Hong Kong vigil marks 30 year Tiananmen anniversary
An estimated 180,000 people have gathered in Hong Kong to mark 30 years since China’s crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square.
The annual candlelight vigil, organised by a group of veteran pro-democracy activists, demands justice for victims of the crackdown and calls for China to embrace democracy.
4ZZZ presents Sonic Masala Fest 2019
It's happening again! Lining up for the sixth straight year, 4ZZZ, Sonic Sherpa and Young Henrys present Sonic Masala Fest 2019. Back at Greenslopes Bowls Club (Club Greenslopes) for another day of mates, music, bowls, beers, bands and good times. Roll on down and get amongst it!
This year's lineup includes old and new favourites:
11 AM ZEDLINES
(Photo Credit: Flickr)
Brisbane Airport master plan revealed
Brisbane Airport Corporation released the draft of its multi-billion dollar master plan this week.
It includes large developments such as three new terminals, retail upgrades and sustainability initiatives as the airport prepares to double its passenger intake after the completion of its new runway in 2020.
The plan is available for community comment until the 21st of August.
Queensland government workers exposed to ‘gene-altering’ chemical
Queensland government biosecurity workers were exposed to a carcinogenic, gene-altering chemical for an extended period of 6 months after its use was banned.
The exposure to the highly toxic fumigant, named EDB occured in the mid 1990s causing debilitating and serious illnesses over the past 2 decades.
One chronically ill former employee says the use of chemicals were in defiance of long-known risks and warnings from health authorities at the time, calling is ‘state-sanctioned poisoning’.
Australian musicians band together to invest in solar farms
Future Energy Artists or FEAT., a platform that will allow musicians to build and invest in their own solar farms is due to launch on Wednesday.
Brainchild of Cloud Control’s Hiedi Leffner, the platform has already garnered support from Leffner’s own band as well as Midnight Oil, Vance Joy, Regurgitator, Big Scary, Peking Duk and Jack River.
The platform’s first farm Brigalow, an 80 hectare project, is under construction near Pittsworth on Queensland’s Darling Downs.
Government climate data withheld
The climate council is calling on the federal government to release its greenhouse gas emissions data after it failed to share the information with the Australian public last Friday.
Climate Council’s CEO Amanda McKenzie said the coalition government has a history of burying bad news on climate change and therefore concludes emissions are continuing to rise.
Tax crackdown on clothing and laundry claims
The tax office is planning to crackdown on Australians who are making false claims on laundry and clothing.
In 2018 a quarter of these claims were the minimum amount needed to claim without a receipt, costing the system $1.5 billion in tax return.
The assistant commissioner of the ATO said they use sophisticated tools to study each return and catch out of pattern claims compared to their industry and income.
Defective wings on Boeing aircraft
Boeing’s manufacturer has warned hundreds of its 737 planes, including 159 of its troubled 737 Max jets, may have faulty parts on their wings.
One batch of slat tracks, which are the moveable panels built into the planes wings to provide extra lift during takeoff and landing, were found to ‘have a potential non-conformance’.
Boeing warned all airlines that operate 737's to check their slats, and the Federal Aviation Administration will issue a directive to make Boeing’s jet checks mandatory.