbacks of as much as $100 a head were being paid to inbound operators by unscrupulous shop owners.

"Asian tourists are being taken away from the CBD and out to clearance factories where they are charged $5000 for a $1000 opal," he said.

Mr Cowen said the tourists were then warned they risked violence and assault on the streets of Surfers to ensure they did not find out they had been ripped off.

He said tour guides also stood outside stores not paying kickbacks and warned tourists the products were of poor quality and overpriced.

The Queensland Government recently introduced laws including lifetime bans and fines up to $250,000 for rogue operators. A national taskforce dealing with the issue met for the first time in March.

Queensland Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said having a national co-operative approach to back up the state laws was a huge step forward.

"It was obvious to me that we needed the federal Government on board so we could address immigration and taxation issues, as well as those able to be countered by Queensland legislation," Ms Keech told an Australian Tourism Export Council symposium on the Gold Coast yesterday.

The number of international visitors to Australia is predicted to rise by almost 10 per cent this year to 5.2 million, reversing three years of decline.

The Tourism Forecasting Council expects a 9.9 per cent overall rise in inbound visitor numbers, with a 25 per cent jump in arrivals from China leading the way.

The report forecast continued high growth from China, at an average annual rate of 18.5 per cent over the next decade.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9436270%255E2702,00.html

State blowout reaches $1.6b
STATE Government departments blew their budgets by more than $1.6 billion last financial year.

A Public Accounts and Estimates Committee report shows government departments spent $26.4 billion in 2002-2003, which was $1.63 billion higher than estimates.
Opposition Leader Robert Doyle said the extraordinary blowout showed the Government was spending beyond its means.

"If the Government had ensured departments stayed within budget for last year alone, we would have enough money to build the Scoresby Freeway without tolls," Mr Doyle said. "This shows Labor can't manage the State's economy."

Despite the blowout, the Government recorded an operating surplus of $235.9m, a decrease of $285.9m from budget estimates, the report said.

The Government received windfall gains however, from taxes, $9.35 billion (up $547 million), fines and fees, $567 million (up $13.7 million) and Federal grants, $12.1 billion (up $350 million).

"The committee observed that although revenue increased by 5.3 per cent as compared to budget, expenditure increased at a faster rate of 6.6 per cent," the report said.

A spokeswoman for Treasurer John Brumby said the Government delivered a budget surplus, as promised, and the extra spending went towards services in health, education, policing and new infrastructure.

She said increased superannuation expenses were due to the poor performance of sharemarkets in 2002-03, which pushed up unfunded super liabilities.

The report said employee expenses were $501.4m higher than expected, costing taxpayers $9.542 billion, with superannuation costs coming in $899.1m over budget at $2.612 billion.

The report reveals that stress-related claims cost $14.7m with employees from the Department of Justice and the Department of Education and Training (up 37 per cent) costing taxpayers $8.6m and $3.7m respectively.

Victoria Police employees lodged 229 claims and employees with the Department of Education and Training made 236.

Taxpayers paid $200,000 in subsidies for the parliamentary dining rooms, the report said.

WorkCover premiums cost $160m with Victoria Police ($60.1m), the Department of Education and Training ($50.1m) and Department of Human Services ($23.9m) the highest. Legal costs and payouts associated with the Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre cost $46.8m in 2002-03. The State Government paid $77 million in drought assistance to farmers and $136 million for bushfire suppression and recovery.

Project management costs for the Scoresby Freeway were $17 million, the report said.

The State Government handed over $22 million, out of a $40 million loan to the operators of the Docklands Film Studios.

The report shows student numbers in government and non-government schools rose by 4295 between February 2002-03, with independent schools recording the highest increase (3.5 per cent).

"The committee is concerned that reading proficiency targets for 2002-03 were not achieved at the prep and year 1 levels," the report said. "Declining trends in the reading performance of prep and year 1 students were also apparent."

Department heads in Treasury and Finance and all level two executive officers in the Department of Premier and Cabinet received bonuses of up to 20 per cent, the report said.
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9444731%255E2862,00.html

The Parks becoming 'just like Redfern'
CRIME in The Parks area is turning it into the "Redfern" of South Australia, residents have warned.

Saturated with public housing, the cluster of suburbs in Adelaide's northwest are rife with violence, drug dealing and prostitution, a public meeting attended by about 100 private and Housing Trust residents heard yesterday.

Athol Park woman Kerry Herbert, who is considering moving out after 18 years, received a sympathetic reaction when she told the meeting: "We have a Redfern in the making."

Earlier she told the Sunday Mail: "It's a ghetto", describing discarded syringes in reserves, ongoing prostitution and the general decay of homes.

Others who spoke at the meeting described being threatened and abused, and being too scared to report such incidents to police for fear of retribution.

Tony Ellmers, of the Housing Trust Tenants' Association, said before the meeting: "What used to be public housing has become the worst form of welfare housing. We want our neighbourhoods back."

Residents from Mansfield Park, Athol Park, Angle Park, Ferryden Park, Regency Park and Woodville Gardens yesterday shared their grievances with new Housing Minister and local MP Jay Weatherill.

A mother of two, from Athol Park, told the meeting at the Parks Community Centre, how her 11-year-old daughter had witnessed a prostitute taking drugs and had been harassed by drug dealers.

"The police were notified but two hours later they still hadn't turned up," said Jenny, who asked her surname not be used.

Brian Lynch, a resident of Mansfield Park for 40 years, blamed outlawed bikie gangs for the rise in crime, particularly illicit drug dealing.

"They are in control of the prostitutes and they put the stuff on the streets," he told Mr Weatherill and Port Adelaide Police Superintendent Barry Lewis.

"I don't say the (police) have an easy job, but for goodness sake, get them out and clean the streets and that will help us."

Enfield MP John Rau, who helped organise the meeting, said he had more than 150 complaints about abusive behaviour, home invasions, extortion and other standover tactics in the past 12 months.

"This has residents living in fear, often too scared to raise their concerns with the police and SA Housing Trust managers," Mr Rau said.

Supt Lewis said the Parks area had received significant police resources in the past year, including four specialised operations involving up to 50 police each time. Another was planned this month, to "rinse" the Athol Park area.

"We have targeted known criminals, drug dealers and their houses, and vacant houses, to see whether stolen cars were stored there," Supt Lewis said.

"And I'm pleased that from every one of those operations, we've incarcerated some fairly serious criminals that we were chasing, and they're still in jail."

He admitted, however, more could still be done.

"People need to stand up and make sure they report things," Supt Lewis said.

Mr Weatherill flagged tougher Housing Trust policies when dealing with repeat offender tenants.

Take the Law & Order Survey"
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,9446300%255E2682,00.html

Burswood Australia's Best for Large Conferences
Burswood International Resort Casino has been named Australia’s best meetings venue for large conferences at the Meetings Industry Association of Australia’s (MIAA) national awards in Melbourne last night.

Burswood and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre were named joint winners of the MIAA category ‘Best Meeting Venue for More Than 500 Delegates’.

The award complements the string of awards Burswood has recently won, including being named the back-to-back winner of the Australian Tourism Award’s Meetings and Business Tourism Award and Best Overall Hotel in Australian by the Australian Hotels Association.

“It’s fantastic that the award-winning standards of Burswood International Resort Casino have been recognised by the highest level of our industry,” Burswood’s Managing Director John Schaap said.

“We’ve had an outstanding year with numerous accolades bestowed on the Resort. It is a real tribute to our staff and our facilities to be honoured in this way.”

“Burswood’s award-winning success cements the Resort’s position as one of the State’s premier entertainment and tourism attractions.”

Burswood offers meeting organisers the most comprehensive range of facilities in Australia with more than 20 venue options, catering from 21,000 people in the Burswood Dome, to 2,300 people in Burswood’s theatre, to 10 people in the Hotel’s meeting rooms.

More than $96 million was spent in a Resort-wide improvement program in 2001, which included adding a 1,800 square metre Grand Ballroom with an adjoining 1,800 square metres of pre-function and registration/reception area.
http://www.burswood.com.au/content.asp?area=media

WA jobless rate hits 26-year low
The State's unemployment rate hit a 26-year low of 5 per cent in April as WA shared in a national jobs bonanza.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics said yesterday the national economy added 56,200 jobs in April, well above market expectations of 10,000.

The national unemployment rate remained steady at 5.6 per cent as the extra jobs were taken up by more than the usual number of new entrants to the labour market.

Strong growth in employment underscored the strength of the domestic economy.

Economists said it kept some pressure on the Reserve Bank to raise interest rates in the second half of the year.

WA's unemployment rate of 5 per cent was the lowest since 1978 and a sharp fall from the 5.5 per cent in March.

It also was the lowest among the States, though the ACT and Northern Territory had lower rates.

The number of employed people in WA rose to a new high of 993,400 in April, from 977,500 in March.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA chief economist Nicky Cusworth said the fall in the jobless rate was because of the fastest monthly growth in the number of jobs in WA since March 1993.

But she warned that the 1.6 per cent rise in the number of jobs in April from March could well be reversed in coming months.

"WA's employment grew by more than 1.5 per cent on only 10 occasions in the past 25 years, and eight of these saw employment fall in the following month," Ms Cusworth said.

Even Treasurer Peter Costello was cautious, saying the country's unemployment rate was probably as good as it could get without further reform of the labour market.

"What we do if we want to change the structure to get unemployment lower in this country is change unfair dismissal laws and improve flexibility," he said.

National Australia Bank head of market economics Tony Pearson said the firm labour market supported another interest rate rise, although it could be months away.

"The labour market is strong, housing finance approvals appear to have steadied at a high rate, the Commonwealth Budget was expansionary, global growth is providing a favourable backdrop and the Australian dollar has fallen back below US70¢," he said.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040514/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto124932-pic24319.html

Dramatic downturn in crime
DESPITE a spate of shootings, murders and domestic violence offences over the past few months, the West Australian Government is adamant the state's crime rate is falling.

Police statistics revealing an overall decrease in crime rates for the March quarter were released yesterday, just hours after the violent killing of a former bikie and a day after a shootout in a public shopping centre.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said that although the rate of violent crime was still of concern, the figures revealed it was on the decline, along with a range of other offences including home burglaries, car theft and sexual assaults.

"For the first time we are heading in the right direction on a range of crimes," Ms Roberts said. "There have been high levels of home burglaries, high levels of car theft and seemingly not much in sight for people in this state but we are now seeing a dramatic turnaround.

"Violent crime is very concerning, though figures show that it is on the decline and I suppose you have to see things in perspective."

David Indermaur, senior research fellow with the Crime Research Centre at the University of Western Australia, said opportunities for criminals had reduced because of increased security and prevention techniques enforced by police and the community.

"I have recently been analysing crime statistics in Western Australia and they are definitely on the decrease," Dr Indermaur said.

He added, however, that "it is quite clear people don't always believe that".

"There are a number of explanations to show this phenomenon of falling crime rates ... but I think it is generally a mix of better crime prevention techniques and also changes in the official structure of crime."

Ms Roberts praised the efforts of officers who last week arrested and charged James Robert Duggan within 48 hours after the death of 19-year-old Rebecca Louise Ryle in Mindarie, in Perth's northern suburbs. The charge against him was upgraded yesterday from grievous bodily harm to wilful murder.

Ms Roberts said that crime management had improved over the years, with DNA technology and intelligence-led information changing the style of modern police work.

While the state had seen a surge of violent crimes in the last month, there had been an overall 12.4 per cent drop in the total number of reported offences from 67,400 in 2003 to 59,015 this year, with the most significant fall in home burglaries, which decreased by 22.5 per cent.

The minister said while there had been a concerted police effort to tackle home burglaries and other offences over the past year, she was confident the same level of efficiency could be maintained in the future and that Western Australia's reputation as the burglary capital would start to abate.

"For too long, Western Australia has borne the title as the burglary capital, but through the efforts of successful police operations ... I am confident we will soon be able to erase the label," Ms Roberts said. The state's police service now had access to the latest fingerprint technology and DNA profiling, resources which would be used to investigate yesterday's killing of Kevin Ashley Woodhouse - who had links to two bikie gangs - and Monday's shooting of a security guard after a jewellery store heist in Girrawheen, north of Perth.
http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,9548670%255E2761,00.html

I don't think you has to post the "WA jobless rate hits 26-year" low twice.

It's always advertised when the crime rate is supposedly falling...

Lure of the Swan seduces the wealthy
The Swan River has always seduced Perth's wealthiest and most prominent families to its banks. Whether it's a grand residence in Mosman Park or a penthouse apartment in Crawley, the lure of the Swan has helped keep Perth's riverside suburbs at the top of the property game.

And it says something when WA's most high profile business people have invested in similar locations. Look at past riverfront purchasers such as Alan Bond, Laurie Connell, Yosse Goldberg, Ralph Sarich, Jack Bendat, Alistair Norwood and Tony Barlow. And today the Wyllie, Bennett, Porteous and Clough families are all within walking distance of each other in an exclusive pocket of Mosman Park.

Several multi-million-dollar sales in and around Peppermint Grove in recent weeks have highlighted the blue-ribbon appeal of these salubrious locations.

The daughter of Multiplex chief John Roberts, Denby MacGregor, has reportedly paid $6.5 million for a property in Keane Street. Denby and husband, Mrs Mac's Pie heir Robert MacGregor, have submitted plans to the Peppermint Grove Shire Council to build a three-level home, tennis court and swimming pool on the 3500sq m site.

Head of Satterley Property Group Nigel Satterley paid a record price for a Peppermint Grove property three weeks ago, securing two prime lots in View Street for a rumoured $7.5 million. Agent Willie Porteous would not confirm the selling price. "I took a very scientific approach and paid someone to compile a list of $2.5 million plus sales in suburbs from Applecross, Nedlands, Dalkeith, Claremont and through to Mosman Park . . . and it showed that there was very little value in the houses, all of the money is in the land," Mr Satterley said.

By March this year, Peppermint Grove's median house price reached $1.52 million and the Dalkeith median jumped 28 per cent in 12 months to $1.25 million.

Browne Grove & Associates agent Reg Ransom believes soaring prices in Cottesloe had resulted in a flight of buyers to Dalkeith.

He said buyers were paying $4500sq m for ocean views in Cottesloe and that had been a catalyst for people looking to Dalkeith where they could pay around $3500sq m for riverfront properties.

"People are realising that in comparison Dalkeith is undervalued and historically the proof is in the pudding," he said.

"A year ago you were paying $2800sq m for land on Jutland Parade and today you are paying $3800sq m."

Agent James Paxton, of Paxton Hoad, said the profile of riverside buyers had changed in the past two years.

"Eighteen months ago you could have said that almost 50 per cent of the top property sales were offshore," he said.

"In the last six months I would say they have been predominantly local but with the dollar looking like it is heading south again don't be surprised if
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040515/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto124985.html

Melbourne's City Council has called for help from an international expert to get rid of some unwelcome non-rate paying residents - the city's pigeons.

The council estimates up to 60,000 of the birds call the city home and the cost of cleaning up their mess runs to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, $30,000 annually to clean the Town Hall alone.

Their propensity to spread diseases like salmonella, candida and ornithosis has won the birds a reputation as the "flying rats" of the world's great cities.

MCC chair of city services Kimberley Kitching said that after six months of studying pigeon control around the world the council had asked Guy Merchant from UK's Pigeon Control Advisory Service (PICAS) to visit in June.

"Mr Merchant ... has had the most success, in a sustainable humane way, of keeping pigeon populations under control in urban environments," she said.

In the meantime the council was asking people to stop feeding the city's pigeons which would stop them breeding all year round.

"They will revert to their natural breeding cycle which is zero to one times per annum, at the moment they are breeding up to six times per annum," she said.

The council has found that some elderly people of Eastern European origin, who have a cultural connection with the birds, come into the city and drop up to 25 kilograms of bird seed at a time.

PICAS have had success in the UK with setting up feeding areas and breeding boxes to attract the pigeons, allowing their eggs to be collected as they were laid.

Council researchers found culling with birds of prey was not an effective method of long-term population control.

There was also one case in New York City of a bird of prey taking a pet chihuahua.

Mr Merchant will spend five days in Melbourne in June.

The MCC will spend $3,600 on his air fare, accommodation and expenses but Mr Merchant is not charging for his services as PICAS is a non-profit organisation.

http://theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/17/1084646111023.html

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

....its kinda funny thinking of a chihuahua flying through the air......

The council has found that some elderly people of Eastern European origin, who have a cultural connection with the birds, come into the city and drop up to 25 kilograms of bird seed at a time.

Argh! They do this in Belmore Park in Sydney! You can't even sit outside at the cafe on the Central concourse anymore because of the pidgeon shit everywhere!


There was also one case in New York City of a bird of prey taking a pet chihuahua.


Awesome!

Pinjarra boy beats Delta to top of pops
http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/250-gen25but1.jpg
John Butler, the Pinjarra-raised hippie and roots musician, beat glamour girl Delta Goodrem to lift the Australasian Performing Rights Association Song of the Year Award at Melbourne's Regent Theatre last night.

Butler's Zebra, a late inclusion on his No.1 album Sunrise Over Sea was written while bouncing his baby daughter Banjo to sleep.

The track won the title ahead of songs from Goodrem, Silverchair, Jet and The Waifs. The award is the biggest peer-voted award in Australia, with 14,000 songwriters eligible to vote.

Butler is the first independent songwriter to win the Song of the Year award. His music is released by the Perth-based Jarrah Records label, which is also home to Albany folk group The Waifs.

Butler said the best song nomination had been like a big pat on the back from his peer musicians.

"That's pretty cool," he said.

"It tells me I might be doing something halfway decent.

"The basis of music is a song and a Continued on page 3Winning words come from the heart

songwriter. It would be great if this could be an inspiration to other musicians.

"When you follow your heart good things will happen."

He said he did not see himself in competition with the other nominations. "I'm up amongst them, not up against, them," he said. "Once you've been nominated there's no best, we've all won it."

Goodrem took out the APRA Breakthrough Award, which recognises the talent of emerging com- posers. The five members of Brisbane band Powderfinger won the Songwriter of the Year award, while veteran jazz musician Don Burrows was honoured with the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music.

The awards were attended by old hands and hot acts, including Lee Kernaghan, Spiderbait, Killing Heidi, Tim Freedman and Magic Dirt.

Industry guru and Popstars judge Molly Meldrum said songwriting was still the key to the music industry, even in the age of Popstars and Idols.

"If you don't have a good song, no matter how good a singer you are you won't have a hit," he said.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040525/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto125494-pic24459.html

$500m lift to northern suburbs
A $500 million New Living program is breathing life into some of Perth's Homeswest-dominated northern suburbs.

The project, a partnership between the Department of Housing and Works and Satterley McCusker Holdings, has refurbished 700 houses in Balga, Westminster, Girrawheen and Koondoola.

All have been sold to private buyers.

Aimed at reducing the high concentration of public housing, the project also includes the enhancement of entry statements, streetscape upgrades, traffic-calming measures and rejuvenating public open spaces.

A further 110 vacant lots have been sold and 300 dwellings refurbished and retained by Homeswest.

Brook Harvey and Peter Denman moved into the New Living Project's 1000th refurbished house last week.

"We wanted to buy north of the river and we were keen to have a back yard," Ms Harvey said.

"Many units in our price range were located upstairs with no yard at all.

"This unit was excellent value for money and the beauty is that there is not a lot left to do as there are already floor coverings, it has been painted and the front yard is beautifully landscaped."

At the start of the project, Homeswest had a rental presence of about 30 per cent in the area.

That figure will settle to about 12 per cent over the term of the project.

Local MP Margaret Quirk said the State Government recognised that owning a home was a dream for many West Australians and that the project had been a huge success.

"Crime rates have dropped by 15.8 per cent and real estate values in Girrawheen alone have increased by 23.9 per cent over the past year," she said.

According to the Real Estate Institute of WA, Girrawheen's median house price rose a steady 5 per cent to $145,000 in the March quarter 2004.

"The suburb has been revitalised both aesthetically and in terms of community spirit," she said.

New projects are soon to commence in Queens Park and Southwell and there are eight country projects under way in major regional centres
http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,9691454%255E2761,00.html

Festival will take sports to extremes
THE world's biggest extreme sports event – broadcast to 300 million people in nearly 100 countries – will be staged in WA in October.

It will be the first time the Gravity Games, featuring 250 elite big-wave surfers, kitesurfers and wakeboarders, are being held outside the US.

Games events will take place at Margaret River, on the Swan River and at Cottesloe.

"We chose Perth because it is a city that has a great synergy with the water and superlative surfing," said John Alwyn-Jones of Octagon, the international sports management company organising the event.

"It's an environment where outdoors sports are part of life – something that's not true for many modern cities in the world."

Work will begin late in August on construction of a "festival village" at Burswood, incorporating a BMX course, a skate park and a rock- climbing wall.

The games will be accompanied by a separate-ticket series of rock concerts organised by promoter Michael Chugg, who represents internationally successful WA acts Eskimo Joe and The Sleepy Jackson as well as The Who and The Offspring. Most recently he organised tours by Robbie Williams and Coldplay.

The event will be broadcast in America on the Outdoor Life Network, which has 60 million subscribers, and in Europe on Eurosport, which has an audience reach of nearly 98 million, and via a range of free-to-air and satellite channels in China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Africa and the Middle East.

Tourism Minister Bob Kucera said he expected the games to generate an initial $1.15 million for the state "but the biggest impact will come from global media coverage".

"The exposure for WA as a result of this event will be extremely significant and will do much to reinforce our reputation as a great destination for youth and adventure travellers of all ages," he said.

He said the Margaret River surfers would be towed into the big waves by jet-ski, with the footage shown on screens at the festival village.

Octagon wants to sign up a number of local surfers including Margaret River's Damon Eastaugh, who won the $20,000 Oakley/ASL Biggest Wave Award this year for riding a 10.2m wave off Margaret River.

The games will take place from October 14 to 17.
http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,9691496%255E2761,00.html

Curtin University may freeze HECS fees
Curtin University in Western Australia has signalled it may reject the opportunity to raise Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fees by up to 25 per cent.

A decision by the University of Western Australia (UWA) will see its students pay an extra 25 per cent from next year, prompting protests from student guilds.

Curtin University vice chancellor Lance Twomey says many Curtin students already face significant financial challenges.

He will recommend against any fee hike at the university council meeting late next month.

Curtin Student Guild education vice president David Goncalves welcomes the news and says it is a recommendation that seems to have been made for the right reasons.

"It is good to see that the university administration has based their decision on the actual reality that students have to face, not just about them being greedy or wanting more money," he said.

"It's great to see [that Curtin] University has looked at the realities of the hardships that students have to face.

"Unfortunately UWA might believe that they can buy their reputation by increasing fees by 25 per cent but what they ended up doing was disenfranchising their own students."

Other universities are still considering possible increases
http://www.abc.net.au/wa/news/200405/s1118674.htm

Reefs will be hot property
WA could become the last place on Earth to have coral reefs, according to a world expert.

Global warming and other factors are expected to wipe out coral around the globe in the next 20 to 50 years. But WA's isolation and relatively low population is expected to delay the damage to prized reefs such as Ningaloo.

Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a Queensland scientist who leads the argument that climate change presents the biggest threat to the world's coral reefs, said high ocean temperatures in 1998 had killed off almost half the coral in the Indian Ocean.

Experts predicted ocean temperatures would rise by between 2C and 6C. The 2C increase of 1998 had caused massive damage but a 6C rise would be "catastrophic".

There was no reliable data to indicate that coral could adapt to the higher temperatures that destroyed algae – coral's primary food source, Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said.

Global warming had a far greater impact on coral than disturbances such as over fishing or the March 2004 cyclone that pushed car-sized boulders from the ocean floor on to Scott Reef, north of Broome.

The professor worked with economists from the World Bank and climate-modelling experts to predict that coral deaths would see the Queensland tourism industry lose $8 billion. He warned that WA tourism could face similar losses.

"We have some of the best reefs in the world," he said.

"Our special advantage is that people will travel from other countries to see them.

"If you took the pristine values away then people in the US, for example, would start to ask why they should come here when they could more easily go to the Caribbean or Mexico."

He said the Federal Government should accept that climate change posed a major threat and lead a global push to alternative fuel use.

Meanwhile, the Conservation Council has urged the State Government to finalise land- clearing regulations in light of increasing threats to ecosystems and endangered species.

A Biodiversity Conservation Act was pledged in 2001 and a public consultation paper released in 2002 but there has been nothing since.

"Any further delays in this legislation could result in the permanent loss of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world," director Chris Tallentire said.
http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,9691489%255E2761,00.html

Expressions of interest sought for stadium
The State Government will call for developers to submit plans for the construction and operation of a world-class multipurpose indoor entertainment and sports stadium.

Premier Geoff Gallop said the proposed state-of-the-art stadium would be one of the most important projects undertaken in Perth and would provide a significant boost to the State's entertainment and sporting event growth.

"Development of such a stadium would be a quantum leap for the event industry by opening new markets through being able to attract bigger events than are currently accommodated by present facilities, " Dr Gallop said.

"We acknowledge that the reason some international acts leave Perth off their tour itinerary is because of the lack of a suitable venue.

"We envisage the new facility will seat a minimum of 12,000 people and be capable of hosting large-scale live performances and a range of sporting events including for example, the Hopman Cup, Davis Cup, World BMX and World Basketball Championship.

"The venue will need to be highly flexible in its accommodation of sound, lighting, seating and staging configurations, with proximity to public transport and the provision of adequate parking bays."

The Premier said the State Government was prepared to assist with the development of the facility up to a value of $50million, whether a financial contribution or the provision of land - or both.

"A suitable entertainment and sporting venue would allow the State to attract and develop new events of varying scale and also retain existing events," he said.

"With a world-class indoor venue, Perth could host a range of sporting events, major music concerts and world-class stage productions."

Dr Gallop said it would be a priority to ensure the stadium was commercially and functionally viable, managed and operated by a private sector operator without ongoing assistance from the State.

"The State Government welcomes the opportunity to work with the private sector to achieve a landmark complex for Perth," he said.

Expressions of interest for the multipurpose indoor entertainment and sport stadium are expected to be advertised in mid-July and will close in late September

Some worthless news from Brisbane.

New $200 Million Development
There is a rendering of the $200 Million SW1 project in South Brisbane - it looks like Emporium meets Magistrates Court.

New 16 Level Tower for Creek
There is some info on the old NAB HQ development. A 16 level tower will face Creek Street and will be joined to the old NAB building which will be developed into a new entertainment complex with restaurants and shopping ect. The tower will house a boutique all suite apartment complex consisting of 71 apartments.

New Iconic Fountain
Campbell Newman has left room in the council budget for a new iconic fountain or water feature to be placed in a city reach of the Brisbane river. There isn't much news on it except that there will be a design competition.

New Bridges
Three new bridges will be built at a cost of about $25 million each. The Bridges will be pedestrian and cycle and will be withing 2 kilometers of the city center.

Thats all.
jt

Secret plan for Subiaco Oval
Private property developers could fund a radical redevelopment of Subiaco Oval under a secret plan being hatched by the WA Football Commission.

The West Australian has confirmed that the commission has approached three property development companies to come up with funding options and redevelopment schemes for the area at the western end of Subiaco Oval. The redevelopment plan could include a new office building, football supporters' club and retail facilities, costing tens of millions ofdollars.

The area earmarked for redevelopment covers the Subiaco Football Club building and extends to the carpark on the corner of Subiaco Road and Haydn Bunton Drive. The land is held by the commission under long-term lease arrangements with the City of Subiaco, which will need to approve any redevelopment plans.

Because of its proximity, the private property groups also have been invited to submit redevelopment proposals for the old three-tier stand as part of a move to increase Subiaco Oval's capacity to 50,000.

Commission chairman Neale Fong confirmed yesterday that the commission had turned to the private sector to come up with funding and redevelopment options for what he described as "the ugly end of the oval" because the organisation clearly could not support such an undertaking.

"The financing arrangements are going to be the key," Mr Fong said. "We need to be creative in looking at how we do that."

The commission still has borrowings of about $26 million from the $40 million redevelopment of Subiaco Oval in 1998, though the State Government is committed to paying $1.5 million a year in principal repayments on that debt.

As such, the commission considers there is little likelihood of any more Government funding for its latest redevelopment proposal, particularly after Monday's announcement that $50 million would be offered as an incentive to build a new indoor stadium.

Mr Fong said while the West Coast Eagles had expressed interest in redeveloping the Subiaco Football Club building as its supporters' club, the commission wanted to consider its broader redevelopment options for the western end of Subiaco Oval. Those options include housing the administration of WA football in a new office building.

"From a governance point of view, we must look at all the options available to us for the redevelopment of that portion of Subiaco Oval," Mr Fong said. "We want to try to accommodate the Eagles and we're talking to Fremantle as well."
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040603/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto126004.html

Restaurants, bars take centre stage in new foreshore plan
Up to 300 hotel rooms, 440 short-stay apartments, museums, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars could be created on the Perth foreshore under revised plans being considered by the Perth City Council.

Perth Lord Mayor Peter Nattrass said two alternative development scenarios were likely to be significantly modified before a preferred option was endorsed by the council, but it was time to get on with developing the foreshore after years of planning and debate.

Dr Nattrass said the State Government, which unveiled its foreshore plan in December, had shown a renewed interest because of the Perth to Mandurah railway.

But he said the Government had to determine its level of funding, which would affect the intensity of private development allowed in the prime riverfront area.

"I'd like to see it get under way as soon as public consultation is finished, that is within six months. It is high time we bit the bullet and did something," Dr Nattrass said.

Plans for the foreshore land were reviewed by council staff after an environmental study.

The study says creating enclosed bays should not be included but the development could be built on piles extending into the water that would allow the creation of a north-facing shore and new harbour. The two alternative plans, considered in a report by council planning director Max Hipkins, depend on road layout after the railway is built.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Government's concept was being refined and traffic modelling would determine the position of the roads.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040603/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto126005.html

Some worthless news from Brisbane.

New $200 Million Development
There is a rendering of the $200 Million SW1 project in South Brisbane - it looks like Emporium meets Magistrates Court.

New 16 Level Tower for Creek
There is some info on the old NAB HQ development. A 16 level tower will face Creek Street and will be joined to the old NAB building which will be developed into a new entertainment complex with restaurants and shopping ect. The tower will house a boutique all suite apartment complex consisting of 71 apartments.

New Iconic Fountain
Campbell Newman has left room in the council budget for a new iconic fountain or water feature to be placed in a city reach of the Brisbane river. There isn't much news on it except that there will be a design competition.

New Bridges
Three new bridges will be built at a cost of about $25 million each. The Bridges will be pedestrian and cycle and will be withing 2 kilometers of the city center.

Thats all.
jt

Some more news:

- The Mall is getting a revamp
- Busway Threatens up to 1000 CBD Carparks. Brisbane Motorists could lose access to almost 1000 CBD car parks for up to a year if a planned bus tunnel under King George Square proceeds.
- Brisbane South Bank has been recognised as one of the best developments in the world. The Brisbane icon joins a famous list of former winners of a prestigious international Real Estate Federation award including Spain's Guggenheim Museum, Paris' Euro Disney and the Trump World Tower in New York.

queen street mall?

Some more news:

- The Mall is getting a revamp

- Busway Threatens up to 1000 CBD Carparks. Brisbane Motorists could lose access to almost 1000 CBD car parks for up to a year if a planned bus tunnel under King George Square proceeds.

- Brisbane South Bank has been recognised as one of the best developments in the world. The Brisbane icon joins a famous list of former winners of a prestigious international Real Estate Federation award including Spain's Guggenheim Museum, Paris' Euro Disney and the Trump World Tower in New York.

With the Queen Street Mall its just the restaurants.

That Bus tunnel is going to go from under Queen Street Mall and take out parking under King George Square. It should come up somewhere near Roma Street Station - quite a long tunnel really!

As for the Southbank winning an international award, was on TV the other week. Good to see such developments as Southbank finally getting the world recognition they deserve.

jt

queen street mall?

Yep, just restaurants though.

Chrisaus its Lucky you started this thread for us to put stuff in - I'd hate to see the forum if all these new developments had individual threads about them, too busy!!!

jt

State gets $433m boost for roads, rail
The Federal Government will detail $433 million in spending for WA roads and railways today as part of its long-awaited AusLink White Paper - the five-year plan for Australia's transport network.

The rest of about $1.9 billion in new spending nationally under the $12 billion AusLink program, which aims to create an integrated freight transport network between rail, road and shipping, will be announced on Monday.

Areas to benefit in WA under the national network include the Great Northern Highway from Perth to Darwin, road and rail links between Perth and Adelaide and road and rail links between Perth and Bunbury.

The West Australian understands new projects include $14 million for the Fremantle Port rail loop, $67 million on the Great Eastern Highway, $126 million on the Great Northern Highway and $45 million on the Eyre Highway. Plans for the highways include realignment and creating more overtaking lanes.

The projects mean Federal funding for road construction in WA will be increased by about 73 per cent, from $50 million a year to $86.5 million a year over the next five years.

One of the biggest road projects - $150 million for the bypass around Mandurah and Dawesville - is likely to upset the State Government, which will be expected to commit $150 million for work to start in 2006. WA claims it has been asking the Federal Government to make a commitment to the project since 2001 but has made it clear it would not have the funds for its contribution until 2008.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040604/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto126075.html

Billion-dollar Belmont plan
Belmont Park, Perth's ageing wet-weather racetrack, is set for a billion-dollar redevelopment which would transform the venue into a high-rise residential playground with a monorail to the Burswood Casino and provide a new home for the WA Museum.

WA Turf Club officials yesterday outlined to Premier Geoff Gallop the proposal which will be set on what has been described by real estate experts as the most prized piece of residential land in Australia. The 73ha peninsula site is owned by the WA Turf Club.

Dr Gallop said he had made it clear to the WATC that any proposal would have to go through the proper planning and environment processes. The West Australian also reveals today that Ascot racecourse, the showpiece of WA thoroughbred racing, will undergo a multi-million-dollar redevelopment to start the day after the Perth Cup.

Town of Vincent planning and development services executive manager Chris Eaton said no official proposal had been lodged for the Belmont plan.

But council officers had discussed the broad land use plans and general proposals with WATC consultants.

The racecourse complex, which is likely to be announced by the WATC within months, would include high rise and low density residential development housing for more than 8000 people.

It would also include a massive cultural centre which would house the WA Museum, a special Aboriginal display centre and a Swan River Trust interactive centre. It would include wharf facilities so the cultural centre could be accessed from the Swan River.

The plan would provide a home for the WA Museum.

It was revealed in January that WA Museum collections representing more than 400 years of the State's natural and cultural history would be moved from the city to a 14,000sq m shed in Welshpool by the end of the year.

The Belmont plan has been delayed for the past year while the WATC has waited for the WA Trotting Association to decide if it will move from Gloucester Park and be part of the development.

WATC chairman Ted van Heemst said nine development models had been created for the project.

"This will be fantastic, a real opportunity to do something meaningful for the racing industry and State," Mr van Heemst said.

"There's a whole lot of proposals to look at - the history of the river, museums, racing museums, develop a reason for being there.

"It won't just be a wagering project but a tourist attraction in WA."
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040529/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto125742.html

WA leads way in top public floats
Six WA floats have jostled on to the list of top 10 best performing IPOs, though market analysts warn the State's newly listed small capital stocks are in for a shakier year ahead.

According to Deloitte, WA offered almost twice the number of floats of any State in 2003-04, with 65 of the 153 floats that hit the boards coming from the State.

Savvy investors who bought into one of these six new floats have made an average return of 120 per cent, while those who invested in four of Australia's five biggest floats have not yet realised the issue price.

Dalkeith based olive oil company Piquant Blue was the only top WA float not tied to the resource sector, and charged into the public arena to become the nation's sixth best performer.

Fortuitous investors watching the surging gold price pushed gold plays A1 Minerals and Hibernia Gold to dizzy heights and also helped explorer Medusa Mining double its listing price.

Roaring platinum and copper prices also boosted WA juniors NKWE Platinum and Tritton Resources into the suite of top new stocks.

Deloitte Corporate finance partner Tom Henderson said that while the WA market could take credit for the $1.184 billion float of the Multiplex Group, the small resource sector dominated the local pool.

Unlike the national capital raising average at $70.5 million, WA's small cap floats raised an average of only $7.3 million.

"While it is fantastic from the point of view of getting new companies out there, the following year these companies are going to be hungry and looking for capital," Mr Henderson said.

"Hopefully we are not creating a market where the companies are all shallow in terms of capital means."

Bell Potter analyst Matthew Ward said many of the small cap companies that had floated over the past year were devoid of earnings and cash flow and would be forced back to market to raise capital to fund further exploration or research.

But he warned the year to come would be a tighter investment environment.

"The cost of money is increasing with interest rates and bond yields," Mr Ward said.

"People are going to want more because they can get more from alternative investments, so the price for shares will come down.

"People are more risk averse at the moment."

Mr Henderson said investors who favoured floats with dividends had reaped far better share price returns compared to the market average.

IPOs that forecast a specific dividend moved on average 22 per cent, which was double the average of all floats in 2003-04.

While the amount of new equity raised in the 2003 financial year grew 155 per cent to $10.8 billion - almost double that raised during the dotcom boom - new listings have lost their momentum in the past few weeks.

Five of the 12 floats scheduled to list in the next three weeks on the Australian Stock Exchange will also come from WA.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040609/business/tw-business-home-sto126295.html

WA leads drop in jobless rate
Australia's unemployment rate fell to a 23-year low of 5.5 per cent in May, and economists believe the jobs market is solid enough to keep it at these low levels.

Data yesterday showed WA's jobless rate remained the lowest in the nation, falling to 5 per cent in May from the previous record low of a revised 5.1 per cent in April.

The fall in the unemployment rate to the lowest in a generation was achieved despite the loss of 41,100 jobs in May, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said.

The reason the unemployment rate could still fall even though the number of jobs also fell is that fewer people were looking for work.

Monthly job gains and losses tend to be volatile and economists prefer to focus on the overall trend, which shows employment has been rising by about 18,000 jobs a month in the first five months of the year.

Westpac tipped the jobs growth would slow.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040611/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto126432.html

WA's unemployment rate the lowest of any other State
Western Australia's unemployment rate is at five per cent, the lowest in 26 years and well below the national average.

Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said the latest Labour Force Survey showed WA had the strongest job growth of any State.

"We now have a record 997,000 people in total employment in WA and the highest participation rate compared with all other States," Mr Kobelke said.

"May's participation rate was 66.4 per cent."

The Minister said over the 12 months to May 2004, almost 32,000 extra jobs had been created in WA, an increase of 3.3 per cent.

"More women moved into work last month, with an additional 3,100 full-time jobs and an extra 1,100 part-time positions," he said.

"Under the Gallop Government, WA has had an average unemployment rate of 6.3 per cent, almost one per cent lower than the average 7.2 per cent recorded by the previous Liberal government."

Today's unemployment data follows other recent signs of sustained confidence in the State's economy.

Retail sales increased by 8.5 per cent in the year to April 2004.

WA's population rose by 1.7 per cent in 2003 to a total of 1.97 million.

Full-time ordinary average earnings rose to $948.70 a week, up 6.4 per cent in four quarters to February, which was above the national figure of 5.3 per cent.

The Real Estate Institute of WA also says the latest real estate sales figures show Perth is leading the property market in Australia.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/p7ae68b6a16645a5bdc0425bce02ac7e5/f832f85c.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/pd0487a815c992c998c1b3cf31dbb8d91/f832f85d.jpg

Putting Adelaide on map - of New Zealand
A CONTENTIOUS billboard campaign urging business people to invest in Adelaide rather than in the eastern states will be extended to New Zealand's largest city, Auckland.

Industry and Trade Minister Paul Holloway said New Zealand investors had traditionally looked to Melbourne and Sydney, but that Adelaide was an attractive and cost competitive alternative.

Similar billboards at Sydney and Melbourne airports prompted an outcry from eastern states governments earlier this year.

"If you're here to do business, think again. Australia's most cost competitive city is Adelaide," they say.

In April, Victorian Opposition Leader John Brogden called for their removal, while the Victorian Government publicly rejected the billboard's statement.

The campaign is after a KPMG study that found Adelaide is the most competitive city in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region in which to do business – and the third most competitive city of its size in the world.

Mr Holloway said it was too early to measure the effectiveness of the campaign, but it had certainly put Adelaide "on the radar screen".

"It's about changing the attitude of those overseas and interstate that Adelaide is the place to do business," he said.

The Melbourne billboard booking would be extended and two high-profile Auckland airport sites were booked for July and August.

Mr Holloway said the campaign was linked to the securing of three direct Auckland to Adelaide flights a week from December.

It was also among a number of strategies, including letters from Premier Mike Rann to thousands of business chief executives.

About $600,000 has been spent on the marketing strategy in recent months. "In an international sense, it's putting us on the map and will perhaps mean the next time a corporate chief visits Australia, they will put Adelaide on their itinerary," Mr Holloway said.

Full-page advertisements carrying a similar message were placed in publications including the New Zealand Herald, The Financial Review, The Australian, Business Review Weekly, The Bulletin and The Economist.
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,9836591%255E2682,00.html

Iris, Queen of the desert
http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/250-gen19iris1.jpg
A month ago, 64-year-old Iris Curley paid $30,000 for her first home - a neat three-bedroom asbestos place on a corner block next to the Anglican Church in Meekatharra.

Yesterday, she was due to make her first payment which now will also be her last payment because on Thursday night Iris Curley won $15 million on a Powerball Lotto ticket.

When The West Australian arrived at the Curley household, a collection of Iris' seven children, 25 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren were helping the family matriarch come to grips with her windfall.

From the start they made it clear that the money wouldn't change things much for this staunch Murchison family.

"They might get things they couldn't afford before but they'll still be the same," said Iris' lifelong friend Irene Allison.

"This is where our tucker is," said Iris' nephew Matthew.

Mrs Curley herself favours kangaroo tail brawn or kangaroo leg stuffed with garlic, herbs and breadcrumbs.

Declaring that the money would not see her moving to a salubrious riverside suburb in the city, Mrs Curley said: "I always dreamt of buying a house and I bought a house and I'm satisfied with what I've got."

Mrs Curley said she bought her house so she could have peace and quiet away from the grandchildren.

"You get to that stage where you need to be on your own," said Mrs Curley, as assorted friends and family nodded in agreement.

"I'll help my children first and I've got a couple of brothers and sisters so I'll help them.

"Then I'll just think what I'm going to do with it."

Mrs Curley does have a driver's licence but doesn't own a car and might consider buying one, but you get the impression she won't be rushed.

She definitely will be getting a new dining suite for the house.

"I only just bought a lounge maybe a fortnight ago but I need a table and chairs and one of the bedrooms needs a bed," she said.

Mrs Curley has bought Lotto tickets on her fortnightly pension day for years. Her previous best win was $6000 in Super 66.

Generally, she buys a 25-game Slikpik for weekend Lotto and a 12-game Powerball ticket.

On Thursday, when the local newsagent gave her a 25-game Powerball ticket by mistake she declined to take it and insisted on her usual 12 games. The last line of that ticket came up with the winning numbers.

The Curleys are a hugely respected family in the Murchison.

Mrs Curley arrived in Meekatharra from Mullewa in 1956 with her husband Les, who was killed in a car crash in 1972 leaving Iris to raise their seven children.

Mrs Curley said she expected her eldest son Phillip to help her invest her winnings.

Other children work as teachers or conveners of the local Aboriginal community. Son Darryl is a Pacific Masters dart champion.

The family watched the Powerball draw on Thursday night so knew straight away that Iris had won division one.

They celebrated with a few drinks until about 2.30am when someone was able to tap in to the Lotto Continued on page 16Money won't change things

website and discover the $15 million dividend.

"I always thought I'd love to win Lotto but never thought what I'd do with the money," Mrs Curley said.

"Yesterday I got a letter from Keystart who I bought the house through. They sent me a payment card.

"So I rang them and said: 'What's this payment card? I thought you were taking payments out of my pension.

"They said that's only if you come into some extra money. He said: 'You never know, you might win Lotto'."

The Meekatharra Curleys watched television reports of their windfall last night and were planning to travel by convoy to Perth on Sunday.

"There will be another party down there," said Irene Allison. "There's lots of family in Perth, too."
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040619/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto126806-pic24622.html

PERRY TURNS LIFE-SAVING HERO AT BARBECUE
"Friends" star Matthew Perry is being hailed a hero after saving a drowning tot during a pal's Hollywood Hills barbecue.
The actor reportedly spotted the 2-year-old boy lying lifelessly in the swimming pool as he took a wander through his friend's yard.

He dived in and dragged the boy to safety before urging partygoers to call for medical help.

Medics arrived minutes later and took the boy to the hospital, where doctors praised fast-thinking Perry for saving the tot's life.

New city starts soon
Work on a $20 billion satellite city 50km north of Perth is due to start in six months after nearly 15 years of planning.

The St Andrew's project is planned to have 150,000 people and 55,000 homes on 6800ha of land at Yanchep and Two Rocks. The plan includes industries, a university, marina, services and shopping centres.

Yanchep Sun City, a Perth subsidiary of the Japanese Tokyu Corporation, signed a $2.5 billion joint venture agreement yesterday with Melbourne-based Capricorn Investment Group to build 9000 homes at Yanchep by 2008. America's Cup hero and disgraced businessman Alan Bond dreamt of developing a world-class sailing resort at Yanchep. His Bond Corporation sold 7000ha of land there to Tokyu Corporation in 1978.

Capricorn includes the Escor Group, owned by members of the Smorgon family, and private company Selpam Group.

The project was approved by Planning Minister Alannah MacTiernan about six weeks ago, but needs WA Planning Commission approval.

WA Conservation Council director Chris Tallentire called for a review of the project and said it was time Perth focused on population and whether the environment could support growth.

He said environmental assessments on St Andrew's had been carried out in the 1990s and conditions had changed drastically since then.

Yanchep Sun City director Dusan Mills said St Andrew's was conceived as a smart community which would be self-sustaining and continuing, with high levels of employment.

"This is in essence the antidote to urban sprawl," he said.

A recent State Government report on sustainability had highlighted St Andrew's as an important example of complying with sustainability guidelines, he said.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040626/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto127155.html

House of Wax studio burns down
A CANDLE being used on a film set is believed to have started a fire which destroyed a studio at Movie World on the Gold Coast.

Studio Eight was engulfed in flames about 6.40pm (AEST) yesterday, causing a smoke hazard for motorists travelling between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Police said a huge candle was believed to have set other props alight, forcing actors, producers and production crew to flee the building.

The stage was being used to shoot some final scenes for the film House of Wax.

Hotel heiress Paris Hilton had been at the studio to perform her scenes for the film, but returned to the United States earlier this month.

Police said one man received treatment for a burn on his arm.

They said the studio walls had been designed to collapse inwards, which had prevented damage to nearby buildings.

However, millions of dollars worth of movie equipment was destroyed in the blaze.

The Queensland Fire and Rescue service said the fire was still being damped down and demolition crews were due to arrive today to help firefighters get to the last hotspots.

One of the camera assistants working on the movie said the fire started in the set of a bookshop and spread quickly.

"Once we got out of the stage it all sort of went up pretty quickly - it didn't take very long at all - in a matter of minutes the whole stage and the roof and everything was up in flames and the walls collapsed," he told ABC radio.

Police said the studio contained gas bottles which were being used during the filming.

They said investigators would try to enter the remains of the building once the fire was completely out.
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9969627%255E26462,00.html

Outback Oasis
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Jun/06272004/images/sunbroom.jpg
Travel as far as you can in the world and you end up in Australia.
Travel as far as you can in Australia and you end up in Broome.
Even Australians, no strangers to beautiful spots, from the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney Harbour, act as if the tiny coastal town in the far northwest of the continent is a kind of national Shangri-La.
"It's my favorite place in the whole country," said Alan Garrans of Kalgoorlie, near Perth in Western Australia. "You just go and soak up the sun and forget about everything back home."
The laid-back lifestyle even has a name, "Broometime," a casual go-with-the-flow attitude that eschews clock watching and deadlines. Shops tend to open a littler later and close a little earlier than the posted hours. "Back in Five Minutes" signs usually mean you will wait an hour or so.
"Broome is a place where you can take a 'time out' from your life," said resident Rohan Dixon. "There's nothing much to do in the usual sense of the word. But that's what I think people crave. Nothing to do."
There would be little reason for the international traveler to come to Broome if it wasn't home to one of the truly dazzling beaches on the planet. Cable Beach runs for 14 miles in a thick, white swath smack up against the great jade expanse of the Indian Ocean.
Cars and camels travel around the hard-packed sand of the beach, which gets its name from the fact that it was the terminus of the transoceanic telegraph cable that once linked Australia with Asia.
But despite the beasts and beach buggies, the stretch of sand is so huge that anyone can still find a private spot where the nearest human is miles away.
To experience the beachfront bliss, timing is everything. Broome is in the tropical belt of northern Australia, just 18 degrees south of the equator. There are only two seasons: the Wet and the Dry.
Venture to Broome in January and you will be swamped by torrential rains and booming shows of lightning and thunder. During the Wet, which runs from mid-October to mid-April, Broome can get up to 15 inches of rain a month. Temperatures are often in the 90s, and there is stifling humidity.
Go for a swim in the ocean during the Wet and you could die. The seas are frequently filled with box jellyfish whose stings can be fatal. The floating globs, about the size of a human head, have killed more than 100 people in the past century.
If the jellyfish don't get you, the winds might. The Bureau of Meteorology has clocked winds at more than 150 mph in Broome. In March, the town boarded up shops in preparation for Cyclone Fay, which luckily veered off at the last hour. Local museums still tell of a storm in 1887 that killed 160 people.
The rains disappear by May, and the austral winter from May to September is still hot, but dry. Well, relatively dry. The rains stop, but Broome is still sticky and hot. Think Florida with kangaroos. But whole weeks go by in July and August without a cloud in the sky. A thin horizon line splits blue sky from blue-green sea. Sunsets are a straight drop of the big red ball of the sun into the sea.
One of the most popular ways to explore Cable Beach is on the back of a camel. Three companies operate rides that last up to an hour. Be prepared -- the starting point of the tours is down at the "clothing optional" end of the beach, and you will likely get a view or two of the "full-body tan" preferred by some Australians and tourists.
The undulating camel ride can be a bit hard on your personal down under, but it's a great experience to write home about.
Many Australians drive their cars down onto the beach, parking a few feet above the surf line and using their vehicles as a combination changing room and impromptu beer bar. Unless you are with a veteran driver, it's best not to take rental cars out onto the sand. The fine and towing charges levied by rental companies can be steep.
For those seeking a different experience, noted Australian surf champion Josh Parmateer operates a surfing school that will teach you how to get up in the usually forgiving waves of Australia's version of Hawaii's North Shore. There are also rentals of kayaks and catamarans for sailing in the usually calm waters.
The town of 13,000 residents is unique in Australia for its mix of the Outback and the ocean, Australia and Asia. It's "where the bush meets the sea," as a local slogan goes, and you will hear the Outback twang of the Aussie dialect wherever you go. Dusty Toyota SUVs and Range Rovers with big metal "roo bars" on the front (to protect the grillwork from impact with large marsupials) roar up and down the streets.
But there's also an intriguing mix of Asian and South Pacific cultures that have flocked to Broome for more than a century. Aboriginal hunters, Chinese shop owners, Japanese pearl divers, Indonesian sailors, Malay merchants, Filipino laborers and Arab traders have all left their mark.
In recent decades, the town has become more non-Asian and Australian, but the Japanese and Chinese graveyards in town are a reminder that Broome was once one of the most culturally diverse places on the continent.
A bit of Broome's Asian influence survives in Chinatown, along Carnarvon Street near Dampier Terrace, though the shops and cafes in the area are now almost all Australian. Only the pagoda-style architecture survives from the time when Chinese were segregated into this small area.
A favorite bit of exploring is to go out to Gantheaume Point, about four miles out of town. On the beach at low tide is a dinosaur print that scientists believe is 120 million years old.
Even when you can't go on an archaeological expedition, the point is a beautiful spot where red sandstone rocks frame the green-blue of the sea. Just slather on some bug spray and sunblock before you go exploring.
If your timing is right, you can also see the famous "stairway to the moon," at Roebuck Bay, an optical effect that occurs when there's a full moon at high tide. The light of the moon on the horizon as it rises ripples across the mudflats, giving the appearance of illuminated steps leading to the heavens.
At the Mangrove Hotel, there's often a musician playing a traditional aboriginal didgeridoo, a deep-sounding wooden pipe, as the moon rises.
On warm summer nights when the moon isn't putting on a show, one of the best ways to kill some time is to head into town for a movie at Sun Pictures, which calls itself the last surviving open-air "picture garden" in Australia.
Built by pearling tycoon Ted Hunter in 1916, the theater has its name spelled out in old light bulbs. The screen is set out in the open, with fabric beach chairs or a lawn for customers to sit on under the stars. If there's a bit of rain -- highly unlikely -- you can duck under the tin roof until the sprinkles pass. Ceiling fans whirl the humid air.
The "loos" are behind the screen. In a nod to cinema stars of the past, the men's room is marked "Humphreys" while the women's door says "Viviens."
Times have changed since the days when Sun Pictures showed its first talkie, "Monte Carlo," in 1932. Though the films are still first-run features, the show is sometimes briefly interrupted by helicopters landing at Broome's nearby airport.
If you are feeling energetic and want to explore a bit of Broome's cultural past, visit the Pearl Luggers, a museum dedicated to the town's colorful pearl-industry past.
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Jun/06272004/sunday/sunday.asp

Tokyu to Start A$20 Billion Urban Development, Australian Says
June 26 (Bloomberg) -- Tokyu Corp., a Tokyo-based rail, real estate and retail group, will start building a A$20 billion ($14 billion) planned city in Australia later this year, the Australian newspaper said, citing an official of its local unit.

Initial work on the 30-year project, 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Western Australian state capital Perth, will begin after the signing a local partner, the newspaper said, citing Dusan Mills, a director of Tokyu's Yanchep Sun City unit. Capricorn Investment Group has agreed to help fund the A$2.5 billion first phase of the project, which would be the country's biggest urban development project, the newspaper said. Capricorn is a private, Melbourne-based company, the report said.

Tokyu is in talks with other companies to become joint venture partners in the project, which will house 150,000 people in a new city to be called St. Andrews, the report said. The initial phase, comprising 9,000 building blocks, will take 20 years to complete, it said.

The project was the brainchild of Australian businessman Alan Bond, who served almost four years in jail for Australia's biggest corporate fraud, the newspaper said. Tokyu took full ownership of the project in 1978. The project has the backing of the state and federal governments, it said.

Tokyu, which has a market value of 631 billion yen ($5.9 billion), was responsible for establishing the Tama Garden City on former rice paddies on the outskirts of Tokyo soon after the Second World War, the newspaper said. The project is home to half a million people and is only now nearing completion, it said.
http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000101&sid=aN10netE1jU0&refer=japan

Japanese firm's $20bn 'private city' to kick off
A 35-YEAR dream to build a new city 50km north of Perth will finally become reality after a company linked to Melbourne's Smorgon family agreed to a joint venture to kickstart the massive project.

The $20billion development, originally the brainchild of disgraced businessman Alan Bond, will be the biggest private urban development ever undertaken in Australia.

Housing 150,000 people, the city, to be named St Andrews, will be more than twice as big as the Greater Springfield project now being developed southwest of Brisbane.

Japan's Tokyu Corporation has owned the land near Perth for 30 years through its subsidiary Yanchep Sun City, and has spent 15 years planning the development.

The scheme has the support of the state and federal governments, which have backed the development by giving it Major Project status.

The Capricorn Investment Group, a private Melbourne company, has signed on as a joint venture partner to begin the project's first $2.5billion phase.

Capricorn is backed by several wealthy Victorian families, including the Smorgons in steel and the Newtowns, who made their fortune in furniture manufacturing.

Work on phase one, comprising 9000 building lots, is expected to begin later this year, and will take 20 years to complete. Tokyu is in negotiations with other companies to be joint venture partners in other stages of the massive West Australian development.

The entire project is expected to take 30 years, and 55,000 homes will be built by completion.

Yanchep Sun City director Dusan Mills said the project was laying the foundation for the future growth of Perth, with the city's northern limits to eventually meet the southern boundary of the new St Andrews.

"With the filling-in of the corridor, that will mark the end of the growth of the metropolitan area to the north," Mr Mills said.

Tokyu already has agreements with several companies to either establish in or relocate to St Andrews, providing 800 local jobs almost immediately.

The developer eventually plans to attract 50,000 jobs to the area.

Tokyu says that while the timeframes for the project are long, it has a track record for patience.

The company was responsible for establishing the Tama Garden City on former rice paddies on the outskirts of Tokyo soon after World War II. The project is home to 500,000 people and is only now nearing completion.

The company has also spent the past 30 years building a community at Seattle in Washington state, in the US, containing 4000 homes.

"Tokyu has a history delivering long-term visionary projects," Mr Mills said.

Capricorn Investments spokesman Richard Newton said the Melbourne consortium had been seeking to enter the Perth market for some time, after being involved in developments on the east coast.

It was introduced to the project through a third party.

Mr Newton said the group had never undertaken a project of such a scale, but believed it should enter the Perth market in a big way
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9955343%255E25658,00.html

Chemistry centre of excellence to open in Perth
THE largest scientific centre of excellence in the southern hemisphere is to be set up in Perth, housing experts in police forensics, air quality and water contamination.

The establishment of the chemistry precinct, which could be open by 2007, will see more than 200 professional research and teaching staff come together.

These will include world experts in fields such as air and water quality monitoring, salinity and greenhouse research, chemical spill and contaminated sites analysis and criminal forensics.

Announcing the initiative today, State Development Minister Clive Brown said the centre would create a "cluster of knowledge", whilst also playing a vital role in the fight against crime.

"The establishment of the chemistry precinct will provide high quality chemistry services for organisations like the WA Police and both local and international industry," Mr Brown said.

"Modern policing is increasingly drawing upon chemistry services in forensic activities such as crime scene investigation, illicit drug analysis and coronial toxicology."

"With the new chemistry precinct set to have even greater capacity, science is set to play an even greater role in the Government's fight against crime."

The chemistry precinct will combine the state government's Chemistry Centre with Curtin University's Department of Applied Chemistry in a new purpose-built complex adjacent to the CSIRO's Minerals Laboratories at the university.
http://news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9952573%255E2761,00.html

Woman found dead in kebab shop
A WOMAN was found dead this morning at the back of her family food business, a few kilometres north of the Perth central business district.

Police spokesman Gary Kosovich said today that St John Ambulance officers rang police after they received a call that a woman had been murdered at the Kebabs Istan Pizza and Turkish Bakery in Mount Lawley.

Inspector Kosovich said details about the incident were still sketchy but said the woman's body was found on the ground at the back of the shop shortly after 11am (AEST).

At this stage police have refused to comment on how the woman died but have confirmed that her 41-year-old husband was assisting police with their inquiries. Witnesses had reported hearing loud noises coming from the premises, he said.

"Police quickly cordoned off the scene and have been interviewing witnesses who saw or heard anything," Inspector Kosovich said.
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10039632%255E26462,00.html

WA leads economic growth
Acting Treasurer John Kobelke has welcomed the latest Access Economics report showing that Western Australia continues to lead the nation in economic growth.

Access Economics' business outlook for the June quarter forecasts growth in WA's gross State product to be the highest of all States at 4.7 per cent.

"It is particularly pleasing to see that jobs growth continues to be strong," Mr Kobelke said.

"For 2004-5, employment growth has been revised up to 2.5 per cent.

"The booming resources sector is playing a key role in generating wealth and prosperity for the State.

"Our solid trading relationship with China is driving investment in large scale resource projects, particularly in the areas of nickel, gold and iron ore."

Mr Kobelke said business investment was also strong, with private equipment investment predicted to increase by 36.9 per cent in 2003-4 and private commercial construction by 5.1 per cent.

The resilience of WA's housing sector was also underlined by a forecast growth of 3.5 per cent in private housing investment in 2004-5.

Regions stripped of labour

Michael Madigan
06jul04

GLOBALISATION is stripping regional Queensland of its workforce as skilled job seekers head to Brisbane, academics say.

Three academics who addressed the 12th annual International Employment Relations Conference in Yeppoon yesterday revealed a serious absence of skilled employees in the regions in both the private and public sector.

In Townsville, one of the state's largest regional centres, employers have launched a southern recruitment drive to overcome a problem that has almost banished unemployment from the area.

"If I could name one of the most pressing problems we face it would have to be our skills shortage," Chamber of Commerce president John Bearne said. "We almost have an effective unemployment rate of zero."


Health care and education have been hardest hit.

But industrial electricians, chefs, plumbers, hairdressers and even furniture upholsterers are increasingly hard to find outside the southeast corner.

Branches and franchises still send staff to regional offices, but sometimes only to "do time" and win promotions back to the capital cities.

The closure of government utilities which once provided training for tradespeople in regional areas may have exacerbated the problem.

"(It is a) clear indication that there is insufficient training occurring in regional areas," the academics said.

"However the remaining businesses in growth regions have failed to fill this gap."

Professor Paul Hyland, Bruce Acutt and Karen Windeknecht, all with the Central Queensland University in Rockhampton, blamed the forces of globalisation for the skills drain.

"Regional Australia has been exposed to the forces of globalisation and the impact on employment has been significant," they said.

In capital cities such as Brisbane "fluctuations and churn" in the labour market could still lead to major shortages or downturns, but often they were short lived.

"In rural and regional areas, fluctuations can cause major disruptions and shortages can be long term as it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and retain skilled workers to relatively isolated communities."

Single privately owned businesses were suffering the most.

"Branches and franchises are not as prone to shortages, particularly in management," the authors said.

"It could be suggested that they are able to transfer staff to alleviate shortages in regional centres or, as is often the case, service in regional centres is seen as a fast-track to promotion.

"The public sector, however, are unable to compete with the private sector and are experiencing difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff at all levels."

The authors said Queensland was the key growth state for jobs in Australia, recording 3.9 per cent annual growth rate compared with 1.8 per cent nationally.

"However, are all these jobs all located in the economic control room of Queensland in the southeast of the state?"

Mr Bearne said job vacancies in the north ranged from mathematics professors at James Cook University to skilled workers in the Mount Isa Mine.

"It goes right across all sections of the work force."
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10048575%255E3102,00.html
__________________________________________________________________________
jt

Job ads on the rebound

By NEWS.com.au staff and wires
05jul04

THE number of job ads in Australian newspapers rebounded in June, suggesting solid demand for labour in the second half would keep the unemployment rate at 23-year lows.

The latest ANZ Job Advertisements series shows most states and territories recorded a rise in the number of newspaper job ads in June, supporting an upward trend evident in Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, showing a 26 per cent surge in vacancies between February and May.

The ANZ series found the number of jobs ads in major metropolitan newspapers grew 1.5 per cent in June, to an average of 21,732 per week, following a 2.8 per cent fall in May and a 0.7 per cent drop in April.

The trend in newspaper job ads increased by 0.3 per cent in June, after a similar increase in May.

The number of internet job ads rose by an adjusted 1.8 per cent in June, the fifth consecutive monthly increase, to an average of 102,558 per week.



ANZ said this was the highest level since the series commenced in July 1999, and that it surpassed the record set in May. It said the internet series was now 50.8 per cent higher than in June of last year.

The survey showed the total number of job ads in both newspapers and on the internet rose by an adjusted 1.7 per cent to an average of 124,290 per week in June, following a 3.4 per cent increase in May.

ANZ said this was 40.2 per cent higher than in June 2003 and was the highest level since the series commenced almost five years ago.

"The upturn in newspaper job advertising in June, after two consecutive monthly declines, coupled with the ongoing strength of the internet job advertisement series, suggests that labour demand remains sound and employment should continue to rise solidly in the second half of 2004," ANZ senior economist Melanie Hay said.

She said jobs growth, while not as robust as the past few months, should be sufficient to consolidate the unemployment rate around its current 23-year low of 5.5 per cent, assuming an unchanged labour force participation rate.

"The modest slowing in employment growth predicted by the job advertisement series is consistent with the expectation that the drivers of Australian economic growth are likely to shift somewhat in the second half of this year, from labour intensive domestically focused industries towards externally oriented businesses, which tend to be less labour intensive," Ms Hay said.

"Overall the moderation in the domestic economy is likely to be mild, with construction activity continuing at a high level, and the retail sector likely to receive support from stronger consumer spending as a result of the income boost from the Federal Government's 2004/05 Budget."

Tasmania recorded the largest increase, with job ads up 13.8 per cent to their highest level in 14 years.

Newspaper job advertising rose:
8.4 per cent in the ACT,
5.2 per cent in Queensland,
3.3 per cent in Western Australia
2.2 per cent in South Australia.

Newspaper job advertising fell:
3.2 per cent in the Northern Territory
1.1 per cent in NSW
0.4 per cent in Victoria in the month.

"The weakness of newspaper job advertising in NSW and Victoria is a little puzzling, even accounting for the relative underperformance of these two state economies recently, but it could be that some of the upturn in white collar employment is being captured by the internet series instead," Ms Hay said.

The ANZ expects the Australian economy to add between 15,000 and 18,000 jobs in coming months, down from 26,900 in the past three months.

The ABS will release the official labour force data on Thursday.

In the meantime the Reserve Bank of Australia has its monthly board meeting tomorrow. It is unlikely to raise its overnight cash rate from the current 5.25 per cent (any decision would be announced on Wednesday).

The jobs data follows the release of the latest quartley survey by forecasters Access Economics, which predicts Australia's economy will expand 3.5 per cent from 3.4 per cent - supporting today's job outlook.

In its latest five-year Business Outlook, Access Economics predicted a stimulus to the economy from the budget and China's demand for Australian resources would keep economic growth strong despite an expected increase in underlying and headline CPI inflation, from about 2 per cent to 2.5 per cent in 2005.

The Government's personal tax cuts and family incentives worth $8 billion were expected to add to inflationary pressures and could push up interest rates next year by up to half a per cent, according to Access.

Access Economics associate director David Rumbens said there was very strong spending in this budget and the government's own projections indicated modest surpluses in the years ahead.

He said those surpluses were based on very strong revenue growth, particularly from company profits.

"Now company profits do tend to go in a bit of cycle and are at a high point at the moment," he said.

"The risk is that if that cycle continues and we move to a low point, then the government really won't be getting the company revenues that it expects and that may put the budget surpluses at risk."

In the report, Mr Rumbens describes government spending in the run up to the election as showing all the restraint of Meatloaf at McDonalds.

"It's colourful language," he said. "But there certainly has been a lot of spending. We are looking at, between the budget and June 2005 some $12.5 billion being given back to consumers in the form of tax cuts and various benefits. The projections in the budget are based on pretty strong revenue growth. If that is not achieved then some other action will have to occur, as quite often tends to happen in pre-election versus post-election budgets ...
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10045625%255E462,00.html
_________________________________________________________________________
jt

Western Australia maintains strong employment record
Western Australia has maintained its strong employment record, with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released today showing that WA has the lowest unemployment rate of all the Australian States.

June's ABS Labour Force Survey found that WA's unemployment rate increased marginally from 5.1 per cent to 5.2 per cent in June. The national unemployment rate increased from 5.5 per cent to 5.6 per cent.

Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said the Gallop Government was building a stronger economy and that there was no better place than WA to look for a job.

"The Gallop Government has worked hard to build a stronger economy and create jobs and opportunities for all Western Australians," Mr Kobelke said.

"Since coming to office, we have delivered record levels of business and capital works investment and this has underpinned a sustained period of economic growth that is creating jobs throughout the State.

"Since February 2001, WA's unemployment rate has fallen from 6.5 per cent to 5.2 per cent, which is currently the lowest unemployment rate of all the Australian States.

"The average monthly unemployment rate during our time in office is 6.3 per cent, which far outperforms that of the Court Government, which was 7.2 per cent."

^^^
Its a good indicator of how well a state is doing.

Australia's Current National Unemployment Rate is 5.6%

In the ACT, the jobless rate for June remains steady at 3.5 per cent in trend terms. The number of people looking for work has fallen slightly.

In Western Australia, the jobless rate for June has risen 0.1 of one per cent to 5.2 per cent and the number of people looking for work has fallen.

In New South Wales, the unemployment is steady at 5.5 per cent but the number of people looking for work has fallen slightly.

Victoria's unemployment rate has risen by 0.2 of one per cent to 5.6 per cent and the number of people looking for work has risen slightly.

In the Northern Territory, the jobless rate for June has risen 0.3 of one per cent to 5.6 per cent in trend terms, with the number of people looking for work down slightly.

Queensland's unemployment rate has risen by 0.2 of one per cent to 5.9 per cent and the number of people looking for work has also increased.

South Australia's unemployment rate has risen by 0.2 of one per cent to 6.4 per cent and the number of people looking for work has also increased.

In Tasmania, the jobless rate for June remains unchanged at 6.8 per cent in trend terms but seasonally adjusted, it has increased 0.2 of one per cent to 6.9 per cent. The number of people looking for work has also increased.

http://www.abc.net.au/queensland/news/200407/s1149361.htm

jt

WA rides biggest boom since the 60s
The WA economy grew last year at its fastest pace since the boom of the 1960s and the good times are tipped to continue.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA said in its quarterly review released yesterday that the State's economy expanded 7.5 per cent in the 2003-04 financial year.

Chamber senior economist John Nicolaou said if the chamber's assessment was borne out by official data, it would be the strongest economic performance in the 15 years records have been kept.

He said it would be the strongest growth rate since the 1960s when growth was estimated to have been about 8 per cent in some years.

The robust growth had been driven by business investment related to the burgeoning demand for WA's commodity exports and by robust consumer spending.

But the strong outlook was not likely to prompt an interest rate rise soon, with data showing the number of housing loans approved nationally fell more than expected in May.

WA's economic growth in 2003-04 was more than double that for the nation as a whole, with the chamber estimating the Australian economy grew 3.75 per cent.

WA's growth is forecast to moderate but it is still expected to outperform the rest of the country.

The chamber expects the State's economy to expand 4.5 per cent in both 2004-5 and 2005-06, while the national economy is expected to grow2.75 per cent in 2004-05, a figure below the Federal Government Budget forecast of 3.5 per cent.

The chamber said WA's growth would be underpinned by further strengthening in exports as key resource projects come on stream.

"A stronger external sector will, however, be offset by an expected moderation in the domestic economy," it said.

Mr Nicolaou said that while the exceptional growth of the 2003-04 year would not be repeated, growth of 4.5 per cent was still strong and would show the economy building on recent gains.

The chamber's forecasts for WA are more positive than those of Access Economics, which earlier this week estimated the State's economy had grown 4.7 per cent in 2003-04, falling to a still solid 3.7 per cent in 2004-05.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics said national housing finance approvals dropped 2.6 per cent in May from April, against a market forecast for a one per cent decline.

Economists said the fall in loan approvals would be enough to keep the Reserve Bank from raising rates as it added to the view that the housing sector was slowing in an orderly way. Housing finance has fallen for the past eight months, showing the two interest rate rises late last year had the desired effect of cooling an overheated market.

RBC Capital Markets senior economist Su-Lin Ong said housing finance was still well above the level that the Reserve Bank was comfortable with and the decline in borrowing would have to continue for the rest of the year to ensure no interest rate rise. Some economists said it appeared finance approvals were stabilising after falling more sharply at the start of the year.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040710/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto127884.html

WA to become world class oil and gas research hub
A $20million State Government grant will make Western Australia home to one of the world's most prestigious oil and gas research centres and seal our economic and energy security by unlocking hidden resources.

Premier Geoff Gallop said the Western Australian Energy Research Alliance - a partnership between CSIRO, Curtin University and The University of Western Australia would line up with the renowned Institut France Pétrole in Paris and Shell Technology in The Hague as a world class energy technology centre and create more knowledge, more jobs, more resources and more exports.

WA ERA would harness the knowledge and drive of some of the State's finest researchers and biggest exploration companies who would work together to develop new technology and then deliver it to industry.

Dr Gallop said WA ERA would work to develop ways to exploit WA's massive reserves of inaccessible 'stranded' gas, which were estimated to be worth $200billion.

Researchers would also focus on delivering Australia's first 'intelligent oilfield' with real-time monitoring and control which would contribute to boosting oil recovery rates by as much as 25 per cent - worth an additional $4billion.

Dr Gallop said a key objective of WA ERA would be sustainable development in WA's oil and gas industry by reducing the greenhouse signature from our oil and gas fields. They would also strive to develop technology to make the industries safer and more efficient.

"This grant is a measure of just how valuable we believe this alliance will be for WA," he said.

"I am positive that WA ERA will deliver on this investment in terms of contribution to the State's economy through new investment and jobs, strengthening our energy security and building on our international reputation as the engine room of Australia's economy.

"Our contribution alone will enable WA ERA to take on 50 new researchers in key areas and introduce a significantly increase PhD scholarship and undergraduate and masters program to ensure there is a constant supply of talent.

"Many more researchers will be recruited with funding expected from industry sources.

"We anticipate that our $20million investment will leverage well over $200million in research spending over the next decade in the Energy Research Alliance. This is a significant boost to our R & D sector.

"On top of this, the research that is being funded has the potential to unlock huge economic benefits for WA.

"I am especially excited about the opportunities to access new gas reserves so that we can export more of our clean natural gas to the world.

"WA ERA will be in the unique position of being able to consult with industry and to carry out the kinds of research that industry really wants to deliver technological breakthroughs," Dr Gallop said.

State Government funding for WA ERA would be provided through the WA Major Research Facility Program established by the Office of Science and Innovation in conjunction with the Premier's Science Council.

Professor Ian Constable, Chair of the Premier's Science Council, said the program had been a catalyst for new collaborations between many of WA's foremost researchers.

What a mass copywright infringement thread this has become - LOL.

don't mind me, continue ;)

Beattie says more links vital for growing city
Sean Parnell
13jul04

BRISBANE would need more river crossings to cope with the southeast Queensland population boom, Premier Peter Beattie said yesterday.

Mr Beattie said the State Government was working on a duplication of the Gateway Bridge and had allowed Brisbane City Council to do some preliminary planning for the North-South Tunnel.

When asked if the two levels of government were still working on a broader cross-river strategy, Mr Beattie confirmed "a lot of work behind the scenes" on possible future bridges and tunnels.

"We're not in a position to announce anything at this stage but we will be and there are a number of issues on the drawing board," Mr Beattie said.

"I'll have a bit more to say about that long-term."


Pressed on whether he thought Brisbane needed more river crossings to cope with population growth, Mr Beattie said "yes I do" but would not be drawn on whether it already had a traffic crisis.

"I don't like using terms like crisis," Mr Beattie said.

"We've spent a record amount of money in recent years to deal with traffic. We've increased the amount of expenditure in the Budget. I applaud The Courier-Mail's report on road management issues because they highlight the fact that the Federal Government has been short-changing for a long time the expenditure of roads in this state."

Mr Beattie said he believed his Government was doing as much as it could in terms of planning and funding new roads and road upgrades.

"We're spending record amounts of money on road funding and of course there are going to be pressure issues in the southeast corner, with somewhere between 1500-2600 people a week moving here," he said.

"That's why we've built the southern busway, the northern busway, the Goodwill Bridge, that's why we've given the council a tick-off to go ahead and do a lot of the preliminary work for the tunnel, that's why we're duplicating the Gateway Bridge, that's why we finished building the M1, that's why we've got the Tugun Bypass being done. That's why we've allocated money for the Sunshine Coast, Ipswich roads.

"We've put a record amount of money into road funding but where you've got demand like we're getting, of course it's going to be an issue and that's why we're trying to manage it effectively."

Mr Beattie again ruled out removing Queensland 8.3¢ per litre fuel subsidy to fund capital works, a position supported by Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg.

But Mr Springborg was not supportive of the proportion of the Government's record capital works budget being spent on roads.

"Six years ago the Nationals-led Government was spending $1 billion per year on roads, but now Labor has cut that back to a little over $800 million," he said.

Source:
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10118412%255E3102,00.html

jt

What a mass copywright infringement thread this has become - LOL.

don't mind me, continue ;)

Ageed - people must remember to include a source and a web page link.

jt

Cool holiday fun in sun
http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/250-gen14snow39.jpg
The chance to play in snow was far more tempting for Perth children than staying warm on one of Perth's coldest mornings this week.

More than 2500 eager thrillseekers enjoyed a winter playground in Forrest Place, tobogganing down a snowy slope on inflatable tubes and trying their hand at throwing snowballs, many for the first time.

Housed under a marquee, Snowfields in the City was created using compressed air and nitrogen and defied a warm afternoon that reached 18C.

Stephen Papavassiliou, 10, and James Farnell, 9, both of City Beach, said the snowfields were excellent fun. "It was really cool because I had never been on an actual slope before with snow," James said.

The City of Perth has provided the snowfields as part of a program of free school holiday activities in the city and estimates more than 25,000 children will use them.

There are free City Playground Passes with discounts and special offers and Secret of Point Zero walking tours.

The tours follow a trail of miniature German cottages on display in foyers and shops. Brochures are available from a booth in Forrest Place. Snowfields in the City runs daily from 10am to 4pm until Saturday, July 24.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040714/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto128039-pic24827.html

http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10121221%255E2862,00.html
L-plater hits 205km/h on ring road
Shelley Hodgson
13jul04

A FEMALE learner driver who was clocked at 205km/h on the Western Ring Rd has shocked Victoria's top traffic cop.

The 18-year-old had L-plates on the car and was with a 16-year-old girlfriend.
"It was really a cocktail for disaster and not something we ought to be patting ourselves on the back about," Assistant Commissioner (traffic) Bob Hastings said.

"That sort of behaviour's nonsense. If you're an L-plate driver you've got to get the experience, but you get the experience in a proper way."

Mr Hastings, who wants speedometers changed so that speeds over 120km/h are not shown, said the teen was fined for speeding, failure to indicate and driving while unlicensed.

The Laverton resident cannot apply for her licence for a year and will be about $1000 out of pocket.

She exceeded the limit by more than 100km/h at Ardeer about 8.40pm on July 2. She was driving a black 1991 Nissan 300ZX coupe when police, using a hand-held laser gun, registered the 205km/h and intercepted her.

Mr Hastings said changing speedometers so that 60km/h was more prominent on the display and speeds over 120km/h were not shown would help motorists keep speed in check.

"I'm not sure scientifically whether it carries much weight. I'm not sure what the response would be from the car manufacturers, but I think it's something we need to look at," he told 3AW.

"I just think it's something that needs to be talked about -- it's all about making cars safer."

Mr Hastings planned to discuss his idea with car manufacturers.

"If we all look at the modern car and the speedometers go up to something like 280km/h or more, I wonder why, given that you can't do those speeds legally on our roads. It's an interesting concept that I'm trying to get some feedback on."

Mr Hastings suggested placing the 60km/h display more prominently to the top of the speed dial and placing just a red line beyond the 120km/h display.

RACV spokesman Ken Ogden said the idea had merit but there might be more sophisticated ways to address the issue.

"There's probably a role to think outside the square here and think of intelligent speedos that know where you are on the road system and what the limit is," he said.

Monash University Accident Research Centre director Professor Ian Johnston backed the proposal. He said it was the first step in bringing about a culture shift.

It would stop manufacturers advertising on speed, and would enable motorists to better determine what their speed was because there would be a larger gap between each increment on the speedometer.

Toyota has developed a concept car with a reconfigurative speedometer that could use technology to detect changing speed zones and then put that speed to the top of the electronic speed dial.

Holden spokesman Jason Laird said the company would be happy to look at strategies that promote road safety.

Mr Laird said different speed limits across the country, and export of Australian-manufactured vehicles to markets that do not have speed limits, posed difficulties for manufacturers but were not insurmountable.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Peter Sturrock said the industry would not want anything that created unique specifications for vehicles made for the Australian market.

"We could not see any merit in the idea, and it could only be a complication for the industry globally, which we think would be unnecessary," Mr Sturrock said.

Gateway Masterplan shapes Perth for the 21st century
Perth's eastern entry will be reinvented over the next decade to become an integrated urban village for 6,000 new residents and workers following today's release of the Gateway Masterplan.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Gateway project would transform the 40 hectare area between the Swan River and the central business district (CBD) into a bustling, mixed-use community.

"Gateway is an important part of the project to populate Perth, strengthening the viability of the CBD and taking advantage of the tremendous waterfront and existing infrastructure," she said.

"It will also help build diversity in Perth - providing more opportunities for those who want the urban lifestyle.

"We are becoming a big city and need to face the realities that come with that, producing options to match people's changing lifestyles.

"Gateway will deliver a stylish, high impact entry statement to the CBD with landmark buildings and high quality open space to capitalise on its riverfront location."

The project will be delivered by the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA) and is expected to take place over 10 to 15 years.

It will have a particular focus on community diversity and the 'live/work' principles of sustainability, with a variety of housing types and an emphasis on using public transport.

The variety of housing types will also include a commitment to social and affordable housing, to be delivered through the implementation of EPRA's Housing Diversity Policy.

"Ten to 15 percent of housing in the project area will be dedicated to social and affordable housing which will be delivered through private, public and not-for-profit sectors," Ms MacTiernan said.

"EPRA's Housing Diversity Policy is delivered through a very modern approach - gone are the days where high rise apartment blocks are constructed to meet social housing quotas.

"Gateway will become a vibrant residential community with a focus on people and their interaction with the Swan River and CBD.

"It will see Hay Street extended at its eastern end, down to the Swan River foreshore while a new river inlet will provide the perfect setting for cafés, restaurants and retail outlets."

High-quality street scaping will transform major roads into leafy avenues with an emphasis on shared use with pedestrians and cyclists.

Adelaide Terrace will be reinstated as the major entry into the City and Hay Street, adjoining Queen's Gardens, will be calmed and have embayed parking.

The former Metrobus Depot on Adelaide Terrace will be the first stage to be developed with subdivision works planned to start this year. It was successfully remediated and decontaminated in 2003.

Street-level commercial and hospitality tenancies will be part of most residential neighbourhoods, delivering the 'buzz' of urban life and providing services and employment for local residents and workers.

The Gateway project will be self-funded by EPRA and at its conclusion will deliver an estimated surplus of $20million.

The redevelopment of land, new roads and public spaces by EPRA will cost approximately $80million over the life of the project and is expected to generate flow on investment from the private sector in the order of $500million.

Ms MacTiernan also said the Gateway plan would not require the Trotting Association to move.

"We are happy to see them stay for as long as they want - the track provides a different recreational opportunity," she said.

"But, from time to time, they contemplate redevelopment and we want to make sure that we have a plan which ensures that can be done in a way that integrates with the overall development."

EPRA finalised the Gateway Masterplan following a three-month community and stakeholder consultation period around the release of a draft Masterplan in July 2002.

A total of 240 written submissions were received as part of the consultation process and a custom-built website generated 141,000 enquiries.

Minister's office: 9213 6400

Perth game a sell-out
When Australia face South African in Saturday's Vodacom Tri-Nations match in Perth, it will be in front of a capacity crowd of 43 500 at the Subiaco Oval — a record for this well-known Western Australian venue.

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) announced on Monday that tickets for the Test between the Wallabies and Springboks have officially sold out.

The last remaining tickets were snapped up on Monday, guaranteeing a capacity crowd for this crucial Test.

The sell-out crowd probably has as much to do with the large expat South African community in Perth as it has to do with Australian support, but the Wallabies are clearly hoping to have a larger following at a venue which has become known as the Boks' 'home away from home'.

The Wallabies are certainly encouraging their fans to wear gold to the game to show their support for the team.

"It is always good to play in front of a Perth crowd, because they love their rugby and really get involved in the game," Wallaby coach Eddie Jones said.

"But to sell out Subiaco Oval five days before the match is a great effort, and a sign that rugby is really taking hold in Western Australia," he added.

Subiaco Oval is the largest and most recognised stadium in Western Australia. Subiaco was first built in 1908 and was then known as Mueler Park, with the first match on May 9 that year between Subiaco and East Perth.

The facilities have been consistently improved since.

Despite being home to the AFL's West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, Subiaco is not new to rugby union, with the ARU making a concerted effort to make inroads in the West.

The last time Australia played South Africa in Perth, it was a 14-14 draw, the only time the two countries have drawn in 54 Tests.

The crowd that day of 42 658 was the record for a rugby match at Subiaco.

Ironically South Africa have only lost once on the ground, going down to England in a Rugby World Cup pool match at Subiaco last year.

If fit and selected, this weekend's match will also be Australia captain George Gregan's 100th Test match for Australia.
http://sport.iafrica.com/news/337849.htm

Kuwait City reports the highest occupancy globally

Kuwait City’s performance in 2003 certainly deserves praise. Each year the city has moved up the ranks but in 2003 it rocketed past the competition. Whilst Kuwait City typically commands one of the highest average room rates of the 320 markets tracked, its occupancy levels are normally amongst the lowest. Over the past four years Kuwait City has seen hotel occupancy move from 45 percent in 2000 to 85 percent in 2003 – taking it from 143rd position to the number one slot.

Australian cities, Brisbane and Perth achieved the second and third highest occupancy levels globally in 2003. Impressive performance given that in 2000 both these cities were outside the top 30.

The UK had three cities that ranked amongst those reporting the highest occupancies in 2003 – Gatwick, Edinburgh and York. This is the most markets the UK has had represented since 200, Gatwick however is the only market that has put in an appearance every year since 2000.

http://www.hotelbenchmark.com/frames.htm?http%3A//www.hotelbenchmark.com/itk/MarketSnapshots/040220Top10Markets.htm

jt

Rugby fever strikes Perth
http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/100-gen30greg3.jpg
A sell-out Perth crowd will watch Australia take on South Africa in Wallabies captain George Gregan's 100th Test appearance tomorrow - but one of their biggest fans won't be in the stands.

Prime Minister John Howard, a frequent fixture at Wallabies matches, is in town to address the State Liberal conference at noon tomorrow but will fly out before the 6pm kick-off. But while Mr Howard won't be at Subiaco Oval to cheer the Wallabies on, 43,000 others will: rugby diehards, sports fans and those lucky enough to be on the corporate A-list.

Those categories are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as staunch fan and Western Power chairman Neil Hamilton proves.

He is an invited guest of the Australian Rugby Union and will also entertain guests in Western Power's corporate suite. Mr Hamilton is tipping a Wallabies win in a tight contest.

"Some cynics think it's a home game for the Springboks, there's that many bloody ex-South Africans in Perth," he laughed.

Mr Hamilton is one of thousands of corporate fans who will watch the match from Subiaco Oval's 176 boxes and 59 suites. All are sold out with hosts happy to pay between $275 and $305 a head for their clients. The arena's six function rooms are also sold out, as is an 800-capacity marquee erected on adjoining Kitchener Park.

Subiaco Oval general manager Shane Walsh said guests would dine on Manjimup marron, lamb cutlets, desserts and cheese platters washed down with wines from Chalice Bridge, Houghton, Eaglehawk and Wolf Blass.

Nearly $10 million in economic benefits accrued to WA the last time the teams met at Subiaco Oval in 2001, according to an independent report by Right Marketing Australia.

The report found an estimated 3000 people travelled to Perth from interstate and overseas, spending their tourist dollars at cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops. Tourism Western Australia officials are expecting similar figures this time.

A big crowd of South African fans is expected at the Leederville Hotel, which has retained its 2003 World Cup status as "Bok Town". The hotel is the official Perth home of the Springboks and proprietor Craig Hutchinson expects 2000 fans.

Millions of viewers from the United States, Japan, Britain, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa and South-East Asia are expected to tune into live telecasts of the match. Channel 7's live Perth broadcast starts at 5.30pm
http://www.thewest.com.au/20040730/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto128912.html

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid132/p4f1298d4d8d2f7a8a48c62c103b15ab9/f79da016.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid132/p7c3876364fac1007e2f3e8d0ec852e69/f79da014.jpg

Supercat's launch barely raises ripple
Chris Griffith, City Hall Reporter
02aug04
BIG is beautiful was the catchcry when Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and long-term Highgate Hill resident Cleopatra Xynias launched Brisbane's first "supercat" at New Farm yesterday.

After a traditional cracking of a champagne bottle, the Beenung-Urrung (Highgate Hill) left the New Farm Park CityCat terminal with 105 residents, bound for St Lucia.
The passengers won a spot on the inaugural trip after entering a Brisbane commercial radio competition to tell jokes.
The $2.4 million Beenung-Urrung, which is larger than the existing eight CityCats, can carry 160 passengers with 130 seated – 30 more than on the conventional cats.
It cruises at about 25 knots, has a low-emission engine, and a more sophisticated electronics system for drivers.
Cr Newman said the new CityCat would increase the fleet's capacity by 30 per cent.
A second SuperCat was being built and would be delivered next May or June.
Other enhancements include modern airline-style seats, more outdoor seating, and a giant $6500 flat screen which will present news and weather updates – and advertising.
The new CityCat is due to go into regular service on August 9.
The council, meanwhile, has launched a more general study of cross-river ferry services. It is seeking suggestions on where to locate new terminals, new services and express services to improvements for passenger comfort, security and safety.
The introduction of a new CityCat coincides with a reduction in fares after the introduction of integrated ticketing three weeks ago.
The council's transport and major projects committee chairman Graham Quirk said with the introduction of cheaper fares, the council was expecting a 6 per cent increase in CityCat patronage in 12 months.
Yesterday, Brisbane parking fees also dropped from $4 to $2.40 an hour and new 1kg waste vouchers came into force.
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10313111%255E3102,00.html

http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,366133,00.jpg
_____________________________________________
jt

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid134/p4522546ee2ff63a9de0dc937acf197de/f77348d4.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid134/p494f4c9498989ca53866ce7813aa3b24/f77348d1.jpg

The Gallop Government's low unemployment record holds strong
Western Australia's unemployment rate remains well below the national average and better than all other States.

Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said today's release of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey for July revealed WA's jobless rate was now at 5.1 per cent.

"This is a small improvement from June's 5.2 per cent, but more importantly it is a consistent result compared with the rising national rate of 5.7 per cent," Mr Kobelke said.

"Unemployment has reduced significantly since the Gallop Government was elected, with a monthly average of 6.2 per cent, which is a clear one per cent better than for the previous Liberal Government."

The Minister said Labor had created a positive economic climate for business and stability through balanced budgets, without selling off assets like the Liberals did.

"Youth unemployment levels are also improving, with the July rate dropping to 15 per cent, down 2.1 per cent since June and 4.4 per cent better than this time last year," he said

Continuing signs of confidence in WA were echoed in an increase in newspaper job advertising in July, which lifted 1.7 per cent.

The ANZ Job Advertisement Series showed the number of positions displayed in newspapers in WA was at its highest level in almost 15 years, with an average number of 3,299 jobs on offer each week in July.

Hydrogen fuel cell buses arrive in Perth as part of global trial
Two of three state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell buses have arrived in Perth as part of a two-year international trial of the clean, green technology.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan inspected the buses being tested this morning at PathTransit's Malaga depot.

Perth is the only southern hemisphere city to participate, joining Stuttgart, Hamburg, Luxemburg, Stockholm, London, Porto, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rekyavik and Madrid in the trial.

Ms MacTiernan said the project was part of the Gallop Government's commitment to reduce the State's oil dependence and deliver a green public transport system.

"Hydrogen is seen as a highly prospective energy source for transport and static power," she said.

"But like any new revolutionary technology, developing to a commercially feasible stage requires pioneering support.

"The State Government will play a key role in trialling the potential of this technology by running these buses on the streets of Perth for the next two years."

Hydrogen fuel cell buses:

-produce no greenhouse gases
-produce no smog-creating emissions
-are quieter than conventional vehicles
-are more efficient than internal combustion engines
-are predicted to be cheaper in the long-term to maintain and operate than internal combustion engines

The DaimlerChrysler Citaro buses used for the trial run on hydrogen gas - the hydrogen is converted to electricity using Ballard fuel cell engines.

Fuel cells create continuous power as hydrogen is passed through a membrane in a carbon 'sandwich' and mixes with oxygen. The result is electricity, which is used to power an electric motor. The only emission through the tailpipe is water vapour.

The hydrogen is extracted from natural gas - although experiments are proceeding to produce it via renewable energy sources.

The State Government is investing almost $8million into the project.

After their official launch next month, to coincide with an international hydrogen and fuel cell conference and tradeshow in Perth, the buses will run on normal Transperth service routes, including the city's central business district.

The performance of the buses will be independently assessed by Murdoch University.

Resource demand fuels Asia trade
Western Australia’s important trading relationship with Asia has been reaffirmed in the State’s latest international trade statistics.

And not surprisingly, with the huge industrial development going on in much of Asia, particularly China, resources and agricultural products continue to dominate the bulk of trade.

Japan and China remained WA’s top two trading partners in the 2003-2004 financial year.

A third Asian nation, South Korea, remained in third spot despite a continuing three-year decline in terms of total trade value.

The US was knocked from fourth place to fifth by WA’s soaring trade with India.

India surged from 16th the previous financial year to fourth spot on the back of its huge demand for gold.

WA’s exports to India have increased by $2.5 billion in the past three years – gold exports making up the lion’s share.

The statistics, the latest from the WA Department of industry and Resources, measure and rank the value of exports and imports between WA and 245 of the State’s trading partners.

WA’s top five trading partners are almost identical to the nation’s top five, reflecting the fact WA delivers more than 28 per cent of the nation’s export wealth.

At a national level, however, trade with the US is more important, as is trade with New Zealand.

The national trade with China, while continuing to grow, still sits at third spot behind the US.

China’s importance to the WA economy is more pronounced, however, with resource exports to China underpinning strong growth in the State’s economy.

The WA Government has for many years been quite keen to foster the growing Asian trade, particularly the relationship with China, which the Government says is helping to set the scene for a once in 30 or 40-year opportunity for WA.

Japan, which has been one of WA’s strongest long-term trading partners (and despite continuing its unrivalled reign as the State’s number one trading partner), fell in terms of value of trade with WA last financial year.

The value of trade between the two slipped by $1.3 billion to $8.2 billion, largely the result of a fall in exports from WA.

The fall came despite Japan’s strengthening economy and its increased demand for minerals and oil and gas, iron ore petroleum, nickel and gold exports.

Confidential trade, which with Japan is most likely alumina and/or wheat, made up almost 50 per cent of trade, while iron ore and oil and gas exports accounted for just over 35 per cent of WA’s exports.

The fall in exports came as the WA Government looked to foster more diversity in exports instead of relying on traditional items such as resources and agricultural products.

While trade with Japan has been steady over the past five years, by comparison, trade with China has continued to increase in value as well as expand.

Last financial year WA’s total trade with China grew by $371 million, with both imports and exports increasing.

Exports were almost solely made up of minerals and oil and gas, however some agricultural products featured in the figures.

Iron ore was the dominant export item worth almost $2 billion to the State.

Despite South Korea’s growing importance to WA as a liquefied natural gas market, and in the services sector, trade between the two continues to decline in value.

Exports have fallen by $425 million since 2001-2002, while imports have fallen by $352.3 million in the same period
http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/story.php?nid=20434&P_category=7

Resources driving $40b boom
WA Business News’ inaugural survey of resource and infrastructure projects has found that China and energy are the two common themes. Mark Beyer reports.

THE investment boom currently under way in Western Australia is likely to result in more than $40 billion being poured into about 50 big resource and infrastructure projects in the space of five years.

WA Business News has studied company plans and government announcements to produce its own list of current and likely future projects.

The scale and breadth of the project boom is unprecedented.

“This has got to be the biggest construction effort ever in Western Australia’s history,” ACIL Tasman executive director WA Ian Satchwell said.

Looking ahead, there is no shortage of opportunities.

“The next two to five years is going to be incredible for resources in WA,” said Geoff Pereira, general manager WA infrastructure with engineering group Kellogg Brown & Root.

“We are expecting phenomenal opportunities in LNG and iron ore over the next two to five years and possibly longer.”

KBR was one of several members of the Association of Consulting Engineers that provided WA Business News with details of projects they are currently working on (see page 15).

The list shows the range of projects presently under way, in areas as diverse as oil and gas, alumina, iron ore, water supply, power, transport and community infrastructure.

Consulting engineers GHD has shared in the current boom conditions and general manager Australian operations Ian Shepherd said the good news had spread further.

“Our New Zealand arm is going great guns and in the Middle East we are picking up lots and lots of projects,” Mr Shepherd said.

“We will get more and more revenue offshore but also grow the Australian business.”

The many projects presently under way are led by 25 big resource and infrastructure projects collectively worth $11 billion (see page 13).

The list is confined to projects worth more than $100 million and therefore excludes numerous smaller projects in mining, transport and other sectors.

Three of the big projects are nearing completion – the North West Shelf Venture’s 4th gas processing train, Newcrest’s Telfer gold project, and Rio Tinto’s innovative Hismelt pig iron plant at Kwinana.

Projects that are just getting under way include BHP Billiton’s Ravensthorpe nickel project and Alcoa’s Pinjarra alumina refinery upgrade, both of which will have a peak construction workforce of about 1,000 people.

Looking ahead it seems likely the investment boom will continue for several years.

WA Business News has identified 13 big projects worth $10 billion that are likely to proceed within the next one to two years (see table this page).

There are a further 13 big projects collectively worth $16.5 billion considered a reasonable possibility of proceeding.

Engineers Australia director WA division Rupert Grayston said the current boom could be markedly different from the traditional ‘boom-and-bust’ pattern.

“This has the potential to be sustained for five years, which would be extraordinary because these things never last for five years,” he said.

“What also makes this unusual is that the investment in resources projects is on top of a very busy period of infrastructure development across Australia.”

The two linking themes for most of the projects are China’s rapid economic expansion and WA’s increasing need for energy (see page 14).

Iron ore miners BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have both cited China’s rapid economic growth – specifically the rising demand for steel to support a construction boom – as the main driver behind their rapid expansion projects in the Pilbara.

Oil and gas companies such as Woodside (operator of the North West Shelf Venture) and ChevronTexaco have eyed China as one of the prime markets for their LNG, with Japan, South Korea and the US also important markets.

Commodities including alumina and nickel have also benefited from rapid economic growth in China and the generally buoyant state of the world economy.

The single largest project coming up is ChevronTexaco’s Gorgon oil and gas development.

Stage 1, worth $6 billion, is likely to kick off next year. It features construction of an LNG processing train on environmentally sensitive Barrow Island, while the $5 billion 2nd phase would involve development of gas processing infrastructure on the mainland.

Gorgon is expected to have a peak construction workforce of 3,000 people, even more than Train 4’s peak workforce of 2,400 people.

Another big project expected to proceed next year is the NW Shelf Venture’s 5th production train.

It would be a carbon copy of Train 4, costing about $1.6 billion, and would lift annual LNG production from 11.7 million tones to 15.9mt.

On a much smaller scale, the NW Shelf venture is expected to develop the Perseus field, linking it to the existing Goodwyn production platform.

NW Shelf venture operator Woodside has a busy schedule of new projects, with the $1.5 billion Enfield oil project and the $480 million Mutineer oil project (operated by Santos) currently being developed in Western Australian waters.

It is also involved in the $1.1 billion Otway project off the Victorian coast and the $850 million Chinguetti project in Africa and is assessing further projects in the Northern territory, the Timor Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Another expected project is Apache Energy’s $220 million John Brookes gas field development, off the north-west coast, which will supply Newcrest’s Telfer gold mine.

Outside the resources sector, Wesfarmers subsidiary CSBP is likely to proceed with a $130 million expansion of its Kwinana nitric acid plant next year.

The list of possible projects is dominated by iron ore and alumina.

Alcoa is already working on an upgrade of its Pinjarra alumina refinery and has started community consultation on development of a third production unit at its Wagerup refinery.

Alcoa said the Wagerup project, worth $1.5 billion, was one of several being assessed to meet a projected increase in alumina demand in 2007.

Looking beyond the Wagerup expansion, an even more ambitious possibility for WA is the development of an aluminium smelter. This has long been on the State Government’s wish list and would be a rare example of value-added mineral processing occurring in Australia.

BHP Billiton is also working to increase its alumina production.

It has committed to a $275 million upgrade of its majority-owned Worsley refinery and is believed to be assessing a much more substantial expansion, potentially worth more than $1 billion.

In the gold sector, the joint owners of the Wandoo project (formerly Boddington) south of Perth have publicly stated they are moving closer to a formal go-ahead for a $500 million-plus development while Argyle Diamonds is currently undertaking a feasibility study on underground extension of its existing open cut mine in the Kimberley region.

In the nickel sector, junior miner Heron Resources recently announced plans for a pre-feasibility study on a greenfields laterite nickel project potentially costing more than $1 billion, while Minara Resources could potentially proceed with an expansion of its Murrin Murrin project.

For all of the projects that develop, there are many that spend millions of dollars on feasibility studies but fail to proceed.

Two years ago the Burrup Peninsula was slated as the home for up to six petrochemical projects, but to date only Burrup Fertilisers’ $630 million ammonia plant has proceeded.

Of the other projects, UK company GTL Resources’ $700 million methanol plant is often still listed as a possibility. However, it is understood GTL has placed the Burrup site on the back burner and focused its efforts on an alternative site in the Middle East.
http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/story.php?P_category=13&nid=20604&SessionID=MyID412c7301a0d24

Tourism WA gets real
Tourism Western Australia has launched a new $2.75 million tourism marketing campaign taglined ‘Western Australia, the Real Thing’.

Tourism minister Bob Kucera said the print, outdoor and television branding campaign represented an investment in developing a long-term brand for WA.

Kucera said the campaign was a progression from the previous ‘Be Touched By Nature’ brand promoted by Elle Macpherson and would feature WA as the hero, rather than a personality.

He said all regions of the state would feature in the campaign, along with unique WA activities such as swimming with whale sharks.

Kucera claimed the campaign also reflected research which showed many Australian tourist spots were considered by visitors to be overcrowded and over-commercialised.

The state government has injected an extra $1.75 million into Tourism WA’s marketing budget for the campaign, which will run in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, regional WA and overseas.

"It is important that the advertisements appear in WA because Western Australians holidaying at home represent a huge slice of tourism business in this state - about 78 per cent," Kucera said.
http://www.travelbiz.com.au/articles/48/0c023448.asp

Convention Centre provides added boost to WA economy
Western Australia's booming economy and tourism trade will reach new heights with the opening of the new $220million Perth Convention Exhibition Centre on the Swan River.

Premier Geoff Gallop - who officially opened the Perth Centre today - said the new centre would provide significant long-term benefits for the WA economy.

"The completion of the convention centre creates an exciting opportunity for the State to tap into the rapid growth of the worldwide convention market - estimated to be worth more than $300billion a year," Dr Gallop said.

"In particular, the new centre will help attract a new level of business tourism, commonly referred to as 'super tourists', to WA.

"Already the signs are good - with hundreds of events and exhibitions booked, attracting an estimated 50,000 delegates and creating more than $79million in 'super tourist' expenditure.

"Overall, the convention centre is anticipated to provide a $2billion injection for the WA economy over the next decade."

The Premier said it was fitting the new centre was opened in WA's 175th Anniversary year.

"This year has not simply been about reflecting our past achievements and unique heritage - but also looking forward to our State's exciting future," he said.

"The opening of the centre builds on a new optimism about WA's future and adds to the growing number of developments in the North, which are fuelling a new period of economic growth."

Dr Gallop said Western Australians could get their first peek at the new centre at WA on Show, which was being held at the centre over the next week to mark the State's 175th Anniversary year.

"WA on Show brings together the State's finest attributes and achievements under one roof for the people of WA to experience first-hand," he said.

"The event provides an opportunity for Western Australians and visitors to enjoy what our State has to offer."

WA on Show will run at the centre from August 27 through to August 31, 9am to 6pm.

A makeover for Perth Cultural Centre Precinct
Perth's cultural precinct will be given a makeover under a State Government plan to bring life and confidence back to this important State asset.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale today announced that the East Perth Redevelopment Authority's boundaries would be extended to cover the cultural precinct.

"The area has a reputation for being sterile and unsafe - we need to deliver a better connection between the Cultural Centre, the Northbridge entertainment precinct, the Perth Train Station and the city's retail core," Ms MacTiernan said.

Minister for Culture and the Arts Sheila McHale said the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct was home to some of the State's most significant cultural institutions including the Art Gallery of WA, the State Library and the WA Museum.

Ms MacTiernan said EPRA would look at options to build on the site's linkages with Northbridge and the city.

"EPRA has a proven track record in urban renewal in Perth and, working with the Department for Culture and the Arts, will aim to bring about the best possible outcome for the site, to make it a focal point for our city.

"We want more people to come to the precinct and enjoy the community assets - it will also provide a fillip for Northbridge business."

Ms McHale said an integrated urban renewal project in the area would bring considerable benefit in terms of increases in attendance at the cultural institutions in the Cultural Centre.

"The Cultural Centre is our State's major resource for enjoying arts and cultural experiences and for accessing knowledge and information," she said.

"Connecting arts and cultural activities with the surrounding area and introducing additional land uses to the precinct will create a more vibrant Centre with the potential to expand the social and demographic profile of visitors and encourage increased use of its facilities."

EPRA's report on the feasibility of an urban renewal strategy will be overseen by a Ministerial Council involving the Treasurer, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Culture and the Arts. Key stakeholders will also be involved in the process.

The feasibility work would be undertaken by EPRA, at no cost to the State, with a report to go to the Expenditure Review Committee regarding findings and recommendations.
"The agencies involved with the Cultural Centre have given unanimous support to the project," Ms MacTiernan said.

"In particular, support has been received from the City of Perth and the WA Police Service whose concerns in relation to crime and anti-social behaviour in the area has been well documented in recent times."

Work to examine the feasibility of implementing an urban renewal strategy in the area will commence immediately and would generate a business case to examine the cost of upgrading public spaces, identify revenue from redevelopment opportunities and examine flow-on commercial opportunities for the precinct.

Brisbane finale for Cher
Nui Te Koha
August 30, 2004
http://news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10610474%255E3102,00.html

CHER will finish her farewell tour, the biggest-ever by a female artist, in Brisbane.

Two years ago, Cher, 58, a star for four decades, embarked on a farewell tour that was meant to end after a 59-date trek across the US. Now, 247 shows later, Cher has played to 2.5 million people around the world.
"My Australian shows will be very emotional because that's where it will end," Cher said.
"I think the reason I've kept going, and agreed to more dates, is because it will be really sad to finally say goodbye."
Cher says her show follows her 40-year career, includes 11 costume changes and her lighthearted advice to the new breed of female singers: "Follow this, you bitches."
Her last show will be at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on March 11.
Tickets will go on sale on September 21. Prices to be announced.


The Courier-Mail


BRISBANE goodbye . . . superstar Cher will finish her world farewell tour in Brisbane in March next year. Picture: AP
http://news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,375032,00.jpg
_________________________________________________________________________
jt

Bayley overwhelmed by welcome home
STARSTRUCK youngsters and autograph hunters mingled with the family and friends of Western Australia's Olympians as they were welcomed back to Perth yesterday afternoon.

Having led the Australian team into a welcome home ceremony in Sydney, dual gold medal-winning cyclist Ryan Bayley admitted to choking back tears as he walked into the arrivals lounge at Perth's domestic airport shortly after 3.30pm (WST).

"There was a lot more people waiting at the door than usual, usually when I walk out there is just mum and dad," he said.

Bayley was originally scheduled to return to Perth later than most of his WA team-mates, but thanks to his two gold medals and fans at the Qantas check-in desk he was able to take the earlier flight.

"I stepped up to the counter and the lady's looked up at me and gone, 'you're the KFC kid' and I've looked at her and gone, 'what?'"

Bayley was given the "KFC kid" nickname last week when he declared a love of KFC, Tim Tams and Coke.

After posing for a few photographs yesterday, Bayley found himself in a business class seat, amazed at the doors his medals were already opening.

"It has changed a lot. Just to walk around and have people coming up to me is really something I haven't experienced before so it is just amazing," he said.

Fellow Olympian Todd Pearson, a silver medal-winning swimmer, said being met by family members made it all worthwhile.

"It's fantastic that the West Australians have come back with quite a few medals ... and it's good to be home."

Olympic rower Sally Robbins, who attracted controversy after she stopped rowing in her eights final, was whisked out of the terminal and barely spoke, blaming a case of laryngitis.

Earlier yesterday, after landing at Sydney airport, a croaky Robbins told AAP she was determined to make amends for her infamous effort.

"It's made me that much more determined. I'm going to have a year off now and study full time - that was my plan before the Olympics - but then I can't wait to get back into rowing again."
http://news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10645866%255E2761,00.html

Record consultation exercise delivers long-term planning strategy for Perth
7/9/04
Network City - a community-generated planning vision to guide Perth's future growth and development over the next three decades - has been released for public comment.

This morning, key local government representatives, industry and community members joined Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan in launching the plan, which will now be subject to a formal three-month advertising period.

The plan is the result of Dialogue with the City, a massive community consultation exercise held in September, 2003 involving more than 1,100 Perth and Peel residents.

Following Dialogue, a representative group of about 100 Dialogue participants from the community, local government and industry worked with the State Government on specialist committees to create Network City.

The resulting plan identifies strategies to manage population growth and urban sprawl over the next 30 years so the quality of life residents now enjoy can be maintained.

The plan recognises that the majority of Perth residents still want a house on a block but more than 40 per cent of those surveyed as part of Dialogue find medium density housing an increasingly attractive option.

It also recognises that everyone can benefit from having more intense development concentrated around transport hubs and corridors, giving local communities an opportunity to have town centres that really work - offering action, entertainment and employment.

"By 2031, the projected total population of Perth and Peel will be more than 2.2 million - a 52 per cent increase on 2001 figures," Ms MacTiernan said.

"For the first time, we have a document that attempts to answer the hard questions - where will these people live, work, learn and play, and how will they travel?"

The plan is guided by three core principles:
-to enhance efficiency of urban land use and infrastructure
-to protect and rehabilitate the environment and improve resource efficiency and energy use
-to enhance community vitality and cohesiveness

"It has been fantastic to see members of the community, including our local government and industry representatives, coming to terms with the issues and being prepared to contribute to developing a plan aimed at making Perth the world's most liveable city," the Minister said.

"In the past, infill development has often been inappropriately placed and created some community backlash - this plan says we can do better."

Some of the strategies outlined in a comprehensive action plan include:
-managing urban growth through the staging of development
-providing the majority of new dwellings in existing urban areas
-developing local strategies and partnerships between State and local government
-promoting increased housing diversity
-revitalising existing suburbs and centres
-developing economic and employment strategies for growth corridors and centres
-protecting biodiversity and areas of environmental significance
-preparing transport plans aimed at reducing car dependency
-enhancing the safety and efficiency of transport corridors
-promoting transit-oriented developments
-developing a whole-of-government approach to ensure all Government agencies work together to achieve the plan's outcomes
-using the provision of infrastructure to influence the timing and location of growth

Ms MacTiernan said while Cabinet had already expressed support for Network City's guiding principles, the community document would now be put out for public comment before a final version was formally adopted by the State Government.

"Implementation can only be achieved through active collaboration with local councils and residents," she said.

"Local government will play a vital role in the roll-out of this vision.

"It is crucial that individual councils understand that this is a plan that requires all tiers of government to come together in equal partnership to achieve Network City's objectives."

During the next three months, workshops will be held with councils across the metropolitan area.

Network City is available online at http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/dialogue or by phoning 1300 735 560.

Minister's office: 9213 6400

What the stakeholders say……
'The Dialogue with the City approach enhanced local government and community involvement in the planning process on behalf of wider community. The implementation strategy documented in Network City is expected to ensure sustainable outcomes for all sectors of the community.'

Eric Lumsden, CEO City of Swan and chair, Local Government Liaison Team.

'The community wanted us to stop further urban sprawl and make better use of existing public infrastructure. We have delivered this in the plan by focusing new development around centres along high frequency public transport routes. This approach means we can protect the places that are important to community (parks, bush, wetlands, etc) but take a responsible approach to sustainable development.'

Carey Curtis, Senior Lecturer, Urban and Regional Planning, Curtin University.

'Shelter WA strongly supports Network City's commitment to increase affordable housing. Housing affordability in Perth has continued to decline since the late 90s, despite record levels of new housing construction.'

Karel Eringa, executive officer, Shelter WA.

'If we are serious about protecting the important environmental values of the Perth region, then we need to look at all the ways that the city interacts with our environment. A city that continually grows outwards will find it difficult to protect our special bushland, wetland and aquatic areas in the future. Network City looks for ways to better protect our existing natural areas and open space while also looking for all the opportunities to make better use of land in the urban area.'

Nicole Hodson, convenor, WA Collaboration (Conservation Council of WA, Ethnic Communities of WA, Council of Churches WA, Unions WA, WACOSS).

'The creation of a sustainable city is about ensuring that social, economic and environmental settings are applied intelligently and in balance. Sustainability is about creating a built environment that is attractive and serves its citizens - a place that feels as good as it looks and that functions well. That is what the Network City vision is seeking to achieve.'

Adrian Fini, CEO Mirvac Fini WA, Pty Ltd.

'The Sustainable Transport Coalition applauds the development of this strategy as a meaningful response to the urgent need to encourage a greater use of public transport and make our transport systems more sustainable. Importantly, we support urgent action on bringing together planning and transport processes as a response to the prospect of rising oil prices over the 25-year time period covered by the strategy. Evidence is pointing to a future when world demand for oil will be higher than supplies and the cost of private transport will increase. The proposed Network City concepts will allow Perth to avoid the social and environmental problems of similar car-dependent American cities and to maintain our high quality of life for our children, and their children.'

Dr David Worth, convenor of WA's Sustainable Transport Coalition.

'Research supporting the Network City strategy clearly indicated the need to rethink the location and design of employment centres - to provide more potential for recreation, cultural and social opportunities near to places of work. A key to delivering this desire is to provide jobs in local areas to build vital and vibrant employment centres that foster interaction and innovation.'

Peter H Why, chief executive, Zemke Australia, Managers of Technology Park.

'Network City is important for the future of Perth. We are in the residential development sector; the way we are designing and delivering our new communities is changing already. We need our new residential developments to have better community facilities, particularly focussed on improved transport and where possible more local jobs, Network City encourages these things to happen.'

Nick Perrignon, general manager, Stockland, national residential property developer.

Modern St Georges Terrace Hub an Architectural Award Winner
The Hawaiian Group’s St. Georges home base has taken top honours in the commercial category of this year’s Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) Awards. Held at the Grand Hyatt on Friday June 18,The Royal Australian Institute of Architects awards recognize architectural excellence in both commercial and residential construction and attracts entries from architects across Western Australia.

The Hawaiian Group purchased the 40-year old building in 2000, with a view to either conducting a full refurbishment or a demolition and full reconstruction.

The former option was decided upon due to existing plot ratio issues that favoured the original building. Architectural firm Jones Coulter Young (JCY) was given a brief for a full refurbishment of all services in a bid to establish a new identity for the building that could then be marketed to potential tenants.

The redesign of 182 St Georges Terrace included a major interior and exterior facelift for a building that was described as well past it’s used by date.

With encouragement from The Hawaiian Group to "think outside the box" in terms of established office plans, the result at 182 St Georges Terrace was a totally new and dynamic exterior fronting top-level boutique office accommodation.

Peter Hobbs, the project architect stated, “winning the award was a fantastic achievement as it was a difficult project to work on such an outdated building. The Hawaiian Group was incredibly supportive, very enthusiastic and didn’t hold back the JCY team from achieving a lively and interesting building on the terrace.”

The specially selected jury comprising of suitable qualified architects and laypersons described the project, which now includes the projection of part of the façade over the footpath, as unique and individual with a successful “interface between the café (Cino To Go) and the streetscape.”

It described the interior as “able to meet the changing requirements of building culture” with mixed use of interior space to create a highly successful commercial package.

I'll ask again, have you forgotten your password chris?

He's trying to make it look like someone else here cares about the 6,398 articles he's posted.

Sorry, someone else besides me. I admit it - i've read every. single. one.

Underground power first for Gosnells
Gosnells is to be the first suburb in the south-eastern region to sign up for the undergrounding of power lines.

Energy Minister Eric Ripper, who formally signed the agreement today, said the Gallop Government was committed to the investment to improve reliability and avoid power outages caused by trees, storms and overload.

Mr Ripper said the project would also greatly improve the streetscape.

He said work would start this month to deliver underground power to 1,000 households in Gosnells.

The Government's goal was to see underground power delivered to half of Perth households by 2010, with a similar improvement in the country.

The State and Western Power had committed more than $4.6million to the project, which had a total cost of $7.2million.

"Every year, Western Power deals with 77,000 faults in the metropolitan area, most of which relate to vulnerability of overhead wires," the Minister said.

"This program seeks to address that problem so customers don't suffer the inconvenience of power outages."

Mr Ripper said there were 10 major undergrounding projects in the $58million third round of the State Underground Power Project, with work already under way in Victoria Park, Shenton Park and City Beach. Further work would start over the next two years in Fremantle, Nedlands, Port Hedland, Churchlands/Wembley Downs, Highgate and Como.

Southern River MLA Paul Andrews said he was delighted that Gosnells had been selected after the Gallop Government had revamped the program guidelines.

"Since the inception of the program in 1996, the leafy Western suburbs have secured the lion's share of underground power work and other areas have struggled to get a look in," Mr Andrews said.

"The new guidelines have meant greater diversity in participation in round three, resulting in the first major projects in Port Hedland, the Cities of Fremantle and Gosnells and the Town of Vincent.

It will make a big difference to the appearance of Gosnells and complement other local projects being undertaken by the State Government, such as the Gosnells railway station."

Since 1996, the program has delivered underground power to more than 30,000 households and has cost approximately $120million

Western Australians among the healthiest in the world
Western Australians are living longer and enjoying a healthier life, compared with the rest of Australia and the majority of developed countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada.

A new report released by the WA Department of Health has revealed that the health of Western Australians is among the best in the world, with deaths from breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and asthma declining.

The national and international comparisons of selected health measures for Western Australians 2004 compares a number of major health statistics from national and international health agencies, including the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Bureau of Statistics and the World Health Organisation.

Health Minister Jim McGinty said the report showed that over the past
10 years, life expectancy in WA was greater than the Australian average, which ranked among the highest in the world.

"Since 1984, WA life expectancy has increased in males from 73.2 to 77.3 years in 2001, which is the third highest in the world behind Japan and Sweden," Mr McGinty said.

"Females in WA can expect to live until 82.8 years, which is an increase from 79.6 in 1984 and a result that puts WA women equal third with Switzerland, just behind Japan and France.

"Heart disease, stroke and AIDS are also lower in WA than Australia and continue to decline, along with death rates from cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory disease.

"While these results can be attributed to advances in medical technology and increased screening and early detection of diseases, Western Australians who have made an effort to be more physically active and maintain a healthier diet should take some of the credit as well."

While reported breast cancer incidence has increased since 1982, deaths have declined, which reflected greater screening and early detection of breast cancers through screening programs such as Breast Screen WA.

WA has one of the lowest death rates for the disease among developed countries such as Denmark, which does not have a breast-screening program and has the highest breast cancer death rate.

The State Government has also targeted the health of Western Australians through such initiatives as Quit, Go for 2 & 5 nutrition campaign and Find 30 physical activity program.

Mr McGinty said while the overall health status of Western Australians was positive, conditions such as diabetes and melanoma needed further improvement.

"Western Australians are well known for their love of the sun, however it is concerning that the incidence of melanoma has increased since 1983," he said.

"While the increased rates of melanoma may be linked to screening and early detection, the effect of early treatment is not evident in female death rates, which continue to increase.

"Smoking-related conditions, such as lung cancer and chronic pulmonary disease, also remain high and continue to increase among females.

"Such conditions are lifestyle and behaviour related and they pose the greatest challenge for the future as they are potentially preventable.

"It is important that Western Australians look after their health and take precautions when necessary to ensure they have the best chance of living a long and enjoyable life."

Gallop Government commits to express route to South-West
Travel time between Perth and Bunbury will be slashed by 30 minutes following today's announcement that the Gallop Government will commit $170million towards building the new Perth-Bunbury Highway.

Premier Geoff Gallop said the State Government's funding commitment enabled construction to start on the Peel Deviation and Kwinana Freeway Extension Project in 2007 and would see the link completed in 2009.

In the meantime, significant preconstruction works are already under way including surveys, geotechnical investigations, design and the development of environmental management plans.

"The days of bumper-to-bumper long weekend congestion over the Mandurah Estuary Bridge are set to be a thing of the past," Dr Gallop said.

"For the first time, Western Australian motorists will have a continuous dual carriageway from Perth to the South-West providing a safer and quicker alternative drive."

Dr Gallop said the new highway would play a major role in delivering an effective regional road network between Perth and Bunbury - at the same time reducing heavy vehicle movements through built-up areas such as Mandurah and Pinjarra.

"The Peel Deviation, together with the Kwinana Freeway Extension, will provide a high standard inter-regional road link between Perth and the South-West, bypassing the heavily populated areas in Mandurah and the Dawesville Peninsula," he said.

"While planned improvements to the public transport system will cater for a greater number of trips between Perth and Mandurah in the future, relieving much of this pressure, there will still be a need to upgrade the regional road network to meet the community's transport needs.

"The delivery of this important and long overdue project will achieve the best results for all Western Australians by providing significantly improved transport connectivity and road safety between the metropolitan area and the growing South-West."

The 70km of dual carriageway will stretch from the Kwinana Freeway at Safety Bay Road around the eastern side of the Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary to join the existing dual carriageway on the Old Coast Road near Lake Clifton.

"The new highway will provide a safe, free flowing alternative route for regional traffic and will relieve increasing traffic pressure and congestion on Old Coast Road through Mandurah and South Western Highway in Pinjarra," the Premier said.

Dr Gallop said traffic volumes on the coastal route were increasing by about seven per cent each year, resulting in greater levels of congestion, reduced transport efficiency and road safety, and decreased quality of life for local residents.

The Premier said failure to build the highway would see travel time between Perth and Bunbury increase by ten minutes by 2011 and about 40 minutes by 2021, having a negative impact on transport efficiency, freight costs and tourism.

"Conversely, construction of the new highway means that - by 2011 - the trip to Bunbury will be about 30 minutes quicker than using the existing coastal road, due to no traffic signals or reductions in speed limit through urban areas," Dr Gallop said.

"This saving will be significantly greater during peak periods, such as long weekends and major holidays, when traffic volumes are much greater and have previously resulted in traffic slowing to a crawl through Mandurah."

The new highway will also promote further economic development in the Peel and South-West regions as freight and commercial travel will no longer be constrained by the lack of a quick and efficient route linking the cities of Perth, Mandurah and Bunbury.

"The reduced travel time will also preserve the Peel and South-West region's attractiveness as a tourist destination by maintaining safe and easy access for the thousands of tourists who travel south each year," the Premier said.

Dr Gallop paid tribute to Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan for ensuring the project was a top priority for the State Government.

"For more than three years, Alannah has campaigned hard both at a State and Federal level for the deviation," he said.

"Thanks to her commitment, bipartisan Commonwealth funding has been secured and project planning by Main Roads is already well under way."

The project will receive $150million Federal funding under the Auslink program to reach the total budgetary estimate of $340million required to construct the project.

While Dr Gallop welcomed the Federal funding, he said it still fell short of a Latham Labor Government's commitment to provide $170million for the project, matching the State's contribution.

"Only a Latham Labor Government will ensure a fully funded Commonwealth commitment to this vital infrastructure project," he said.

Mirvac Fini Reports Strong Stage 2 Sales at The Peninsula
Mirvac Fini today announced it had sold 48 apartments valued at approximately $34 million during the first three days of the VIP sales launch of the second apartment building at ‘The Peninsula’ – a joint venture development in Perth between Mirvac Fini (WA) Pty Ltd and Burswood Limited.

The release comprised 78 of the 102 apartments in the AXIS tower, and follows the equally successful launch of the first apartment building, Allegro, in December last year.

Once completed, The Peninsula will be home to nearly 3000 residents and comprise approximately 1000 homes including two to four bedroom houses, apartments and courtyard townhouses, all carefully integrated around more than 2ha of parklands and public open space. The Peninsula boasts views of the Swan River, Perth CBD, Darling Ranges and Burswood Park Golf Course.

Adrian Fini, CEO of Mirvac Fini, believes that The Peninsula’s superior location and the success of the first launch was a major influencing factor for many owner occupiers who purchased in the second release.

“Mirvac’s proven track record for creating masterplanned communities and our recent work on site has really fuelled excitement for the project,” Mr Fini said.

Robert Hamilton, Mirvac Managing Director, stated: “This result once again confirms that quality property in superior locations will continue to sell to owner occupiers looking for the ideal lifestyle choice.”

The apartments released ranged from two, three or four bedroom and were priced from $495,000 up to $1,030,000.

Mirvac Fini anticipates the first housing product at The Peninsula will be introduced to the marketplace upon completion in the first half of 2005.

Howard feeds WA the transport infrastructure scraps
Western Australian transport infrastructure continues to be shortchanged by the Howard Government ahead of high profile Eastern States projects, according to Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan.

Out of the additional $410million in Federal funding announced today for state and national roads, WA will receive a paltry $20million.

This follows the $432million set aside for WA in June under the Howard Government's five-year, $6.2billion AusLink funding package for transport infrastructure upgrades across the nation.

"The June announcement equates to 6.9 per cent of the total national funding package - today's announcement is an even lower percentage," Ms MacTiernan said.

"Considering WA's size and economic contribution to Federal Government coffers, these announcements are an absolute disgrace.

"While Eastern States projects such as the $765million Pacific Highway and $714million Hume Highway upgrades, along with Victoria's $120million Scoresby Freeway project have received Federal support, WA is left to fight for the scraps."

Ms MacTiernan said the additional $20million allocated today simply met the Federal Government's funding shortfall for the Gallop Government's new Perth to Bunbury Highway Project.

The Minister said the Federal Coalition had been embarrassed into making the commitment after the Latham Labor team had announced it would provide the full Commonwealth share - $170million.

"Once again, Mark Latham is setting the agenda and the Howard Government has been forced to play catch-up," Ms MacTiernan said.

Despite receiving a tiny percentage of the Federal package, Western Australia:
is a third of the nation's land mass;
produces 30 per cent of the nation's exports by value;
generates $23billion in revenue each year for the Commonwealth;
contains 25 per cent of the National Highway; and
contains 10 per cent of the nation's population.
Despite a massive resources boom in the North West of the State, not a cent had been allocated to the North West Coastal Highway or other transport infrastructure supporting the Burrup Peninsula.

"Auslink was the perfect opportunity for the Howard Government to show real support for WA's wealth-generating areas," Ms MacTiernan said.

"Instead, economic minnows such as Mildura and Shepparton in Victoria have been given the green light as part of the National Transport Network - while the Burrup has been excluded."

Auslink's contribution to the rail network in WA was even more astounding.

Of the $1.8billion allocated to rail projects on the Auslink National Network over the next five years, only $14million will come WA's way - less than one per cent.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid139/p48118d68ae9ab50f35c95ec1288f83b1/f6f75c07.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid139/p399c17f075df85774ebb4f850a041c52/f6f75c0c.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid139/p91f93dca37148955d4d5fb32a3893fc9/f6f76331.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid139/p54864a0b44ea4cfddbec95fd4d456b39/f6f75c11.jpg

Budget carrier to fly Singapore-Perth route
Singapore-based budget carrier Valuair will begin flying to Perth in December.

The airline says it is also looking to open routes into China.

Valuair's public relations manager, Nilesh Pritam, says that prices have yet to be set for flights to Perth.

However, the airline is aiming to continue its policy of being 40 per cent cheaper than the major airlines.

Valuair was the first budget carrier to begin operating from Singapore in May this year and already flies to Bangkok, Jakarta and Hong Kong.

Mr Pritam says the airline has chosen to expand its operations to Perth, a five-hour flight away, ahead of other destinations because of the city's popularity with Singaporeans for holidays, living and studying.

"The number of Singaporeans living there are tremendous," Mr Pritam said.

Singapore Airlines and Qantas are currently the only airlines to fly between Singapore and Perth with normal return fares priced at about $A680
http://www.abc.net.au/wa/news/200409/s1203197.htm

WA Club looks at property options
http://www.businessnews.com.au/admin/files/article/waclub-lge.jpg
The Western Australian Club is considering the development of its prime St Georges Terrace property, potentially following in the footsteps of the neighbouring Weld Club’s success with Exchange Plaza.

In a letter to members this week outlining a loss of $525,455, the club revealed it had been approached by a group interested in developing the property.

“This may be a similar proposition to the Weld Club’s success in selling their “air space” for future income streams, and would guarantee the long-term future for the Club,” the letter, signed by club treasurer Anne Bishop, said.

“This is being negotiated but is very much in its infancy,” the letter added.

WA Club CEO Barrey Williams said the club was always looking for improvement opportunities.

“We own a four-storey property, which has heritage considerations, but BankWest Tower is a perfect example of how a heritage site can be developed to incorporate that heritage element,” Mr Williams told WA Business News.

“We don’t have any concrete proposals but if we were going to build in the city we would do it big. The club would remain in the site, it just may operate from the 50th floor.

“The basic thing we need to do is increase membership – we have 1,900 members and we want to get to about 2,500.

“But member numbers are up net 140 this year, which is the biggest growth we have experienced in five years.” he said.

The 916 square metre property, at 101 St Georges Terrace, was purchased by the WA Club for $3.2 million in 1995 and the next year a $1.5 million internal refurbishment was undertaken.

The site contains four storeys at the front, three storeys in the centre and a two-storey former warehouse section at the rear.

The building was completed in 1887, and its first occupant was the Australian Mutual Provident Society (AMP).

Mrs Bishop said the club was subject to a confidentiality agreement but might be in a position to announce something in two to three weeks in relation to the development of the site.

The letter sent to WA Club members says the development may be similar to that undertaken by the Weld Club.

The nearby reserved and exclusive club owns the 5,779 square metre site at the corner of The Esplanade and Barrack Street, which includes Exchange Plaza.

The Weld Club building was erected in 1892. It was designed by Sir Talbot Hobbs.

Exchange Plaza was completed in 1992 at a cost of $270 million, with a 135-year lease from the Weld Club dating from 1988.

The leasehold is equally owned by the Stockland Group and Commonwealth Managed Property Syndicate
http://www.businessnews.com.au/story.php?P_category=1&nid=21294&SessionID=MyID415104d858878

Perth boast cheapest house prices
The real estate boom around the nation has left Perth with the cheapest housing of any Australian capital city.

House prices are continuing to rise in Perth but at a very slow rate.

In August the median house prices increased by less than 0.5 per cent to reach $241,000.

That is 9 per cent higher than a year ago but well short of the 20 per cent plus growth experienced in many city suburbs the previous year.

Real Estate Institute of Western Australia president Jim Henneberry says Perth now has the lowest priced property market in the nation.

He says Perth is now even cheaper than the normally sleepy real estate market of Tasmania.

Mr Henneberry says interstate investors are now flooding into Perth to take advantage of the cheaper prices.

"Twenty-four per cent of all sales in the month of August were to investors and they, of course, weren't all local, they were from interstate, so interstate is buying up properties in WA," he said.
http://www.abc.net.au/wa/news/200409/s1206145.htm

Bali travel leaps forward
Perth Airport is pleased to announce a fifty percent growth in passengers travelling to Bali and welcomes increased services by Garuda and Air Paradise and start up of Australian Airlines on the Perth Bali route.

The additional seat capacity on the Perth Bali route will result in travellers having more opportunities to travel to Western Australias favourite overseas destination, the holiday island of Bali.

Recently both Garuda Indonesia and Air Paradise increased services on the route. Garuda Indonesia is now offering 10 flights per week beginning the 2nd October 2004 and Air Paradise has 5 flights per week plus for the month of October it is increasing its services to 8 flights per week due to demand. Qantas has also announced increased capacity to Bali with the introduction of its B767 all economy class services with Australian Airlines.

This is great news for holiday makers as increased services will invariably mean increased competition on the Perth Bali route and the continued availability of great value holiday packages Perth Airport Chief Executive Officer Graham Muir said.

There has been extraordinary growth in the number of passengers travelling to Bali in the first two months of financial year 2004/2005 with over 50% more people choosing the popular holiday destination compared to the same period last year Mr Muir said.

The rise in Bali traffic is one of the main reasons for the boost in international passenger traffic figures through Perth Airport. The first two months of Financial Year 2004/2005 has shown record international passenger numbers with growth rates running at 15% compared to the same period last year. The growth in Bali traffic coincides with the recent announcement by Singapore based discount airline Valuair of its introduction of daily services on the Perth Singapore route from December of this year.

The airport is also experiencing record domestic passenger numbers with the first two months of 2004/5 showing an increase of 17% on the same period last year.

Airlines provide services to destinations that people want to visit and Western Australia is proving to be a popular destination for overseas and domestic travellers."
http://www1.perthairport.com/content.aspx?ContentID=284

Cab TV takes a back seat in Brisbane
Correspondents in Brisbane
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004

CONVERSATIONS with cab drivers about the footy or the weather may become better informed with a world first fitting of interactive TV screens to some Brisbane cabs.

From today, 100 Yellow Cabs in Brisbane will be on the roads with the TV screen built into the headrest at the back of the front passenger seat and a printer and telephone in the headrest behind the driver.
The screens will carry advertising while a scrolling bar across the bottom would have news headlines, sports scores and weather details, updated "on the road" via the Optus mobile network.

A spokeswoman said it was the first time the system had been put in use in taxis anywhere in the world and Yellow Cabs planned to have the new technology, known as iTV (Interactive Taxi Vision) fitted to its 1,000 cabs in south-east Queensland within about six months, with other Australian cities possibly following in the next few years.

She said taxi passengers could use buttons associated with the screens to scroll through the information provided, print out details they wanted to save or use the phone to make a reverse charge call to any of the advertisers featured, such as restaurants.

Interactive Advertising managing director Andrew Pollard said the system had also revealed a bonus in the form of added security for cab drivers.

"Earlier trials of iTV found there was a reduction in violence towards taxi drivers as customers were focused on the screens in front of them," Mr Pollard said.

AAP

Perth median house price hits $250,000
PERTH'S median house price has hit $250,000 – a healthy 16 per cent increase in the past 12 months.

The continued growth, up from $215,000 last year, comes on the back of a two-year property boom which has only recently flattened out.

The market plateaued from April to June into what industry experts described as a "softening market" with normal levels of activity.

The state's top sale was $6.5 million for a mansion in Victoria Ave, Dalkeith.

Despite the slowdown, the median price for the April to June quarter reached $256,000.

A detailed report on 284 Perth suburbs and 20 South-West towns is in today's 48-page property guide in The Sunday Times.

Figures compiled by the Department of Land Information's valuation division reveal changes in house, unit and land prices for the 2003-04 financial year.

The South-West town of Augusta led the market with the highest increase of 57.8 per cent in 12 months.

The small town of Nannup, 60km southeast of Busselton, also made the Top 10 with a 45 per cent increase in 12 months.

A land boom in the South-West and metropolitan Perth, as well as the search for the ultimate lifestyle block, fuelled much of last year's property market, with big increases and huge buyer interest resulting in many developers pre-releasing land far ahead of schedule.

Karawara, a small former HomesWest-dominated suburb between Como and Bentley, was the city's top performer with 55.6 per cent growth. It was among the many urban renewal areas and lower-priced suburbs that showed some of the highest growth.

The southern suburbs of Medina and Calista both ranked in the Top 10, with increases of just over 40 per cent each.

Medina's median house price jumped from $80,000 to $114,000 and Calista's from $92,000 to $130,000 in 12 months but both were well below the median house price of $250,000.

A combination of the July 1, 2004 stamp-duty abolition for first-home buyers for homes of $220,000 or less and an active investor market saw many undervalued "forgotten" areas surge in price.

Industry experts have hinted that this could be a strong indication to their future growth.

Well-located property on the riverside and by the ocean fetched high prices but did not show top growth patterns.

Only one waterside suburb made the overall Top 10 – Trigg – with a huge 46.8 per cent increase.

Valuer General's Office senior analyst Ross Lambert said that despite this, locations by the ocean and river in close proximity to the city would continue to give solid and reliable returns.

Mandurah suburbs consistently showed top long-term growth – a sure sign that the once "weekend only" centre was showing a progressive shift to being a sought-after residential locality for business and industry.

Mr Lambert said the long-term indicators for the WA property market would continue to show constant and steady increases in value, despite occasional short-term falls.

Almost 80 per cent of analysed suburbs showed better than 10 per cent returns each year over five years.

"This is better than any bank," Mr Lambert said.

"WA's market is very different to the eastern states where prices boomed, the market overheated and the region now has falling house prices."
http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,10951437%255E948,00.html

"WA's market is very different to the eastern states where prices boomed, the market overheated and the region now has falling house prices."

Quite interesting, I'm afraid this will soon happen here in the states. But, I believe this real estate crash will affect the entire country and not just our evil, bastard eastern states. (Though I live in one)

Power play for museum on the move
The State Government has started planning for WA's new museum of the 21st century to be housed at one of several sites including the derelict East Perth power station.

The existing Francis Street site in Perth, whose precious State collections are being moved to a former pinball-making factory in Welshpool until a new home is found, remains a possible site. It was closed to the public after an asbestos scare in February last year.

A third option included a WA Turf Club proposal to build a new home for the State museum in the proposed billion-dollar development to transform Belmont Park into a high-rise residential playground on the Swan near Burswood Casino.

"Planning is under way and we are looking at a number of possible sites including East Perth and Francis Street," Ms McHale said. "It is still early days."

She said the transition to Welshpool was going well, with more than three million specimens representing 400 years of WA natural and cultural history expected to be housed in the 14,000sq m Kew Street building by the end of the year.

Museum staff, including curators of the collections, have serious concerns about the safety and security of the prized material being stored at the Welshpool site, which the Government bought for $7.3 million. More than $5 million has been set aside for the museum move.

WA Museum acting director Alannah Lucas said that 13 per cent of the collections, including the anthropology and history artefacts, had been moved to Welshpool.

The main move is expected to take place at the end of the month and take about three months to complete. Most of the Francis Street offices will be moved over the next week. The removal of asbestos is scheduled for early next year.

Ms Lucas said she was aware of the proposal by the WATC, but nothing formal had been put on the table. A structure plan for the Belmont Park redevelopment is expected to be completed by March next year.

A museum source said staff preferred the Belmont Park option because it was more convenient to and accessible from the city. The East Perth site had no public transport and was cut off from the city by the railway and freeway.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan disagreed.

"It is a worthwhile building with a number of potential uses and one clearly is housing a new museum," she said. A draft master plan for the East Perth site is due to be released next month.
http://www.thewest.com.au/20041006/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto129498.html

Perth tops home building survey
Two companies from Western Australia have topped the table as the nation's biggest home builders, according to the Housing Industry Association's analysis of a record year for the industry.

The Perth-based BGC Australia built 4,659 new houses and 478 units in the financial year to June, putting it ahead of fellow Western Australian, Alcock/Brown-Neaves Group and the Sydney-based CPG Australia.

The Housing Industry Association says overall activity defied gloomy predictions, with housing starts increasing two percent to a record total of more than 172,400.

But it says it says housing starts are forecast to drop by 10 percent in the current financial year, before dipping a further three percent the year after.
http://www.abc.net.au/wa/news/200410/s1214066.htm

Western Australia - an AAA-rated State
Treasurer Eric Ripper has welcomed Moody's Investor Services' confirmation today that Western Australia is a triple A-rated State.

"The assessment follows on from the strong financial outcome for 2003-04 and a record low level of net debt," Mr Ripper said.

"Not only has the Gallop Government delivered the triple A-rating, we have at the same time increased annual spending on health ($808million), education ($457million), police ($159million) and disability services ($72million).

"We are also successfully funding the $1.5billion New MetroRail Project, the $1.7billion Reid Reform Plan for the State's public health system and the $350million desalination plant.

"In addition to the revenue impact from a strong economy, tight expense management was a key factor in the positive outcomes for 2003-04, with general Government expenses contained to just 3.8 per cent, the lowest rate of expense growth in five years.

"The Moody's report makes it clear that the triple A-rating recognises the Government's commitment to successfully containing expenditure pressures, as well as positive economic growth trends which continue to outpace the nation."

The Treasurer welcomed Moody's endorsement of the Government's use of the proceeds of the record surplus to pay out $481million of public sector debt as an indication of prudent management of State finances.

"The interest saving from paying off this debt has been estimated at about $32million per year," he said.

"The rating report makes the same assessment that I made last month in announcing the 2003-04 financial results - that the State's finances are in extremely good shape due to the strength of the WA economy and the Government's commitment to sound financial management.

"The Government will build on the hard work it has done to date, while maintaining a focus on infrastructure needs and the key service delivery areas of health, education and law and order.

"When you are in a strong financial position, it is important to meet community needs for the future in a sustainable way. You can pay off debt, as we did in August; you make investments in projects that will serve the State for a long time; and you can tackle long-standing problems the State would be required to tackle in due course anyway."

WA maintains record-breaking unemployment low.
Western Australia's unemployment rate is at a record low of 4.8 per cent, for the second month in a row.

Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said the latest labour force report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed WA's strong economy under the Gallop Government was continuing to deliver more jobs and opportunities.

"A total of 7,000 new jobs were created in September and the State's total employment has grown by more than 31,000 in the past 12 months," Mr Kobelke said.

"WA's unemployment rate is the lowest of all the States and well below the national average of 5.6 per cent."

The Minister said almost 60,000 new jobs have been created in WA, since the Gallop Government was elected less than four years ago.

"Not only has Labor created tens of thousands of new jobs, but the previous Liberal Government had left WA with an economy that was declining by 1.2 per cent per annum and the Gallop Government has turned that around to a growth of 8.9 per cent per annum," he said.

Today's low unemployment data follows a report, released earlier this week, which forecast that more than 27,000 new jobs would be created in WA over the next three months.

Mr Kobelke said employment group Drake International's Quarterly Report provided more positive news about the strength of the State's economy, with almost a third of WA companies intending to recruit more staff in the near future.

"The Gallop Government is focussed on maintaining the buoyant economic climate which has boosted jobs and lifted the confidence needed for WA businesses to thrive and prosper," the Minister said.

Minister's office: 9222 9211

Johnnie Walker Golf Classic returns to Perth
Tourism Minister Bob Kucera welcomed today's announcement that Perth had secured the Johnnie Walker Golf Classic for 2006 and 2009.

Mr Kucera and Ben Anderson, global brand director for Johnnie Walker, jointly announced that the classic would return to Perth for the two years - the first time Johnnie Walker had nominated a venue for more than one event.

"This represents a great vote of confidence in Western Australia that one of the world's richest golfing events and one of the most significant on the international golfing calendar, is coming to Perth," the Minister said.

"At a time when many international golf events are struggling, the Johnnie Walker Classic remains one of the game's most successful global events."

The Johnnie Walker Classic was held at Lake Karrinyup Country Club in 2002 and 2003 and local and international visitors saw the golfing talents of players like Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Sergio Garcia, Nick Faldo and Australia's Robert Allenby.

Prize money for the event will be more than $3million and world-class players will draw global media coverage to Perth.

"The economic benefits of hosting the Johnnie Walker Classic will be significant," Mr Kucera said.

"We can expect a direct injection of up to $7million into the local economy and the global television coverage that highlights WA's beautiful natural environment will be worth more than $4million.

"The fact that we have secured the event once again shows that WA continues to be an attractive destination for international players and world class events."

The Johnnie Walker Classic, Asia Pacific's premier golf event is presented by Johnnie Walker scotch whiskey and is supported by the State Government, through EventsCorp, part of Tourism Western Australia.

Federation Walkway a huge success
One million visitors to Kings Park have taken a walk above the treetops since new facilities were opened 12 months ago.

The Lotterywest Federation Walkway was designed to entice people further into the park experience the Botanic Garden, tall karri, jarrah and marri trees and new vistas across the Swan and Canning Rivers.

"Before the walkway was built, the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority estimated the number of people entering the lower end of the Water Garden to be 100,000 per year," Environment Minister Judy Edwards said.

"It is now thought that over 500,000 people a year venture into this part of the park, whereas previously they may have limited their visits to the war memorial and visitors centre."

The Lotterywest Federation Walkway is a unique fusion of sculpture, architecture and engineering. Forged from richly rusted steel, the elevated boardwalk and glass-arched bridge are designed to blend into the landscape. It is situated in a special place for indigenous people and includes a performance space, the Beedwong, for dance and storytelling.

"The recent addition of extra rest areas and seating along the on-ground section of the walkway has provided improved access for all visitors to this very popular tourist attraction," Dr Edwards said.

"It also invites the visitor to take alternative routes further into the park or back to the War Memorial.

"Congratulations go to architects Donaldson and Warn for their vision, creativity and success in attracting so much public interest in the design and to Lotterywest for their funding contribution.

"This also shows how important it is for the Government to maintain and improve visitor facilities to parks. We know that investing in capital works for our regional, national and city parks has huge benefits for the community."

The one millionth visitor has been rewarded with a voucher for breakfast for four at Fraser's restaurant; a gift pack from Lotterywest; and an annual family visits pass to Western Australia's national parks from the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Industry invited to WA cruise launch
Travel industry representatives are invited to attend the launch of a new ‘eco-cruise’ off the Western Australian coast.

Naturaliste Charters Eco-Tours’‘Sunset Wine and Whale Eco-Cruise’ will be launched on Wednesday, October 20 at 3pm aboard the company’s 17-metre catamaran Cetacean Explorer.

It will depart during the whale season from the Pro-Fisherman’s Boat Ramp, Geographe Bay Road, Dunsborough.

In the summer months, when the whale migration has concluded, the eco-cruise will view a local seal colony.

The three-hour cruise will include an informative commentary on the aquatic life in Geographe Bay.

Increased air services to Perth a boost for international travel
International travellers will be able to take advantage of increases in airline seat capacity into Perth with the release of the new schedule commencing on the 31st October 2004.

The additional seats represent 18% growth compared to last season and 17% growth compared to the same season last year and will allow more overseas travellers to fly into Perth this summer.

The growth in seat capacity has resulted from:

-The introduction of Australian Airlines twice weekly services to Bali
-Introduction of services to Jakarta and increased services to Bali by Garuda Airlines
-Daily services to New Zealand by Air New Zealand
-Increased services to Jakarta by Qantas
-The new Valuair services to Singapore with daily flights; and
-Increased services to Singapore by Singapore Airlines

Larger aircraft being utilised on some routes also aids the growth in seat capacity in the new schedule.

It is an exciting time for Western Australia as demand from overseas travellers results in increased seat capacity Perth Airport Acting CEO Richard Gates said.

It is especially good news for the tourism industry which has suffered from the impacts of SARS and the war in Iraq Mr Gates said.

It is also excellent news for Western Australians providing more opportunity to travel he said.

Passenger numbers at Perth Airport are currently at record levels. International passenger numbers in the July September quarter show an increase of 9.5% on the same period last year. Domestic passenger numbers for the quarter show a staggering increase of 15.5% compared with the same period last year.
http://www1.perthairport.com/content.aspx?contentid=285

Activity stirs in the city
http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/admin/files/article/property-lge5583.jpg
The area around the intersection of Wellington and William streets will receive a much needed injection of life if a series of proposed developments in the area become more feasible as a result of pedestrian traffic generated by the William Street Station.

The area will undoubtedly undergo a major facelift over the next few years following the purchase of Raine Square by Perth town planner turned property developer Luke Saraceni and his business partner Hossean Pourzand for $21.5 million.

Mr Saraceni has said construction of the Raine Square development would start as soon as a major tenant signed on to the project.

Colliers International research manager David Cresp said significant levels of activity would move to the area once Raine Square and other developments on the Wellington Street station were completed.

“There will be more offices, and an increase in the number of people because of the train station,” Mr Cresp told WA Business News.

“The increase in the pedestrian count will also encourage retailers, and the level of amenities is bound to increase.

“A developer like Luke Saracini won’t have paid nearly $22 million to sit on the site.

“The former Commonwealth Bank building has had recent success in leasing retail space after a $3.5 million refurbishment last year and there are rumours of an office tenant signing on.

“In addition, proposals for additional activity at the GPO have been mooted for some time.

“So there is a fair bit of potential development activity in the area – the train station will bring additional people to the area, which will be a catalyst for change.”

In April 2003, Australia Post obtained approval from the WA Heritage Council and Perth Council for a $10 million refurbishment of the heritage-listed post office building, which will create six retail tenancies, office space, conference facilities and 41 basement car parks for tenants.

A glass atrium, previously concealed by a false ceiling, will also be exposed and restored as part of the refurbishment.

Australia Post State communications manager Ian Leggoe said plans for the refurbishment were still active, but that there were no plans at this stage to proceed with them.

“The refurbishment plans submitted in 2003 are still in existence, but we would need to get a committed tenant before we commenced with construction,” he said.

Commenting on plans for the former Commonwealth Bank Building (now known as Heritage on Murray), Lease Equity director Jim Tsagalis said there were originally four to six retail spaces available, with the Commonwealth Bank taking up two of those.

“The next tenant was upmarket men’s clothing retailer Rod and Gun, then Fone Zone, and we are just about to sign up another tenant for a space of 1,000 square metres,” he said.

Mr Tsagalis said that, with the new train station coming through the precinct, its dominance in the city would become more prominent.

“The expectation is that the area will increase in prominence significantly,” Mr Tsagalis said.

“Raine Square is such a big parcel of land it can really be developed into something significant – in Sydney, Melbourne or even Brisbane such a big piece of land in the CBD is virtually unheard of and is pure gold.”
http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/story.php?nid=21860&P_category=9&SessionID=MyID416d0a9fc1298

Rockingham Shuttle links station to foreshore precinct
A high-frequency shuttle service will connect the new Rockingham Train Station, the town centre and the city's popular foreshore precinct, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced today.

The $12.6million first stage of the Rockingham Rapid Transit System will see four modern, gas-powered buses provide a shuttle service between the new station and the foreshore precinct every 15 minutes with eight stops along the route.

Ms MacTiernan said today's announcement followed a commitment by the Gallop Government to introduce a rapid transit system for the city to coincide with the opening of the Southern Suburbs Railway from Perth in 2006.

"The Rockingham Shuttle will play a vital role connecting local residents with employment, educational and recreational opportunities," she said.

"The shuttle, combined with the Southern Suburbs Railway, will also help make the foreshore precinct and city centre the heart of economic activity for Rockingham."

The system will partly operate on existing roads and partly on a dedicated transitway.

An underpass at Ennis Avenue will be constructed to provide exclusive access for the transit system to the Rockingham Train Station and a transit mall will be built through the centre of the city, providing a right of way for public transport and cyclists.

"This system will offer a town centre service more advanced than anything currently available in Western Australia - neither the Perth nor Fremantle Central Area Transit systems have dedicated transit ways," the Minister said.

Ms MacTiernan said the route - linking the train station with the foreshore, city centre and Murdoch University campus - was designed to accommodate a future light rail system. Key components of a future light rail system such as the Transit Mall and the Ennis Avenue underpass would be delivered as part of Stage One.

"As surrounding development and patronage increases over time, the system's second stage - a light rail component - will be examined," she said.

One of the key tasks of the State Government's Rockingham Development Office will be to maximise development opportunities on the route of the transit system and therefore increase patronage potential for the system.

Transperth will also operate normal bus services from Rockingham and surrounding suburbs to the train station.

Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan welcomed today's announcement.

"The Southern Suburbs Railway is a wonderful development for our city and will ensure we have decent public transport via a route that people will want to use," Mr McGowan said.

"This new dedicated transit route through the city will boost local residents' access to the railway and act as a tourism asset for the city."

Mr McGowan said he was pleased that the State Government had factored a light rail system into future expansion plans.

"I realise some people will have wanted more but the shuttle bus is an important first step - as Rockingham grows and patronage increases, I'm sure a light rail option will become viable," he said.

Peel MLA Norm Marlborough said the vision of linking the rail with the city and the foreshore was about to become a reality.

"I have always taken the view that Rockingham must turn its focus to its principle asset - our magnificent coastline," Mr Marlborough said.

"This project achieves that vision and is part of the Gallop Government's commitment to building stronger communities."

Minister's office: 9213 6400

Emirates to fly double daily
Perth Airport welcomes the announcement by Emirates that the airline will double its services to Perth from October 2005.

"This announcement highlights Emirates confidence in the growth of travel to and from Western Australia" Perth Airport Acting CEO Richard Gates said.

"Perth Airport and the State Government have worked closely with Emirates Airline to deliver this service to the state. It is a fantastic boost for travel especially to and from European countries using Emirates extensive network connections" Mr Gates said.

Perth Airport and Emirates are finalising plans to build a quality business lounge within the International Terminal to ensure passengers receive a first class experience from the start of their journey.

Westralia Airports Corporation is also upgrading the International Terminal to provide an additional 2500m2 of floor space including state of the art equipment in the form of new check-in counters, an automatic baggage handling system and high technology baggage security system Mr Gates said.

Emirates began flying 4 weekly services to Perth in August 2002, increasing to daily services in May 2003 Launched in 1985, Emirates is one of the worlds leading airlines, currently servicing more than 70 destinations worldwide.
http://www1.perthairport.com/content.aspx?ContentID=289


Air NZ boosts WA flights
Air New Zealand will increase services to Western Australia, operating daily direct services between Auckland and Perth during the Australian summer.

The airline’s ceo Ralph Norris said New Zealand could grow into one of WA’s biggest tourist markets over the next few years with added air capacity, lower airfares and joint promotion.

Norris said WA’s profile in New Zealand as a tourist destination had grown substantially in recent years.

“Inbound tourism to WA from New Zealand has grown by nine per cent in the last year alone and is now over the 40,000 annual visitors mark,” he said.

“New Zealand tourists are also one of the most frequent repeat visitor groups to WA and are also trending towards longer stays in WA with visitor nights up 22.6 per cent in the last financial year.”

Outbound tourism from WA into New Zealand was also a major factor in the airline’s decision to expand its schedule to a daily service, with WA visitors to New Zealand now numbering more than 49,000, an increase of 12.5 per cent in the year ending July 2004.

“We’d definitely like to see Air New Zealand continuing to expand in this market over the next few years and believe we’ve put very competitive airfares in place to support future growth,” he said.

Air New Zealand will begin daily direct flights from November 1 until March 28, providing an additional 25,000 seats on the route.

The airline currently flies four direct services a week between Perth and Auckland.

Over the past 12 months, Air New Zealand has dropped the price of airfares and has simplified ticket conditions in a bid to increase traffic between Australia and New Zealand.

“We’ve lowered our fares out of Perth for example by 23 per cent, with a year round return airfare to New Zealand from Perth now starting at $835 return including taxes which has helped grow the market,” Norris said.
http://www.travelbiz.com.au/articles/4f/0c02834f.asp

'Freo Sound' dominates ARIA nominations
KERRY O'BRIEN: This Sunday, the cream of the Australian music industry will gather in Sydney for the 18th annual ARIA awards.

Despite the presence of the usual big names, this year's list of award nominees is dominated by a surge of fresh young talent from Western Australia.

By a quirk of fate, performers with strong links to the bustling port town of Fremantle have received 12 nominations for the record industry's big night.

Mick O'Donnell reports on the rise of what's been dubbed the 'Freo Sound'.

MICK O'DONNELL: Maybe there's something in the water, maybe it's the isolation from the rest of the country, but there is definitely an upwelling in talent from this city by the Indian Ocean.

Fremantle and big sister Perth have spawned five of the finalists nominated for 12 of this year's ARIA Awards.

KAV TEMPERLEY, ESKIMO JOE: Yes, Fremantle is great.

It's actually the centre of the universe as well.

MICK O'DONNELL: Up for four of those awards is Eskimo Joe, this Fremantle five-piece.

BOB GORDON, MUSIC CRITIC: The music itself is very strong and I think does have a sort of a freshness that's not coming from other places in Australia at the moment.

JOEL QUARTERMAIN, ESKIMO JOE: And the funny thing is that it seems to be played down in Perth.

MICK O'DONNELL: But not this night, as Eskimo Joe and another Fremantle ARIA-nominated band, Little Birdy, play a sell-out home town show.

JOEL QUARTERMAIN: I think in the best thing about the ARIAs is that in your parents' eyes, it makes you look legitimate.

MICK O'DONNELL: The nicest thing about these WA talents is they're nice guys.

Their gigs together are friend-and-family shows, literally.

Little Birdy's lead singer Katy Steeles from the famed Fremantle family is sister to Luke Steeles, lead singer in The Sleepy Jackson.

SIMON LEACH, LITTLE BIRDY: Grew up together with them, so it's, like, great.

Going really well for everybody.

KATY STEELE, LITTLE BIRDY: They're just mates.

SIMON LEACH: Yeah, it's going really well for everybody.

KATY STEELE, They're just good friends and to know that they kind of support us the way we support them is really good.

SIMON LEACH: Anywhere that's got a small population like that - because you just know everybody, so if somebody gets some sort of successor, whatever, you really kind of already know them and there's just that kind of, not one-upmanship, but you know, "I want to do that."

MICK O'DONNELL: Along with Eskimo Joe and Little Birdy, heading for the ARIAs is the John Butler Trio, also nominated for four awards.

The Waifs are nominated for a song about their grandmother being a war bride.

And then there is Jebediah, who've been a feature in the Australian music scene for 10 years.

VANESSA THORNTON, JEBEDIAH: No, they're just all riding on our coat-tails!

(Laughs) KEVIN MITCHELL, JEBEDIAH: I think the isolation of Perth and Western Australia does tend to generate a sort of more of a kind of feeling of community, perhaps CHRIS DAYMOND, JEBEDIAH:.

Perth has, I guess, a stigma about being a fairly conservative city and all that sort of stuff, so I guess Freo does offer a bit of an escape.

MICK O'DONNELL: So does Jebediah see any similarities in the songs by Fremantle's bands.

BRETT MITCHELL: Lots of songs about girls.

VANESSA THORNTON: And how is that different to the east?

(Laughs).

KEVIN MITCHELL: Actually, you know, Johnny butler never writes about girls.

He writes about Mother Earth.

The does that count.

BOB GORDON: It goes from just being a bunch of mates, you know, who just happen to live in one cul-de-sac or something.

It the sort of goes throughout Fremantle and I think that they're quite open about how dearly they hold the place, especially Kavian from Eskimo Joe.

Like, he talks about Fremantle not only as the place where he lives but like it's one of his friends.

MICK O'DONNELL: Eskimo Joe, who have been touring the US, look most likely headed for international success.

KAV TEMPERLEY: You might come back to Perth and people kind of like go, "Oh, well, that last album did really crap, didn't it?"

And you're like, "Well, actually, we sold 1 million copies all over the world."

And they go, "Oh, right."

And then, like, they don't believe you almost.

JOEL QUARTERMAIN: That's the Australian way, but I don't know, like, I think it should be embraced - what's happening at the moment - because it's pretty damned exciting.

MICK O'DONNELL: And the wave of talent from the West looks set to continue.

Just look at the Flairz, they're the children of Fremantle rock 'n' rollers.

Are they the next wave?

BOB GORDON: Are they the next wave?

(Laughs).

Just as soon as they finish their homework.

(Laughs) Take it for what it is.

There are ups and downs and at the moment Perth is getting a good lot of attention and for good reasons, because it is good music, not just hype.

KERRY O'BRIEN: Well, at least someone's helping prepare the next generation.

Mick O'Donnell with that report.
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2004/s1219501.htm

Trump card for WA business
SOME of the world's most renowned business and political leaders will converge on Perth this week as the Living Leadership forum beams around the globe.

Property magnate Donald Trump, former Soviet Union president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Mikhail Gorbachev, and father of modern management Peter Drucker will each share their diverse experience as part of the event's executive panel.
Other key speakers will include business authors Jim Collins, Ken Blanchard, Larry Bossidy, "mega-mogul" Russell Simmons and Harvard Business School professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter.

Beamed live to 25 nations, it will be the first time in the event's 10-year history that it will be linked to Australasia.

Create One chief executive David Burgess, whose company is organising the event in Australia, said the link-up would offer local businesses a rare global perspective.

"It's probably one of the most ambitious cross-border link-ups ever in Australia, as we'll be bringing so many respected world leaders into people's back yards," he said.

"Participants will be able to share in their personal strategies and pick up on them to change the way they do business.

"They will also be able to email questions to each speaker a few days prior to the event and receive answers at the end of each session, time permitting."

The Perth session will air at Burswood International Resort on Thursday from 8.30am.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,11096983%255E462,00.html

Ticor heads give Perth the nod
Popular wisdom holds that Perth has become a ‘branch office’ economy, but the reality isn’t that simple. Mark Beyer reports.

Mineral sands company Ticor last week announced it was moving its head office from Melbourne to Perth, providing a small but symbolic example of Perth’s growth as a major hub for the resources sector.

Ticor joins far bigger companies such as Alcoa, ChevronTexaco and Woodside that have moved their Australian or global head office to Perth over the past decade.

The biggest growth has been in the oil and gas sector – Woodside has just under 2,000 staff in Perth, while ChevronTexaco has more than 500 staff and contractors in Perth, including about 300 staff from its former subsidiary, WAPET.

The gain is not just in direct employment. The likes of ChevronTexaco, Apache Energy and ConocoPhillips are engaging lawyers, engineers, accountants and other professionals in Perth to support their growth.

South African mining giant AnglogoldAshanti is another international firm that has chosen Perth for its Australian base.

Anglogold moved into Australia in 1998 with the acquisition of Acacia Resources, and one of its first moves was to close Acacia’s Melbourne head office.

Like Anglogold, Ticor wants its head office closer to its operations.

“The rationalisation of Ticor’s asset base … has provided an opportunity to relocate the corporate office closer to our core businesses, located around the Indian Ocean rim,” managing director Peter Robinson said.

PricewaterhouseCoopers managing partner Andrew Edwards believes businesses globally have become more flexible in choosing head office locations.

“It’s about companies working out where they can best operate,” Mr Edwards said.

“In oil and gas, we are going to be net winners out of that.”

The flipside of this process is that some companies head east. Construction giant Multiplex and engineering company United Group have shifted head office to Sydney, and B Digital recently moved most of its head office functions to the east coast.

However, not many companies have chosen to move their head office from Perth; most of the losses have stemmed from takeovers.

Challenge Bank, Aherns, Swan Brewery, SGIO and Bristile are just a few examples.

HBF managing director Mike Gurry believes the loss of WA-based players in the financial services and retail sectors is a result of globalisation, which has prompted national and international players to buy-up local competitors.

“What that tends to do, in the end, is you become a branch economy,” Mr Gurry said.

“The problem with that is the consumer doesn’t get treated seriously.”

At first glance, BankWest falls into this category, now that it is wholly-owned by UK banking group HBOS.

However BankWest managing director Rodger McArthur said the current HBOS structure would create local opportunities, since marketing, technology and other group functions would be run from Perth.

Wesfarmers stands as the prime example of a nationally successful business keeping its head office in Perth, though even in that case its hardware (i.e. Bunnings) and industrial safety divisions are run from the east coast.
http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/story.php?P_category=1&nid=22013

Perth leases flow
The flow on effect of Western Australia’s booming economy and resource sector is being clearly reflected in the property sector with major mineral sands miner Ticor Limited relocating its head office from Melbourne to Perth.

The company, capitalised at $400 million, has taken a lease in a boutique office building at 24 Outram Street in West Perth in a deal negotiated by Colliers International and Knight Frank.

Ticor’s preference was for West Perth, being well serviced and centrally located to attract high calibre staff.

Located on level two of the building, the 600 square metre space was previously occupied by another resource company Abelle Limited.

Ironically Ticor evolved from Minproc Holdings Limited, a Western Australian company which started in Perth in early 80’s and listed in 1987 before later establishing its head office interstate.

Colliers International leasing executive Deborah Ambrosini, who facilitated the deal, said the company had looked a variety of options for relocating to Perth, and opted for the profile and convenience of West Perth.

Knight Frank’s Sam de Sousa said although Ticor Limited now had projects throughout Australia and internationally Perth was strategically placed in relation to Ticor’s operations in Western Australia (Tiwest Joint Venture) and South Africa (Ticor South Africa).

Research by Knight Frank and Colliers International shows the resource sector continues to underscore much of the leasing activity in West Perth.

The strength of the resource sector is meaning that quality space in West Perth is becoming increasingly hard to find.

WA scores another spectacular drop in crime
Crime had dropped by a massive 15 per cent in Western Australia.

Releasing the latest police statistics, Police Minister Michelle Roberts said it was a stunning result - the most significant fall in the State's overall crime rate in many years.

"This is a fantastic achievement," Mrs Roberts said.

"It means that there have been nearly 10,000 fewer offences compared with the same period last year.

"Last financial year there was a drop of approximately 21,000 offences - we have achieved nearly half that in just three months!

"If this trend continues, our Government's successful crime-fighting program would have achieved historic falls in the State's crime rate."

The Minister said the September quarter results listed some of the most impressive decreases that she had ever seen for individual offences. These included:

more than a 39 per cent decrease in aggravated robbery;
a decrease of more than 21 per cent in commercial burglaries;
more than a 34 per cent fall in motor vehicle theft;
arson had dropped by nearly 19 per cent;
nearly a 17 per cent decrease in theft;
a 20 per cent drop in sexual assault; and
nearly a 39 per cent drop in homicide.
Mrs Roberts said one of the most significant results was more than a 28 per cent drop in burglaries and 2.2 per cent increase in the clearance rate.

"Our Government's is committed to boosting community safety through the use of smarter and faster policing," she said.

"More police, the success of DNA profiling, hard-hitting police operations and effective community anti-burglar campaigns are now having a real impact."

Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said he was very pleased with the results and all 14 Police Districts around the State had reported a decrease in crime rates.

"Most importantly, our clearance rates have improved markedly - an overall increase of 7.2 per cent - which is an excellent result and shows that more police on the frontline do make a difference," Commissioner O'Callaghan said.

State's crime drops 15pc
WESTERN Australia's crime rate had dropped 15 per cent this financial year on the back of a "right now" response, new technology and better intelligence, Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said today.

State police crime statistics for the September quarter showed some "impressive" decreases for individual offences when compared with the same three months of last year.

Dr O'Callaghan said the fact there had been 10,000 fewer offences within the quarter indicated new strategies, such as his Frontline First policy of returning more officers to the streets, were beginning to yield results.

Among the most significant figures was a more than 28 per cent drop in burglaries, with the commissioner saying Perth had well and truly shaken off the tag of burglary capital of Australia.

"The police service has suddenly started to focus very strongly on burglary in particular and other crimes," he said.

"You'll see with the Frontline First policy we're really focused on putting more people on the streets, doing it quicker and doing it now."

Measures such as community awareness programs, property marking, and the use of DNA and fingerprinting technology had all contributed to the significant decline in burglaries, he said.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said the figures represented a fantastic achievement by police.

"Nearly 10,000 fewer offences in a three month period is a sensational result and it certainly shows that things that have been put in place by our police force recently are paying dividends," Ms Roberts said.

Since the Government came to power an additional 205 police officers had been employed, the police budget had been increased and state-of-the-art DNA technology and testing introduced, she said.

"We're seeing massive decreases in crime right across all 14 policing districts and all three regions in the state," Ms Roberts said.

"Last financial year there was a drop of approximately 21,000 offences. We've achieved nearly half of that in just three months."

In addition to the burglary figures, there had been a 20 per cent drop in sexual assault, a 39 per cent decline in homicide, and a 19 per cent drop in arson offences.

However, there was an increase of 15.5 per cent in reported assaults.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11138497%255E1702,00.html

Gay WA police to march behind badge
For the first time, homosexual police officers will be allowed to march behind the official crest of the West Australian force at this weekend's Pride Parade in Perth.

Following a decision by WA's police commissioner Karl O'Callaghan, a banner bearing the police crest and the words "Supporting equity and diversity" will be carried by gay police men and policewomen who take part in the march.

But any officers marching through the streets of Perth's entertainment district Northbridge on Saturday must do so on their own time, and will not be permitted to wear their uniforms, a WA police spokesman said.

Organisers of the march have hailed the decision as a validation of the Pride organisation, and Perth's gay community.

"With more widespread coverage of homosexual people and issues, this decision shows there is increasing acceptance within the wider community," said Jay Still, Pride WA's media liaison officer.

Only three police officers took part in last year's parade, but Ms Still said the march was expecting to have between 20 and 50 officers marching this year.

More than 70,000 people are expected to take part and watch this year's march, which will mark the 15th anniversary of the event.

Ms Still said march organisers were having t-shirts printed up, emblazoned with WA Police, for officers taking part to wear.

"Although they cannot wear the uniform, they will be able to show who they are, and be able to do it behind the badge," Ms Still said

Perth Pride parade draws record crowd
Organisers of the Gay and Lesbian Pride parade in Perth say the event attracted twice as many spectators and participants than previous years.

They say more than 60,000 people turned out to watch the parade, which is in its 15th year.

It is the first year police officers have been allowed to march behind the official crest and banner of the WA Police Service.

Detective Senior Constable Grant Taylor says he was very proud to march as a police officer.

"We're obviously all very proud to work for the department, to be police officers, to work for the community, and obviously tonight we've been allowed to march with the police banner and bring both sides of our lives together and its an unreal feeling," he said.

The event in the streets of Northbridge attracted more than 40 floats and hundreds of marchers.

Co-president of Pride, Sue Fisher Hendry says the tone of the event has changed since the State Government introduced equal rights for gay and lesbian people.

She says the parade still plays a very important role in the community.

"It's an opportunity for people to see us at our fun best, our creative best, and also to get a serious message, in a not too serious way," she said.

"There are a lot of people making a political point on behalf of teachers, a bit of a celebration on behalf of lesbian and gay police."

Report rates WA best-performing state
The Western Australian Government has been given a big tick for economic management just months out from a state election.

WA has been judged Australia's best performing state in an annual report by Labor think tank the Evatt Foundation.

The report found Western Australia is outperforming all other states in job creation, capital investment and economic growth.

Treasurer Eric Ripper has already announced a budget surplus of $790 million, almost four times higher than expected.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive John Langoulant says the Government has a responsibility to capitalise on its strong financial position and safeguard the economy by cutting taxes.

"There's a great responsibility on the Government and on the Opposition to look to the future, not simply to focus solely on electoral interests at this stage, these surpluses come and they go, the economy will not continue to perform at these high levels forever, and it's a responsibility on Government to do everything possible to maintain economic growth as high as they can," he said.
http://www.abc.net.au/wa/news/200410/s1226941.htm

Valuair in GSA deal with WAS
Singapore-based “mid frills” carrier Valuair has appointed World Aviation Systems as general sales agent in Australia and New Zealand in the lead-up to the launch of daily Perth-Singapore flights from December 1.

Perth will be the first Australian destination for the carrier which was launched in May this year and currently flies Airbus A320 twinjets to Bangkok, Hong Kong and Jakarta.

“Valuair will offer a range of “value for money” air fares between Perth and Singapore, and will announce details in the coming week,” World Aviation Systems general manager Melvyn Almeida said.

“Unlike most other low cost operators, Valuair will include light meals, coffee and tea, audio and video entertainment, allocated seating and a free baggage allowance of up to 20 kilograms per person.”

The single-class aircraft will also feature leather seats with a 34-inch seat pitch (compared with 32 inches on other airlines on the route).

Valuair flight VF101 will depart Perth at 11.55pm, arriving in Singapore at 5.30am.

The return service, flight VF102, will leave Singapore at 5.40pm and arrive in Perth at 11.05pm



Sony eyes Perth as R&D hub
http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/admin/files/article/playstn-lge.jpg
Asian electronics giant Sony is assessing proposals for a research and development facility in Perth, with speculation that the site may focus on games development for its global PlayStation brand.

The move would follow IBM and Motorola, which opened R&D offices in Western Australia in 2001 and 2003 respectively.

The prevalence and creativity of high-quality computer science graduates in Perth were major factors behind their decisions.

The software development facility proposed by Sony would employ 200 software programmers and developers to work on the game development for the company’s yet-to-be-released PlayStation 3.

WA Business News understands that Sony Singapore is behind the plans and has had discussions with at least one Western Australian university concerning graduate employment opportunities.

While Sony Singapore did not respond to questions by WA Business News this week, sources close to the deal suggest the company is eager to establish a development house similar to that operated by Motorola.

Motorola established its $20 million software research engineering centre at the University of Western Australia in a collaborative deal, which included a State Government contribution of $4.5 million and UWA funding of the purpose built facility.

According to Motorola communications and public affairs manager Russell Grimmer, Perth’s software development graduates are one of the key reasons the group chose to establish the centre in Perth.

“The availability of good quality graduates was part of our reason,” Mr Grimmer said.

“We did a lot of research around the world and found that people in Perth were highly skilled and were not in as high demand as somewhere like Sydney.

“One of the other reasons was the enthusiasm of the universities to collaborate.”

An industry source, who confirmed that Sony Singapore was interested in setting up an operation similar to Motorola’s software engineering centre, said Perth software graduates were viewed as highly skilled in programming but, more importantly, also had creative flair.

“The thing about programming for games is that the person has to be a bright programmer with a good mathematics background but also has to be really creative.

“They need the non-creative logic and the creative stuff as well, and people in Perth have that,” he said.

The source said that Sony wasn’t alone in actively seeking graduates from Perth’s universities.

“I’m conservatively excited that there is an upward trend for computer science people in Perth because they perceive Australia as having the skills necessary to produce this type of work,” he said.

“There are positive signs that things are on the up because of a perception of Australian creativity.”

Motorola already is looking at expanding its Perth operations.

It was proposed that the centre would employ 200 people within five years.

The company is recruiting an additional 30 staff, meaning 100 employees will be employed by the centre by Christmas this year.

A spokesman for Sony Australia could not comment on whether Sony Singapore had any intentions to establish a software development centre in Perth, adding there was no anticipated release date for its PlayStation 3 Next Generation console.

Industry speculation suggests Sony and rival Microsoft, which produces the Xbox, will launch new game consoles early next year.
http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/story.php?P_category=1&nid=22167&SessionID=MyID417f685600942

Christmas on the horizon
With two months until Christmas, the big job of putting up the city’s festive lights and decorations is now under way.

Many decorations, with thousands of lights, will adorn all parts of the city by the time the Christmas Lights are officially turned on by the Lord Mayor in a spectacular ceremony in Forrest Place on November 12.

In order to meet that deadline, Council staff and contractors have to start the job early as it takes three to four weeks to complete. Most of the work has to be carried out at night or on weekends to avoid disruption to traffic and traders. The timing of the decoration installation also coincides with retailers’ Christmas programs.

The Council has a budget of $574,557 for Christmas decorations this year, compared with $594,206 last year. Of this year’s figure, $498,889 is for maintenance and installation. Most of the decorations and lights are re-used, refurbished or in some instances redesigned.

This year will see some new decorations, including three redesigned gateways in Murray Street between William and King Streets, a new gateway in James Street, Northbridge, and new festoon lighting to a pine tree in Victoria Gardens, East Perth.

The gateways in Murray Street consist of a central three-dimensional star, several smaller stars and two lattices with an array of stars on each side. The central star is outlined in chasing rope light and the smaller stars and lattices are lit with static bud lighting.

The gateway in James Street is ‘cascading pipes’ and consists of approximately 60 various sized tubular rods suspended from an overhead frame. The rods are covered in silver vinyl and will be lit with chasing rope light running up and down each side of the pipes. The pipes have been designed to move in the breeze creating a ripple effect across the roadway.

The Angels in Forrest Place will return, but with additions that will make them stand out more during the day.

Once again, the giant Bethlehem Star will sit atop the Swan Bells’ spire. It will be put in place early on Saturday 30 October.

The Christmas decorations will remain lit until 6 January 2005 and are then turned off, with dismantling taking about two weeks.

Due to railway construction works in William Street, three decorations will not be erected. These are the intersection decoration over Murrray/William Street and two catenary decorations between Murray and Wellington Streets.

Decoration Statistics

Rope light – (chasing effects in red, green and white) Approximately 4,500 metres
Bud Lighting – (static white lights) Approximately 8,000 metres. Bud lighting has a light spaced every 100mm and this equates to around 80,000 lights.
Festoon Lighting – There are approximately 3,500 festoon lights used.
Weight – The weight of decorations is estimated at about 12 tonnes.

You'd be gutted if this thread got deleted.

State-of-the-art venue and central city site for WA's newest theatre
Western Australian theatre, the Perth Cultural Centre and the State's arts scene will all benefit from the construction of a new $42million purpose-built performing arts venue.

Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said the new theatre for drama and contemporary dance would be built at the corner of William and Roe Streets in Northbridge.

It would be the first large scale, purpose-built performing arts venue to be constructed in the city centre in more than 30 years and was expected to be completed in 2008.

State Cabinet had given the green light to the project, which would be a boon to the revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre and Northbridge and a major drawcard for local, national and international theatre productions and audiences.

"This venue will add new vibrancy to our local arts scene and also attract more theatre and dance productions to Perth and WA as a whole," Ms McHale said.

An expert steering committee had identified the Northbridge site as the best and had built on the work of theatre consultant Graham Walne in his initial feasibility report.

The new complex would feature sophisticated technical infrastructure and:
a main theatre with a 525-575 seating capacity in a 'west end' format, with stalls and circle and fly tower for housing scenery change mechanisms; and
studio theatre in a flexible format, with a 200-seat capacity.
"This site will act as a gateway between the city and the cultural and entertainment areas of the city and is another example of how this Government is working to provide first-class facilities for a first-class city," the Minister said.

"In four years the Gallop Labor Government has delivered a balanced Budget in every year, which has allowed us at the same time to spend a record amount of nearly $112million on the arts in capital construction, maintenance and public library resources."

Ms McHale said more than 50 key individuals and organisations had input into the planning process and 11 sites were identified and examined by the steering committee with extensive research and consultation in the community and arts sectors.

The Minister said all sites reviewed by the steering committee were strictly evaluated according to sustainability of location, heritage, planning and construction issues and whole-of-life costs including operational requirements.

"Some of the sites proposed were ruled out by the committee on the basis of significant heritage issues, planning problems such as height restrictions, and lack of supporting infrastructure including bars, restaurants and carparking," she said.

Design for the state-of-the-art venue will be selected through a highly competitive Architectural Design Competition to be advertised internationally.

The Department of Culture and the Arts will work with the Government Architect and Royal Architects Institute of Australia to develop the competition brief and select a judging panel.

Feeling confident for the season finale
http://rally.racing-live.com/photos/imgactu/03/solberg-aust25_070903_220x147.jpg
For the first time in the history of the World Rally Championship, teams are going 'down under' to Australia to contest the final round of the series. In contrast to the muddy forest roads of Wales where the season has traditionally come to a close, this year's finale will take place on the sun-drenched gravel stages of Western Australia, where drivers will face a different yet equally demanding challenge.

Renowned for its unforgiving mixture of slippery gravel and narrow tree-lined stages, this year's Telstra Rally Australia has moved two months later in the WRC calendar to the height of the Australian summer, adding another dimension to an already difficult event. Famous for it's treacherous road surface, that features a loose covering of marble-like gravel on top of a hard-packed base, grip levels can be very low. In dry conditions, those running first on the road will face a considerable disadvantage as they sweep the slippery surface for those behind, while those further down the order will benefit as the base layer becomes more exposed with the passing of every car.

One of the most popular events of the year, Rally Australia is a firm favourite with drivers and spectators alike. Often contested in warm sunshine and in temperatures of more than 27°C, the event mixes a holiday atmosphere with high- adrenalin action against the spectacular backdrop of the Australian countryside.

Commencing on Thursday 11 September with a spectator-pleasing, head-to-head sprint around a Super Special stage at Gloucester Park, the proper stage action will start on Friday 12 September. Comprising 388 competitive kilometres and 25 stages, the rally will be based around a single service park in the Western Australia capital city of Perth. The longest stage of the event will be the 35.64km Bannister North Long test, used in Leg three, while the shortest will be the Perth City Super Special, which is used five times during the event. The rally, and 2004 season, will conclude when the winning car crosses the finish ramp on Sunday at 1600hrs.

Although the Manufacturers' and Drivers' Championship titles were wrapped up in Corsica last month, the battle is still raging for second place in the Drivers' Championship and three individuals are in with a chance. Subaru World Rally Team driver, Petter Solberg leads the chase, with Markko Martin second, three points behind and Carlos Sainz third, a further six points back.

Last year, Petter won the rally after a thrilling duel with Sebastien Loeb. The Norwegian will be aiming to round off his season with a similar result this year. Finnish driver Mikko Hirvonen has contested the Australian event only once before. Finishing ninth in 2003, he will be using his experience of other gravel events, such as New Zealand, to secure a good result and more Championship points at the wheel of his Impreza WRC2004.

Petter Solberg
"This is really going to be a special rally I think and I'm glad to be getting back to gravel where everything works well. I feel I'm really ready to get out there again and do the best I can - I'm hungry for success. Getting second in the Championship will be like a victory for me and the team and will make me want more next year for sure. I think Markko will certainly be going for it in Australia, and Sebastien, as he has nothing to lose now. It will be one hell of a fight I can tell you! It's one of my favourite rallies, I won it last year and it would be great to repeat that this year. It would be a good way to end the year, so I'm going to go for it - but somehow I don't think I'll be the only one doing that!"

Mikko Hirvonen
"Obviously this is the last rally of the season and I'm sure, because all the Championships are decided, that everyone will be going for it - flat out from the start - with the aim of winning the rally. I really want a good result to end the season, so I can't wait for it to start. It's a good rally and one that I really enjoy, it's definitely one of the best in the Championship. The speed is similar to Finland, but the stages are different and narrower - we'll see what we can do."

David Lapworth, Team Principal
"This year, the fact that the rally is the last in the Championship is something to look forward to. The stages are pretty challenging and I think all the drivers find it difficult. It's generally quite a fast event, but the drivers have to be precise. The grip on the driving line is pretty good, but off line there's a ball-bearing type of gravel that makes it very slippery indeed. It's almost like driving on a railway track, stay on the line and everything is fine, but go off it by just half a metre and the car will just slide. The drivers therefore find it difficult to get their confidence, if they have it, they can go very quickly, but if they lose it, they can lose up to two seconds a kilometre.

This is one of the rallies where if it stays dry, the effect of running further down the order is the biggest. That's because of this ball bearing like loose surface, as more and more gravel gets cleaned away by each car, it just gets faster and faster so it's probably the most exaggerated of the year. By the time we get to the stages on Sunday, you may see two seconds a kilometre difference between the first and fifteenth car on the road.

It's likely to be a bit drier than normal in Perth this year due to the date change and that's quite a challenge, especially when it comes to tyre choice. Drivers normally like to run a fairly open pattern in Australia with a soft compound to try to maintain grip, especially if they go off the driving line. However the higher temperatures mean that the soft compounds move around more when you're on the clean, hard driving line and you can lose precision in the tyres. That's going to be pretty tricky challenge to get right this year, especially if the temperature is five degrees higher than normal, as expected.

We're planning to run a similar set-up to last year's car and are confident going into the event. We'd never predict that we are going to win a rally and so many things can happen, but the nature of the stages are perfect for Petter and he thrives on the tricky stuff. We've been very strong on the last three gravel rallies and, as this offers a similar surface, we have to feel pretty confident. That said, Sebastien was very good last year and has nothing to lose now. All the top drivers will go there with not much at stake, other than the pride of winning the last rally of the year, so it should be a good fight."
http://rally.racing-live.com/en/index.html?http://rally.racing-live.com/en/headlines/teamquotes/detail/041106022722.shtml

Fair dinkum, sport Cape Dutch in Oz

Graham Howe visits a typical Cape wine farm - situated in Western Australia.

In dry years the shallow Margaret River never reaches the sea. Setting out from the legendary surfers point near the river mouth, I journeyed in the footsteps of the early pioneers who took the only navigable route into an impenetrable interior.

A kookaburra cackled maniacally as our canoe expedition paddled upstream into the dense forest. A river runs through the fabled winelands of Western Australia.

A long stately avenue through manicured vineyards
A tribute to Ellen Margaret Bussell, a pioneer who raised nine daughters in the wilderness, Margaret River is the origin of some of Australia's most famous wines today.

The house she and her husband built on the river bank in the mid-19th century still stands - though she never lived to see the vineyards thrive in these rich red ironstone soils decades later.

On a canoe trip through the wild tangle of peppermint and tea-trees on Margaret River, I learned all about the art of survival from Helen Lee, a renowned local guide.

After tasting aboriginal bush tucker like emu's plum, quandong chutney, a hibiscus flower (like a wild strawberry) and wattleseed damper (a bush scone), my tastebuds were primed for the more familiar flavours of one of the world's most remote wine routes.

On Bussell Highway, a tribute to the first settler family, I recognised wine estates that have spread the name of Margaret River far and wide - wineries like Amberley, Cape Mentelle (owned by Veuve Clicquot), Cullen, Leeuwin, Vasse Felix and Voyager.

If you're looking for Australia, they've got kangaroos in the vineyards
Surrounded by sea on three sides, some 60 cellars, olive and cheese makers, guest lodges, gourmet restaurants and wine bars have made the 100km strip of maritime winelands south of Perth one of the major tourist attractions of Western Australia.

If you travel directly east of Cape Town, you'll reach the winelands of Margaret River lying at almost exactly the same latitude on the other side of the Indian Ocean.

Even so, coming across a Cape Dutch estate down under, complete with gables, slave-bell, manor house and werf is somewhat of a surprise at the other end of the world. Voyager Estate must seem like home from home for the thousands of South Africans who packed for Perth.

A long stately avenue through manicured vineyards leads to a wine estate with the second tallest flag-pole in Australia. You can't miss this landmark.

Cobblestone paths - which come all the way from Ottery in the Cape - lead past immaculate hedges and low white-washed stone walls to a Cape Dutch manor house set in a traditional werf planted with rose and herb gardens.

The illusion of being back in the Cape is totally convincing, down to the antique shutters, until a welcoming Australian drawl reminds us where we are.

The interior furnishings are as authentic as the Cape Dutch façade. Visitors are welcomed in the voorkamer of the manor house, before being taken on a tour which features the largest underground barrel maturation cellar in Western Australia.

Over a tasting of their signature Chardonnay, Semillon/ Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, I quipped: "The waxy, lanolin quality of the Semillon reminds me of the sheep I sheared yesterday at the shearing shed."

I had to explain to the surprised assistant that the silky skin of a newly fleeced sheep is remarkably similar to the texture of Semillon.

Despite my faux pax, we were shown to a table in the grand restaurant in the back wing of the homestead. The seal of the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) was everywhere - along with Cape Dutch furniture - armoires (an ambry), yellowwood and stinkwood gate-leg tables and chairs, and a muurkas displaying blue porcelain plates.

Designed by Jan du Toit, a potter from distant Swellendam, all the china is adapted from Het Arita Rose, the exquisite Kraakporselein issued by the VOC to its officers and servants. Attention to the finest detail is the hallmark of authenticity at Voyager Estate.

Over a superb lunch of local marron in the Voyager restaurant, Michael Wright, son of mining magnate Peter Wright (one of the pioneers of Australia's lucrative iron-ore industry), spoke about the fascinating linkages between the Cape and Western Australia.

A love of heritage and marketing savvy inspired this shrewd entrepreneur to replicate a Cape Dutch estate at the fledgling wine farm he acquired in 1990 and expanded tenfold.

Today Voyager is rated as a five-star winery by wine authority James Halliday and winemaker Cliff Royle won the coveted Winestate Winemaker of the Year in 2002.

The passionate wine farmer (a lifelong teetotaller), explained: "South African wine is the foundation of the wine industry in Western Australia (WA)."

The first vines planted by Tom Walters at Olive Farm in 1834 in Swan Valley near Perth came from cuttings from Groot Constantia. A well-kept secret.

What's more, the links between the Dutch East India Company, the Cape and Australia are historically strong. Willem Janzoon was the first explorer to map the coastline of WA, a coast littered with the wrecks of the tall ships which passed the Cape of Good Hope on the spice route to the East.

Michael Wright's dream of going Cape Dutch down under gradually took shape after countless visits to South Africa. He says he fell in love with the grandeur and the durability of Cape Dutch architecture - preferring it to the ephemeral Australian style of corrugated iron and rammed earth buildings.

Michael Olivier, one of the South African consultants on the Voyager project, writes: "He (Wright) argued that if the houses on the Cape wine farms had stood firm for 200 years, that was good enough for him."

But why Cape Dutch? Wright declares emphatically: "Well, a chateau would look ridiculous in Western Australia and a castle would look even more absurd. Everyone's got Australian architecture.

If you want to see Australia go outside our fence and you'll see miles and miles of it. We're one degree north of Cape Town and Cape Dutch architecture is very transferable. It's a promotional vehicle for our wines - to add appeal and attractions."

If you're looking for Australia, they've got kangaroos in the vineyards. Opened in 1997, Voyager is an ongoing project with a boutique hotel and enlarged gardens under way as well as a new vaulted barrel cellar.

Michael Wright hand-picked his original dream team - Perth architect Geoffrey Summerhayes (who studied Cape Dutch architecture in the US), restaurateurs Michael and Madelaine Olivier (ex-Parks of Constantia), interior designer Jay Smith (who did the décor at the Cellars-Hohenhort) and landscape designers Deon Bronkhurst and the late Ian Ford (of Vergelegen fame).

No detail, however large or small, eludes Michael Wright. At 62, he's still got a lot to do. A descendant of pioneer farmers, he loves digging hundreds of holes to build soil profiles when deciding where to plant which vines.

His staff complains that this man of the soil has dug so many holes the surface of Voyager Estate looks like the craters of the moon in aerial photographs. "Maybe it's my background in mining," he chuckles.

On a walkabout of the 1600-rose garden, the down-to-earth Aussie billionaire points out that the pools in the courtyard replicate the originals at Groot Constantia to the millimetre.

He concludes: "You can copy architecture but it's a mistake to emulate another country's wine styles. Our wines are very Australian. The key to the whole venture is that the quality must meet the hype. I never thought we'd get this big."

In pursuit of authenticity, Wright purchased the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (commonly known as the Dutch East India Company) in 1995, along with all the trademarks, seals and logos.

Two centuries after its demise, one of the world's most powerful companies is back in business in Western Australia. The company that appointed Jan van Riebeeck as governor of the Cape of Good Hope is the new holding company of Voyager. The wheel has turned full circle on the quiet waters of Margaret River
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=14&click_id=420&art_id=vn20041106144421554C809023

The Gallop Government delivers the 'magic million mark' in jobs
Western Australia now has more than one million people in employment.

Premier Geoff Gallop said it was a major milestone for the State and exciting for the people who had been able to find work through the jobs and opportunities created by his Government.

October's Labour Force Survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) also showed another record low unemployment rate of 4.7 per cent, well below the national average of 5.3 per cent.

"This is the best result for WA in the 26 years the ABS has been collecting this data," Dr Gallop said.

"In October, another 19,400 jobs were created in WA.

"Total employment in this State is now at 1,005,300, which is another sign of the confidence businesses, big and small, have in WA's economic growth."

The Premier said since the Gallop Government was elected, almost 80,000 jobs had been created in WA.

"In the dying days of the previous Liberal government, the State's economy was shrinking by one per cent, after five Budget deficits in eight years and a massive sell-off of WA-owned assets to the private sector," he said.

"The Gallop Government has not only helped create more jobs, we have delivered balanced Budgets every year - without any privatisation - and provided the positive investment climate that boosted WA's economic growth rate to 6.75 per cent in the past financial year.

"WA's 4.7 per cent unemployment rate is the State's lowest, since the ABS Labour Force Surveys began in 1978."

Perth Airport No.1
Perth Airport, the wholly owned subsidiary of Airstralia Development Group, has been voted Australian Major Airport of the Year for the second year running. The Australian Airports Association (AAA) presented the award to Perth Airport at the organisation’s award dinner held in Alice Springs.

AAA made their decision based on some outstanding achievements by Perth Airport including boosting its EBITDA by 25 per cent on the previous year by posting an operating profit of $2.34 million, on-time implementation of a $2.1 million business system upgrade, and completed construction of the $1.4 million driver training centre.

The airport also was able to erect the new 3,500 square metre AQIS building worth $5.6 million, and commence construction of a $25 million upgrade of the international terminal building that will include including an extra 14 check-in counters, additional floor space and a new baggage handling system.

Turnover for the airport in 2003/04 was comprised of 1.76 million international passengers and 4.27 million domestic passenger.

The Australian Infrastructure Fund run by Hastings Fund Management has a 26 per cent equity holding in the Airstralia Development Group.
http://www.financialstandard.com.au/index.php?id=5089

Economic growth in WA outstrips the nation
Western Australia is leading the nation yet again with our booming economy delivering a record 7.5 per cent growth rate during 2003-04, Premier Geoff Gallop said today.

Dr Gallop said WA's Gross State Product grew by a stunning 7.5 per cent for the last financial year, which was higher than the Budget estimate of 6.75 per cent.

WA's growth rate was by far the highest rate in Australia and almost double the national figure of 3.8 per cent.

Today's result was on the back of a record low unemployment figure of 4.7 per cent released yesterday, which showed more than one million Western Australians were now employed in the State.

Economic growth for 2003-04 was driven almost entirely by very strong growth in the domestic economy. The domestic economy increased by 8.0 per cent in 2003-04, underpinned by growth in household consumption (up 6.8 per cent) and business investment (up 17.2 per cent).

"WA is the engine room of the nation's economy with more than double the national growth rate," the Premer said.

"The rest of the States have been left in our wake as we surge ahead.

"My Government has worked hard to encourage economic growth, including delivering record infrastructure. We have delivered record economic growth, record low unemployment rates and four balanced Budgets.

"Four years ago, the State economy was shrinking and business investment was falling. The Liberals had also delivered four deficits in eight years.

"We have turned that around and we will continue to work hard to deliver strong economic growth and new jobs and opportunities
http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/media/media.nsf/0c079b992e7e607a48256a5a0016e16b/91461756cd29e6e448256f4a00250497/Statement/0.1DDE?OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=gif

Swimming with dolphins in Western Australia
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2004/11/13/features/p20congoLine.jpg
Let’s face it, all of us harbour the hope of doing at least a few life-alteringly amazing things during our brief time, but few of us ever dare jump off the out-of-control carousel to do them. Even if the appetite and intent are there, we are often lost for direction and possibilities.

The best you can do is to be ready for the experience when it strikes – as it struck me on a recent visit to western Down Under.

When people think of Western Australia, most people conjure up a squeaky clean city and a vast, rust-coloured interior. But this dusty and parched land can be as low-key and understated as its people, especially when it comes to the magnificent natural gems in her midst.

Most are known only to locals who don’t seem keen to share their natural secrets. Could it be that the tourist traps on the map are simply effective decoys? You can’t blame me for being suspicious.

Well-known to all tourists to W.A. is Monkey Mia – a coastal spot a hard day’s drive north of Perth where visitors are allowed to wade only knee-deep into the surf to observe – but not play with – the dolphins that regularly frequent this coastal stretch.

But go an easy half-hour south of the city and you’ll come across Perth’s amazing suburban secret – the possibility of truly unrestrained interaction with both dolphins and seals – wild, untamed, and yet cautiously approachable. This is Ground Zero for nature-minded adrenaline junkies.

Terry Howson, a laid-back, business-savvy surfer/marine biologist, runs a quiet, barely advertised, two-boat operation called, appropriately enough, Swim with Wild Dolphins, out of Rockingham, a nondescript coastal suburb of Perth.

His is an amazing story of persistence. Ever since he was a kid, he was intrigued by dolphins and their behaviour. He knew that anyone could lure a dolphin into close proximity with only a couple of fish as bribe. But Terry wanted to explore the possibility of making genuine and trusting friends with dolphins – meeting them long-term and regularly on common, equal ground; interacting based on genuine trust and curiosity rather than short-sighted bribery.

For the next four years, Terry took his boat out alone into the bay every morning in the hope of gaining some trust from the sceptical and shy dolphins. It was well over a year before he even dared join them in the water.

Over the years, he slowly built up a relationship with a pod of more than a dozen dolphins; gaining their trust to such a degree that, seven years ago, he gradually started bringing family and friends out to swim with the dolphins, who would always meet him somewhere out in the bay in the calm morning hours.

Today, Terry runs a modern and well-staffed two-boat operation (with a capacity of about 40 guests) every morning during the half-year season. His primary concern is not to exploit his friendship and trust with the wild dolphins. So to cover his overheads with a small group of visitors, he does very limited advertising and charges a pretty stiff A$120 (RM348) per person.

Even so, his boats are always full of people from all different backgrounds and ages, eager to do what cannot be done anywhere else on earth.

As the boats head out into the calm bay in the soft morning light, Terry’s crew gets everyone into a wetsuit to ward off the often chilly waters. Next, you are split into groups of three, issued a mask, snorkel and a colour-coded belt, and get a briefing on what each group must do as soon as the boat draws near to the restless dolphins.

Since each crew member has a battery-powered underwater scooter, the idea is for each team to quickly slip into the water as soon as Terry cuts the engine. With the team-leader and his scooter up front, the three other team members grab the belt of the person in front of them, and then it’s off, gliding effortlessly through the water like some aquatic convoy.

At first, the water is cold, and you breathe hard trying to adjust to the snorkel, the tug of those behind and in front of you, and the thrilling anticipation of what’s to come. The water is a murky green . . .

And then suddenly – THERE! – shooting out of the murky depths right at you are these silvery smiling torpedoes. And just before they collide with you, they swerve away sharply. Other times, a mother and her baby will swim alongside you, studying you with fearless curiosity, smiling, always smiling. Some of the younger dolphin males like to ham it up a bit. They might do flips and twirls in and out of the water, or might want to play catch with your team. Imagine that. Gliding effortlessly through the cold water with the warm sun on your back, playing catch out in the ocean with playful, wild dolphins.

All of a sudden, you realise you are having one of those rare, life-altering moments. You grow peaceful and in tune with the simplicity and immediacy of the moment
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2004/11/13/features/4218917&sec=features

Passenger numbers break records at Perth Airport
Perth Airport was buzzing in October with nearly 600,000 passengers travelling through the airport.

This is the highest number of international and domestic passengers that the airport has ever handled in a calendar month, Perth Airport CEO Graham Muir said.

This beats our last record month which was set in July this year with 562,000 passengers Mr Muir said.

Around 428,000 domestic passengers travelled through the airport in October, an all time record, up 14% on the same month last year and 6% higher than July, the last record month.

Domestic passengers through Perth Airport are now 30-40% higher than they were before the collapse of Ansett due to the fantastic travel deals offered by Qantas, Virgin Blue and Skywest Mr Muir said.

In response to the higher domestic passenger trends, Perth Airport is undertaking an upgrade of Terminal 3, the terminal where Virgin Blue and Skywest operate. There will also be a 22% increase in car parking capacity.

International passenger numbers are also climbing into the records with Perth Airport welcoming around 167,000 travellers in October 2004, a 10% increase on October 2003 figures.

This was a great outcome considering that the Rugby World Cup was held in October 2003 which caused thousands of international rugby fans to travel to Perth, said Mr Muir.

The record passenger numbers in October preceded a 17-18% growth in international seating capacity under the new Northern Winter Schedule, which commenced on 31st October. The new schedule includes two new Airlines servicing Perth, Valuair and Australian Airlines, which will commence operations in December this year.

Perth Airport was awarded the prestigious Australian Major Airport of the Year 2004 title by the Australian Airports Association at its national conference in Alice Springs this week. The second year in a row Perth Airport has received this award.
http://www1.perthairport.com/content.aspx?ContentID=296

Perth cleanest city in Australia
LITTER spies observing the waste disposal methods of Australians have found Perth to be the country's cleanest city.

Australian Littering Behaviour Studies (LBS) research released today by the Beverage Industry Environment Council showed Perth was ahead of Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart.

The most commonly littered items throughout Australia were cigarette butts, making up 58 per cent of all litter, research showed.

Monitoring of national litter trends was established seven years ago to assist state and local governments in litter management strategies, the study said in a statement.

The LBS database included more than 87,000 observations of waste disposal in public areas and over 16,500 interviews logged by trained research staff – or litter spies.
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1260&storyid=2257531

Australia plans world's longest canal
Western Australia is considering building the world's longest canal to transport water from the state's tropical north to the state capital, Perth.

The 3,700km canal would prevent the city of 1.3 million people from drying out as a result of decreasing rainfall across south-western Australia in coming years.

The amount of water coming into Perth has dropped by two-thirds in the past seven years, and is expected to drop further by 2050. At the same time, demand is expected to almost double.

But the Kimberley region in the state's far north hosts some of Australia's biggest rivers and the reservoir of Lake Argyle, which holds four times as much water as Loch Lomond in Scotland.

The premier of Western Australia, Geoff Gallop, has announced a A$5m feasibility study into transporting water from the Fitzroy, a 470-mile river which crosses the southern Kimberley. Its average annual flow of 9 trillion litres is more than four times that of the Thames.

"Solving our problems with a secure long-term supply of water is crucial to the future of our state," Mr Gallop said.

The most ambitious proposal, by the construction company Tenix, calls for a 3,700km canal running 60 miles inland and covered with a plastic membrane to prevent evaporation and leaks.

Tenix believes the plan would cost A$2 billion and could supply Perth with 200 billion litres of water a year, more efficiently than rival plans for a pipeline with pump stations along a similar route.

"You are able to run a canal ... with the work being done for you by gravity," a spokesman, Liam Bathgate, told ABC radio.

"The energy costs are much lower and the whole thing becomes more viable." If constructed, the canal would topple a record which has stood for more than 1,000 years, outstripping the 1,800km Grand Canal in China.

But economists and environmentalists have questioned whether the plan is workable or desirable. A report in September by the state's Water Corporation said even a more modest pipeline would cost at least A$10 billion.

Proposals to pipe water from the Kimberley to Perth are only the first stage in a nationwide water grid proposed by the former Western Australian resources minister Ernie Bridge, one of Australia's first Aboriginal parliamentarians

Burns expert favourite for Australian of the Year
Burns specialist Fiona Wood is the new favourite to become 2005 Australian of the Year, after taking out her second successive West Australian of the Year award on Saturday night.

Centrebet this morning installed the inspirational mother-of-six as the $2.50 front-runner for the accolade, reducing her odds from $9 and replacing previous favourite Nicole Kidman in the process.

Dr Wood became world-renowned following her inspirational work in treating victims of the Bali bombings.

Currently director of the Royal Perth Hospital Burns Unit and considered a global pioneer in the treatment of burns, Dr Wood is also chief medical officer of a cell culture business that has developed a revolutionary spray-on skin that helps existing skin cells regenerate.

Centrebet this morning said Hollywood superstar and UNICEF ambassador Kidman was "friendless" in the market, as opposition grew to her selection as NSW's nominee for the award.

Queensland charity worker Bill Bristow is third favourite at $4 with Northern Territory nominee - actor and Aboriginal community worker David Gulpilil - next at $8.

AdvertisementTasmania's world champion woodchopper David Foster is the outsider at $34.

Perth Super 14 bid "outstanding" - ARU
ARU defends choosing Perth for a Super 14 expansion side, saying it has a bigger rugby fan base than Victoria

Western Australia may not be one of the traditional rugby union powers but it will soon be battling the best regional and state teams in the world.

Perth has been chosen over Melbourne by the Australian Rugby Union as the home of its 2006 Super 14 expansion side.

ARU Managing Director Gary Flowers says Perth has a bigger rugby fan base because of the large number of South African and New Zealand ex-pats who live there.

He says Perth's bid was outstanding in relation to its connection to the community, player welfare and facilities.

Gary Flowers says Victorian rugby will still grow through a healthy supply of test matches.

Australian rugby journalist Terry Smith says Western Australia was a sound decision, considering its geographical location, South African and New Zealand expatriate population and Victoria's Aussie Rules fanaticism.

However, Smith says it makes little difference where the side is based because the country does not have enough talent to sustain the competition.
http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=45749&c=w



Super choice for new team
THE ARU board was so certain Perth should be awarded the fourth Australian Super 14 franchise the nine members did not need to vote on the issue.

After a 4 1/2-hour meeting in North Sydney yesterday, the board of the Australian Rugby Union reached a consensus to locate the team in the West Australian capital instead of Melbourne.

The board was supposed to vote on a recommendation from the ARU's evaluation committee to place the team in Perth.

ARU chairman Bob Tuckey said the vote was unanimous, but the governing body's chief executive Gary Flowers corrected him.

"I don't think it even went to a vote," Flowers said. "It was just an overall consensus that was there for Perth.

"There was no difference of opinion about the issue of where this team should be located."

Good news travelled fast. West Australian Premier Geoff Gallop happened to be in Sydney on holiday and arrived at ARU headquarters shortly after the announcement.

"This is a great day for Western Australia and a great day for rugby," Gallop said.

The key to Perth securing the prized franchise was the ARU's instinct for survival.

Rugby union is a foreign code in the southern states, which is dominated by Australian football.

But the ARU was greatly encouraged by the overwhelming grassroots support for a Super 14 team in Perth, a city with only two AFL teams and no rugby league presence.

In the end Perth was the less risky choice.

"The evaluation committee looked at the risk assessment of both submissions," ARU high performance general manager Brett Robinson said.

"It certainly wasn't a high risk (in Melbourne), but there was some risk associated with it.

"I think it is important if a team is going to be successful that they demonstrate a high level of connectivity and an environment that is going to be productive in terms of performance.

"We had a high level of certainty that that was going to occur in West Australia. In the Victorian bid we had a sense of that, but not to the same degree."

Flowers said Perth delivered on the initial criteria which the ARU set out when it invited Melbourne and Perth to bid for the franchise in October.

"We had two great options, but in relation to Perth there were a number of factors which the board took into account in giving Perth the nod," Flowers said.

"The Perth bid highlighted a wonderful support program for the players and their families. The players will be living in a very tight-knit community close to training bases and also great community facilities.

"We believe the Perth team will be embraced by the Western Australian community, business, government and importantly the media."

West Australian Rugby Union chairman Geoff Stooke said Perth's bid had been aided by strong government and corporate support. The airline Emirates is expected to become naming rights sponsor.

"I understand the decision was fairly tight," Stooke said.

"I think a major factor was that we have proved we have the financial support through the sponsorship and hospitality ... they knew it would be a high-profile sport in this town."

Perth's selection pleased the players most because it would ease fatigue for teams travelling between the three southern hemisphere countries that make up Super 14.

"It breaks up that trip for the South Africans and the New Zealand teams. It will be welcomed by all the teams and not just players in Australia," Waratahs and former Test centre Nathan Grey said.

"I also think it's especially good to shift the focus from the Australian eastern seaboard."

It was a sentiment shared by Test five-eighth and Brumbies star Stephen Larkham, who initially found it hard to split Melbourne and Perth.

"They both had their plus and minus points but for mine I began to prefer to see it in Perth because there's less competition over there and we certainly do want to make it a national game and not just a sport on the eastern side of the country," Larkham said.

Victorian sports minister Justin Madden said he thought rejecting Melbourne's bid was not in the best interests of the development of rugby.

"I think the challenge put to the Australian Rugby Union to really contest rugby in Australia's sporting capital is obviously one that has not been taken up and in strategic terms I think will not necessarily be good for the development of Australian rugby long-term," Madden said.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11652915%255E2722,00.html



Perth wins by a long distance
And the winner is ... Perth.

The West Australian capital won the fourth Super 14 franchise in July 1998 when it hosted its first rugby Test, Australia-South Africa.

All the heavyweights of West Australian political, business and social life were at Subiaco Oval: Kim Beazley (a second-rower at Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar) was seated with Janet Holmes a Court. And the punters in the outer thoroughly enjoyed themselves, even though the Wallabies lost to the Springboks.

This grand acceptance of a rugby Test by the movers and shakers of Perth society contrasted with the dismal attendance by members of the MCG at the first Bledisloe Cup Test of 1997. Despite a crowd of 90,119, rows of members' seats were empty. AFL administrators complained to Channel Seven that the Test was getting a priority on the box ahead of a St Kilda match.

There was a record crowd at Melbourne's (now) Telstra Dome of 56,605 for the second Test against the British and Irish Lions in 2001. But there was always the feeling that the power establishment in Melbourne - including the media - did not appreciate what a huge worldwide sporting occasion it was.

Big corporate money, a huge population and, consequently, a huge TV market and the memory of the 1930s when Victoria, led by Edward "Weary" Dunlop in the forwards, sometimes beat NSW in rugby were Melbourne's strong suit. But the protectionist ethic of Victoria, expressed in sport with an obsession with Australian football, was always a compelling reason why the fifth franchise will go to Melbourne and the fourth franchise to Perth.

In brutal terms, Melbourne has scorned the rugby league Melbourne Storm (even though the team won a premiership), while Perth has embraced soccer's Perth Glory. On this record, Perth is far more likely to support a Super 14 team than Melbourne. And the financial commitment involved with the franchise means the ARU has to have a well-supported team from the start.

Foxtel will now be able to play wall-to-wall Super 14 rugby, starting in New Zealand, then Australia's east, Perth and finally South Africa for seven out of the 14 weeks of the event. New Zealand and Australian teams and the South Africans will be able to break their journey to and from South Africa with matches in Perth. For once, the tyranny of distance has worked for Perth.
http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2004/12/11/1102625543468.html?oneclick=true

$140m retail centre for CBD
http://www.thewest.com.au/pictures/100-gen18cbd.jpg
The Perth CBD is about to be revitalised with a new $140 million shopping centre on the former National Mutual Arcade site under a deal completed yesterday by entrepreneur Peter Laurance.

Woolworths has agreed to anchor the three-level Century City shopping centre next to the BankWest tower in what will be the biggest retail project in the city since Forrest Chase was built in 1989.

Mr Laurance's private flagship Pivot Group has also secured the backing of the $2.7 billion Industry Superannuation Property Trust to fund the landmark project.

Pivot yesterday exercised an option to buy the development site, which runs between St Georges Terrace and the Hay Street Mall, for $30 million from Axa Pacific.

Apart from the shops fronting Hay Street Mall, the site has been vacant since the National Mutual Arcade and the ANZ Bank building were demolished more than 15 years ago.

Mr Laurance said yesterday that apart from building the shopping centre, Pivot and ISPT would also build the foundations for a proposed 18-level office tower on the site, worth about $125 million.

He said plans for the shopping centre and the office tower had been approved by Perth City Council in April. Construction was due to start next year.

The shopping centre project will also include an underground carpark and a 22-bay loading dock, accessed from St Georges Terrace. The loading dock will mean vehicles will no longer have to drive among pedestrians to deliver stock to shops on Hay Street Mall. Mr Laurance said Pivot and ISPT were negotiating a 99-year lease agreement for the loading dock with Perth City Council.

He said Woolworths had taken a 20-year lease for a full-range supermarket in the shopping centre, which would also seek to attract exclusive retail brands. Woolworths will occupy about 2500sq m of the total 15,000sq m of space in the Century City shopping centre.

It will be Woolworths' second new city supermarket after the retailer anchored a new retail complex which opened in 2002 in the neighbouring Murray Street Mall.

In committing to Century City, Pivot and ISPT appear to have got the jump on Multiplex and Ric Stowe's Griffin Group, which are working up a retail and office tower development for the former Westralia Square site.

Multiplex and Griffin bought the vacant Westralia Square site for $19 million last year from Kerry Packer, who has since taken over the Burswood Casino.

The Century City project represents another mark of faith in the Perth retail sector by ISPT, which also owns all of Forrest Chase after paying $58 million for the 50 per cent stake owned by ING Retail Property Fund in 2002.

Mr Laurance, former owner of Sea World and Movie World on the Gold Coast, made news this year when he was named as the mystery owner of the first new $1 million Rolls-Royce Phantom delivered to Australasia.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/perthwaus/d.jpg