By RNZ The Southern District Health Board is encouraging people to ensure they are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations to reduce the risk of a measles outbreak.In 2019, there were more than 2000…

Australia's ban on cruise ships is set to lift in weeks, finally breathing life into a multi-billion-dollar industry left high and dry for two years.

The Federal Government is expected to this week confirm the ban will end on April 17, at which point management of the cruise liners and passengers will be handed over to state governments.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is keen to get the giant white ships sailing back into into Sydney Harbour, with the virus-enforced hiatus estimated to have cost Australia's cruise industry 18,000 jobs and $5 billion in lost revenue.

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"It has made no sense to me that we can have a situation right now where people can fly overseas, jump on a cruise and come home, but we can't go cruising from our own country," Mr Perrottet said.

State and territory governments are now in planning to get health protocols ready to support a safe return to cruising.

Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said an official announcement confirming the lifting of the ban could be made this week.

"The Minister's comments are very encouraging and the industry now has greater confidence that we could see a green light soon," Australasia's Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) chief Joel Katz told 9news.com.au in a statement.

"CLIA and cruise lines are having more detailed discussions with the states around the specific health protocols that will need to be in place.

"There's still work to be done, but all indications are that we're on track for a revival in Australia over coming months."

Once the ban is lifted, it will take some time for global cruise ship companies to send their giant vessels back down into Australia and to reach pre-pandemic activity and booking levels.

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Two years ago the Ruby Princess famously docked in Sydney, bringing COVID-19 to Australia's doorstep.

More than 900 passengers on the ship eventually caught coronavirus, which led to 28 deaths.

The handling of the ship's docking triggered a NSW Police investigation and a government inquiry.

Hundreds of holiday-goers have packed into the first all-but-sold-out flight from Australia to Bali in more than two years.

Direct trips to the holiday hotspot have re-opened after the Indonesian government relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions.

Fully vaccinated arrivals will no longer have to quarantine on arrival, once again rendering Bali a viable vacation destination.

LIVE UPDATES: Anger over NSW flood crisis response revelations

More than 300 people are booked in for the first Jetstar flight out of Melbourne.

Jetstar CEO Gareth Evans said the re-opening of direct flights to Bali signalled the return of "international leisure travel".

"Bali is our biggest and our most important route," he told Today.

Jetstar will initially offer three flights between Melbourne and Bali every week, but the number will grow.

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Flights from Sydney and Perth to Bali will begin at the start of April, while Queensland-Bali flights will open in May.

Flights to Vietnam and Japan are also on the cards for April.

"Then a little later on, places like Korea too," Mr Evans said.

"We are continuing to look for other opportunities to fly to new destinations. It feels like we are coming out of the tunnel and people are definitely starting to fly, and fly internationally."

Mr Evans admitted high fuel prices would see the aviation industry look to "recoup" some of the extra cost.

"Overall I think that airlines will have to put prices up to recoup some of the fuel costs," he said.

He also detailed the COVID-19 testing regimen Bali visitors would need.

Travellers will need to undergo a PCR test 48 hours before their departure time, and another one on arrival.

Mr Evans said that would all be organised at the airport.

But per Indonesian government requirements, visitors will also need to take a PCR test on day three of their stay.

They will also need to bring their vaccine certificates.

People who test positive for COVID-19 while overseas will have "flexible" options to move their travel bookings, Mr Evans said.

"You do have to have travel insurance as well to fly to certain countries like Indonesia, and we recommend that people take out travel insurance wherever they are going overseas," he said.

Visit the government's Smart Traveller website for more information.

The New South Wales State Emergency Service has addressed claims they twice "rejected" offers of help from the army in the lead-up to the state's flooding crisis.

Speaking to Today, Commissioner Carlene York said the SES were in talks with the ADF when the weather suddenly changed, putting Lismore in the firing line.

It's reported on the afternoon of Friday, February 25, the first defence offer was made, and rejected by the SES.

Ms York said she wasn't aware of any such call but admitted the call for assistance may have come through a local SES base.

READ MORE: Victoria braces for storms as rains return to Sydney

"There's been a suggestion we had a phone call from the ADF, I'm unaware of that," Ms York said.

"I'm not saying we rejected calls from the ADF. We were speaking to them and getting the helicopters pre-positioned.

"The local bases might have call someone, they might have rung into the operations centre, I'm not denying a call was made.

"We did not at that stage think we were beyond our capacity and we needed them to come in."

Ms York said the SES was stretched and following the advice of the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) as the east coast low bore down on the state.

READ MORE: Major bridge finally re-opens after NSW flood crisis

"The weather came on much faster than we expected, we were door knocking and issuing orders on the night of the 27th expecting with the forecast it would come in the late afternoon of the 28th," she said.

"We look at the weather forecast for 25 February the bureau specifically said there were no heavy thunderstorms forecast for the north-east of the state.

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"We had flood rescues in the Central Coast and we were looking at severe weather down on the south coast.

"Hindsight comes, that this storm has come through in a range of areas across the whole State of NSW, across the whole east coast.

"We've been stretched. We've made sure we have pre- positioned and bought the ADF when in when we needed them it was obvious they were needed."

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said a thorough review would highlight any mistakes or oversight.

"I think that trying to cast blame is not actually helpful," Mr Hazzard said on Today.

"There will be a review and that will indicate whether there are further learnings that will happen in the future for any other similar situations."

How flood crisis unfolded in northern NSW

Six people died in the the worst flood the region has ever seen, leaving thousands still without power, running water or flushing toilets.

When an army Chinook flew into Lismore on Monday, February 28, the crew found a city already under water.

On the ground, local reservists, like Lieutenant Ben Fischer had already been tasked to help.

Back-up finally arrived by Tuesday and a Taipan helicopter collected Lieutenant Fischer's team for a delicate operation at Upper Main Arm near Mullumbimby, which was cut off.

They found two people who had been buried by a landslide in their house "for a long time," he said.

"(We) got rid of the trees and debris and looked to leverage some of the house that was on the victim," he said.

While the heroics on the ground were unquestionable, allegations an early Defence Force offer of a full scale surge wasn't accepted is now under the microscope.

READ MORE: Probe into bus filmed driving through floods up to windscreen

The first defence offer for assistance was allegedly made — and turned down by the SES — on Friday, February 25

That night, the Commonwealth activated its disaster response plan for the east coast.

A second call was put into the SES, and help was again allegedly rejected.

Over the weekend, troops surged in South East Queensland, as Brisbane was inundated by floods.

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But it wasn't until mid-afternoon on the Monday that NSW called for ADF aerial support, and the Army flew in.

By then residents had already spent hours stranded on rooftops in the rain, as waters rose.

The SES was inundated, and it was a civilian armada who sprung into action, performing 4000 rescues.

READ MORE: Aussies dip deep to raise over $25 million for flood victims

Premier Dominic Perrottet added: "We get all the information and make an assessment on what went well and what can be done better."

Lismore mayor Steve Kreig said local knowledge on the ground needs to be used.

Meanwhile the town's sewage treatment plant has been decimated.

It will take up to four months and $30 million to fix.

Victoria is bracing for a round of thunderstorms this afternoon, while rain is expected to return to Sydney as the clean up continues from the devastating floods.

The potential wet weather comes after several days of sunny, clear skies in the New South Wales capital. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said up to two millimetres of rain could fall on Sydney today.

But it was another state that bore of the brunt of extreme weather last night; Victoria's skyline lit up as a severe thunderstorm rolled through Melbourne's south-east.

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Pulses of lightning were seen over Cranbourne and Frankston, while hail smashed parts of Drouin in the east.

There are more showers and thunderstorms forecast for Melbourne's northern suburbs this afternoon.

A humid and unstable airmass is triggering the thunderstorm activity, the BoM said.

The BoM had also issued a severe storm warning over south-eastern Victoria overnight, but that has since been downgraded.

READ MORE: Offers for army to help in Lismore, NSW floods were rejected twice

https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1502874496906280969

"The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary," BoM said.

Meanwhile WA is battling another extreme as two bushfires rage.

One is burning east of Bunbury and the other in the Hawke National Park was burning at emergency levels last night.

Both blazes have since been downgraded to a Watch and Act due to cooler weather.

"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services wrote on Facebook.

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Flood clean-up continues across NSW, Queensland

Windsor Bridge and Wilberforce Road along the Hawkesbury River are set to reopen in Sydney's west under a reduced speed limit today.

The crossings were completely submerged as an east coast low lashed NSW.

READ MORE: Probe into bus filmed driving through floods up to windscreen in Sydney

While the rain has eased the wet weather is still causing chaos.

A family home backing onto the Nepean River suffered a landslip yesterday as waterlogged ground gave way.

Meanwhile, in Queensland water users are still being told it is still not safe to enter the Brisbane River.

Authorities say there is 160 large objects yet to be removed from the river.

The process could take weeks. To date, 1100 tonnes of material from yachts, jet skis and debris has already been pulled up.

Read on to find out what the weather is doing around the nation's capitals.

Brisbane

The mercury will climb to 28C in Brisbane.

There's a medium chance of light showers in the late morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming south-easterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then tending southerly 15 to 20 km/h in the late evening.

Sydney

Up to two millimetres of rain could fall in Sydney today with the BoM forecasting a medium (50 per cent) chance of showers, most likely during the morning and afternoon.

A maximum temperature of 25C has been forecast.

Melbourne

It will be a humid day in Melbourne, with a top of 27C.

The BoM has forecast a medium chance of showers during this afternoon and early evening, and the chance of a thunderstorm during this afternoon and early evening.

Canberra

The nation's capital will reach a high of 25C. It will be partly cloudy with the slight chance of a shower.

Hobart

A wet day is instore for the island state's capital. The BoM has forecast a very high chance of showers.

A maximum of 18C will be felt.

Adelaide

It will be partly cloudy in Adelaide today, with the mercury reaching 33C.

There's a medium chance of showers about the northern suburbs, and a slight chance elsewhere.

The BoM has also forecast a chance of a thunderstorm about the northern suburbs during this afternoon and evening.

Darwin

Wet weather will also be felt in tropical Darwin. There's a high chance of showers, most likely in the late afternoon and evening.

As well as a chance of a thunderstorm, with gusty winds in the late afternoon and evening.

Temperatures will range between a low of 25C and a high of 34C.

Perth

Perth will see a partly cloudy 29C day. Light winds will become west to south-westerly 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon then become light in the late evening.

A 16-year-old is among victims of multiple alleged attacks across Melbourne this weekend.

A 26-year old man is also dead and two other teens are fighting for live, as police investigating a number of separate violent attacks while people packed the city for the Moomba Festival.

The heartbroken family of a 16-year-old, who was stabbed to death in the inner-north suburb of Coburg North, say they're desperate to know what happened to their boy.

READ MORE: Man's body recovered after angler swept off rocks on Central Coast

Neighbours say they overheard yelling coming the street, before rushing to try and help Declan Cutler.

He went to a party, but never came home, and was left to die on the edge of a road.

Police say he was assaulted by an "edged weapon".

"No teenager deserves this, let alone my godson," one relative said.

"It's just shocking, it's horrible for us as a family."

Stabbings in Melbourne city

Meanwhile, police continue to investigate the scene of a fatal stabbing in Docklands.

Early this morning two men in their twenties from Western Australia were stabbed following a brawl.

They were rushed to hospital with upper body injuries, and the 23-year-old couldn't be saved.

One witness told 9News he heard men shouting and then women screaming.

"It started to escalate. There had to be 20 odd people," he said.

Hours earlier at Flinders Street Station police were called to a fight.

A 15-year-old boy was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital with head injuries.

READ MORE: Six people hospitalised after 'large fight' erupts at Adelaide bar

Three male teens from Werribee have been charged with intentionally causing serious injury. A 14-year-old has been remanded in custody.

It follows the stabbing of an 18-year-old man in Federation Square as Moomba celebrations began on Friday night.

He remains in a critical condition.

Melbourne lord mayor Sally Cap said the violence was "disappointing".

"tI is unacceptable violent behaviour, whenever it happens and wherever it happens," she said.

Victoria Police acting Superintendent Troy Papworth warned people not to head to the city if they wanted to "cause trouble".

"Don't bother. You will be caught and held accountable," he said.

If you have any information contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The number of new coronavirus cases in an outbreak in China's northeast tripled on Sunday and authorities stepped up anti-disease controls by suspending bus service to Shanghai and ordering residents of another city to stay at home.

The case numbers in China's latest surge of infections are low compared with some other countries.

But authorities are enforcing a "zero tolerance" strategy that temporarily shuts down cities to isolate every infected person despite a rising economic cost.

READ MORE: China sees new surge in cases despite 'zero tolerance'

The government reported 1,938 new cases on China's mainland in the 24 hours through to midnight on Saturday, more than triple the previous day's total.

About three-quarters, or 1,412 cases, were in Jilin province in the northeast, where access to the industrial metropolis of Changchun was suspended on Friday and families were told to stay home after a spate of infections.

In Hong Kong, the territory's government reported 15,789 new cases, down by almost half from Saturday's total.

The territory's leader, Chief Executive Carrie Lam, warned on Saturday the peak of the latest infection surge might not be past yet.

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China, where the first coronavirus cases were detected in late 2019 in the central city of Wuhan, has reported a total of 4,636 deaths on the mainland since the pandemic started out of 115,466 confirmed cases.

On Sunday, 831 new cases were reported in Changchun, 571 in the nearby provincial capital city of Jilin, 150 in the eastern port city of Qingdao and 60 in Shenzhen, a business centre adjacent to Hong Kong.

Authorities in Jilin are stepping up anti-disease measures after concluding their earlier response was inadequate, according to Zhang Yan, deputy director of the provincial Health Commission.

"The emergency response mechanism in some areas is not sound enough," Zhang said at a news conference, according to a transcript released by the government.

In Shanghai, China's most populous city with 24 million people, the number of cases in the latest surge rose by 15 to 432.

The city government called on the public not to leave unless necessary.

It said inter-city bus service would be suspended starting on Sunday.

"Those who come or return to Shanghai must have a negative nucleic acid test report within 48 hours before arrival," said a city health agency statement.

Also Sunday, some residents of Cangzhou, south of Beijing, were told to stay at home after nine cases were reported, according to a government notice.

It wasn't clear how many of its 7.3 million people were affected.

"Please do not leave Beijing unless necessary," a spokesman for the capital's Communist Party committee, Xu Hejian, was cited as saying by state TV.

READ MORE: Prime Minister wants to end COVID-19 close contact isolation rules

An investigation is underway after a bus was filmed driving though deep floods on Sydney's Northern Beaches last week.

The video shows water so deep it covers half the windscreen.

The bus on the 185 route from Mona Vale to Narrabeen was empty at the time.

READ MORE: NSW premier commits $25 million to mental health support for flood victims

The operator of the service said it was aware of the incident and had "strict protocols in place governing driving through floodwaters."

Officials continue to warn people never to risk driving through flood waters.

READ MORE: PM rejects criticism he was 'too slow' to act in crisis events

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