What we learned today, Saturday 13 November
And with that, we will wrap up the blog for today. Here is what went down:
- Flood warnings were issued for areas around the Lachlan River and Dubbo in NSW and for the Mitchell River in Victoria’s Gippsland region, with flash flooding still likely.
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Australia has been accused of “hiding” at the Cop26 Glasgow summit, while opposing a deal that would keep alive hopes of limiting global heating to 1.5C.
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NSW recorded 250 new local cases, and no deaths. Victoria recorded 1,221 new cases and four deaths. The ACT recorded 11 new cases.
- Vaccinated international students entering NSW will not have to quarantine when they return to the state next month.
- Thousands of protesters descended on the Melbourne CBD today, demonstrating against new pandemic powers and vaccine mandates.
- A new Blue Mountains conservation area has been approved by the NSW government.
Updated
Victoria police have just confirmed in a statement that no arrests were made at today’s protest despite “significant numbers in attendance”:
Police responded to protest activity in the Melbourne CBD on Saturday, 13 November.
Despite significant numbers in attendance, the protest was peaceful with no arrests made.
Updated
So earlier today, the former Liberal-turned-United Australia MP Craig Kelly spoke to protesters in Melbourne, and oh boy.
Here are some choice quotes, as reported by the Herald Sun:
I have decided to take a stand like many of you have here today – I hear you.
We are no longer governed for the people or by the people.
I stand with all those who stand for freedom.
In Australia you can inject a 12-year-old child with Moderna vaccine.
In so many other countries – Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Finland – you can’t.
We’re being governed by insane medical bureaucrats.
We have a lot of fights ahead of us, the most important fight is to protect our children.
You can read more on the protests at the yarn below:
Updated
⚠️ #Flood Warning issued for #Gwydir River. Minor flooding is continuing along the Gwydir River at #Yarraman Bridge, which has peaked and is now falling. See https://t.co/Ss766eSCrL for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/5Abz2ZphOC
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 13, 2021
Quite a number of Trump flags out again today too @theage pic.twitter.com/yZiPxklwWc
— Rachael Dexter (@rachael_dexter) November 13, 2021
Australia accused of 'hiding' while opposing Cop26 deal
Australia has been accused of “hiding” at the Cop26 Glasgow summit, while opposing a deal that would keep alive hopes of limiting global heating to 1.5C.
Australia is one of several nations that do not support an agreement that would see all countries return to the negotiating table with stronger commitments next year.
Several sources have told the Guardian Australia that the Morrison government was opposed to parts of an updated draft negotiating text released on Friday by the British hosts of the summit that would be crucial to maintain a chance of limiting global average heating since the industrial revolution to 1.5C.
You can read more on the crucial story from Adam Morton here:
Updated
Good afternoon, Mostafa Rachwani with you this afternoon, a quick thanks to Matilda Boseley for her stellar work this morning.
With that, I shall leave you for the day. But never fear, you are in safe hands with the fantastic Mostafa Rachwani, who will guide you through the afternoon!
A major flood warning has been issued for Avon River, near the regional Victorian towns of Stratford and Bairnsdale.
This Major Flood Warning is being issued for the Avon River. Moderate flooding is occurring along the Avon River at Stratford. Major flooding possible at Stratford from Saturday afternoon.
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) November 13, 2021
The Avon River at Stratford is currently at 6.08 metres and rising.https://t.co/J7KJ4yNQlz pic.twitter.com/J299LOVdg6
From iconic bushranger Ned Kelly to serial killer Ivan Milat, the promise of cash to solve crimes has long been a feature of Australian policing.
Each year rewards large and small are offered across the country, usually for information leading to a conviction, and often years, if not decades, after the crime.
But these conventions were turned on their head by the case of four-year-old Cleo Smith, who disappeared from her family’s tent at an isolated West Australian campground in the early hours of 16 October. Six days after she went missing, the state government announced a $1m reward for information on Cleo’s location, or that led to the arrest and conviction of her abductor.
‘Our little girl is back’: Cleo Smith’s family thank WA police in first public statementRead more
“That’s not normal,” former detective inspector Terry Goldsworthy tells Guardian Australia. “It’s highly unusual, in that it’s done at the start of the investigation.”
You can read the full story below:
Floodwaters in Dubbo have now engulfed the Tamworth Street bridge.
The Tamworth Street Bridge in Dubbo is underwater - the Macquarie River has more than doubled in height in two days pic.twitter.com/XGYZWHxKYb
— Lucy Thackray (@LucyThack) November 13, 2021
In case you missed it, no Covid-19 in Queensland today!
Saturday 13 November – coronavirus cases in Queensland:
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) November 13, 2021
No new cases detected in Queensland overnight.#covid19 pic.twitter.com/SB5ue3S0Qo
https://t.co/ZkKOhxdReU pic.twitter.com/vJ3SSwNn4o
— Lucy Thackray (@LucyThack) November 13, 2021
Big gathering of protesters chanting “kill the bill” outside Flinders Street station pic.twitter.com/UQOeLU40Qz
— Tim Callanan (@MrTimCallanan) November 13, 2021
⚠️Initial #Minor #Flood Warning issued for #Latrobe River. Minor flooding at #ThomsBridge overnight Saturday. #Rosedale minor possible from Monday. See https://t.co/zQk6fgvnx0 for details and updates; follow advice from @vicemergency. #VicFloods @VicSESnews pic.twitter.com/qljKMomdBL
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) November 13, 2021
Residents in New South Wales and Victoria are being warned to prepare for flash flooding, as heavy rainfall causes rivers to break their banks across the eastern states of Australia.
The focus in NSW has turned to areas around the Lachlan River, with major flood warnings issued for Forbes and Nanami, where the State Emergency Service is assisting with sandbagging.
The SES says it has responded to more than 280 calls for assistance, with the busiest areas being around Armidale, Bathurst and Orange. It has also made 21 flood rescues statewide, about half of which were cars stuck in flood waters.
You can read the full summary of today’s wild weather below:
Updated
URGENT Reminder: Never drive through floodwater. Floodwater is dangerous and it can take just 15cm of flowing water to float a car.
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) November 13, 2021
Fortunately, no-one was trapped in this car which was floating down Bairnsdale-Dargo Road near Lindenow.
Always stay Informed with @VicEmergency! pic.twitter.com/HFry2kEKWA
The controversial federal MP Craig Kelly has appeared at the Melbourne protests today, praising people objecting to the state government’s proposed emergency management legislation.
He has also been promoting the event on his Twitter account over the past day.
Here is a look at the crowds from the air.
Thousands of demonstrators have marched to Parliament House, protesting against the state government’s proposed pandemic laws. @7NewsMelbourne pic.twitter.com/ECEYXfmLtn
— Chester Ngan (@ChesterNgan) November 13, 2021
Updated
The Nationals MP and former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack has issued a warning to residents around the central NSW town of Forbes after heavy rains are expected to cause major flooding.
He says emergency services are expecting flood waters to peak on Monday afternoon.
A message from @ForbesCouncil:
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) November 13, 2021
Due to the recent rain event we are expecting the floodwater to peak on Monday afternoon at 10.55m at Iron Bridge. This will cause major flooding for parts of Forbes Shire.
MORE pic.twitter.com/UTkosYYkA4
(continued) Please spread the word about the SMS service – advise your friends & family to check they are receiving communications & if not they can register their mobile number by phoning Forbes Council on 6850 2300 during business hours or email communications@forbes.nsw.gov.au pic.twitter.com/3zvNp0KSik
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) November 13, 2021
Updated
A Sydney man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shoving a woman before dousing her in fuel and trying to set her alight.
Emergency services were called to a home in Carramar on Friday afternoon, after a domestic violence incident was reported.
Police will allege a man became physically aggressive toward a woman, pushing her head against a cupboard, before pouring a flammable liquid over her body and clothing.
He then attempted to light the woman on fire, they say, but was unsuccessful.
You can read the full report below:
Bitta rain in the Mitchell River #GippsNews pic.twitter.com/kcfd926EO5
— Rio Davis (@RioDuSoleil) November 13, 2021
QAnon conspiracy theories seem to be a significant feature of today’s Melbourne protests.
Singer Claire Woodley, daughter of The Seekers Bruce Woodley, just stepped up and said she wanted to dedicate a performance of “I am Australia” to the “victims of satanic ritual abuse” - a common talking point in Qanon @theage
— Rachael Dexter (@rachael_dexter) November 13, 2021
Updated
Speaking of flood warnings, there is also a moderate flooding warning for those along the Belubula River around Canowindra, a town near Orange in NSW.
⚠️ #Flood Warning issued for #Belubula River. Moderate flooding continues along the Belubula River at #Canowindra which is currently peaking at around 4 metres. See https://t.co/Ss766eSCrL for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/bcfdcSvz2I
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 13, 2021
⚠️Final #Flood Watch issued for the Upper Murrray, Mitta Mitta and Snowy Rivers. A number of flood warnings are current in Qld, NSW and Vic. See https://t.co/6Kn6XaK1vu for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/Mw6pPDmw3m
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 13, 2021
Two schools in Canberra have been added to the list of Covid exposure sites in the ACT.
Bonython Primary School and Duffy Primary School were both listed as venues of concern, with positive cases having been recorded there over the past week.
Authorities have said that only parents and carers who’ve been contacted by ACT Health need to take any further action.
Updated
🌧️ Showers persisting about the south of #SouthAustralia over the weekend and early next week. Notable rainfall totals to 9 am Saturday: 18 mm Brinkworth & 17 mm Georgetown. Keep up to date here: https://t.co/Vi63I3wQ6R pic.twitter.com/QwAN7MGhH1
— Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia (@BOM_SA) November 13, 2021
Just to get a sense of the crowd.
The Age reporter Rachael Dexter says this was filmed over the course of 20 minutes.
TIMELAPSE: Here’s how many people are marching in the anti-government, anti-vaccine/mandate/pandemic bill protest today. @theage pic.twitter.com/e1XOXF7AnA
— Rachael Dexter (@rachael_dexter) November 13, 2021
Updated
New Blue Mountains conservation area created
After almost a century of advocacy, a swathe of land on the edge of the Blue Mountains that is home to rare plants and animals, stunning rock formations and lush forest has been protected by the NSW government, AAP’s Tiffanie Turnbull reports.
More than 30,000 hectares near Lithgow has been declared a nature reserve, with the NSW government on Saturday pledging $50m to establish world-class ecotourism facilities in the area.
The Gardens of Stone reserve was conceived in 1932 by Myles Dunphy, “the spiritual grandfather of the conservation movement in Australia”.
Its declaration as a protected area nine decades later is the culmination of possibly the longest conservation campaign in the state’s history, advocates say.
The Nature Conservation Council chief executive, Chris Gambian, said:
It has been a long time coming but it was definitely worth the wait ...
This is a very significant addition to the state’s conservation reserve system ... (and) one of the conservation movement’s proudest days – it shows what people can achieve when they work together and stay focused and optimistic in the face of many setbacks.
The area is home to internationally significant rock formations and more than 80 threatened plant and animal species, including the giant dragonfly.
The convener of the Gardens of Stone Alliance, Wilson Harris, said:
The landscape is dotted with thousands of pagodas, with gorges, canyons and waterways weaving between them ...
There are valleys with lush rainforest, high-country woodlands and critically endangered wetlands that provide crucial habitat for countless threatened species.”
The government funding will transform the area, the premier, Dominic Perrottet, said, with upgraded lookouts, walking trails, a four-wheel drive circuit and a mountain bike network on the cards.
However, the “centrepiece of the investment” will be the Lost City Adventure Experience, which will include Australia’s longest zipline, an elevated canyon walk and a rock climbing course.
Gambian says the new facilities will bolster the local economy and create jobs, but will also unlock a new ecotourism hub for the state.
Read Peter Hannam’s story about the environmental campaigners behind the Gardens of Stone here:
Updated
Melbourne protesters filmed carrying prop gallows
Um, well that’s ... worrying and unpleasant.
Protesters in Melbourne are carrying prop gallows with three nooses hanging from them as they march towards Parliament House.
They are protesting the state’s vaccine mandates and proposed new emergency powers legislation.
Someone in the crowd is carrying a fake gallows with three nooses hanging from it @theage pic.twitter.com/xq3curnWAF
— Rachael Dexter (@rachael_dexter) November 13, 2021
Updated
⚠️Initial #Minor #Flood Warning issued for #Tambo and #Nicholson Rivers. Flooding expected D/S #RamrodCreek from Saturday afternoon. Further rain up to 30 mm possible. See https://t.co/zQk6fgvnx0 for details and updates; follow advice from @vicemergency. #VicFloods @VicSESnews pic.twitter.com/Fg9wMOOxJ8
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) November 13, 2021
The department also confirmed the four people infected with Covid-19 who died in the latest reporting period were aged in their 60s, 70s and 90s.
This brings the total number of deaths in Victoria since the start of the pandemic to 1,222.
Victoria’s health department has just released details of the current unexplained Covid-19 wastewater detections across the state.
They are as follows:
- Stawell – repeated unexpected detections between 28 October and 11 November
- Lorne – repeated unexpected detections between 31 October and 10 November
- Hamilton – unexpected detection for the period 7-11 November
- Barwon Heads – unexpected detection for the period 7-10 November
- Nhill – unexpected detection for the period 7-10 November
Updated
Large crowd at the State Library before marching to Parliament. pic.twitter.com/fQfVx5iZQn
— Paul Dowsley (@paul_dowsley) November 13, 2021
Speaking of Scott Morrison’s comments yesterday, you will remember he said he believes he has never told a lie in public life.
If you want to catch up on this, and make up your own mind if it’s factual or not, check out our snappy 90-second TikTok explainer below:
If that doesn’t work for you, you can always check it out on Twitter here:
Fact check: Has Scott Morrison ever told a lie? Based on the fantastic reporting by @Paul_Karp pic.twitter.com/9TCX5Yk32W
— Matilda Boseley (@MatildaBoseley) November 12, 2021
Updated
So, you might be wondering, what does the federal opposition have to say about the government’s newly released (and somewhat questionable) modelling showing how we will get to net zero emissions by 2050.
Well, no surprises here, but Labor isn’t stoked about it. Here is what the opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, had to say earlier, starting off by pointing out the questionable timing of its release:
You have a prime minister who released the modelling late on a Friday afternoon, after the press conference. I will give you the big tip, what politicians normally would do, if they are proud of their work, if there is rigour in their work, is release information to journalists and allow them to ask questions.
What we had here was a series of press conferences from the prime minister and from Angus Taylor and then after the press conferences were over, a release of the modelling, without scrutiny.
The fact is that this government cannot be trusted on climate change and we have seen that this week with the prime minister’s attitude towards electric vehicles, an attitude where he ridiculed electric vehicles during the last campaign like he ridiculed batteries to store renewable energy, like he ridiculed the renewable energy target.
This is a prime minister who has no regard for what he said yesterday so therefore you should not give any credence to what he says today.
Updated
More from the protests in Melbourne.
First time I’ve seen a mounted protestor at one of these rallies over. @theage pic.twitter.com/IGiUeCvEty
— Rachael Dexter (@rachael_dexter) November 13, 2021
Just a reminder that there is a major flood warning in place for those along the Mitchell River, in the Gippsland region of Victoria; specifically if you are located downstream from Glenaladale.
Major Flood Warning for Mitchell River downstream of Glenaladale. For more info: https://t.co/a0xAEyXfXY #vicfloods
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) November 13, 2021
Huge crowds have gathered outside the State Library in Melbourne to protest vaccine mandates and the state government’s proposed emergency powers bill.
10 mins before kick off and the library lawn is packed. @theage A lot of Eureka flags, Australia flags. Rain has cleared for now pic.twitter.com/FtdL253g0q
— Rachael Dexter (@rachael_dexter) November 13, 2021
You can read this great explainer from Josh Taylor below to learn about what this new legislation actually means, and why it’s not really as draconian and these protesters say.
Updated
Home births have a high rate of safety for women with pregnancies deemed low-risk, a Sydney hospital has found, reports Gina Rushton from AAP.
The Royal Hospital for Women analysed data from three years and found women with low-risk pregnancies who planned to give birth at home had a 90% rate of delivery with no medical intervention.
This compared to 60% for those with low-risk pregnancies who intended to birth in hospital.
The hospital’s general manager, Donna Garland, said the data aligns with international evidence that birthing at home for women with a low-risk pregnancy is a safe option.
Three years ago the hospital introduced the option for families to give birth at home supported by the Royal Hospital for Women team and it has been so successful, seven families even returned for a second birth at home ...
Demand for home births is increasing and there are not enough places available in the home birth program to cater to requests.
Women planning to birth at home understand the powerful and life-changing event that a positive birth can be and our team are very privileged to be a part of this space.
Dr Andrew Bisits, the director of obstetrics at the Royal Hospital for Women, said people who plan to birth at home have a long-term relationship with their midwife.
Women find birthing at home calming as they are in their comfort space and it is often a family experience, something that’s not possible in hospital, especially during Covid.
There are four publicly funded home birth programs in NSW including the Royal Hospital for Women, Wollongong, Belmont and Westmead hospitals.
Updated
Afternoon flooding possible in Dubbo
Areas of the NSW regional city of Dubbo may face flooding this afternoon as the Macquarie and Bell rivers continue to swell.
There is already minor flooding occurring in nearby Wellington.
⚠️ #Flood Warning issued for #Macquarie and #Bell Rivers. Minor flooding is occurring at #Wellington. Minor flooding possible at #Dubbo Saturday afternoon. See https://t.co/Ss766eSCrL for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/XjkqUA8QU2
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 13, 2021
Updated
OK, it’s time for another Victorian flood update, but luckily it’s good news this time!
There is no longer any flooding expected for King River and 15 Mile Creek in the state’s north, the nearby Ovens River or Seven and Castle creeks in central Victoria.
Flooding no longer expected in the King River and 15 Mile Creek . For more info: https://t.co/VwK0i8bmCP #vicfloods
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) November 13, 2021
However, Victoria’s SES has issued flood watch alerts for the Kiewa River as well as a minor flood warning for Macalister River in Gippsland.
Minor Flood Warning for Macalister River. For more info: https://t.co/pVG1rr99PD #vicfloods
— VICSES News (@vicsesnews) November 13, 2021
Updated
Worryingly NSW Health’s ongoing sewage surveillance has detected fragments of coronavirus in samples collected from West Wyalong, Tomakin, Uralla and Grenfell.
None of these areas currently have any known or recent cases.
ACT records 11 new Covid-19 cases
The Australian Capital Territory has recorded 11 new local Covid-19 cases overnight.
Currently, there are no hospitalisations from Covid-19 in the territory.
A minor flood warning has been issued for the Victorian regional city of Traralgon.
Traralgon was hit hard early this year by destructive storms.
Minor Flood Warning for Traralgon Creek. For more info: https://t.co/tO6nCUmOXV #vicfloods
— VICSES News (@vicsesnews) November 12, 2021
Remember yesterday, when we were all abuzz about if Scott Morrison had ever told a lie? (He says he believes he hasn’t, many disagree with that.) Well, the inimitable Sarah Martin has written this brilliant opinion piece about how the prime minister is taking misinformation mainstream.
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, has this week treated Australians to a list of his favourite things.
Along with mind-numbing photo opportunities of gnocchi rolling and performative haircuts, high on Morrison’s list is technology, not taxes, choices, not mandates, and the “animal spirits” of can-do capitalism.
As for governments? Not a fan, apparently.
Governments, in Morrison’s book, are much too fond of legislation. Particularly “don’t-do governments”, which like to make laws that “tell people what to do”.
You can read the whole article below:
Updated
Final Minor Flood Warning for Wonnangatta River. For more info: https://t.co/prPenHVOO7 #vicfloods
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) November 12, 2021
At the last federal election, the Coalition faced challenges from a string of hopeful independents in rural and city seats, largely running on climate issues. With two exceptions – Zali Steggall in Warringah and Helen Haines in Indi – they came up short.
Next year the independents will be back for another shot, focusing on heartland Coalition seats in New South Wales and Victoria. The difference this time is there is a road-tested model of how to mobilise the local community and run a campaign, and a $2m war chest on offer from Climate 200, a group established by the climate activist Simon Holmes à Court.
Inspired by Steggall, Haines and her predecessor in Indi, Cathy McGowan, “Voices of” or “Voices 4” community groups have proliferated, turbocharged by the Liberals’ slowness in adopting a net zero target for 2050 and the rolling scandals in federal politics.
Will the outcome be different this time?
You can read the full story below:
Yesterday showers and thunderstorms brought 50-70mm along the east coast. The highest was 77mm near #HerveyBay. Today sunshine and cool, dry air will dominate #Qld with showers and thunderstorms contracting to the Far North. Floods continuing in the south. https://t.co/FBmpsInT9o pic.twitter.com/sGTZ4aK1a5
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) November 12, 2021
Modelling of the Morrison government’s strategy to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 shows its “technology not taxes” plan will leave the nation relying on offsets and unknown technology breakthroughs, but leave the gas sector to grow.
Released on Friday afternoon, the modelling report suggests the “net zero” plan will see the value of the coal industry drop by half by 2050.
The 100-page report reveals a swathe of assumptions made in the modelling to lend the plan credibility, which left some analysts puzzled.
Under a catchphrase “The Australian Way”, prime minister Scott Morrison released the long-term emissions reduction strategy last month after confirming the government would adopt a net zero target by 2050.
You can read the full report below:
⚠️ #Flood Warning issued for #Belubula River. A moderate flood peak is occurring along the Belubula River at #Canowindra. See https://t.co/Ss766eSCrL for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/x4MyPE3UCW
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 12, 2021
No new coronavirus deaths have been reported in NSW in the previous 24 hours, for the first time in almost three months, reports AAP.
The milestone comes as vaccination rates across the state continue to climb, keeping hospitalisations low.
Some 90.8% of people over 16 are fully vaccinated and 94.1% of adults have had their first jab.
In the 12-15 age group, more than 80% have had their first dose, and 72.4% both.
NSW reported 250 local Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday, 36 lower than the previous day.
There are 228 people in hospital – also down on the previous day’s tally – with 32 in intensive care.
The last time the state recorded no new deaths in a reporting period was more than 11 weeks ago, on 24 August.
High vaccination rates also mean from Monday NSW Health will no longer list case locations that a Covid-19 positive person has attended.
Also from Monday, elective surgery will begin to return to full capacity in greater Sydney.
Updated
This Flood Warning is issued for the Mitchell River downstream of Glenaladale.
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) November 12, 2021
Moderate flooding is expected to develop along the Mitchell River about Glenaladale from Saturday morning and major flooding possible at Bairnsdale Saturday evening.
Info: https://t.co/MOl3efF78w pic.twitter.com/t1tRNTnrpn
Australia’s last flamingos will go on display this weekend after taxidermists restored the magnificent pink birds.
The last flamingo in Australia (named Chile) died in 2018, the second last (Greater) in 2014 – but they have been resurrected as gay emblems for South Australia’s Feast festival.
Flamingos once roamed the Australian outback, great pink flocks of them feeding on crustaceans near Lake Eyre – those crustaceans that give salt lakes their pink hue were also responsible for the birds’ colour.
But the last ice age meant the end of wild Australian flamingos. Since then Australia’s only flamingos were brought over to live in zoos.
You can read the full story below:
Here is the Gwydir River from a few days ago, to get a sense of how full the waterway already is.
A swollen Gwydir River at #Bingara this afternoon. Further heavy falls expected tonight and tomorrow, with moderate flooding possible. @abcnews @BOM_NSW pic.twitter.com/Y2Lk37CTFZ
— Jake Lapham (@JakeLapham) November 11, 2021
There are minor floods occurring at the Yarraman Bridge along the Gwydir River in northern NSW.
⚠️ #Flood Warning issued for #GwydirRiver, Minor flooding occurring at #YarramanBridge. See https://t.co/AdztI2rqg1 for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/YmvX56dR9u
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 12, 2021
Updated
International students to return to NSW
Vaccinated international students entering NSW will not have to quarantine when they return to the state next month, reports AAP.
The first chartered plane will touch down in Sydney on 6 December with about 250 students from countries including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, China and Canada.
A second flight bringing students from South Asia is also scheduled.
The NSW premier, Dominic Perrottet, says this is a “significant milestone”.
They don’t just make a significant contribution to our economy but international students play a role in our culture and contribute to our community and lifestyle.
The announcement mirrors one made by Perrottet in May, which was thwarted by the Delta outbreak that started the following month.
The NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee convenor Barney Glover welcomed the announcement and said there would hopefully be 500 fully vaccinated students returned to NSW and ACT universities by the end of the year.
We have missed the many contributions international students make to our community.
Student housing Scape Redfern will continue as the accommodation partner for returning international students.
Updated
While the Victorian major flood warning for the Mitchell River in Gippsland is still in place, the heavy rain warning across the state has now been cancelled.
With rain rates easing below warning threshold, the ⚠️ The Severe Weather Warning ⚠️ for Heavy Rainfall has been cancelled.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) November 12, 2021
Riverine flooding continues with multiple Flood Warnings current.🌧️
Stay up-to-date here: https://t.co/pKq11d9tj9 #VicWeather pic.twitter.com/AB77W8dKv5
A bit more on the Cop26 talks in Glasgow. As my colleague Graham Readfearn said, it will not finish today, Australian time.
The president of the summit, Alok Sharma, has issued at statement saying negotiations on a final outcome will continue through the night in Scotland, with a revised draft of the text to be published about 8am local time (7pm AEDT).
Country representatives will then gather to discuss them not before 10am (9pm AEDT). It’s expected the summit will finish sometime on Saturday, local time.
It had been supposed to finish at 5am AEDT today, but it would have been remarkable if it had. These annual, fortnight-long climate conferences have an unshakeable tradition of running into overtime. Why make a decision about the future of the planet until you are completely exhausted?
As our team in Glasgow has reported, a key remaining decision is whether countries are prepared to return to the negotiating table next year with strengthened short-term greenhouse gas emission reduction plans.
Research earlier this week by the Climate Action Tracker, an analyst organisation, found that current targets for 2030 would lead to at least 2.4C of heating, a level that would lead to catastrophic climate change.
Australia is one of the few countries to have refused to boost its 2030 commitment at Glasgow. Many others have pledged to do more, but their increased commitments are still nothing like enough to hold global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, as scientists say is necessary.
Some countries have tried to argue that revising 2030 targets next year is contrary to the Paris agreement, which requires revisions only every five years. But many others – and several key architects of the landmark Paris agreement – have argued the Paris treaty allowed for this to be escalated, and that the science clearly demands it.
You can read more on the state of play here and follow the Guardian’s Cop26 live blog from Glasgow from early tonight.
Updated
⚠️ #Flood Warning issued for #Lachlan River. Major flooding likely at #Nanami, Forbes and downstream. Moderate flooding occurring at #Cowra. See https://t.co/AdztI2rqg1 for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/yqOyKiPSDy
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 12, 2021
Did the Victorian Labor party engage in “premeditated and systematic rorting” of taxpayer resources to fund factional wars?
That’s the question – in the words of the counsel assisting, Chris Carr SC – at the heart of the investigation by Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (Ibac).
The upper house MP Adem Somyurek, a convener of Labor’s moderate faction, was dumped from Daniel Andrews’ ministry and resigned from the party after a 60 Minutes/the Age investigation last year outlined wholesale branch stacking within the faction. Here’s what we learned during Somyurek’s evidence this week:
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Victoria records 1,221 new Covid-19 cases and four deaths
The Victorian numbers have also been published. The state recorded 1,221 new Covid-19 cases.
Sadly four people infected with the virus have died.
We thank everyone who got vaccinated and tested yesterday.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) November 12, 2021
Our thoughts are with those in hospital, and the families of people who have lost their lives.
More data soon: https://t.co/OCCFTAtS1P#COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/ej61J1GC40
No Covid deaths recorded in NSW, with 250 new local cases
NSW has recorded no Covid-19 deaths today, along with 250 new local cases.
NSW #COVID19 update – Saturday 13 November 2021
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) November 12, 2021
In the 24-hour reporting period to 8pm last night:
- 94.1% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 90.8% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 58,915 tests pic.twitter.com/xuirmHu9BN
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Cop26 to run into the UK’s Saturday
So #cop26 will run into the UK’s Saturday. More revisions on negotiating text expected around 7pm AEDT, then meetings from 9pm ish. Potential close by end of day Saturday in UK, early hours of Sunday in Aus. https://t.co/sXBHxxiyBE
— Graham Readfearn (@readfearn) November 12, 2021
Some time in the next year, Darko Desic will finish a prison sentence begun in 1990 – interrupted by three decades of a hardscrabble liberty – to face the bizarre prospect of being deported to a country that no longer exists.
Desic’s case, with its movie-plot travails and redemptive arc, has drawn international attention and seen his community on Sydney’s northern beaches rally to his aid.
A plea for clemency under New South Wales’s rarely invoked royal prerogative of mercy is currently before the attorney general.
But his case is also one of a rising trend of deportation and indefinite immigration detention in Australia, where experts say it is “harder to become a member of the Australian community, and easier to be expelled from it”.
You can read the full story below:
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This Flood Warning is being issued for Mitchell River.
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) November 12, 2021
Moderate flooding is expected to develop along the Mitchell River to Glenaladale from Saturday morning and extend downstream to major flooding at Bairnsdale from Saturday evening.
For more info: https://t.co/QJTHUTm5yH pic.twitter.com/7h6x7M9odF
Australia has joined with other major players in the Asia-Pacific to push for “urgent and concrete action” to tackle climate change, reports Paul Osborne from AAP.
The leaders of the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group, including Scott Morrison, issued a statement on Saturday pledging commitments which they said would accelerate economic recovery and achieve “sustainable and inclusive growth”.
In 2021, the world continues to confront unprecedented challenges posed by the impacts of climate change.
We acknowledge the need for urgent and concrete action to transition to a climate-resilient future global economy and appreciate net zero or carbon neutrality commitments in this regard.
A plan was agreed to examine policies which would phase out “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies”.
Part of the plan also notes the need to “accelerate progress towards the 2030 target of doubling the share of renewable energy in the Apec energy mix, including in power generation, from 2010 levels by 2030; and to deliver a plan to reduce aggregate energy intensity by 45% from 2005 levels, by 2035”.
However, the statement noted only “some progress” in strengthening the region’s capacity to adopt renewable energy.
On the pandemic, the leaders acknowledged the “ongoing uncertainty” caused by Covid-19 and the uneven economic recovery across the region.
We are taking steps to ensure growth rebounds quickly and to boost the global economic recovery.
The leaders rejected “vaccine nationalism”, and agreed to lower tariffs on vaccines and related products to combat Covid-19, speed them through customs and avoid export bans.
Host leader New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern told the online summit the meeting was a chance for the region to “emerge from the crisis better than before”.
Apec leaders are more determined than ever to work together to defeat Covid-19, accelerate the region’s economic recovery, respond to climate change, and build growth that is inclusive of all our people.
As we continue to recover from this global crisis, leaders acknowledged the opportunity to reset.
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Queensland may have passed its 80% first-dose milestone, bringing a string of freedoms for the vaccinated there, but those stuck across the border still face a lengthy road back home this Christmas.
The only way in is by air until the next vaccination targets are due to be met on 17 December, leaving thousands of residents stuck interstate with their cars. Even then, a question mark remains over how border checks will be implemented once Queensland reopens to interstate travellers.
If you are planning a trip to Queensland, it would pay to read the fine print. Read the story below to find out everything you need to know.
The #rain may have eased over most of #NSW, and the sun may even be out, but there are still #flood warnings current as the runoff from the recent rain moves through some river catchments. Make sure to check the latest warnings for your area: https://t.co/QRI6KvMRp4 @NSWSES pic.twitter.com/VS2E6bwygT
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 12, 2021
Major flood warning for regional Victorian town of Bairnsdale
A major flood warning has been issued for the Mitchell River in Victoria’s Gippsland region. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned the river may peak around the town of Bairnsdale from Saturday evening.
⚠️Major #Flood Warning issued for #Mitchell River, which may peak at #Bairnsdale from Saturday evening. Various other Minor warnings in place for #Gippsland. See https://t.co/JUjL2RPNLd for details and updates; follow advice from @vicemergency #VicFloods @vicsesnews pic.twitter.com/7D6q9Uxp4J
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) November 12, 2021
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Good morning all, hope you all had a wonderful Friday night and aren’t feeling too woeful this glorious Saturday morning.
It’s Matilda Boseley here on the blog with you again today (you would think a full week full of news would be enough for, but no I’m back for more).
Now the big story this morning is the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow, where negotiators are fighting over the final details of a potential deal.
The deadline for the fortnight-long talks to finish came and went as leading figures took to the floor for what they hoped would be the final time, to exhort each other to cooperate in the interests of people threatened by the climate crisis around the world.
This comes as the Australian government released the modelling underpinning our target of net zero emissions by 2050. (It was released late on a Friday afternoon, which is never a good sign.)
The modelling has been lashed by climate groups as falling short of the government’s own goal. It anticipates Australia’s emissions reducing 85% by 2050, with “further technological improvements” relied on to make up the gap.
The modelling factors in an average global temperature rise of 2C, which the Climate Council warns will result in the loss of the Great Barrier Reef and the 64,000 Queensland jobs relying on it. The modelling does not consider the economic consequences of climate change itself.
Grab a coffee and stick around with me on the blog and I’ll bring you all the updates on Cop, Australia’s 2050 climate goals and of course all the Covid-19 numbers and press conferences as they occur.
If there is something you reckon I’ve missed or think should be in the blog but isn’t, shoot me a message on Twitter @MatildaBoseley or email me at matilda.boseley@theguardian.com
OK, let’s jump into the day.
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