Wednesday's news

27 Feb 2013

Gympie floods for the fourth time in 12 months and over on the west coast, residents take shelter from Rusty. In other news, 19 tourists have died in a hot air balloon accident in Egypt.

Gympie floods again

Businesses have been flooded in the Queensland town of Gympie overnight for the fourth time in the past 12 months. The Mary River reached a peak of 18.4m just after midnight, splitting the town in half by floodwaters.
Read more.

Are you in the Gympie area? Share your pictures on our Facebook page.

Rusty gathers strength

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a red alert for coastal areas from Bidyadanga to Mardie in Western Australia. Those in the affected areas should take shelter immediately and remain indoors. Perth Now has all the details.

Boarding school for Indigenous children

Experts in Indigenous studies believe taking Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander children out of their communities and placing them in boarding schools will improve their education. ABC News has the full story.

Harvey gravely ill

Veteran journalist Peter Harvey is in hospital after announcing last October that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Harvey and his family have received a surge of support, with #weloveharvs trending on Twitter. Read more.

Nineteen tourists killed in Egypt

A hot air balloon caught fire and exploded above the Egyptian ancient temple city of Luxor, killing 19 tourists. The pilot and one tourist managed to survive. An investigation has been launched into the accident. Yahoo Seven has all the details.

Palmer launches Titanic II

Mining magnate Clive Palmer has launched a bold plan to build Titanic II at an estimated cost of AU$195.34million. Construction will be completed in China by the second half of 2016. Read more.