Hundreds of hikers stranded in Lombok, Bali have been rescued following an earthquake on the island.

Retrieval efforts are continuing after 16 people were killed and more than 350 injured by the earthquake triggered by landslides.

Out of the 543 hikers rescued, close to 200 were foreigners.

Parts of south-east Queensland have recorded the hottest July temperatures on record this year, with Australian climatologists warning of more to come.

Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes expert Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick says “we are heading towards an El Nino summer, so are more likely to have hotter weather.”

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) will today release weather figures showing maximum temperatures on record for areas including Brisbane, Oakey, Gatton, and parts of the Gold Coast.  

The Federal Government has confirmed the law will be changed to protect privacy in the My Health Record System following crisis talks last night with the Australian Medical Association.

Amidst concerns police and government agencies could access private health records, Health Minister Greg Hunt says legislative amendments to the online health system will be made that require a court order or warrant in order for documents to be accessed by anyone other than a health professional.

Early-morning construction work has prompted hundreds of Brisbane residents to call for a review into the city’s construction hour times.

Woolloongabba resident, Leah Govorko, launched a petition arguing the construction start time of 6:30am was too early and needed to be pushed to a later time.

The petition has gained over 500 signatures and is open until August 25th.

State schools in Queensland are calling for the state government to make air conditioning a priority, suggesting the quality of student’s learning is negatively affected by poor climate control.

President of the Queensland Teachers’ Union, Kevin Bates, says “it is important students are effective as learners, and that happens when the climate is controlled.”

The Palaszczuk Government is recognising Queensland rangers for their efforts to maintain the natural and cultural value of Queensland’s parks, forests, and marine parks.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch thanked around 800 Parks and Wildlife Service rangers and 100 Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers for their efforts.

The recognition is part of World Ranger Day, which aims to commemorate the work of rangers internationally.