Proposed developments plans threaten welfare of local wetlands

Australia’s largest private property developer Walker Corporation has proposed plans to dredge and reclaim a wetland in Brisbane's south to construct 3,600 homes.

The Queensland government states Toondah Harbour is a “priority development area”, but the project is being criticised as the wetland is home to endangered shorebirds.

The proposal would also require the approval of the federal and Queensland governments.

This is the third attempt in three years to dredge the Ramsar-listed wetland. 

NSW child sexual abuse survivors now able to sue religious institutions

In New South Wales, a legal loophole which prevented child sexual abuse survivors from suing religious institutions has been removed after new legal reforms.

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman says the reforms will ‘make it easier for child sexual abuse survivors and all child abuse survivors to take action against those who have failed them in the past.’

Religious institutions will now be held accountable for the actions of officials who used their position to abuse children

Diplomatic and trade crisis emerges between US and Canada

A diplomatic and trade crisis has arisen between the United States and Canada after multiple cases of US officials insulting Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland says Canada will retaliate to the US tariffs on steel and aluminium in a measured and reciprocal way.

Ms Freeland further states Canada will conduct its diplomacy through ad hominem attacks against a close ally, as such attacks are unhelpful.

2000 Colorado residents evacuated following wildfires

2000 residents were evacuated from their homes following wildfires raging through south-west Colorado.

The blaze has already burned approximately 6880 hectares of land, with continued burning expected due to extremely dry conditions and strong winds.

More than 800 firefighters are still fighting the blaze and aircrafts continue dropping fire and water retardants over the area.

9am Zedlines

This has been your 9am Zedlines with Vivienne and Kate. 

Image source: Flickr

Over 600 refugees and migrants on a humanitarian vessel have been refused access to Italian ports in a decision from the new populist government.

The move comes from Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who aims to execute election promises to stop Italy’s intake of asylum seekers and ‘illegal immigrants.’

13 people killed in Kabul suicide bombing

In Afghanistan, 13 people have been killed in a suicide bombing at the entrance of Kabul’s Rural Rehabilitation and Development Ministry, leaving 25 people injured.

The bombing is one of many similar attacks in Kabul following the recent deterioration of security measures throughout the city.

Security officials believe that many of these bombings are likely to have come from a network affiliated with the Taliban.

Tasmanian Greens support freeze on Airbnb accommodation in Hobart

The Tasmanian Greens Party supports a freeze on new Airbnb accommodations in the Greater Hobart region.

Tasmanian Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor argues too many Hobart properties are going on the short-stay market to the disadvantage of Tasmanian people.

A speaker for Liberal Speaker Sue Hickey says she would listen to debates on the motion this Wednesday before she made up her mind.

Child protection services report reveals failure to support vulnerable children

A report into child protection services in New South Wales reveals the out-of-home care system is failing to improve long-term outcomes, despite significant government spending.

The report argues interventions have failed to meet the needs of vulnerable children.

Outcomes are worse for Aboriginal children, young people and the families involved.

Queensland Government allocates funds for 'waste to energy' plant

The Queensland Government will allocate $100 million towards encouraging the state’s first waste to energy plant.

The new fund will be available to private companies and local government to develop environmentally friendly methods of coping with mounting waste levels.

Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad says the revenue would be poured into the resource recovery industry development program over the next three years.

Brisbane City Council promises funds for CityCat services

The Brisbane City Council has promised to deliver on a 2016 election commitment for new CityCat services.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has allocated funds in the 2018-19 council budget, with services planning to halve peak-hour CityCat travel times and run to new destinations.

Funding is believed to be close to $1 million within the Brisbane CityCat and Ferry services, with council plans to deliver 100 new express “SpeedyCat” services a week before September.