Correctional facilities on lockdown after staff member tests positive for coronavirus.
All correctional facilities in south-east Queensland have been placed in stage four lockdown after a staff member at the Queensland Corrective Services academy tested positive for coronavirus.
Assistant secretary of the Together Queensland Corrections Union Michael Thomas says the man interacted with several trainees who have since visited multiple facilities.
Mr Thomas says stage four restrictions have been enforced as a precautionary measure; requiring prisoners to remain in their cells and everyone on site to wear a mask.
New tool reveals water security plays a vital role fighting COVID-19 in Indo-Pacific
Griffith University researchers from International Water Centre and School of Medicine and the Australian Government launch a new tool highlighting the importance of water security for fighting COVID-19 in the Indo-Pacific.
Researchers created the COVID-19 Water Security Risk Index enables governments, communities and organisations to water-based interventions and reduce countries' risks of COVID-19 impacts in the short-term and build long-term resilience.
Rooftop farm being built in Paris
The largest rooftop farm is currently being built by company Agropolis in Paris, France.
The farm is designed to educate the public on healthy eating as well as offering a place for the community to plant and grow their own produce.
Urban areas have been transformed into rooftop gardens with a method called vertical farming which aims to reduce pesticides as well as use less water.
Melbourne millionaires turned away at Gold Coasts marina after the 15-day voyage.
Melbourne millionaires turned away at Gold Coasts marina after the 15-day voyage.
Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young revoked Melbourne yacht owner, Mark Simmonds and six others' travel exemption.
The yacht stopped along multiple New South Wales hotspots, and all seven people are required to pay for a 14-day government approved hotel quarantine.
Juukan Gorge rock shelters destroyed by iron ore mining.
The Juukan Gorge rock shelters in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia have been destroyed by iron ore mining.
These historical caves are among the oldest in Australia and are tangible evidence of Indigenous culture and habitation.
Mining company Rio Tinto stated that “.. the company failed to uphold one of the organisation's values - respect for local communities and their heritage”.
University of Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccine safe and ‘likely to provide protection’
University of Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccine has presented their final result is safe and ‘likely to provide protection’ scientists say.
During the pre-clinical trials the doses were given to hamsters, Keith Chappell from the UQ School of Chemistry said ‘this was one step in the process.’
Late last night, Dr Chappell presented the data to the International Society for Vaccines Congress via video conference, and are in phase one of human trials.
Queensland still drought declared
Two thirds of Queensland is still drought declared and some areas are still experiencing water restrictions.
Wivenhoe Dam and Somerset dam are under pressure as they currently only contain up to 60% of their capacity.
Mike Foster from Seqwater says the average south east resident uses 150 litres of water per day. These numbers remind residents to remain aware of their water consumption.
9AM ZEDLINES - AUGUST 16
[IMAGE: Brisbane City Council]
Africa declared polio free
The Africa Regional Certification Commission has now declared Africa as polio free.
Nigeria was the last country to have reported cases of wild polio after 95 per cent of the country's population has now been immunised.
In order to ensure Africa remains polio free, the World Health Organisation says that efforts to vaccinate should continue and it is important the countries remain vigilant.