Gorgon could be delayed until 2016

AUSTRALIA'S largest gas project Gorgon could be delayed until at least 2016 as joint venture partners Chevron and Shell differ on the expected start-up date.

It follows a series of delays and cost blowouts to the massive $US54 billion ($A60.02 billion) liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in north Western Australia.

Shell chief executive Ben Van Beurden presented a table to analysts overnight showing the estimated start-up date for the massive 450 million ton project had been pushed back to between 2016 to 2018.

Shell's presentation in London contradicts lead partner's Chevron's assurances that the project is on track to begin in mid-2015.

Chevron this week reiterated its start-up date for first gas next year.

In December last year, Chevron pushed back the time-frame from the first quarter of 2015 and announced the cost of the project had blown out by $US2 billion to $US54 billion.

A spokeswoman for Royal Dutch Shell, which has a 25 per cent stake in Gorgon, referred questions about the start-up time to Chevron.

The original budgeted cost of Gorgon was $US37 billion when it was given the green light in 2009.

Earlier this week, Chevron said Gorgon was almost 80 per cent complete, with two thirds of the gas already committed to buyers.

Offshore pipelaying was now complete and 65 per cent of the LNG from Gorgon had been committed under long-term contracts.

Mr Beurden also reaffirmed the company's $US15 billion target for asset sales over 2014-15 but made no mention of whether it would include a sell down of its stake in Perth-based Woodside Petroleum.

Royal Dutch Shell, a joint venture partner in Woodside's Browse project in Western Australia, has previously indicated it will begin an asset sales program.

Analysts predict Shell could reap $US6.95 ($A7.82) billion by selling its 23.1 per cent interest in Woodside.

Mr Beurden said the company had already announced more than $US4.5 billion of asset sales, including equity in the Wheatstone LNG stake and downstream businesses in Australia.

"There are more divestments to come reaching an expected $US15 billion for 2014 and 2015 combined," Mr Beurden told analysts.

Shell also said start-up for its 110 million ton Prelude floating LNG project would be between 2016 2018.

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

Indigenous concerned about Cape York plan

TRADITIONAL owners on Queensland's Cape York say they need more time to consider the government's 20-year plan for the peninsula.

About 10 indigenous groups say they want the March 25 deadline for submissions on the Cape York regional plan extended because of the significance of the plan.

The draft, released in November, outlines future land use for the region - mapping areas where development may be considered and areas of high environmental value.

Laura traditional owner Desmond Tayley says indigenous land owners, who will be affected most by the land use changes, weren't consulted before the draft was drawn up.

"This could be one of the biggest plans that affects how we do business on Cape York," he told AAP on Friday.

"The cultural heritage aspects are not really recognised in this plan ... the traditional owners and land owners have never really been consulted."

Mr Tayley says although the government spoke with Cape York councils, this didn't necessarily mean traditional owners were consulted.

He also wants similar protections offered to the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, where mining has been banned, extended to include rock art sites in and around Laura.

Traditional owners from Western Yalanji, Mapoon, Pormpuraaw, Archer Point, Olkola, Lockhardt River, Chuula, Batavia Downs and the Wenlock Catchment Group have also expressed concern.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says the draft plan was developed in close consultation with traditional owners and discussions will extend beyond the official March 25 deadline.

"The Queensland government is prepared to take as long as is necessary to get this plan right," he said in a statement.

"I can reassure communities on the Cape that all their submissions and comments will be considered in finalisation of the plan."

The 28 members of the Cape York Regional Planning Committee includes MPs, mayors, green groups and resource sector representatives.

The government has said the plan encourages economic growth, while green groups say it opens up vast areas of the cape to mining.

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vic MP recovering after surgery

A VICTORIAN MP who underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour is now on the road to recovery.

The member for Carrum, Donna Bauer, had surgery last Saturday to remove a large growth that was discovered during a routine medical check.

Doctors are confident that the tumour, which turned out to be an aggressive localised cancer, has been contained and successfully removed.

As a safeguard, Mrs Bauer will undergo a six-month course of chemotherapy.

The MP has assured constituents that her office remains open for business and she has thanked the community for their support.

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jakarta governor to run for president

INDONESIA'S main opposition party has nominated popular Jakarta governor Joko Widodo as its candidate for July's presidential election.

"To the people of Indonesia, please give your support to Mr Joko Widodo as the candidate of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle," the party's deputy chairwoman Puan Maharani, daughter of former president Megawati Sukarnoputri, said at a press conference.

Recent polls suggest that Widodo, a former furniture businessman and mayor of Solo in Central Java province, would win the election if it were held now.

Widodo rose to political prominence as Solo mayor thanks to his hands-on leadership style and programmes including free healthcare and education.

As governor, he has a reputation for paying frequent visits to Jakarta's slums, and is known for riding a bicycle to work.

"I have been given a mandate by PDI-P chairwoman Madam Megawati Sukarnoputri to be the presidential candidate of PDI Perjuangan," Widodo said during a visit to a Jakarta neighbourhood.

Analysts say the party is hoping Widodo's nomination will boost its support in the April 9 legislative elections.

The popularity of the ruling Democratic Party, led by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has been declining following a series of corruption scandals.

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

US producer prices dip

THE prices US companies receive for goods and services fell slightly in February, the latest sign inflation is tame.

The Labor Department says the producer price index, which measures price changes before they reach the consumer, dropped 0.1 per cent in February.

That's the first decline since November. A sharp fall in the price mark-ups by wholesalers and retailers pushed down the index.

Wholesale food and energy prices increased, as did the cost of pharmaceuticals.

Excluding the volatile categories of food, energy and retailer and wholesaler profit margins, core prices ticked up 0.1 per cent.

The figures underscore that US inflation remains largely in check.

Businesses have struggled to raise prices because of historically high levels of unemployment and meagre wage growth. That's made it harder for consumers to pay more.

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

US retail sales rebounded 0.3 per cent

US retail sales have bounced back after suffering a steep decline during a bitterly cold January, with people spending more on cars, clothing and furniture.

The Commerce Department said on Thursday seasonally-adjusted retail sales rose 0.3 per cent in February. Spending had fallen 0.6 per cent in January and 0.3 per cent in December.

The increase suggests consumer spending has started to recover after being tempered by snowstorms and freezing temperatures that blanketed much of the country.

Auto sales rose 0.3 per cent. Excluding volatile spending on cars, petrol and building supplies, retail sales increased 0.3 per cent from December.

Last month's rebound almost brought retail spending back to its December levels. Purchases at restaurants, online retailers and department stores also improved.

Over the past 12 months, retail sales have risen 1.5 per cent.

23.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hip-hop pioneers want NYC museum

THE pioneers of hip-hop are hoping to create a museum in the Bronx dedicated to the genre.

Organisers say the project would be called the Universal Hip Hop Museum.

Afrika Bambaataa says the museum would look at the historical and cultural roots of hip-hop and the contributions made by break dancers and disc jockeys.

Bambaataa is frequently called the father of hip-hop. He would serve as the museum's chairman.

The museum hopes to open in 2017 inside the Kingsbridge Armory, which is being redeveloped into a national ice sports centre. The plan was announced at a news conference on Wednesday.

Bambaataa says many people think of rappers when they hear the word hip-hop. But he says there's a whole culture and movement behind it.

23.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Children get wake-up call about sleep

CHILDREN and parents need a wake-up call about the importance of sleep, say medical experts who are visiting schools in Australia and New Zealand with their message.

They say too many children are not getting the good night's sleep they need to grow strong, think clearly and feel good.

Children aged five to 12 need nine to 11 hours a night. Older children need 8.5 to 9.5 hours until the age of 18.

But research shows 20 per cent don't get the recommended amount and up to 40 per cent have poor sleep schedules.

"Undoubtedly their physical and mental health is suffering," said sleep researcher Dr Sarah Biggs.

"We're on a mission to turn this trend around."

Increasing awareness and teaching good habits would ultimately boost health and learning, said Dr Biggs, co-ordinator of the Australasian Sleep Association and Sleep Health Foundation campaign.

Volunteers from the organisations will speak to 6000 students at 23 schools on Friday, world sleep day.

Their message includes the need for children to have a regular bed time, and to limit the use of electronic devices before bed.

Devices including televisions, computers and mobile phones should be kept out of the bedroom at night.

The volunteers will also promote MWorld smartphone app that teaches children about sleep and other interesting science topics.

"Sleep is regularly ignored, even though it's a pillar of healthy living alongside sensible eating and regular exercise, said Sleep Foundation chair Professor David Hillman.

Research shows short sleep duration and poor sleep scheduling are associated with health problems such as obesity, behavioural problems and poor academic performance.

"Healthy sleep is important for physical growth, learning, positive mood, energy and daytime concentration," said Associate Professor Nick Antic, who heads the Australasian Sleep Association.

"Healthy sleep is not just about duration. It's about quality and having a consistent sleep routine that keeps your body clock in sync."

Symptoms of a child being sleep deprived include being overactive or moody, struggling to concentrate, falling asleep during short car trips or while watching TV, or having problems at school.

23.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Americans spend $56 bn on pets

AMERICANS spent an all-time high of $US55.7 billion ($A62.20 billion) on their pets in 2013 and will creep close to $US60 billion this year.

Bob Vetere of the American Pet Products Association told buyers and exhibitors at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday food accounted for $US21.6 billion of the spending.

In 1996, when the not-for-profit trade association started tracking pet spending, pet owners spent $US21 billion on everything. Adjusted for inflation, that's $US31.3 billion.

Vetere says the humanisation of pets and the many positive effects pets have on human health should keep the industry vibrant for many more years.

For the long term, he says, he expects to see a pet health craze that starts for humans and pets much earlier and younger.

23.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Woman accused of stabbing man in neck

AN 18-year-old woman has been arrested and accused of stabbing a man in the neck in north Parramatta.

Police were called at about 12.30am on Tuesday following an altercation involving a group of people.

They arrested the woman and took her to Parramatta Police Station.

The man was taken to Westmead Hospital and is being treated for a non-life threatening injury.

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

Growing optimism among small firms: MYOB

A RISING proportion of small businesses is enjoying improved revenue flows, and there has been a sharp jump in those firms expecting better times this year, a new survey shows.

Research by business software provider MYOB found that while less than a quarter (22 per cent) of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) surveyed reported rising revenue over the year to February, it was the best result since March 2011.

Those reporting a decline in revenue also eased to 34 per cent compared to 39 per cent when last surveyed in August 2013.

The March 2014 MYOB Business Monitor also saw a significant increase in SMEs anticipating a revenue rise in the next 12 months - 34 per cent compared to 25 per cent previously.

MYOB CEO Tim Reed said the findings clearly told a positive story.

"Buoyed by record-low interest rates and a lower Australian dollar, local SMEs' hard work and resilience is now bearing fruit," he said when releasing the report on Tuesday.

The survey of 1032 sole traders to mid-sized companies found that those in finance and insurance were the most positive in terms of both actual revenue and the revenue expectations.

South Australia and Victoria were the most optimistic mainland states.

The price of fuel was once again the top pressure point for SMEs, as it had been since March 2011.

Cash flow remained in second place, while attracting new customers rose one place to equal third with competitive activity.

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

Australia gives $10m aid to Somalia

The federal government has pledged $10 million in aid to war-ravaged Somalia. Source: AAP

AUSTRALIA will pledge $10 million in aid to war-ravaged Somalia.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says $2 million will be given to support the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) to combat terrorism, while a further $8 million will be granted for humanitarian efforts such as water access and medical care.

Ms Bishop said enhancing Somalia's stability was in Australia's national interest.

"It will help combat terrorism, improve stability in the Indian Ocean Rim and reduce piracy along important trading routes for Australia," she said in a statement on Monday.

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

More Americans riding public transport

AMERICANS are boarding public buses, trains and subways in greater numbers than any time since the suburbs began booming.

Nearly 10.7 billion trips in 2013, to be precise - the highest total since 1956, according to ridership data reported by transit systems nationally and released Monday by the American Public Transportation Association.

Transit ridership has now fully recovered from a dip caused by the Great Recession. With services restored following economy-driven cutbacks, ridership numbers appear set to continue what had been a steady increase.

"People are making a fundamental shift to having options" aside from a car in how they get around, said Michael Melaniphy, president and CEO of the public transportation association.

"This is a long-term trend. This isn't just a blip."

Expanding bus and train networks help spur the growth.

Ridership on Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority light-rail trains increased 6 per cent over 2012, as the public took advantage of an expanded network of lines.

Overall, LA Metro gained 9 million trips to reach 478 million in 2013, the transportation association said.

Among the other transit systems in California with record ridership was the Caltrain commuter rail service that connects San Francisco with Silicon Valley.

Houston, which has been more notable for its sprawl than its public transportation offerings, had a large ridership gain.

So did Seattle, Miami, Denver and San Diego.

The New York area's behemoth transit network saw the greatest gain, accounting for one in three trips nationally.

Transit advocates argue that the public increasingly values the ability to get around without a car. They offer as evidence the nation's urban shift and the movement to concentrate new development around transit hubs.

"People want to work and live along transit lines," Melaniphy said.

"Businesses, universities and housing are all moving along those corridors."

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

UK scarlet fever cases at 24yr high

THE number of cases of the highly-contagious scarlet fever in England have soared to a 24-year-high.

Health officials say that there have been "widespread" increases in the number of cases in England.

During February there were significantly more cases of the bacterial illness than would normally be expected for this time of year, according to Public Health England (PHE).

In the four weeks to February 23, health officials were notified of 868 cases of scarlet fever - over the last four years experts have noted an average of 444 cases.

Officials said that the figure is at its highest for this time of year since 1990.

The increase has been noted across England apart from in the northwest.

An interim report on the infection stated that "routine monitoring of surveillance data has identified widespread increases in scarlet fever notifications in February 2014, beyond those seasonally expected. These are the highest notification totals for this time of year since 1990."

A PHE spokeswoman said on Monday that there are seasonal rises in scarlet fever between December and April each year.

Every few years there is also a notable increase in the number of cases and the latest bout of infections is likely to be part of that cycle, she added.

The organisation has warned health officials to be "mindful" of the current rise in figures when treating patients.

The most noticeable symptom of scarlet fever is a distinctive pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch. Other symptoms include a high temperature, a flushed face and a red, swollen tongue.

It is "extremely contagious" and can be caught by breathing in bacteria from an infected person's coughs and sneezes, touching the skin of a person with a streptococcal skin infection and sharing contaminated towels, baths, clothes or bed linen.

PHE's head of streptococcal infection surveillance Dr Theresa Lamagni said: "The first symptoms of scarlet fever often include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

23.46 | 0 komentar | Read More

Council demands action after record summer

THE Climate Council says Australia experienced "another angry summer" this year, with more than 150 temperature records broken.

The environmental group's report Angry Summer will be released by Professor Tim Flannery on Monday, who said Australia witnessed substantial heat records, heatwaves and extreme weather events over the season.

According to the report, Sydney had its driest summer in 27 years, and Melbourne experienced its hottest ever 24 hour period with an average temperature of 35.5 degrees celsius.

Perth had its second hottest summer and its hottest ever night, and Adelaide suffered through a record 11 days of 42 degrees or more.

Meanwhile, towns from Tamworth to Mount Gambia to Roma all broke records for the daily maximum temperature.

Professor Flannery said the scorching summer was part of an overall trend of more extreme weather events in Australia, and called for action on cutting carbon emissions.

"The latest summer was an another example of climate change tearing through the record books," he said in a statement.

"If we want to stop them getting worse this is the critical decade for action."

23.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

NSW inquiry into Ellis case opens

A PUBLIC hearing into the Catholic Church's handling of a child sexual abuse claim that ended up in the NSW courts opens in Sydney on Monday.

John Ellis, a lawyer who was abused as a child by a priest in the Sydney parish of Bass Hill, sued the Archdiocese of Sydney as well as the trustees of the church in 2005.

The case ended up in the High Court, which decided a trust could not be held liable for abuse.

The same court upheld a lower court decision that Archbishop George Pell could not be sued over abuse that occurred decades before he became archbishop of Sydney.

The case has become known as the Ellis defence and it is alleged the church uses it to persuade abuse victims to settle complaints through the internal process called Towards Healing.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse hearing will focus on Mr Ellis's experiences in the Towards Healing process and in civil litigation.

The hearing will be the second commission case study examining the application of Towards Healing.

Royal Commission CEO Janette Dines said the hearing will be an opportunity for the commission to examine the response of the Catholic Church to Mr Ellis's claim, including "the circumstances in which the Catholic Church raised what is commonly referred to as the Ellis defence".

Cardinal Pell, who has just been appointed to a senior position as head of Vatican finances in Rome, will give evidence during the hearing, which may run for two weeks.

23.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Motorcyclist killed in Melbourne's north

A MOTORCYCLIST has died in a collision with a car in Melbourne's north.

Victoria Police say the man, who is believed to be aged in his late 30s, died at the scene of the accident in Greenvale at about 11.30pm on Sunday.

They say the exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined but they think the car struck the man's motorbike at the junction of Somerton Road and Fleetwood Drive.

The female driver was alone in the car and uninjured. She is assisting police with their inquiries.

23.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Qld plane family 'braced for worst'

RELATIVES of a Queensland couple feared dead after the Malaysia Airlines plane they were travelling on disappeared over the South China Sea have thanked Australians for their support but say they are braced for bad news.

"All the family members are trying to remain positive for any hope of survivors (but) we are bracing ourselves for the worst possible outcome," the family of Cathy and Bob Lawton said in a statement released by Queensland police.

The Lawtons, who are parents to three children and grandparents to two, were among six Australians on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 when it vanished from radar early Saturday somewhere at sea between Malaysia and Vietnam.

The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing had 239 people on board, including a second Queensland couple, Rodney and Mary Burrows, and Paul Weeks, a New Zealander living in Western Australia.

Authorities are still searching for the plane while investigating suspect passengers who boarded with stolen passports.

"We wish to thank the Australian public for their well wishes and prayers," the statement said.

"Our family is at present trying to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.

"Our family's hearts go out to all of the 239 passengers, crew and their families on board this flight."

23.47 | 0 komentar | Read More