Tag Archives: oceania

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Concerns tropical cyclone forming above NT

Meteorologists are watching a tropical low currently over the Gulf of Carpentaria to see if it will develop into a tropical cyclone that will impact the NT and Far North Queensland.

The low is currently 230 kilometres northwest of the NT/Queensland border and is moving in an easterly direction.

It's anticipated the low will intensify over the coming days, with the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone throughout Sunday night.

READ MORE: Cyclones, dangerous rain feared as La Niña forms

As a result, coastal and island communities between the NT/Queensland border and Kowanyama are being warned to expect wind gales over an area of 100 kilometres.

The cyclone, if formed, will also bring abnormally high tides and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding.

"The tropical low may develop into a tropical cyclone during Sunday night over the far southern Gulf of Carpentaria," the Bureau of Meteorology advised.

READ MORE: First tropical cyclone of the season brewing

"The tropical low or cyclone is expected to move southeastwards and cross the southeastern Gulf coast during Monday."

Residents in the path of the weather event are encouraged to visit Queensland's Disaster Management Services website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au and to have emergency numbers on hand.

The BoM advises for emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising floodwater, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).

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Thousands await Queensland border decision

Queensland's border to NSW and Victoria currently remains unchanged despite rising concern from the state's health authorities.

Currently, entry to Queensland requires a person who has been in New South Wales after 1am 11 December 2020 to apply for and receive a Queensland Border Declaration Pass.

Queensland residents who have been in a declared hotspot since December 11 can only enter Queensland by air and must quarantine in government accommodation.

READ MORE: Five Sydney residents fined for lying their way into Queensland

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young urged Queenslanders to reconsider travel to NSW and Victoria.

"Victoria's own assessment of the situation is that the risk of spread is right across the state, not just in Melbourne, which is why they have imposed restrictions across their entire state.

"This is very serious and we're taking this action now, like we did with New South Wales – this will ensure we know of any positive cases really early and we can manage our response accordingly."

READ MORE: Queensland border delays continue as five new cases recorded

Anyone currently in Queensland who has been in Victoria on or since 21 December should get tested immediately and quarantine at home or their accommodation until they receive a negative result.

"Things can change quickly really quickly with this virus – we've seen that in other jurisdictions, which is why I continue to advise Queenslanders to reconsider their need to travel to New South Wales or Victoria," Dr Young said.

"If you do decide to go, you need to be aware of the potential consequences, such as border changes and not making it home to Queensland before hotel quarantine is imposed.

"And if you're already in Victoria or New South Wales, consider coming home."

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Couple accused of escaping quarantine speak out

A NSW couple accused of fleeing from Victorian health officials at Melbourne Airport have released a statement explaining why they left without quarantining.

Terry and Debbie Elford this afternoon released a statement saying officials at the airport were unable to definitively tell them whether or not they would have to quarantine.

Earlier today Victorian Health Officials said the pair absconded from officers and were facing fines of up to $19,000 each.

READ MORE: Victoria records 10 more local COVID-19 cases

"We really are very sorry for the mess this has caused," the Elfords said in the statement.

"Like hundreds of others on 1 January 2021, we got caught up with the confusion when the rules about entering Victoria changed.

"We had a permit, live in a green zone in NSW, were flying from Canberra airport which is allowed, and after we arrived in Tullamarine, we were stopped by DHHS officers who were not able to tell us whether or not we needed to quarantine, so after about an hour or so we walked away."

The pair said they attended a family BBQ before flying back to Canberra.

Once they noticed the story this morning, they made contact with local police in Goulburn and have been tested for COVID-19. They are currently isolating.

Earlier today Victoria's Commander of Testing Jeroen Weimar said the pair were facing huge fines.

"They absconded, they disappeared in a vehicle and they were next heard of in Goulburn in New South Wales," Mr Weimar said.

"We are working with the New South Wales authorities. They will be facing at least a $19,000 fine each and perhaps further breaches of Victorian public health regulations."

Police patrol at the Albury Border Closure checkpoint at midnight on Saturday 2nd January 2020. Victoria closed its border to NSW again in the wake of another coronavirus COVID- 19 outbreak.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said the two were now in Goulburn, in NSW.

"This is a very serious matter. We have established the link between New South Wales' cluster and the outbreak in Victoria. We are determined to get on top of it and I know that requires what appears to some people to be tough measures but the virus does not respect state borders," Mr Foley said.

READ MORE: Unknown origin of cluster causes concern

Mr Weimar urged people coming from NSW not to attempt to cross the Victorian border.

"It's very important now that anybody who is in New South Wales who has a particular need or desire to come back to Victoria, do not come to the border, do not get on a plane and come to the airport, because you will be turned back and you won't be able to apply for an exemption at the border or at the airport," he said.

"Those wishing to cross need to apply for an exemption online and wait at least 24-48 hours for their matter to be reviewed."

Mr Foley said there had been an enormous amount of co-operation between Victoria and NSW since the "wildly infectious" virus had tracked across state lines but that the patient who brought the virus had not yet been identified.

"It has hitched a ride from New South Wales to Black Rock. We've yet to establish exactly the vehicle that has done that but we have established the science that has had that happen," Mr Foley said.