Australia: NSW – Warrumbungle National Park

In the aftermath of a bushfire that has swept through four fifths of the Warrumbungle National Park, authorities must now determine just what is to be done in one of Australia’s premier national parks. That moment may not have yet arrived, given that the the bushfire continues to burn in the region and the threat has not yet been eliminated. When that time comes the true extent of devastation in the national park will seem overwhelming.

The extensive network of bushwalking trails, bridges and lookouts have been severely damaged and the visitor’s centre has been destroyed. Fears remain for wildlife in the park, particularly the Koala and Rock Wallaby populations.

For more visit:
– http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/reserve-burnt-to-a-cinder-20130119-2d000.html
– http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/bushfire-changes-warrumbungle-national-park-.htm
– http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/bushfire-damage-at-australias-largest-observatory.htm
– http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-14/homes-destroyed-in-nsw-bushfire/4463136
– http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/01/18/05/00/firefighters-brace-for-nsw-outbreaks

RISING TIDE PROTEST IN NEWCASTLE: COAL INDUSTRY THE TARGET

Climate change activists under the ‘Rising Tide’ banner conducted what was called on the day the ‘People’s Protest’ in Newcastle yesterday. The protest was an attempt to shut down the Port of Newcastle in Australia, which is the largest exporter of coal in the world.

Despite the protesters claim that they had successfully blockaded the harbour, the authorities had previously arranged for there to be no shipping movements on the day in the interests of safety. The protesters used kayaks and various home-made ‘boats’ to form the blockade near Horseshoe Beach. About 500 people took part in the protest.

A police presence was very active during the protest to ensure safety and to prevent any form of crime.

Rising Tide is preaching a message of anti-coal and pro-renewable energy for our future.

NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon took part in the protest.

The protesters block the harbour entrance

The police maintained an active presence

STEVE FOSSETT MYSTERY SOLVED???

A little over a year ago, adventurer Steve Fossett disappeared while on a flight from Nevada in the United States. Now items allegedly belonging to Steve Fossett have been found by a Preston Morrow while hiking through a remote area in California near Mammoth Lakes. The area where the items were found is west of Mammoth Lakes in the Inyo National Forest.

The items included items of ID with Steve Fossett’s name on it, cash and a jumper. The ID included a pilot’s license and a Federal Aviation Administration Identity Card.

The items found on Tuesday the 30^th September 2008 have been handed over to police.

A command centre was soon set up at Mammoth Lakes Airport and aerial searches of the area where the items were found carried out. Aircraft wreckage has been found in the area and the wreckage is now being investigated.

Fossett’s plane took off from a private airfield south of Reno in Nevada on the 3^rd September 2007 and he has not been heard off since. Fossett has been declared dead by authorities.

BELOW: Footage covering the story