Mixed opinion over protest crackdown

Scott Morrison’s controversial plan to stifle environmental activism against the industrial sector has met with split results on a recent survey by The Guardian.

Morrison has said to the Queensland Resources Council that the protesters represent “apocalyptic” progressivism and has floated potential curbs on activism.

Following the strong stance taken by the Prime Minister, voters were asked whether they would support a change that could make consumer or environmental boycotts illegal in Australia.

Five new bridges proposed for Brisbane

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced five new proposed bridges on Sunday, and has opened public consultation on the projects.

The new bridges, predicted to relieve traffic congestion, would cost more than $550 million.

Cr Schrinner says community consultation would run from November 11 to December 6 and would include twelve information sessions.

Lobby group wants Redlands council to ‘Reveal the Deal’

The Redlands lobby group Redlands 2030 has rallied outside the Redlands City Council, wanting the council to publicise arrangements regarding the $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour Development.

Around 30 people protested outside council chambers before last Wednesday’s general meeting, demanding the information be available before the March election.

Recycling Crisis: Recycling sent to landfill in the Hobson Bay Council area

Due to the “factory capacity problem throughout Melbourne” of the waste company Cleanaway, the recyclables will once again be temporarily disposed of in the landfill of the Hobson Bay Council area.

Residents in the council area (including Altona, Laverton and Williamstown) have been asked to put their recyclables on hold for two weeks.

The committee announced the news on Monday night, saying the issue will be resolved next weekend.

American Airlines plane sliding off Chicago runway and crashing into snow

A passenger immediately photographed the moment the jet slid off the runway after landing in icy conditions at a major airport in the United States.

The incident occurred when American Airlines flight AA4125 touched down at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport during a snowstorm on Monday morning (local time).

A video released by a passenger showed that Embraer ERJ145 skid on the runway and then turned to the snow-covered grass area and suddenly stopped.

New sales records set in China’s Singles Day marketing event 

Chinese e-commerce giants Alibaba and JD.com reported that a total of more than US$55 billion ($80 billion) in sales on Monday through Singles Day, an annual marketing event that is the world's busiest online shopping day.

The volume of sales that day, which seems to have reached a new high in the 11th year is a temporary easing of retailers temporarily facing declining demand as Chinese consumers are constrained by slowing economic growth and tariff wars with Washington.

Government negotiation over union bill

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation will meet today with Attorney-General Christian Porter to try and get a bill through the upper house that would penalise unions more severely for transgressions.

The Senate is due to vote tomorrow on the Ensuring Integrity bill, which would give the government the power to deregister unions and ban officials. 

While the bill will require crossbench backing, it seems there is widespread support from senators.

Station Master’s Cottage now home for women’s centre

The historic Station Master’s Cottage in Cleveland has become the new headquarters for the Redlands Centre for Women.

Mayor Karen Williams officially opened the centre’s new location on Saturday, saying the cottage would offer more stability for the group.

Mayor Williams said “The Station Master’s Cottage will host a number of programs, including counselling to support women through challenges, programs to support teenage girls and young mothers and the Redlands Active Women’s Program”.