Antarctic marine parks blocked

TWO Antarctic marine park proposals have been blocked by what supporters described as an ambush by Russia and Ukraine.

An agreement on an East Antarctica Marine Protected Area proposal had been the great hope at last year's Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting, in Hobart, which involved more than 30 countries.

When consensus could not be reached in Hobart, a special meeting was called in Bremerhaven, Germany, this week to consider the proposal, developed by Australia, France and the European Union, and a completing proposal backed by New Zealand and United States.

"Issues were raised regarding the legal mandate of CCAMLR to adopt the Marine Protected Areas," Australian Antarctic Division director Tony Fleming said.

"This issue blocked substantive discussion on the proposals. Australia and most CCAMLR nations are of the view that CCAMLR does have a mandate. Nonetheless consensus could not be reached on either plan."

Dr Fleming said he believed some progress had been made this week.

"Between now and the next CCAMLR meeting we will continue to work hard with all CCAMLR nations to progress the East Antarctic proposal," he said.

"Australia remains optimistic."

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio added a touch of star power to last year's Hobart negotiations by urging delegates to approve a sweeping sanctuary to protect thousands of polar species.

"The future of the Southern Ocean is in our hands," DiCaprio wrote in an email to supporters of activist group Avaaz.

"The whales and penguins can't speak for themselves, so it's up to us to defend them. Let's change negotiators' minds with a massive wave of public pressure."

17.13 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dairy farmers' budget boost

THE softening Australian dollar and increasing international commodity prices are helping Tasmanian dairy farmers.

Fonterra Australia has announced a step-up for in the price it pays farmers for this season, which started on July 1.

The increase comes on top of farmer-owned dairy company Murray Goulburn Co-operative's latest step-up, which brought its final weighted-average price for last season to $4.97/kg milk solids.

DairyTas executive officer Mark Smith said overall it is a positive thing.

"Coming from three to four months ago it exceeds expectations going into the season," Mr Smith said.

"It will help farmers consolidate after a difficult season."

However, individual farmer milk prices vary around the average price, depending on the individual farm's milk profile, pricing options, regional production factors, milk quality, and farm management systems.

"It depends on their seasonality of supply, but farmers still have to budget for the season."

Fonterra Australia's managing director Judith Swales said the step-up was made possible with the dollar continuing to soften and global dairy commodity prices having stabilised.

"Our outlook for the season is strong and we hope this step-up allows suppliers to plan for, and invest in, their farm business with the same level of confidence," Ms Swales said.

Fonterra Australia's forecast, average full-year milk price for this season remains about $6/kg of milk solids.

Murray Goulburn managing director Gary Helou said its price step-up injects a further $15 million into dairy farm cash flows.

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Gunns' former HQ torn down

Demolition crews work on dismantling the former Gunns headquarters building. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

CONCERNS have been raised over the demolition of the former corporate headquarters of Gunns Limited in Launceston.

Melbourne firm City Circle Demolition is pulling down the offices on behalf of Bunnings which is planning the construction of a $14 million hardware warehouse.

Sources say the offices, which were built for about $4 million, contain parquetry floors and other special timbers which are being disposed of.

Windows cannot be salvaged and roofing iron is also being disposed of.

Timber doors had been salvaged, sources said.

Wesfarmers shareholder Scott Bell said he had been told that no salvage could occur for occupational health and safety reasons.

Mr Bell said he had communicated with Bunnings parent company Wesfarmers about the perceived waste.

"I am a Wesfarmer shareholder, and also have a trade account with Bunnings, so I feel that I have some legitimacy in requesting a response from Wesfarmers Ltd," he said.

Mr Bell also said he had other members of the community express their concern.

He said people were also concerned that an interstate company had been hired for the job.

"This is a deplorable situation, considering the state's economic woes, our unemployment rate of over 8 per cent and the amount of idle heavy equipment in the north of the state. There needs to be some accountability - I hope Wesfarmers can explain," Mr Bell said.

Wesfarmers has been contacted for comment.

nicholas.clark@news.com.au

17.13 | 0 komentar | Read More

Holiday to follow big Lotto win

A LAUNCESTON pensioner is planning an interstate holiday after winning more than $500,000 in TattsLotto.

The Prospect man, who is $516,449.07 richer after his division one win in Saturday's draw, said he was not quite sure what to do with his new-found wealth.

"I've played TattsLotto for years but I didn't think I'd win so I never planned how I would spend so much money," the winner said.

"I'd like to go away on holiday in Australia but I'm not sure what else I'll do yet.

"I have lots of thinking to do now!"

Prospect Lotto manager Michael Di Guglielmo, who sold the man his winning ticket at the Olde Tudor Shopping Centre, had a few words of advice.

"If I could offer one piece of advice to this winner it would be to enjoy the prize money and make it last," he said.

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Missing kayakers found safe

TWO kayakers who failed to return after an outing on Rapid River yesterday have been found safe and well.

The pair were reported missing after failing to return from the trip at 4pm yesterday.

Search crews found the men about 10.30am today.

"The kayakers were well prepared and experienced. Having assessed the river conditions as too dangerous to continue their journey by kayak, they took to land and sought shelter for the night," said Inspector Kim Steven.

"Come daylight, when it was safe for them to continue their journey on foot, they walked the side of the river until they were met by police at about 10.30am this morning," he said.

It is understood the river, in the state's North-West, has peaked after torrential rain in the area yesterday.

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Heavy rain closes roads

ROADS have been closed after heavy rainfalls across Tasmania's Western Tiers and North-West Coast.

Police have closed the Old Coast Rd between Penguin and Ulverstone after it was partially inundated.

Bridal Track Rd between Railton and Sheffield and Pitts Lane at Bracknell, near the Meander River Bridge, are also closed.

Erriba received 100mm, more than half its normal monthly rainfall, in the 24 hours to 9am this morning. Yolla recorded 111mm, Mole Creek 87mm, and many other areas received more than 50mm, causing rivers and creeks to swell.

The Bureau of Meteorology expects the rain, which has since eased off, to return by tomorrow afternoon and to be more moderate.

The Mersey, Meander and North Esk have been among the most affected river catchments. The Bureau has issued a flood watch for all northern river basins and a minor flood warning for the Mersey.

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Cold-blooded killer on run

CORDONED OFF: Tasmania Police forensics officers were on the scene at the Marrawah Tavern after yesterday's execution-style shooting of a local man, believed to have been aged in his 40s, with two children. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

A KILLER is on the loose and a peaceful Tasmanian hamlet in shock after a Circular Head father of two was shot at close range while leaving the Marrawah Tavern.

Police have appealed for public help in hunting down the gunman, who struck at closing time early yesterday morning in what authorities described as a targeted attack.

The murder has shocked the tight-knit, North-West coastal town -- population 400 -- better known for its lush dairy pastures, fresh air and world-class surf break.

Yesterday, the Marrawah Tavern remained closed, with the village cordoned off by police tape from daybreak and forensic officers establishing a forward command post outside the pub.

Roadblocks were set up at Boat Harbour and Corrina, with police searching all cars leaving the area.

In the afternoon, a body covered in a blue tarpaulin was carried out on a stretcher. The identity of the victim, aged in his 40s, is yet to be released, but he is understood to be a local worker and father, who had separated from his partner.

No arrests had been made last night.

Police would not reveal what type of firearm was used.

Residents the Sunday Tasmanian spoke to feared the cold-blooded killing was linked to a criminal turf war, after reports two bikie gangs had established bases in the far North-West recently.

Locals too afraid to give their names said drugs were the most likely catalyst for the execution-style hit.

Acting Police Commissioner Matthew Richman urged anyone with information about people acting suspiciously in the area to come forward, saying unusual vehicles sighted in the area or people hitch-hiking could lead to a breakthrough in the case.

Police said they had deployed significant resources to Marrawah and asked residents to remain alert, but not alarmed.

Circular Head mayor Daryl Quilliam said the violent incident would devastate the Marrawah community, and the whole region, for some time to come.

He said the deceased, who for several years had performed contract work for the council, was reliable and a hard worker.

"He always did a good job for us," Mr Quilliam said.

"Something like this affects the community badly. You hear of these things happening in other parts of Australia, but when it happens in your municipality it's terrible.

"This is a small community where everybody knows everybody and usually that is a damn good thing. But when something like this happens, it's devastating."

Mr Quilliam said community members would support each other through the tragedy, which was certain to have a long-term impact.

He described the Marrawah Tavern as an important part of community life in the region.

"People will eventually recover, but something like this will devastate us for some time," he said.

A spokeswoman for Police Minister David O'Byrne said the Government was confident police would catch the killer, and, after a string of armed robberies across the state, denied Tasmania was experiencing a gun violence epidemic.

"Tasmania maintains low crime rates and remains one of the safest states in Australia," the spokeswoman said.

"Police clearance rates remain extremely high, and the fact remains that if you commit these crimes in Tasmania you will get caught."

People with information about yesterday's shooting are asked to call police on 131 444 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

duncan.abey@news.com.au

18.22 | 0 komentar | Read More

Driver killed in rollover

A DRIVER has been killed after his car became airborne on the West Tamar Highway at Rosevears yesterday morning.

Police said the car was on its roof when emergency services arrived at the scene just before 8am.

The highway was closed between Rosevears Drive and Craythorn Rd for four hours.

The 36-year-old Scottsdale man's death brings Tasmania's road toll to 14, the same as for this time last year.

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Dancing from here to infinity

ATHLETIC: The Melbourne Ballet Company is bringing a series of modern interpretations to Hobart's Derwent Entertainment Centre.

THE acclaimed Melbourne Ballet Company will put a modern spin on classical dance when it makes a rare visit to Hobart next week.

Designed to inspire both new and long-time ballet audiences, the company's entrancing show Infinite Space combines four original works choreographed by principal dancer Simon Hoy and brought to life by a talented ensemble of performers.

Infinite Space features In One Day, a physical and athletic piece set to Vivaldi's Four Seasons; Dark Before Daylight, the company's take on the timeless classic Swan Lake, complete with pointe shoes and tutus; Phrased Without Word, a physical expression of Arvo Part's Spiegel im Spiegel; and Infinite Space, an uplifting celebration of beauty set to Mozart's 27th Piano Concerto.

The Melbourne Ballet Company is at the Derwent Entertainment Centre from 2pm and 7.30pm next Saturday.

Tickets are $48 adults/$43 concession/$26 children.

Go to www.ticketmaster.com.au or phone 136 100.

Company members will host workshops at the DEC on Thursday and Friday for $27.

Interested parties should contact Ph: 6273 0233 to book your spot.

kane.young@news.com.au

17.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man shot dead at Marrawah

The body of a man was found outside the Marrawah Tavern early this morning. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

THE shooting death of a man outside a hotel in Tasmania's north-west this morning was targeted, police say.

The man in his 40s was shot dead outside the Marrawah Hotel just after midnight.

"Investigations to date suggest this is not a random act -- and that it was a targeted act," police said in a statement.

"We are following a number of lines of inquiry. We have deployed significant resources to the incident and are seeking assistance from the public."

Police have urged anyone with information relating to people acting suspiciously, vehicles moving in the area at the time, hitchhikers or people walking along the road to contact them.

They will continue to have resources in the area and have set up a command post at the scene.

"We encourage the public to be alert to what is going on around them, but not alarmed -- but remember that any information could prove vital and don't hesitate to pass it on to us," a police statement said.

The man's next of kin have been notified, but police are not releasing his details at this stage.

Marrawah is a small town of about 400 people in the Circular Head area.

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