News for Wednesday

30 Jan 2013

Clean up begins as flood waters start to recede in Queensland. The state has also been hit with a water crisis as mud gets into the treatment plant. In international news, Hilary Clinton prepares to step down as Senator John Kerry is named as incoming US Secretary of State.

Recovery mode

The Australian Defence Force is waiting to enter Bundaberg as the clean up effort begins across Queensland. In a cruel twist, some suburbs in Brisbane are being urged to ration their drinking water as mud-laden water knocked-out a treatment plant. Residents are requested to only use water for essential purposes and provisions are in place to supply bottled water if need be. It’s predicted that water will run out in the regions at midday. NSW has escaped the worst of the floods. For the breakdown of the flood crisis and the recovery effort as it unfolds see the ABC.
There are also some incredible pictures taken by a Canadian astronaut overnight.
Also in Queensland, two men are still missing after failing to turn up at work. One of their cars has been found fully submerged in floodwaters. There are fears that the death toll will continue to climb throughout the clean-up process. Read more.

Gillard to hit the wealthy

In an address to the National Press Club today, Prime Minister Julia Gillard is expected to discuss funding cuts and hits to the wealthy to cover the national disability insurance scheme and increased school funding. Miss Gillard will foreshadow her election year plans to path the way for policies that reflect Labor values. Read more.

Qantas plane in emergency landing

QF974 was about 45 minutes into its flight from Brisbane when it plummeted 30,000ft in five minutes. After the crew noticed the aircraft was not maintaining cabin pressure, passengers were told to brace for a rapid descent before an emergency landing in Rockhampton. An investigation has been mounted. Read what the passengers had to say.

Celebrities join the hunt

Celebrities have used social media to help find a man, missing since Saturday night from Randwick. Most vocal is comedian Julia Morris, whose family friend, Benjamin Roper is the missing Virgin flight attendant. Read more.

Clinton says goodbye

In a worldwide virtual hook-up, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said a final farewell as she prepares to step down, likely to be replaced by Senator John Kerry. Clinton took questions from every continent, saying her time as Secretary of State was a “great two-way communication”. Read more.