Archive for the ‘General’ Category

With a new victim diagnosed with Murray Valley Encephalitis, this is a timely reminder to ‘cover up’ against the mosquito borne diseases Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus diseases for the next few months. wear protective light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks; and use a protective repellent containing deet (such as Rid, Aerogard and Bushmans, check the label of your preferred one to be sure it contains deet)

From March to June is the peak period for the Kunjin virus and potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis virus throughout the NT, with activity continuing in higher risk areas until July.

Both viruses are transmitted by the bite of the common banded mosquito, which occurs in high numbers in the early to mid dry season. This mosquito breeds in flooded grassy and swamp areas and bites after sundown, with a peak in the first two hours of the night.

The symptoms of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus disease include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor and seizures – especially in young children. In some cases the condition progresses to delirium and coma, leading to paralysis, brain damage and, in a quarter of cases, death. Kunjin virus disease causes a milder disease, with fever and severe headache.

Anyone experiencing the early symptoms of either disease should seek urgent medical attention.

Two men have died from the disease in the territory in the last few weeks. Frank Young, 83 (From Queensland) died in the Darwin Hospital after a fishing trip. Mango farmer Theofilis Maglis (58) died in March this year from from brain failure after contracting MVE at his home in Batchelor.

I fnd this ridiculous as they get the most money on flag fall.

LATE night revellers are being stranded in the city because some taxi drivers are refusing to take them a short distance home.

The partygoers say many cabbies will not take a fare from the Mitchell St taxi rank unless the passenger is going to Darwin’s northern suburbs or Palmerston.

But the NT Taxi Council says the practice is illegal and has warned drivers they face stiff penalties if they refuse a fare.

One patron said he was ignored four times by cabbies while waiting at the Mitchell St taxi rank last weekend.

Tony Burns, 31, of Bayview said the drivers would wind down their windows and ask passengers where they were going.

“Unless you said you were going to Palmerston or the northern suburbs they would just drive off,” he said. “I was just mystified.

“The person on the line, supposed to be the big taxi manager, said he couldn’t do anything about it. It was their taxi.

“For it to happen four times in a row, this is obviously what the taxis think they can do.”

Another patron told the Northern Territory News she and her friend waited more than three hours for a cab home to Woolner from the Mitchell St rank last Saturday night.

Continued here

DEVELOPERS plan to build a billion dollar housing estate, marina and commercial centre in Darwin.

The proposed 1000-home, marina and hotel development would be called Arafura Harbour and stretch from Nightcliff to Fannie Bay.

It would be built behind a 3000m sea wall on mostly reclaimed land and would dwarf Darwin’s other two upmarket estates already built at Cullen Bay and Bayview.

Aboriginal traditional owners and Darwin City Council have backed the 12-year project.

The NT Government will consider it after a formal submission is made.

Arafura Harbour is being proposed by Gwelo Developments, which built the 28-storey Mantra Pandanas in Darwin city.

It is being headed by Gwelo boss Even Lynne and project consultant Hans Vos, who designed Cullen Bay.

They hope work will start at the beginning of next dry season.

“This is a project that could really put Darwin on the map,” Mr Vos said. “It will provide amenities for locals and tourists. I’m very excited about it.”

Continued here

“FORMER Territory administrator John Anictomatis was able to be propped up in bed to chat yesterday after undergoing open heart surgery.

And the first thing he did was thank staff at Royal Darwin Hospital for saving his life.

“They were marvellous,” he said. “I can’t speak highly enough of them.”

The Vietnam War veteran said the main artery to his heart had been almost completely blocked.

“I don’t know how it worked at all,” he told the Northern Territory News.

Mr Anictomatis, 63, was rushed to hospital 10 days ago after suffering chest pains at home.

“I was shocked,” he said. “I’ve always had good health, I’ve always been active.”

But there is a history of heart troubles on his father’s side. His dad died suddenly at 60 after suffering a massive heart attack.

Mr Anictomatis was treated at RDH and then flown to Adelaide for open-heart surgery.”

Continued here

Skye Blu is one of the new bikini clad waitresses at the Bikini and Topless Bar in the Top End Hotel. She has a few years experience in the hospitality industry, this is just a new challenge for her. As she enjoys meeting new people, I’m sure she will get to do that at the new Bikini and Topless Bar, especially with the tourist season coming up soon.

Apart from the wonderful weather, the beaches and the friendly people, I love the multi cultural aspect of it. I love sitting in the food halls and trying to guess which country people originated from. As I don’t drive, I use the public transport where I get to talk to many people. There are times I need to take a cab and I rarely strike an Australian driver. If it isn’t obvious, I will ask the cab driver what country he is from and they are usually quick to tell me as much as a 5 minute cab drive will allow, about their country.

Today my driver was from the Christmas Island! Whilst it is still a part of Australia, he didn’t *look* Australian, which prompted me to ask. He was the first person from Christmas Islands that I had ever met, so it was great to learn something about the tiny island in the Indian ocean which is north west of Darwin. He said you can tour the whole island in a day! But looking through google search results, there are hidden treasures that he didn’t mention. One is Christmas Island National Park.

Christmas Island supports a wide range of unique and unusual species and habitats, and although it has been mined for phosphates for much of the past century, most of the natural ecosystem remains intact.

The declaration of the Christmas Island National Park in 1980, and extensions in 1986 and 1989, placed over sixty percent of the Island under formal protection.

The Park contains the last remaining nesting habitat in the world of the endangered Abbott’s booby, the only nesting sites in the world of the Christmas Island frigatebird, supports the world’s largest remaining robber crab population and probably contains the largest and most diverse land crab community in the world.

See more about the park at Christmas Island National Park website.

The outdoor Cinema operates every Saturday Night at Poon Saan, even when it is raining.

Many events are held throughout the year to celebrate the varied cultural aspects of Christmas Island such as Australia Day, Chinese New Year, Anzac Day and Territory Day. Visitors are welcome to join these celebrations and details are available through the Christmas Island Tourism Association .

Many of the activities on the Island are run by volunteers.

THE lack of wild buffalo is not behind an increase in woody vegetation in Kakadu National Park, researchers said.

They blame “larger issues” such as increased rainfall and CO2 levels.

It has been assumed the eradication of buffalo has played a major role in the thickening of woody cover in the world heritage-listed park.

But researchers from Charles Darwin University’s School for Environmental Research found that while the density of wooded vegetation on the floodplain is up, the removal of buffalo is not a major cause.

Published in the Journal of Biogeography, their study examined the ecological effects on Kakadu over four decades.

“We wanted to see what has happened with woody vegetation in Kakadu over the last 40 years,” Dr Lynda Prior said.

“It has increased significantly since the 1980s and the obvious conclusion was that it was the effect of removing the buffalo.”

Wild buffalo built up to high densities in Kakadu until 1985, after which a control program almost eliminated the animals.

A buffalo farm was established at Kakadu in 1990 to supply meat to traditional owners.

Continued here

I was just watching Outback Wildlife Rescue on TV which features different rescue centres throughout the territory. They are The Ark Animal Hospital, The Australian Wildlife Hospital, Reedy’s Reptiles, Twinnies Seabird Rescue and Wildcare. The show is hosted by Ernie Dingo.

I hope I can remember to tune in every week to see the whole 13 part series.

Here is their site where you can read about them and all that they do.

With cyclone Billy hovering close to the territory, it is timely to remember Christmas 1974 when Cyclone Tracy nearly destroyed the city and suburbs when Santa didn’t make it to Darwin. Remember this song by Bill and Boyd?

Santa Never Made It Into Darwin

 

 

On Christmas Eve of ‘74 the warning sounded out
On all the broadcast stations a great storm was near about
The boys and girls asleep in bed, tomorrow was the day
Their mums and dads all prayed the mighty storm would turn away

Santa never made it into Darwin
Disaster struck at dawn on Christmas Day
Santa never made it into Darwin
A big wind came and blew the town away

Christmas morning was a nightmare as Cyclone Tracy struck
It ripped apart the buildings like an atom bomb had struck
It twisted iron girders and it flattened all the trees
The might of such a cyclone must be seen to be believed

Santa never made it into Darwin
Disaster struck at dawn on Christmas Day
Santa never made it into Darwin
A big wind came and blew the town away

Many boats put out to sea, very few returned
Most were founded on the rocks or in deep seas overturned
Australia was shocked and saddened as the news came through
The devastated city that must be built anew
The suffering and heartbreak to happen in this way
A natural disaster to come on Christmas Day

Santa never made it into Darwin
Disaster struck at dawn on Christmas Day
Santa never made it into Darwin
A big wind came and blew the town away

Santa never made it into Darwin
Disaster struck at dawn on Christmas Day
Santa never made it into Darwin
A big wind came and blew the town away
A big wind came and blew the town away

Before the cyclone season

• Check with your local council or your building control authority to see if your home has been built to cyclone standards.
• Check that the walls, roof and eaves of your home are secure.
• Trim treetops and branches well clear of your home (get council permission).
• Preferably fit shutters, or at least metal screens, to all glass areas.
• Clear your property of loose material that could blow about and possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
• In case of a storm surge/tide warning, or other flooding, know your nearest safe high ground and the safest access route to it.
• Prepare an emergency kit containing:
  • a portable battery radio, torch and spare batteries;
  • water containers, dried or canned food and a can opener;
  • matches, fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking gear, eating utensils; and
  • a first aid kit and manual, masking tape for windows and waterproof bags.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers on display.
• Check neighbours, especially if recent arrivals, to make sure they are prepared.

When a cyclone watch is issued

• Re-check your property for any loose material and tie down (or fill with water) all large, relatively light items such as boats and rubbish bins.
• Fill vehicles’ fuel tanks. Check your emergency kit and fill water containers.
• Ensure household members know which is the strongest part of the house and what to do in the event of a cyclone warning or an evacuation.
• Tune to your local radio/TV for further information and warnings.
• Check that neighbours are aware of the situation and are preparing.

When a cyclone warning is issued

Depending on official advice provided by your local authorities as the event evolves; the following actions may be warranted.

• If requested by local authorities, collect children from school or childcare centre and go home.
• Park vehicles under solid shelter (hand brake on and in gear).
• Put wooden or plastic outdoor furniture in your pool or inside with other loose items.
• Close shutters or board-up or heavily tape all windows. Draw curtains and lock doors.
• Pack an evacuation kit of warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula, nappies,
  valuables, important papers, photos and mementos in waterproof bags to be taken with
  your emergency kit. Large/heavy valuables could be protected in a strong cupboard.
• Remain indoors (with your pets). Stay tuned to your local radio/TV for further information.

On warning of local evacuation

Based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights, evacuation may be necessary.
Official advice will be given on local radio/TV regarding safe routes and when to move.

• Wear strong shoes (not thongs) and tough clothing for protection.
• Lock doors; turn off power, gas, and water; take your evacuation and emergency kits.
• If evacuating inland (out of town), take pets and leave early to avoid heavy traffic, flooding and wind hazards.
• If evacuating to a public shelter or higher location, follow police and State/Territory Emergency Services directions.
• If going to a public shelter, take bedding needs and books or games for children.
• Leave pets protected and with food and water.

When the cyclone strikes

• Disconnect all electrical appliances. Listen to your battery radio for updates.
• Stay inside and shelter {well clear of windows) in the strongest part of the building,
  i.e. cellar, internal hallway or bathroom. Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you.
• If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a
  strong table or bench or hold onto a solid fixture, e.g. a water pipe.
• Beware the calm ‘eye’. If the wind drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over; violent winds
  will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official ‘all clear’.
• If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear) – but well away from the sea and clear of trees,
  power lines and streams. Stay in the vehicle.

After the cyclone

• Don’t go outside until officially advised it is safe.
• Check for gas leaks. Don’t use electric appliances if wet.
• Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
• If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, don’t return until advised. Use a recommended route and don’t rush.
• Beware of damaged power lines, bridges, buildings, trees, and don’t enter floodwaters.
• Heed all warnings and don’t go sightseeing. Check/help neighbours instead.
• Don’t make unnecessary telephone calls.

Note: Managers of resorts, hotels, motels, and caravan parks should take steps to ensure visitors are aware of the dangers and know what to do in the event of a cyclone. Free Protecting Caravans information is available from your State/Territory Emergency Service.

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Where can I get information?

The main sources of cyclone information are radio and television stations. During a cyclone threat, some stations keep local staff on duty 24 hours a day to broadcast cyclone information. Because of the high chance of the power supply being disrupted, it is important to have a battery-operated radio to listen for cyclone advices.

The Bureau also provides the latest watches, warnings and supporting information on this website and through its telephone and Weather-by-Fax services. Look in your Telephone Directory under Bureau of Meteorology to obtain numbers for additional services which are not listed below. Further preparedness and general information on cyclones is produced by Emergency Management Australia and is available from the State/Territory Emergency Services.

Bureau of Meteorology

In addition to the web services the Bureau issues phone and fax information services.

Automated Telephone Messages: Cyclone Advices (Watch/Warning):

• QLD: 1300 659 212
• NT: 1300 659 211
• WA: 1300 659 210

Weather-by-Fax: Directory pages (poll fax):

• QLD: 1902 935 277
• NT: 1902 935 218
• WA: 1902 935 297

Emergency services agencies

• Emergency Management Australia: www.ema.gov.au
• Western Australia: Fire & Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA)
  • Cyclone action advice
  • Phone: 08 9323 9300 (see local phone directory for regional offices)
• Northern Territory: Northern Territory Emergency Services ( NTES)
  • Cyclone action advice
  • Phone: 08 8922 3630
• Queensland: Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ)
  • Cyclone action advice
  • Phone: 07 3247 8400 (see local phone directory for regional offices)
• NSW: State Emergency Service (SES)

More on Cyclones here including previous cyclone.