Bali 9’s final appeal thrown out

Bali Nine ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran have failed in a last appeal to avoid execution.

Agonising ... Myuran Sukumaran (pictured) and Andrew Chan are awaiting a decision on their executions. Source: News Limited

BALI Nine pair Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran have lost their chance to be spared execution after an Indonesian court dismissed their challenge.

The last-ditch legal effort failed after a Jakarta court decided it couldn't examine the challenge, with Judge Hendro Puspito saying the administrative court was not authorised to do so.

Lawyers for Chan and Sukumaran admitted there was only a slim chance the case in the administrative court would proceed. But they have confirmed to News Corp Australia that they are not giving up, and will launch another appeal.

They argued President Joko Widodo did not follow due process when he denied the Bali Nine pair clemency because they were death row drug offenders, without considering their circumstances.

But they had to clear jurisdictional hurdles that tripped up the only other case of its kind.

That case was brought by an anti-drugs group against the decision to grant clemency to another Australian drug smuggler, Schapelle Corby.

It also failed when the presidential decree was deemed outside the realm of the administrative court, and Corby is now free on parole.

Authorities say it's "very likely" the Bali Nine duo will this week be relocated to the island where Indonesia plans to execute them.

DENPASAR: Is this the death island transfer jet?

JOKO'S WARNING: Tone it down

Final destination ... The main entrance gate to Nusa Kambangan prison where the Bali Nine are due at some point to be executed. Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

The news comes as Bali's Chief Prosecutor said it was "impossible" that Chan and Sukumaran would be transferred to the death island prison in Java today or tomorrow.

Momock Bambang Samiarso said today that co-ordination was continuing with Nusa Kambangan prison officials about readiness of the island to take the death row inmates.

Asked today if the transfer was likely to happen today or tomorrow, Mr Samiarso said: "Impossible. Because we need to co-ordinate with Batu prison."

Batu is one of six jails on Nusa Kambangan island and is where authorities say the death row prisoners will be housed in isolation to await their executions.

However, the cells are currently being constructed with authorities saying they don't want those on death row interacting with other prisoners, which could cause unease on the island.

Mr Samiarso said it was confirmed that military aircraft would be used in the transfer but it was yet to be decided if it would be a Hercules or the CN transport plane which is currently parked at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport, alongside three Sukhoi fighter jets, to be used as security during the flight.

He said a military plane was being used for the transfer to avoid any "unwanted" trouble.

About 20 prosecutors and staff from Bali will accompany the two Australians on the plane during their final journey.

Behind bars ...Andrew Chan inside Bali's notorious jail Kerobokan Jail. Source: News Limited

Despite these plans, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the Australian government is leaving "no stone unturned" in its attempt to halt the executions of the pair.

Ms Bishop said community and business leaders were also involved in making representations to the Indonesian government over the issue.

"There is more than one Indonesian department involved in this," Ms Bishop told ABC radio.

"We are not leaving any stone unturned in our efforts."

A 3D flyover of the final journey for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran from Bali to Nusa Kambangan prison where they'll be housed before their execution.

Lawyers for Chan and Sukumaran will today launch a last ditch appeal for a stay on their death sentences.

They will challenge the presidential decree that denied them clemency in a Jakarta court, asserting that President Joko Widodo did not properly assess their cases.

Ms Bishop admitted today that Tony Abbott's comments linking the fate of two Australians on death row in Bali to humanitarian aid were seen as unhelpful in Indonesia.

Unhelpful ... Julie Bishop admitted today that Tony Abbott's comments linking the fate of the two Australians on death row in Bali to humanitarian aid were seen as unhelpful in Indonesia. Pic: AFP PHOTO / MARK GRAHAM Source: AFP

The prime minister has been criticised for reminding Indonesia about the $1 billion that Australia provided it in the wake of the 2004 tsunami as he urged mercy for the pair.

Ms Bishop was asked this morning if those comments were unhelpful.

"It was seen that way in Indonesia," she told the ABC.

"I spoke to the vice president to make it quite clear that the PM did not intend to link it in an unhelpful way."

Meanwhile, President Widodo has asked reporters to take the heat out of their reporting of diplomatic tensions over plans to execute the Bali Nine duo.

Asked about Mr Abbott's comments on Monday, Mr Joko told a journalist: "There's already been clarification. Don't you heat this up."

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Cocaine truth will blow you away

The NRL is locked down in crisis meetings tonight as the cocaine scandal savages the game, with five Gold Coast Titans, including Greg Bird and David Taylor, facing the sack before the season kicks off

Do this and you're part of a huge evil system. Source: Supplied

WARNING: CONFRONTING CONTENT

THEY never found her body. But her killers would reveal how they had kidnapped her, tortured her, repeatedly raped her, decapitated her, then played soccer with her head.

Middle class Westerners, some of them quite possibly Australian professional footballers, enjoyed the cocaine trafficked by these animals.

For the record, the victim's name was Yahaira Guadalupe Bahena Lopezs. She was 19 and she was innocent. Her killers, when captured, admitted they had mistaken her for someone else.

So it goes in Mexico, where more than 10 thousand people are killed each year in the drug war. Authorities say 90 per cent of victims are directly involved in the drug trade. The reality is that most victims are innocents caught in the crossfire. And all so Aussies can enjoy a high on a night out.

This dead 14 year old was believed to be a victim of Mexico's drug wars. Source: AFP

"If we're a society that worries about eating free range chicken, drinking fair trade coffee and buying shoes and jeans that were not put together by sweatshop labour, well, we'd better worry about the real cost of cocaine, too."

So wrote Melbourne economist Mike Pottenger two years ago. Those words are truer than ever today, with cocaine use still on the rise in Australia. Two per cent of Aussies now use cocaine regularly. By that and several other measures, we are now one of the world's top five cocaine users per capita. All of our cocaine comes via those evil Mexican cartels. All of it.

Most of the world's cocaine is produced in Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. It is then shipped through Mexico and onwards to the western world. Mexican cartels love two things about the Australian market. Firstly, our coastline is so vast the chances of interception are small, whether the drug is transported by small boats or shipping containers.

And secondly, as this graph shows, wholesale prices are insanely high.

Wholesale cocaine prices by country. Source: UNODC World Drug Report 2012. Source: Supplied

According to the United Nations World Drug Report 2014, the Oceania market is among the world's fastest-growing markets. Our market is so lucrative that Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo"Guzman Loera, a man the US State Department called "the most powerful drug trafficker in the world", helped set up a cocaine importation business in Sydney five years ago.

But why do Australians love the drug so much? Matt Noffs, CEO of drug rehab and counselling organisation The Noffs Foundation, says it's all about image.

"I think a lot of it is about social marketing," Noffs tells news.com.au. "People see these sports stars using cocaine and they think 'hey, if they can get away with it, I should be able to get away scot free too'."

But this is the sort of image Australians should see more of. Your night of cocaine fun brought to you by this Mexican family's inconsolable grief for an innocent husband, son and father slaughtered. Source: AP

Noffs says cocaine is now the drug of choice among the middle and upper classes in Australia for several reasons. One is the decline of heroin, which occurred because of the "heroin drought" caused by the 2000s war in Afghanistan (where opium poppies are grown). Also, heroin has had what Noffs calls very effective "social marketing". Put simply, we all know what a junkie looks like. And that's not an image anyone aspires to.

But the image of the cool footballer, the fast-paced Wall Street trader, the creative ad executive, all of them snorting a line or two of cocaine to get them through the day and later, through the night — is socially acceptable.

"A coke addict will look like our friends and family members," Noffs says. "So many people use it regularly, it's a very normal thing."

Saturday night at a nightclub near you. Source: Getty Images

But are there side effects of regular cocaine use beyond a perennially runny nose? You'd better believe it.

Noffs foundation clinician Kieran Palmer deals with the pointy end of people's drug addiction. The first myth he exposes is that cocaine is not addictive. Make no mistake, it's as addictive as any other drug out there.

"In terms of how it affects the brain, cocaine doesn't discriminate whether you're a pro athlete or a kid robbing cars. It's quite an addictive kind of substance and the drive to get more of it is strong, no matter what," Palmer explains.

"People who use cocaine regularly often do so because it's a short-acting drug. Something like ice might last for 10 to 12 hours, depending on the quality, but a cocaine high can be as short as half an hour or an hour. Then comes the severe cravings for more."

Palmer says that regular cocaine users become more neurotic, more aggressive and difficult to work with, and can even undergo a drug-induced psychosis. And when you try to shake the addiction, that's a whole new kind of hell.

Many Mexican cops are corrupt in service of the cartels, so locals have to form their own vigilante groups to protect their neighbourhoods. This is one such man. Picture: Pedro Pardo / AFP Source: AFP

"Cocaine withdrawal has in the past been undervalued a bit because it didn't carry the sort of physical stuff a lot of the other withdrawals would have, like the shakes or vomiting you might get with heroin or alcohol. But cocaine withdrawal tends to play havoc on the moods. People experience down or depressed moods, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbances and so on."

Meanwhile, Matt Noffs fears that this week's news will only help make cocaine seem cooler.

"To become socially unacceptable I think we have to see more of those people lose their jobs, their money, their families. That's when people start to take it seriously."

NSW police Drug Squad detectives announced proudly today that they had arrested and charged two Colombian nationals with the commercial supply of cocaine after seizing more than $2 million worth of the drug overnight. Despite this, cocaine is unlikely to become hard-to-get or "uncool" anytime soon.

While it might feel 'cool', taking cocaine means you're complicit in crime. Source: Supplied

The best way remind the "cool" people who use this "cool" drug of its real downsides? For now, it might be to remind them of life in Mexico as often as possible.

Here's what US science writer Erik Vance wrote on the subject of the people behind the cocaine trade a year ago. And remember, much of this happens to innocent mums, dads and children, not just drug dealers:

"Decapitations and burning people alive are just the start. Chainsaws, belt sanders, acid — these things are used very creatively by cartel torturers. They disembowel bloggers and sew faces to soccer balls. Children are forced to work as assassins, people are forced to rape strangers at gunpoint, and lines of victims are killed one at a time with a single hammer.

"You can eat sustainably every day of your life and give to charity every year, and it all gets wiped out with one line of coke."

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Why you shouldn’t help your kids with homework

Like many Aussie kids, this guy is battling with his homework. Source: Getty Images

KIDS hate homework. Parents hate homework. Teachers hate unfinished homework. Even homework probably hates itself.

Homework is the cause of many suburban screaming matches and thousands of grey hairs. Many parents feel like they're going through school a second time around as they sit down with their children each night and help with their homework.

The average Australian 15-year-old spends six hours a week doing their homework, according to the OECD. And a recent Australian Childhood Foundation survey found that 71 per cent of Australian parents feel like they don't spend enough quality time with their children, because they spend too much time running the household or helping with homework.

Now several education experts are urging parents to stop helping. They say it will give their kids more independence, give parents back their free time and help reduce the number of homework-related arguments at home.

HOMEWORK ACTUALLY ISN'T THAT BENEFICIAL

There is extensive research proving that homework has little academic benefit, says associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Sydney and author of Reforming Homework, Richard Walker.

"There isn't much academic benefit in homework for primary school children. There are some benefits for junior school students and around 50 per cent of senior high school students show some benefit when it comes to academic achievement. But not for primary school kids," he said.

Psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg agrees: "Homework provides absolutely no academic benefit for younger students.

"And parents are demanding it in larger and larger doses, despite the fact that it does nothing. It's a completely different ballgame in secondary school, but not in primary school."

But research does show that doing homework helps kids develop "self-directed learning skills" — in other words — initiative, independence and confidence.

Also, homework helps to solidify a sense of belonging and autonomy. It gives kids a sense of control over their lives.

Homework has minimal academic benefits for primary school children. Source: Getty Images

WHY GETTING TOO INVOLVED DOES MORE HARM THAN GOOD

Associate professor Walker says this sense of autonomy is taken away when parents get too involved in homework help.

"If parents are over controlling and interfering then that really has a negative effect," he said.

"Some involvement is good for self-directed learning, but if they get too involved and the kid loses their autonomy then it becomes a problem. I think parents have to pull back."

He says many parents are exerting too much of what he calls "emotional labour".

"Parents are often tired after a long day at work and having to put in the emotional labour to assist their kids with homework can be quite a burden."

HOW PARENTS CAN TAKE A STEP BACK

Education expert from yourtutor.com, Ciaran Smyth, says parents shouldn't be afraid to ask for help.

"You don't have to be the ultimate expert in everything. Children need to put their hands up for help and parents also need to ask for help. There's no reason to be stuck. Use your resources — teachers, tutors — just ask."

Online tutoring services such as yourtutor.com — where students can seek help from accredited teachers in a live typed chat from 3pm after school — can help take the pressure off parents.

"I've seen so many arguments between parents and children about homework. By removing the burden of having to be the homework help the whole time, parents can reduce the number of arguments, the tension and the bad feelings that come from having to hound your kid all the time."

If someone else is doing the hard yards helping out with homework, that leaves parents free to do other things and spend more quality (read: argument-free) time with their children, Mr Smyth said.

Parents who get too involved in their child's homework are doing more harm than good. Source: Getty Images

WHAT SHOULD KIDS DO INSTEAD OF HOMEWORK?

Given the lack of evidence to support the academic benefits of homework in primary school, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg says primary schools should stop giving kids traditional homework exercises and instead equip them with important life skills.

Some schools are already getting on board.

St Michael's Grammar in Melbourne asks students to play board games such as Scrabble with an adult and photograph the board as proof.

"Or they choose and cook a recipe for dinner and photograph the results — all of which helps with literacy and important life skills," Dr Carr-Gregg said.

"These are much more pleasant family interactions than homework. Childhood is hard enough as it is without putting the stress of homework on them."

Dr Carr-Gregg urges parents to "rise up against the tyranny of primary school homework"

"I'm frustrated that schools aren't responding to the research. I would be putting it on the parents to educate the schools about what is the current thinking around homework. Homework is not being set correctly at the moment. It's very poorly coordinated.

"If the school is consistently not receptive to the idea, I would write over my kid's homework, 'Sleep was more important, I gave them permission to do this'. I really do want parents to act as their kids' advocates."

What do you think? Should parents take a step back when it comes to helping their kids with their homework? Comment below or tweet us @newscomauhq

rebecca.sullivan@news.com.au | @beck_sullivan

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Should Birdman have won the Oscar?

Was it a worthy winner? Source: Supplied

IT'S weird, it's divisive and it's just picked up the Best Picture gong at the Oscars.

If the reaction around you was anything like in the news.com.au office, you'll be wondering whether or not Birdman was a natural winner.

I'm going to be upfront here. More than a month after seeing the film, I'm still not sure if I loved it or hated it.

I immediately thought it was a masterful piece of cinema. It was incredibly well-acted with raw and powerful performances from the whole cast, but especially from Michael Keaton whose volatility and vulnerability was always on screen for the viewer to appreciate. Edward Norton also dominated every frame he was in with the kind of chutzpah he was lauded for in his early roles in Primal Fear and Fight Club.

Edward Norton was a scene-stealer. Source: Supplied

On a technical level, the movie was brilliant. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's direction had a manic and desperate energy that lifted the whole picture, aided by the gorgeous cinematography of Emmanuel Lubezki. And, of course, the editing. The seamless transitions not really seen since Hitchcock's Rope that gave the impression that it was all done in one shot.

But I still don't know if I loved it or hated it.

The session I went to at the local independent cinema saw two different couples walk out halfway through, never to return. So, it's clearly put quite a few people off.

And the argument in the news.com.au office erupted straight away with some declaring their love while others said the film left them cold. One reporter said he had never even heard of it.

Other critics have said Birdman is the kind of movie the industry loves because it's a film about acting. And fame, or fading fame — it's Sunset Boulevard without the scary melodrama or death. It's being accused of being "without a story" and "unemotional".

Brave was one way to describe Birdman. Source: Supplied

One of my colleagues said: "Just because it's doing something new, and pushing the boundaries, doesn't mean it's good. It doesn't mean it should be getting all these awards."

Just because something's different, doesn't mean it's good. Just look at The Blair Witch Project. How well does that stand up 16 years later?

But what should've won instead? There were several wonderful films in this year's field but none of them (other than Boyhood) screamed 'Best Picture' — and I cannot emphasis how big a fan I am of Wes Anderson.

Personally, I would've liked to have seen Boyhood take home the big prize at the Oscars. It had heart, and perfectly captured the extraordinariness and the mundaneness of growing up. Richard Linklater, who I do think should have won Best Director, made an incredible piece of cinema with his ambitious 12-year non-epic.

Boyhood was the only other real contender in the category. Source: Supplied

But Birdman was a worthy winner — this is not the Crash debacle of 2006, or, dare I say it, Shakespeare in Love.

Whether you liked it or hated it, you can't deny that it's a powerful, well-crafted and clever film. It even had a little heart, it was just hidden under the hardened layers of cynical thespians' inner worlds.

What do you think? Did the academy get it right?

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2 Broke Girls stars respond to racist joke

The offensive remark occurred during the first five minutes into the Season 4 episode titled And the Fun Factory, which aired on Channel Nine on Tuesday night and was watched by 324,000 people. Courtesy CBS TV Network.

CBS comedy 2 Broke Girls. Source: Supplied

UPDATE: The stars of 2 Broke Girls originally distanced themselves from a racist joke made on the show about Indigenous Australians but lead actresses Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs have now both spoken out against the offensive line.

Dennings, who stars as Max Black on 2 Broke Girls, took to Twitter and called the comment "a moment of ignorance".

Behrs, who plays Caroline Channing, repeated what Dennings said, tweeting: "It does NOT reflect how I or cast feels."

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd called on the sitcom to apologise last week after it made a joke that many Australians called racist and offensive.

Mr Rudd tweeted today that the joke was a "pathetic attempt at racist humour".

"How low can you go for canned laughter? program should apologise," he tweeted.

MORE: Why we shouldn't 'lighten up' about racism

The popular American comedy show was called out by Aussie viewers for the offensive remark, which occurred during the first five minutes into the season 4 episode titled "And the Fun Factory".

It aired on Channel 9 on Tuesday night and was watched by 324,000 people.

In the scene a male character reveals that he has been flirting with an Australian girl online and says: "She's part Aboriginal, but she has a great personality!"

Unhappy viewers took to social media, with former Nine personality and The Block contestant Chantelle Ford just one of the many to voice her disgust.

Leisa, 31, from Adelaide was watching with her husband at the time and says she was horrified by the remark.

"I'm not a huge fan of the show, but we just happened to be watching the telly when the episode came on," she told news.com.au. "We (my husband and I) both just stopped and stared at the TV. We couldn't believe it had aired on our screens. We were both like what the hell? You can't say that about our national people.

"They were inferring that Aboriginal means inferior. The other characters laughed like it was the funniest thing they had ever heard."

Leisa said she is not indigenous, but said: "I do actually have several friends who are Aboriginal, and family members who have Aboriginal heritage as well.

"I just think, any kind of racism against any person when it's celebrated like it's a joke, it's just not OK."

Kat Dennings, left, and Beth Behrs of CBS comedy 2 Broke Girls. Source: News Limited

Leisa said she contacted Nine on Facebook publicly as soon as the episode aired, and then tagged them in a comment on Wednesday night. She still hasn't had a response from the network. Her friends have since been re-posting her comment as well.

There were at least three other posts on Nine's Facebook page and several tweets regarding the offensive episode.

Leisa asked: "Doesn't someone watch it before it goes to air so that we know it meets our code of practice?"

Another viewer who saw the episode posted the following on social media forum Reddit: "So I was just watching 2 Broke Girls (Don't judge me, it was on in the background) and a scene came up where the guy they were working with (an Asian caricature basically) was talking to them about a girl he's flirting with online, saying "She's part Aboriginal, but she has a great personality!"

The episode has already aired in the US in January follows the two main characters, waitresses Caroline (Behrs) and Max (Dennings), as they try to produce their new cupcake T-shirt range.

It is not the first time the show has been criticised for its offensive content. In a 2011 column, the New Yorker called it "so racist it is less offensive than baffling" in relation to repeated jokes made by the main characters about their American-Asian boss.

Actors Kat Dennings (L) and Beth Behrs from the TV program 2 Broke Girls. Source: Supplied

Created by Sex and the City's Michael Patrick King, the show which debuted in the US in 2011 has had much success in pushing the envelope of tasteful comedy.

While on a discussion panel in 2012, King defended walking the fine line between what is funny and what is offensive by saying that the show is filmed in front of a studio audience who tell the creators whether they like a joke or not.

"I feel no need to pull away from the brand of 2 Broke Girls which is 'in-your-face girls.' It is ballsy. It is right in your face, and hopefully funny. … People pull away from something if it's not in good taste. More and more people are leaning in to 2 Broke Girls."

News.com.au contacted Channel 9 to inquire whether any complaints were made to the broadcaster and is yet to hear back.

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‘They have done nothing wrong’

Quick! Call Bondi Rescue! We're just drowning in those eyes ... Source: NewsComAu

IT'S not the dogs' fault. That's the first thing you need to know in the wake of the awful Four Corners report last week.

The second thing you need to know is that greyhounds need your love — and a home. Far from the vicious image portrayed, these are beautiful, placid animals with wonderfully silky fur. They actually feel a lot like cats to the touch. And you know what? Plenty of greyhounds actually get on with cats too.

Most kittens are way more likely to injure you. Source: NewsComAu

There are several agencies out there who love these beautiful, sweet natured dogs, and work hard to help them transition to life as pets.

Our favourite is a group called Every Greyhound. It's run by two Queenslanders who simply like to be known as Angela and Sharon because they're not after any publicity. They just want the dogs they fell in love by accident (they have no background in greyhound racing) to be loved and cared for.

Sharon and Angela have spent thousands over the years setting up the website, paying for spots on Facebook, and of course feeding the many dogs that end up on their respective doorsteps. Like we say though, they're not after publicity.

"This site is not about the people behind it, it's about the dogs in front of it," Angela tells news.com.au.

Though the breed is called a greyhound, grey greyhounds are actually known as blue. Just cos. Source: NewsComAu

Every greyhound is active on Facebook and you can also follow them on Twitter. There's also a website. All three sites are full of heart-melting hounds.

Every Greyhound aims to be Australia's directory of greyhounds looking for homes as pets. She calls it a "one stop shop" for potential adopters. It's also one of the few places where owners and trainers can list their dogs for private adoption.

Sadly, most greyhounds never get the opportunity to be rehomed. Many pups are deemed unsuitable for the track and 'disappear'. Let's just say that doesn't mean they go for a walk one day and never come back.

Greyhounds make great fielders in beach cricket. Source: NewsComAu

"Dogs that are injured in racing are often destroyed, because they're not financially viable to treat. Thousands are put down when they are too old and slow. There are no reliable figures, but the percentage of greyhound puppies born each year that ever make it to life as a pet is probably in the single digits," Angela says.

One of the concerns many people have about greyhounds is that dogs subjected to barbaric training practices might turn on humans later in life. Experience shows that such instances are very, very rare. Indeed, a US study found that greyhounds are the most docile dog breed. Yep, you read that right.

Greyhound lovers will tell you that what makes this breed so amazing and versatile is their ability to leave their past behind and adapt to new loving surrounds exhibiting no signs of old behaviours. They truly are wonder dogs.

They might drown you in drool, but that's likely to be the worst of it. Source: NewsComAu

The Every Greyhound ladies haven't engaged in any such emotive arguments this or any other week. They call themselves "racing neutral". They won't comment on news stories and they don't and won't play politics. They just want to find homes for beautiful animals.

"We exist to help and support the people who do the real hard yards, the people who take these dogs in, love them, teach them how to live as a pet, and find them new homes," Angela says.

But this week has not been easy. Some people have equated the cruelty of certain humans in the greyhound racing industry with the nature of the dogs themselves, leading Sharon and Angela to be trolled on both Twitter and Facebook.

"Some of the comments are deeply hurtful," Angela says.

But the organisation and its good works continue, albeit on a bit of a shoestring.

My friends Sharon and Angela don't deserve to have had such a ruff week! Source: NewsComAu

"Our website is a wreck in technical terms," Angela says. "Sharon and I would love to get it redeveloped, and we wrote specifications last year for our dream site.

"But there never seems to be time to do the paperwork to become an incorporated association, which would make us eligible to apply for small grants. So we make do, and just keep going.

"Because it's worth it, if it helps one dog to find a loving home."

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Glenn McGrath slammed over hunting photos

Cricket legend Glenn McGrath faces Twitter backlash after photos emerged of him posing with dead animals in Zimbabwe. Photos: Chipitani Safaris Game Park

Former cricketer Glenn McGrath. Source: Supplied

AUSTRALIAN cricket legend Glenn McGrath has been shamed on Twitter after photos emerged of him posing with dead animals in Africa.

Warning: Photos below may disturb some readers

The images, which appeared on social media earlier today, were taken in 2008. McGrath is seen holding a gun in front of several animals, including an elephant and a buffalo.

They were originally posted on the Chipitani Safaris game park website, but have been since been taken down.

McGrath has posted a statement on his Twitter account expressing his "deep regret", and saying he was going through a tough time in 2008 due to the death of his wife, Jane McGrath.

"In 2008 I participated in a hunting safari in Zimbabwe that was licensed and legal, but in hindsight highly inappropriate," McGrath said.

"It was an extremely difficult time in my life and looking back I deeply regret being involved."

The cricketer has been slammed online, with many people labelling it as "disgusting".

McGrath is a known hunting enthusiast, often going out with fellow cricketer Brett Lee on his rural property.

He has previously spoken to the Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia magazine, saying: "Hunting is as much about mateship as anything else. Some of the best friends that I have are hunters; they're not a bunch of rednecks that go around shooting anything that moves."

One of the buffalo's McGrath hunted. Source: Supplied

After McGrath took his 500th test wicket, his late wife Jane McGrath bought him a special hunting rifle. McGrath admitted to SSAA that his wife never really liked him hunting, but accepted that it was a passion of his.

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Marcia’s devastation from the air

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says now

A damaged house remains standing after Tropical Cyclone Marcia hit the coastal town of Yeppoon. Source: AFP

* Cyclone Marcia has been downgraded to a tropical low but many residents endured a damp and dark night with thousands left without electricity.

* Power is expected to be cut for several days and emergency services are calling on residents to use water only when absolutely necessary.

* The severe tropical cyclone made landfall as a category 5 cyclone and has left a trail of destruction over Yeppoon and Rockhampton.

*The cyclone was at category 5 when it grazed Yeppoon battering the coastal town with 285km/h winds. It was downgraded to category 3 when it hit Rockhampton in the afternoon.

* Marcia's destructive core with gusts to 155km/h continued southward towards Biloela.

* In the Northern Territory, Cyclone Lam made landfall as a category 4 system and has now been downgraded to a tropical low.

* AS IT HAPPENED: CYCLONE MARCIA ATTACKS

The clean-up is beginning across Queensland in the wake of Cyclone Marcia. And boy, is there a lot of work to do.

These photos, taken by the Courier-Mail, show the extent of the devastation.

The town of Jambin, which has suffered bad flooding. Pic Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

Flooding in the Biloela area. Pic Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

That's a lonely tractor. Pic Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

Another photo from the Biloela area. Pic Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

Meawhile, a new weather threat is emerging.

The weather bureau has issued warnings for severe thunderstorms from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast while another thunderstorm developed near Caloundra.

There has already been one waterspout seen on the Sunshine Coast and more were likely throughout southeast Queensland later today.

Residents of Brisbane and the Gold Coast have been bracing for more bad weather today with winds as high as 90km/h possible and heavy rain.

The brollies are out in Brisbane. Pic Mark Calleja Source: News Corp Australia

Late this morning, the weather bureau revised down the amount of rainfall expected in the southeast from 300mm to 125mm.

The rain warnings stretch as far south as the north coast of NSW, where there is a chance of flash flooding.

More than 60 SES teams remain on standby and are handing out sandbags with further rain and damaging winds expected to hit mid north-coast today, Sky News reported.

At least 60,000 homes are without power.

Debris from homes is scattered along the streets of Gladstone. Photo: Natalia Muszkat Source: Supplied

There are flood fears as the clean up from Cyclone Marcia continues. Source: News Corp Australia

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Matthew Bass told a press conference this morning that there was potential for water tornadoes in southeast Queensland.

There has already been one report of a waterspout on the Sunshine Coast.

"We could see a couple more of these events as this system moves south along the coast they will be very localised," Mr Bass said.

Several dams in Queensland were already overflowing however there were no fears the Wivenhoe Dam upstream of Brisbane would overflow.

On the Sunshine Coast, 42 people have been evacuated amid fears of flash flooding although authorities insist it is just a precautionary measure.

Winds could still reach 90km/h in southeast Queensland today — but that is far below what residents in central Queensland faced yesterday.

One Yeppoon resident told Sky News the damage was "like a bomb going off".

Winds ripped off roofs, blew out windows and sent large trees crashing through walls. Some homes in Yeppoon were completely destroyed.

Cyclone Marcia Destroyed houses in Yeppoon. Picture: Jack Tran Source: Supplied

A boy walks past a fence brought down by Tropical Cyclone Marcia along a road in Yeppoon. Source: AFP

Tony and Vicki Harris saw their neighbour's home on the corner of John and Vaughan streets in Yeppoon lift up and slam into their home, smashing apart the veranda.

A large section of the Harris's' roof was also torn off and rain soaked their lounge room.

"We heard all these bangs, the neighbour lost his roof and the next minute I could see the sky through mine," Mr Harris told the Courier Mail.

The local Mayor, Bill Ludwig, said the damage would be in the "multi-millions".

Today an army of volunteers were helping their friends and neighbours clean up in Yeppoon, which is without power.

Leanne Smith, whose daughter and two grandchildren, aged 7 and 11, were evacuated from their home, told AAP she couldn't believe what was left when she returned to survey the damage.

"I was actually really emotionally affected by it," Ms Smith said.

"It's just not something you can really explain to people, it's actually quite devastating."

A charity mobile laundry service, Orange Sky Laundry, also pulled up to help the family wash clothes for free.

Co-founder Lucas Patchett said the service, which usually helps homeless people, was also used in disaster situations.

"We drove around a bit, saw some news crews up here and thought it must be a badly affected area, so just turned up and offered to wash and dry people's clothes," he said

Two Queensland towns have been cut off after a "wall of water" from the first cyclone to hit in 40 years wrecked havoc.

Residents in northeastern NSW are bracing for heavy rains and flooding in the wake of Cyclone Marcia.

Residents of Biloela and the nearby village of Jambin are cut off this morning, with flood levels rising in the wake of Cyclone Marica.

Gates at Callide Dam opened Friday night and spilt a "wall of water" downstream to Jambin, causing urgent evacuations of outlying properties.

Banana Shire Mayor Ron Carige said: "I've never seen anything like it before."

Police have renewed their warning for motorists not to ignore road closure signs as they could be protecting travellers from washouts, craters and other hazards, and not to attempt to cross flooded roads, causeways or water courses.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said authorities would have a better picture of the impact today.

Clean up to begin after Queensland faced the full brunt of tropical Cyclone Marcia.

"We'll have helicopters in the area and also there is a request in with the Australian Defence Force and they will also be carrying out an assessment of the damage in the areas around Rockhampton and Yeppoon."

State Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner Peter Jeffrey warned about being complacent this morning.

"Don't be lulled into a false sense of security ... We need to be vigilant and prepared."

Mr Jeffrey said a full assessment of the damage would begin as crews moved into the worst damaged area, mainly around Yeppoon and Rockhampton.

There had already been 4500 calls to SES for help.

In Rockhampton though it appears people don't just have fuelling their cars on their minds.

Important sites and numbers

—Bureau of Meteorology website bom.gov.au for up to date weather information, including up-coming forecasts and warnings;

—The Traffic and Travel information line on 13 19 40 or http://www.131940.qld.gov.au

—RACQ road closure site on 1300 130 595 or —http://www.racq.com.au/travel/maps_and_Directions/road_conditions

—Monitor local councils and local radio stations for local information and updates

QPS facebook site at http://www.facebook.com/QueenslandPolice

—with AAP

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cyclone Marcia marches south

Cyclone Marcia Destroyed house in Yeppoon - Pic Jack Tran Source: Supplied

The latest live news coverage and commentary from Australia's No. 1 media company. Stream 1.

Cyclone Marcia has damaged homes in Yeppoon and torn iron from buildings in Rockhampton to the south. And it's not over yet.

As the category 3 severe tropical cyclone continues to makes its way south we're beginning to see the trail of destruction its left in its wake.

WHAT WE KNOW:

* Cyclone Marcia has been downgraded to a category 3 but still brings very destructive winds up to 170km/h.

* The severe tropical cyclone made landfall as a category 5 cyclone and has left a trail of destruction over Yeppoon and Rockhampton and is now heading toward Gladstone.

* Marcia weakened as it crossed Rocky.

* In the Northern Territory, Cyclone Lam has made landfall as a category 4 system and has been downgraded to a category 2.

LIVE UPDATES:

5.30pm

As Cyclone Marcia moves south the south east of the state is grappling with flash flooding and king tides.

Abnormally high tides expected to keep rising, even though the cyclone is now tracking inland. The BOM warns people living in areas likely to be affected to take measures to protect their property and be prepared to evacuate if advised by the authorities.

Dangerous surf is also expected.

Heavy rainfall is already occurring about coastal and adjacent inland areas between Yeppoon and Double Island Point, and is expected to continue overnight as the cyclone moves south. A flood watch is current for the area.

Susan Collins, filmed Cyclone Marcia as it passed by her home at Rockhampton Qld. Courtesy Facebook/Susan Collins.

A general view shows a damaged house after Tropical Cyclone Marcia hit the coastal town of Yeppoon in north Queensland. AFP PHOTO / SHELLY ALLSOP Source: AFP

5:15pm

Cyclone Marcia is currently tracking south toward Gladstone but is still maintaining status as a category 3 system at this stage even though it is expected to weaken.

The cyclone watch zone extends from Yeppoon to Double Island Point and inland to Moura, Biloela, Monto, and Mundubbera.

The cyclone is expected to turn to the south-southeast this evening and weaken below cyclone strength by Saturday.

A separate severe weather warning is current south of Double Island Point and inland to the southern Burnett and eastern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

Meanwhile in the Northern Territory Cyclome Lam is weakening but is still a category 1 system

with sustained winds near the centre of 75km/h with wind gusts to 100km/h.

It is currently around 15 kilometres west northwest of Bulman and 160 kilometres northeast of Beswick moving at 19km/h.

A man enters into a badly damaged house after Tropical Cyclone Marcia hit the coastal town of Yeppoon in north Queensland on February 20, 2015. AFP PHOTO / SHELLY ALLSOP Source: AFP

Huge waves roll in at Snapper Rocks as a result of Cyclone Marcia. Pic by Luke Marsden. Source: News Corp Australia

4.45pm:

Cyclone Marcia is still a category 3 system and it's not over yet as the system tracks south of Rockhampton in Queensland.

Around 40 flights to the northern parts of Queensland have been cancelled out of Brisbane Airport.

But in good news no casualties have been reported since the system crossed the coast.

The system is now heading towards Gladstone but the monsoonal weather pattern is dumping loads of rain with flash flooding widely reported across South East Queensland and northern NSW.

Surf Life Saving Queensland has shut all beaches along the Gold Coast until at least Sunday with other regions further south set to follow suit.

Sky News reporter is interrupted by debris during a cross as Cyclone Marcia lashes Rockhampton. Courtesy Sky News.

4.15pm:

Volunteers have started manning evacuation centres at the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre as Cyclone Marcia continues to track south. The current warning zone extends from Shoalwater Bay to Double Island Point, extending inland to Moura, Biloela, Monto, and Mundubbera.

The system, still currently a category 3 is sustaining very destructive winds with gusts up to 170km/h.

It is currently around 70 kilometres west/northwest of Gladstone.

Meanwhile, further south heavy rains have had an impact on traffic around Brisbane.

Flooding and traffic caused by Cyclone Marcia. North bound traffic on Gympie Rd Carseldine approaching Beams Rd was barely moving. Photo: Paul Guy Source: News Corp Australia

Chris Mead from Hamilton on Kingsford Smith Drive stairs that run parallel to road. Pic Annette Dew Source: News Corp Australia

3.10pm:

The Bureau of Meteorology has delivered another update on Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

The category 3 system is moving south near Rockhampton and warnings for some areas have been cancelled.

Bringing sustained winds of 150km/h and gusts of 205km/h, the destructive core of the cyclone is estimated to be about 5km south southwest of Rockhampton.

Brisbane is beginning to feel the effects too.

2.50pm:

Cyclone Marcia has damaged homes in the central Queensland town of Yeppoon, and has torn iron from buildings in Rockhampton to the south.

Marcia was a category four storm when it "grazed" the central Queensland town on Friday morning but was downgraded to category three at around 1pm (AEST) as it hit Rockhampton.

So far there are no reports of deaths or serious injuries in either location.

This house has already lost parts of its roof.

This Rocky home has already started losing its roof. Pic: Kylie Laidlaw Source: Supplied

As the category 3 cyclone strikes Rockhampton, we're starting to see some more of the destruction it left in its path in Yeppoon.

2.30pm:

At least three houses on Great Keppel Island have crumbled into the sea as cyclonic winds and waves batter the holiday destination.

Dramatic photos of the island's beachfront homes have been posted on Twitter, showing the facades and patios of houses washing into the water after Cyclone Marcia hit the central Queensland coast as a category five storm.

David LewisVerified account ‏@dlewis89 Incredible pictures courtesy of Margaret Gearin on Great Keppel Island. #TCMarcia @abc730 @abcnews_qld Source: Twitter

Margaret Gearin and about 20 other residents have abandoned their homes to bunker down in the bar area of the Great Keppel Island Hideaway holiday home.

"Three houses have gone into the ocean," she told AAP.

"The waves are pummelling the Hideaway. The bricks (of the patio floor) have been washed away." She said it was hard to leave her home but the decision was made because the Hideaway has a sturdy roof.

"What matters in the end is that we're all OK," she said.

"It's starting to get even more wild here.

"I am feeling anxious."

2pm:

Tropical Cyclone Marcia has weakened to a category 3 after making landfall as a category 5 system.

After causing damage to homes in the Queensland coastal town of Yeppoon, the cyclone is currently impacting Rockhampton, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

The severe cyclone is set to hit the city with sustained winds of 150km/h and wind gusts up to 205km/h.

The eye of Cyclone Marcia is hitting Rockhampton. Bureau of Meteorology. Source: Supplied

1.50pm:

Southeast Queensland has been warned of a "major flooding event" as Tropical Cyclone Marcia moves down the coast.

"We're now concerned as the cyclone degrades right back to a low pressure system it's going to butt up against the low pressure system atop the southeast so we could have a major flooding event," Police Commissioner Ian Stewart warned.

The state's already being drenched. This Sunshine Coast mountain doesn't usually have a waterfall running down its side:

1.30pm:

The destructive core of category 4 Tropical Cyclone Marcia, with gusts to 250km/h, is currently headed for Rockhampton.

Wind gusts over 100km/h are already being felt in Rocky, and there are reports of flooding in the city.

We're starting to get some pictures and images of destructive winds and rainfall in Rocky as Marcia approaches, expected to hit the city as a category 3 system.

"My message to all of Rockhampton residents is please stay indoors," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in her most recent update.

"The eye of this storm is headed directly towards you. Stay inside, do not be out on the streets, do not be outside."

1pm:

The destructive winds of Tropical Cyclone Marcia have 'grazed' Yeppoon and are head directly towards Rockhampton.

Providing an update on the cyclone's destruction, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reissued her warning for residents to stay indoors and stay safe.

"The eye of Cyclone Marcia is passing by Yeppoon and is heading directly to the path of Rockhampton," she said.

Debris has been seen flying through the air in Yeppoon. Source: CourierMail

Passing through the coastal town of Yeppoon, Marcia has left more than 33,000 homes without power, the Premier said.

There have been trees down and slight damage to houses, Ms Palaszczuk advised, and a full assessment is expected within hours.

"My message to Queenslanders is this is still a dangerous cyclone, it is still severe," Ms Palaszczuk warned.

Here's the BoM's tracker showing Marcia headed straight for the beef capital:

Rockhampton: Marcia is coming Source: Supplied

12.45pm:

The Queensland government has opened a community recovery hotline as Cyclone Marcia continues down the state's central coast.

Financial assistance is yet to be activated however the hotline (1800 173 349) will provide useful information about the assistance available, Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said.

It's for residents who are not in a life-threatening situation but need information.

Cyclone Marcia is currently travelling over Yeppoon and will make its way to Rockhampton as a category 4 system.

Here are some images of the start of the destruction at Emu Park on the Capricorn Coast.

Cyclone Marcia hits Emu Park. Pic: Glenn Adamus Source: NewsComAu

These waters are usually pretty flat. Pic: Glenn Adamus Source: NewsComAu

Pic: Glenn Adamus Source: NewsComAu

12.15pm:

Two women have been rescued after being trapped in a lift at a hotel in Yeppoon where severe tropical Cyclone Marcia is about to do its worst.

Power outages caused the elevator to get stuck and the two women, Vicki and Faye, were eventually freed after a rescue crew used a car jack to get them out.

Ten reporter Kristina Costalos captured this incredible video of the women being freed.

12pm:

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an update on the severe tropical cyclone crossing the Queensland coast.

Cyclone Marcia has been downgraded to a Category 4 system as it approaches the Queensland coastal town of Yeppoon, but the Bureau hasn't downgraded its warnings.

Very destructive winds are still expected near the cyclone's centre of 175km/h with wind gusts of 250km/h.

Waves crash into a breakwall after Tropical Cyclone Marcia made landfall in Yeppoon. Source: AFP

Marcia is currently estimated at 40km northwest of Yeppoon and 135km northwest of Gladstone moving south at 20km/h.

Wind gusts above 200km/h are expected to impact coastal and island communities between Shoalwater Bay and Rockhampton this morning and afternoon, including the Yeppoon area.

11.30am:

We're starting to see signs of destruction in Queensland where Cyclone Marcia has struck as a category 5 system.

Nine News reporter Jenna Hudson captured this image of a home crumbling into the ocean at Great Keppel Island.

11.00am:

Cyclone Marcia has made landfall north of Yeppoon bringing very destructive winds to the coastal town, the Bureau of Meteorology has advised.

The Category 5 system has crossed the coast near Shoalwater Bay and is moving south bringing gusts of up to 285km/h.

At 10am the Bureau estimated Marcia was 50km/h north northwest of Yeppoon.

The coastal town, expected to bear the brunt of the storm, is in lockdown.

Here's the BoM's tracking map as Marcia closes in:

Bureau of Meteorology Source: Supplied

10.30am:

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has extended commonwealth support to Queensland as Cyclone Marcia hits the state's coast.

Speaking from a scheduled event in Adelaide, Mr Abbott confirmed he had spoken to the Queensland Premier and said his thoughts were with the people of the Rockhampton and Gladstone area.

PM Tony Abbott Visit to Pak Fresh Handling with local Lib MP Matt Williams. Source: News Corp Australia

"I've been in contact with the Queensland's Premier's office just before coming here to let her know the Commonwealth stands ready to help," he said.

"This is a very serious storm and let's hope we can get through it without too much damage and hopefully without any loss of life."

10.10am:

"Yeppoon must go into lockdown."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has delivered a strongly-worded warning to residents of the Queensland coastal town where Cyclone Marcia is due to hit.

Addressing media at Queensland's disaster coordination centre flanked by police and state emergency representatives, Ms Palaszczuk said residents of the Yeppoon and Rockhampton areas must stay inside.

"We have heard reports that there are still people driving around on the road in these communities," she said.

"You are putting your lives and others at risk. This is a serious situation.

State Police Commissioner Ian Stewart also issued a warning to residents of Rockhampton where the cyclone is expected to hit after reducing to a category 3 event.

"If you're living in the Rockhampton area, you don't have much longer."

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk brief the media. Pic Darren England. Source: News Corp Australia

During the update the Premier warned the storm surge would be up to 3m above high tide and the 16,000 people around Yeppoon were all at risk.

Cyclone Marcia is currently crossing the Capricorn Coast estimated at 75km north northwest of Yeppoon moving south at 20km/h.

Latest tracking forecast. Bureau of Meteorology. Source: Supplied

10am:

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has already begun seeking federal assistance for the Cyclone Marcia clean-up.

Warning lives were risk and 870 homes would be affected, the new premier said she would be speaking to the Prime Minister.

"We need to make sure the federal government is on standby, ready to assist," she said.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk brief the media. Pic Darren England. Source: News Corp Australia

9.45am:

Hundreds of residents are bunkering down in the small Queensland town of Yeppoon, which is bracing for a direct hit from one of the most powerful cyclones in Australia's recorded history.

The core of the cyclone, which is packing wind gusts of up to 285km/h, is starting to affect parts of the central Queensland coast.

In Yeppoon, the winds are building amid a brief lull in the rain, but despite the impending threat there's still a surprising amount of traffic on the roads.

Here are the latest pics and videos from the area:

9.30am:

Here's the view from Brisbane Airport.

Brisbane Airport this morning. @BrisbaneAirport Source: Twitter

Airlines have cancelled a number of flights to North Queensland. The airport remains open

but passengers have been warned of delays.

By the time Cyclone Marcia reaches Brisbane it is expected to reduce to a category 1 event, the SES has warned.

Brisbane residents have been urged to start sandbagging as the effects of Cyclone Marcia are felt. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said residents in low-lying suburbs should be taking precautions, with the cyclone expected to generate a large storm surge on top of the normal high tide level and torrential rain.

9.10am:

Cyclone Marcia is closing in on the Yeppoon area, currently closer than 90km away.

The category 5 cyclone is currently has picked up in speed tracking at 20km/hr and packing wind gusts up to 285km/h.

The core is predicted to reach Yeppoon within the next hour and move on to Rockhampton.

The coastal town is reportedly receiving horizontal rain ahead of bearing the brunt of the storm.

Current tracking forecast for Cyclone Marcia from the Bureau of Meteorology. Source: NewsComAu

8.45am:

The two fisherman missing off Fraser Island have been found.

Police said the men aged 38 and 39, one from Maryborough and one from Brisbane, were found safe and well in water at the Northern End of Moonboom.

8.20am:

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised the destructive core of category 5 Cyclone Marcia is beginning to impact the Capricorn Coast.

Here's the latest forecast track map:

Forecast track map for Cyclone Marcia from the Bureau of Meteorology. Source: Supplied

With gusts of 285km/h, Marcia's core is currently crossing the Capricorn Coast near Shoalwater Bay, the Bureau advised just before 8am (AEDT).

The bureau's latest update on Cyclone Lam said is was moving inland, south of Ramingining.

It was moving southwest at 9km/h, with Ramingining experiencing wind gusts of more than 250km/h.

"The very destructive core of Severe Tropical Cyclone Lam is now impacting the coast and adjacent inland areas between Milingimbi and Elcho Island, including Ramingining," the BoM said.

The cyclone was "expected to continue moving southwest and weaken today as it moves further inland over Arnhem Land".

"Very destructive winds" of more than 230km/h would continue near Milingimbi and Ramingining, before moving inland and weakening on Friday morning.

Forecast track map for Cyclone Lam from the Bureau of Meteorology. Source: Supplied

8.10am:

The Queensland Premier has warned residents of areas to be affected by Cyclone Marcia "do not go outside under any circumstances".

The Police Commissioner says it's going to be "a complete calamity".

Here's the latest advice from Queensland Fire and Emergency for residents of the Yeppoon and Rockhampton areas.

7.40am:

Queensland's new Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has warned of a "harrowing and terrifying experience" urging Queenslanders to take action repeating "your safety is paramount".

With Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Marcia due to hit the Yeppoon area in the next couple of hours, and expected to move on to Rockhampton at a category 3, the Premier told residents to "take action now".

"Do not leave it any later," Ms Palaszczuk warned.

"Can I please say to all our residents in Yeppoon and the Rockhampton region your safety is now paramount.

"Do not go outside under any circumstances. Go to the strongest part of your house which is usually the bathroom area."

Flanked by the police commissioner and emergency authorities, Ms Palaszczuk offered support to the 870 homes predicted to be affected.

"Over the next few hours many Queenslanders are about to go through a harrowing and terrifying experience. We are with you every step of the way. We will be standing by your side."

7.30am:

Police have provided an update on the search for two missing fisherman off Fraser Island.

The two men, aged 38 and 39, were reported missing last night in the waters of the Great Sandy Strait, a 70km sand passage separating the Queensland mainland from Fraser Island, after texting a family member indicating their boat had sunk.

"Hervey Bay Water Police and the Coast Guard are resuming a search this morning for two men reported missing in the waters of the Great Sandy Strait," police said in a statement.

"It is believed the men, aged 38 and 39, one from Maryborough and one from Brisbane, were on a camping and fishing trip in the Great Sandy Strait."

Yesterday afternoon police commenced a search. A vessel made it to the search area but extremely choppy seas and poor visibility hampered their efforts and a helicopter was unable to be deployed.

The search has now resumed.

7.20am:

The Bureau of Meteorology only has records of four Category 5 cyclones making landfall in Queensland.

Here's a bit of an explainer of just what that means.

Just before 6am (AEST), Marcia had sustained winds near the centre of 205km/h, with wind gusts to 285km/h. It's estimated to be 110km east northeast of St Lawrence and 130km north of Yeppoon, moving south at 18km/h.

7.15am:

This is the latest tracking map show Category 5 Cyclone Marcia.

Bureau of Meteorology Source: Supplied

Marcia is expected to continue moving in a southerly direction towards the Queensland coast, and make landfall between St Lawrence and Hervey Bay later on Friday.

Just before 6am (AEST), Marcia had sustained winds near the centre of 205km/h, with wind gusts to 285km/h. It's estimated to be 110km east northeast of St Lawrence and 130km north of Yeppoon, moving south at 18km/h.

7.00am:

Cyclone Marcia is starting to affect traffic.

Flights have been suspended to and from Bundaberg and carriers have warned other queensland flights are at risk of cancellation.

6.35am:

The intimidating power of Cyclone Marcia has forced the closure of a cyclone shelter, set up as a safe haven for residents of St Lawrence where she's now expected to hit, amid fears it wouldn't withstand the storm.

The category 5 cyclone is now expected to make landfall between St Lawrence and Hervey Bay around 10am.

That's not what emergency services had hoped. It was originally expected to come straight in on the central Queensland coast but instead has tracked south.

About 90 residents who had been taking shelter there have moved north to take shelter at nearby Sarina.

6.30am:

Two men are missing in a boat off Fraser Island in Queensland's southeast, ABC reports.

The men were reported missing about 5pm yesterday. Police will resume their search at first light this morning.

6.18am:

First light has hit Yeppoon where cyclone Marcia is now expected to make landfall at 9am.

Tropical Cyclone Marcia is estimated to be located 150km north of the costal town.

Meanwhile Darwin is being smashed by severe thunderstorms as Cyclone Lam has reached the Northern Territory mainland.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said the category 4 storm crossed the mainland coast between Milingimbi and Elcho Island around 2am (CST) on Friday.

Early Friday morning, BoM said areas affected were Goulburn Island to Port Roper, including Nhulunbuy, Groote Eylandt and adjacent inland areas to Bulman.

Wind gusts in impacted areas are up to 260km/h.

Rescue crews will get a better idea of damage when daylight comes.

6:10am:

6:00am:

Incredible infra-red satellite image from NASA's newest climate and weather satellite shows TCMarcia tracking towards the coast

5:57am:

What's the difference between a Category 4 cyclone and a category 5? Here's how BoM defines the two:

Category 4: Typical wind gusts over open flat land of 225 — 279kmh, capable of causing roofing loss and structural damage, dangerous airborne debris, caravans destroyed and blown away.

Category 5: Typical wind gusts of more than 280kmh, capable of causing extremely dangerous widespread destruction.

5:55am:

The Queensland government has released an updated list of schools closed due to Tropical Cyclone Marcia. Close to 100 schools and childcare services are shut. See the full list here.

5:50am:

The Bureau of Meteorology's radar shows rain sprawling across the Top End.

Rain hits the Nortern Territory. Source: Supplied

5:45am:

5:40am:

Cyclone Lam on its way to the indigenous community of Ramingining, 560km east of Darwin.

5:35am:

5:30am:

A screen grab of advice given to residents of Lingstone, Central Queensland. Flooding in the area is expected to reach "approximately 2.5 meters above highest tide level".

"Strongly encouraged to evacuate". Source: Supplied

5:15am: #BREAKING

Tropical Cyclone Marcia has been upgraded to a category five storm.

4:20am: This does not bode well.

4:15am: "Abnormally high tides will be experienced this morning with water levels expected to rise above the highest tide of the year on the high tide."

3:50am:

3:45am: "VERY DESTRUCTIVE winds with gusts greater than 230 kilometres per hour should continue along the coast".

2.25am: #TCMarcia is creating a dangerous storm tide between Sarina and Double Island Point. (@NewsTalk4BC)

2.22am: CONFIRMED

2.07am:

1.45am:

The BOM's weather stations at Elcho Island and now Milingimbi are no longer returning data, Nine News Darwin reports. Readings stopped at Elcho after a wind gust of 150km/h, Milingimbi's winds were increasing towards 100km/h when it went offline.

1.30am:

1.15am:

"The very destructive core of severe Tropical Cyclone Lam is continuing to track southwest and is now impacting the coast near Elcho Island," the Bureau of Meteorology said in an update.

The bureau also warned: "Conditions at Elcho Island, Gapuwiyak, Ramingining and Milingimbi are at a dangerous level — remain in shelter now".

It is expected to slowly cross the coast and then weaken as it moves over Arnhem Land.

Wind gusts of more than 230km/h will continue over the southern Wessel Islands and the mainland coast near Elcho Island before impacting Milingimbi and surrounding areas into early today.

Strong winds will impact coastal areas between Maningrida and Nhulunbuy before battering inland areas today.

The weather bureau is warning coastal residents between Milingimbi and Nhulunbuy, including Elcho Island, of a very dangerous storm tide which may cause flooding as the cyclone approaches.

Heavy rain may cause flooding of some low-lying areas in the northeast of the Top End.

1.10am:

12.53am:

12.40am:

12.30am:

Severe tropical cyclone Marcia is moving south-southwest, with a category 5 forecast at landfall this morning. Areas Affected: Mackay to Double Island Point, extending inland to Blackwater, Moura, Biloela, Monto, Taroom, Mundubbera, and Murgon (Warning zone). The Cyclone warning from Bowen to Mackay has been cancelled. Intensity: Category 4, sustained winds near the centre of 195km/h with wind gusts to 270km/h. Location: Estimated to be 185km north-northeast of St Lawrence and 245km north of Yeppoon. Movement: south southwest at 7km/h. TC Marcia is continuing to move in a south-southwest direction towards the Queensland coast. The cyclone is expected to continue moving in the same general direction and make landfall between St Lawrence and Gladstone during this morning (around 7am AEST).

12.20am DIARY: As Tropical Cyclone Marcia is upgraded to a category five system, TODAY hosts Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson will broadcast live across Queensland with latest information on the storm's impact from 4am (AEST).

11.52pm

11.40pm

11.30pm

Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been evacuated from a small Northern Territory town as Cyclone Lam makes its way towards land.

Emergency Services have decided that the 430 people in Warruwi on Goulburn Island should be moved to the mainland before the category three system struck.

Eighteen small planes and two helicopters have been shuttling between Warruwi and Darwin today.

11.25pm

11.10pm

11pm

10.50pm Tropical Cyclone Marcia has triggered a severe weather warning for north-eastern NSW. Heavy rain is expected in the Northern Rivers district, the Mid North Coast and eastern parts of the Northern Tablelands. More at The Daily Telegraph.

10.30pm

10.20pm

10pm Emergency services have urged the town of St Lawrence to evacuate before Cyclone Marcia hits as a category 5 on Friday morning. @NewsTalk4BC says there is concern there will be a king tide tomorrow in Townsville, according to @crjennyhill. BORN Qld says TC Marcia has begun moving southwest in the last hour.

9.50pm

9.33pm

9.27pm

9.22pm Here's how the cyclones are shaping up:

9.12pm

9.10pm

9.02pm

9pm

8.50pm

Destructive winds are also expected to develop about coastal and island communities between Mackay and Burnett Heads on Thursday night.

The cyclone has rapidly picked up intensity, and was reclassified from a category one to category three system within four hours by the BOM on Thursday afternoon.

The bureau earlier predicted it would be upgraded again, bringing wind gusts of 260km/h at its core early Friday morning just before it makes landfall north of Yeppoon.

"At the moment it has been intensifying far more rapidly than a typical cyclone would," BOM regional director Rob Webb said.

Marcia is moving at 16km/h and is set to cross the coast somewhere between Mackay and Gladstone on Friday morning.

8.45pm

8.30pm "This is a rare situation for Queensland. We've only had two category 5 cyclones to hit the east coast of the state in recorded history," @Amy_Greenbank (Sky News Australia).

8.24pm

8.10pm: Cyclone Marcia is now due to cross as category 5 (around 8am local time), near St Lawrence in Central Qld #TCMarcia (ABCTV)

8pm The Bureau of Meteorology Qld predicts #TCMarcia will intensify to a category 5 before it makes land.

And this just in from The Bureau of Meteorology NT:

7.48pm #TCMarcia areas affected: Bowen to Double Island Point extending inland to Blackwater, Moura, Biloela, and Monto (Warning Zone) | Adjacent inland areas between Bundaberg and Double Island Point, extending inland to include Mundubbera, Gayndah, and Murgon (Watch Zone)

7.40pm #CycloneLam will make landfall as a Category 4 system, according to ABC24. Cyclone centres have been established for people in Yeppoon, Proserpine and Mackay as #TCMarcia nears (Sky News).

7.32pm Elcho Island update: Power is out on the Northern Territory island. Residents will potentially see destructive winds for another 6-12 hours as the eyeball passes closes to communities. The @BOM_NT's Ben Suter says Elcho Island is seeing gusts up to 130km/h and could increase up to 230km/h #CycloneLam

7.15pm Sky News Australia reports #CycloneLam will present very destructive winds above 200km/h over Wessel Island and will extend along the coast between Milingimbi and Gapuwiyak.

6.49pm The time to take shelter is now.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Bureau of Meteorology have warned Marcia's wind gusts could reach 270km/h when it makes landfall.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk held a meeting of the Disaster Management Committee at the Emergency Operations Centre in Brisbane's north on Thursday afternoon where she and several of her new ministers were briefed by emergency authorities.

"It is important all Queenslanders brace themselves for heavy rain," she said.

"This is a serious event. It has changed drastically since this morning."

The premier said the meeting's key point stressed that the safety of Queenslanders was the priority.

"Queenslanders need to be prepared now," she said.

"This is an important time now not to panic but to make sure you have your preparations in place."

"Abnormally high tides are expected today and tomorrow, with levels above the highest tide of the year with flooding of low areas likely," the Bureau said this afternoon.

"Widespread rainfall totals between 100-300mm are forecast, with the heaviest falls expected within coastal catchments. Higher localised falls are possible, as is localised flash flooding."

Cyclone Marcia is now a category three system, and is likely to be upgraded again before it hits land.

There is already no water or power in some Northern Terrority communities, where ferocious gales have already reached 140km/h — with gusts of 190km/h expected later tonight — and hundreds of residents have been evacuated.

At a press conference, the Northern Territory's acting Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said he expected Cyclone Lam to make landfall during low tide, but was nevertheless preparing for potential flooding.

"We have a number of teams who will be ready to deploy at short notice," he said.

Emergency services are going from door-to-door in NT towns, including Maningrida, to warn of gale force winds. Four hundred people have been evacuated so far, 350 of whom have been taken to Darwin.

Goulburn Island residents have begun evacuation to Darwin ahead of the arrival of Cylone Lam.

Early images show Cyclone Marcia already affecting the Gold Coast. Picture: David Clark Source: News Corp Australia

Trees and branches strewn across the ground in Galiwinku as Cyclone Lam approaches. Pic from Elcho Island resident Jazlie Grygoruk. Source: Supplied

Earlier this afternoon, supermarket shelves were cleared in Queensland as frightened locals grabbed emergency supplies and bunkered down at their homes or at shelters in hospitals or schools.

Both cyclones are currently expected to make landfall around 3am.

Volunteers help feed the residents of Goulburn Island after the evacuation. Source: News Corp Australia

"It has got really bad here now, we are losing trees all over the place," Diana Roper told ABC News Darwin from a public shelter on Elcho Island.

Warruwi resident Marcustold AAP: "When the lightning strikes, it's a thump and then everything explodes".

Coastal residents between St Lawrence and Hervey Bay in Queensland have been warned of a dangerous storm tide, with damaging waves and flooding of low-lying areas predicted.

A BoM graphic shows Marcia's expected path. Source: Supplied

Category three Cylone Lam approaching the NT. Source: Supplied

The Bureau of Meteorology has told households to protect their properties and be ready to evacuate if advised to do so.

Marcia has been intensifying as it moves southwest through the Coral Sea towards Queensland, where it is expected to make landfall between St Lawrence and Bundaberg.

Dangerous surf is expected around the exposed beaches south of Sandy Cape, as well as thunderstorms before the cyclone hits the coast.

Heavy rainfall will develop around coastal and island communities between Mackay and Double Island Point today, with the area already on flood watch.

Meanwhile, the BoM forecasts Lam will reach category four before crossing the coast early tomorrow.

Northern Territory police confirmed today that Goulburn Island, 300km east of Darwin, was being evacuated.

At present, sustained winds near the centre have reached 140km/h, with gusts of 195km/h. Gales are forecast between Elcho Island and Nhulunbuy this morning.

Queensland is expecting its worst weather event in two years, with Marcia bringing with it the threat of wind and rainfall reminiscent of those that brought devastation in the 2011 floods, and again in 2012.

Surfers Paradise braces for Cyclone Marcia's arrival. Picture: Kit Wise Source: News Corp Australia

Preparations underway to protect the Gold Coast. Picture: David Clark Source: News Corp Australia

Satellite pictures of tropical storm headed for the Queensland coast. Picture: NASA/Modis Source: Supplied

Where Cyclone Marcia has been, and is expected to go. Source: CourierMail

The state is bracing for a hammering with the category-two cyclone bringing floods, a tidal surge and beach erosion which is already being felt ahead of the worst of Marcia.

Beaches were closed along the coast yesterday and sandbagging had already begun last night as the tropical low loomed, and rescue crews are preparing for the worst.

Coastal residents are warned of the dangerous storm tide as the cyclone crosses the coast.

"The sea is likely to rise steadily up to a level well above the normal tide, with damaging waves and flooding of some low-lying areas close to the shoreline," a BoM statement said.

"People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to follow instructions regarding evacuation of the area if advised to do so by the authorities."

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Mark Roche said it was vital for residents to prepare for severe weather now.

"Check your house, in particular the roof, is in good condition, keep branches clear of the house, clean gutters and clear your property of debris," Mr Roche said.

A major stretch of the Queensland coast will be saturated by heavy rain when the tropical low crosses the coast today.

Residents from St Lawrence, north of Rockhampton, to the NSW border have been warned to expect destructive winds, rough seas and abnormally high tides.

Some Gold Coast beaches were closed today due to large surf. Picture: Jerad Williams Source: News Corp Australia

THE RAINS ARE COMING

Up to 500mm of rain is expected to fall in some areas over coming days.

But Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Commissioner Katarina Carroll said crews were well prepared.

"We've looked at the event from St Lawrence downwards, so we have got swift water rescue staff pre-positioned in many of those areas because we've got well over 200 (emergency service workers) trained for this," she said.

Authorities have repeatedly urged residents not to enter floodwaters.

QFES spokesman Peter Jeffrey said most areas would receive around 300mm rainfall, and warned winds had picked up in the past 12 hours.

"Given the current rate of progress of the cyclone we've got some opportunity to make some final preparations," he said.

"Given the speed the wind is now getting up to there's still an opportunity to make sure there's nothing loose around the back yard. Localised flooding is expected so the key message as always is if it's flooded forget it, it's too unsafe, you don't know what's going on underneath that water."

Up to 6m swells are expected across the coast. Picture: Luke Marsden. Source: News Corp Australia

DOUBLE-PRONGED THREAT

Lam is currently rated a Category 4, but is expected to intensify before it hits. The cyclone is already powerful, with wind gusts up to 195km/h.

The cyclone is north northwest of the NT's fifth largest town of Nhulunbuy where locals have already begun queuing for essentials and emergency shelters are open.

Empty shelves at Woolworths in the town centre. Source: News Corp Australia

While it is unlikely the cyclone will cross the coast at any major towns, there are a number of Aboriginal communities in the area that could face the full front of the system.

Police have warned people to stay away from waterways, to avoid driving into water of an unknown depth, to stay away from fallen powerlines, and to create their own sandbags out of whatever bags or material is at hand to stave off rising waters.

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Inside the chaotic monster storm

Courier-Mail Reporter Greg Stolz is in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Marcia in Yeppoon.

Category 5 ... Cyclone Marcia bears down on the Queensland coast on Friday morning. Source: Supplied

AS severe tropical cyclone Marcia lashes the Queensland coast, people in the warning zone are taking to social media.

The category 5 storm, which has now been downgraded to a category 4, is impacting a large area of the coast with winds close to 300km/h in some areas today.

The cyclone warning zone extends from Sarina in the north, south to Double Island Point, with severe weather warnings extending to New South Wales.

This is what people in the affected areas are seeing so far.

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