Brisbane ferry strike to affect thousands of commuters
Thousands of Brisbane commuters will be affected today as the city’s ferry drivers begin a two-day strike.
The strike began at 4 am today and will last until the end of Friday as workers express their anger over what they claim is a lack of job security and low wages, as well as eroding maintenance and safety standards.
Brisbane River commuters are warned there will be no ferry services during the strike action, and to arrange alternative transport.
Australian scientists develop ‘10-minute’ cancer test
Image source: Pixabay
Review: The Grass Is Dead On The Other Side Wonderland Festival 2018
The Grass Is Dead On The Other Side was a performance like no other. It was filled with rap, poetry, hip-hop and a whole lot of passion. Presented by Anisa Nandaula in partnership with Brisbane Powerhouse, The Grass Is Dead On The Other Side demonstrated that there are ways to engage the mainstream audience regarding issues surrounding social justice, and that maybe just maybe, that could be through zombies.
Cuba will finally get mobile internet access
Cuba has announced that its citizens will be offered full internet access for mobile phones beginning this week, as one of the last nations to offer such a service.
President of the Cuban telecom monopoly ETECSA said yesterday that Cubans can begin contracting 3G services for the first time next Thursday. Until now, Cubans have only had access to state-run email accounts on their phones.
Putin warns of abandoning arms treaty
President Vladimir Putin has warned that if the United States walks out of the the nuclear arms treaty, then Russia will do the same.
Earlier this year, President Trump said the US would withdraw from the treaty, accusing Russia and China of violating it.
Mr Putin accused the US of making up excuses for withdrawing from the pact, saying the US had already made up its mind to walk out of it and started looking for reasons to justify why they should do so.
Urgent national recall for Nanna’s family apple pies over glass contamination fears
A national recall has been issued for Nanna’s family apple pies from Coles, Woolworths, IGA, Foodlands and other independent supermarkets.
In a statement on its website, the NSW Food Authority said all pies with a best-before date of October 21, 2020 and October 22, 2020, are being recalled due to the potential presence of glass in the Nanna’s family apple pies.
Consumers are advised not to eat any of the pies and to return them to the place they were purchased to get a full refund.
Chanel’s ban on reptile skins affecting Australian farmers
Chanel has become the first luxury fashion house to scrap using exotic animal pelts such as crocodile, lizard and snake skin – a move welcomed by animal rights groups on Tuesday.
Chanel said it’s taking the step for ethical and quality-control reasons.
However, Australian experts have warned this move could eventually harm Australia’s crocodile industry, valued at more than $100 million.
Queensland Bushfires could have up-side
More than 52,000 hectares of bushland was burnt across central Queensland last week, but it may not be all bad news for the landscape.
Thanks to widespread rain, cooler conditions and fresh ash beds, native trees and other vegetation are set for a stable recovery.
Associate Professor Rod Fensham from the University of Queensland said the Australian bush is remarkably resilient to fire and the land can rejuvenate itself.
Fewer than 200 submissions against Mt Coot-tha Zipline made to Council
179 submissions have been submitted to Brisbane City Council on Tuesday about the six new ziplines proposed for Mount Coot-tha.
The council-funded project, spearheaded by urban planners Ethos Urban, opened to submissions on November 26, sparking criticism from some over the pre-Christmas launch and its 14-day submissions limit.
The main objections to the ziplines include potential damage to native flora and fauna, commercialisation of natural bushland, and an influx of bus traffic.