Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 23 Sep 2025

A Gladstone company has been fined $1 million for causing serious environmental harm, following a major chemical release at its alumina refinery in March 2022.

The release occurred when a pipe in a high-pressure system ruptured.

The pipe was carrying a dangerous chemical mixture called spent liquor, which turned into a vapour plume that drifted into a nearby Gladstone residential area.

While no injuries were reported, the incident posed a potential significant risk to residents’ health, as spent liquor contains sodium hydroxide.

The incident caused more than $800,000 in insurance claims relating to property damage.

On Monday, 22 September 2025, Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) was sentenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court and fined $1 million after pleading guilty to three offences against the Environmental Protection Act 1994:

• One offence of unlawfully causing serious environmental harm;
• Two offences of contravening a condition of its environmental authority.

A DETSI spokesperson said the sentence highlighted the Department’s commitment to holding companies accountable for their actions and ensuring the safety of Queenslanders and the environment.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Consultation is now open and Transport for NSW is seeking feedback from road users and the community on their experiences travelling along and accessing the M1 Princes Motorway between Picton Road and the base of Mount Ousley. 

The Australian and NSW governments have jointly committed $10 million towards planning for options to improve the safety and reliability of this five-kilometre section of the M1 Princes Motorway. 

Site investigations will be carried out in coming months and will be used in conjunction with community feedback to inform planning and development of upgrade options.

Read the full media release (PDF, 84.4 KB) for more information.

Source: New South Wales – News

Just before 2am Friday 5 September, a suspect entered a service station on North East Road, Walkerville armed with a hammer and demanded cash from the till. Staff retreated and the man damaged an eftpos machine before fleeing empty handed.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian man, about 180 cms tall, slim build and was wearing a black Everlast tracksuit. He is believed to have left the area in a distinctive white ute.

Eastern District detectives have released CCTV footage of the man and ute, and are asking for assistance from the public to solve this case.

If you recognise the suspect or vehicle, contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000 – you can remain anonymous.

Reference: 29438

Source: South Australia Police

The Wanneroo Town Centre will turn pink this October to raise awareness and support for the vital work done by McGrath Foundation Cancer Care Nurses.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search for light plane formally suspended

Tuesday, 23 September 2025 – 3:40 pm.

Following a comprehensive review, police have formally suspended the search for a light plane that went missing last month from northern Tasmania with two people on board.
Tasmania Police Inspector Craig Fox said extensive search operations had been conducted for the missing plane since August 2 in Tasmania’s north, along the northern coastline, over the Furneaux islands group and extending into Bass Strait.
“Considerable search efforts have been undertaken, utilising resources such as the Tasmania Police helicopter for aerial searching and police vessels out on the water, but unfortunately the light plane, and its two occupants and their dog, have not been located,” Inspector Fox said.
“A thorough review has been conducted on the Search and Rescue response, and no new search areas have been identified.
“As a result, the search for the missing light plane has been formally suspended.”
Gregory Vaughan, 72, and his partner Kim Worner, 66, from Deloraine, were in a light sport aircraft that took off from George Town airport about 12.45pm on Saturday, August 2. The plane did not arrive at its destination in central NSW as scheduled, and family members raised the alarm on the evening of August 2.
“Inquiries so far indicate the two people on the plane had not been in contact with anyone, or aviation authorities, since they left George Town,” Inspector Fox said.
“Flight data regarding the aircraft, and communications, will be part of the ongoing investigation.”
Inspector Fox said Tasmania Police had been in constant contact with members of the missing couple’s family and they have been informed that the search has been formally suspended.
“There is no evidence to suggest the circumstances of the missing plane are suspicious however, as with any missing persons case, police will continue to investigate any new information received in the hope of providing some closure for the family,” Inspector Fox said.
Tasmania Police would like to thank all people that have assisted in the search or provided information to police.
If anyone locates any suspicious debris on land or on water, then please contact police on 131 444.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Work will start today to deliver $7.1 million worth of road safety improvements to the Snowy Mountains Highway intersection with Black Creek Road at Adelong to reduce road trauma.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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Source: Mental Health Australia

The speed limit for southbound traffic on the Newell Highway on the southern outskirts of Dubbo will be reduced to 80 km/h for the safety of all road users.

Transport for NSW conducted a speed zone review of the Newell Highway near the Dubbo Zoo Town Information Bay Rest Area, south of Dubbo, where a large number of vehicles enter and exit daily, including heavy vehicles.

Transport for NSW Acting Executive Director Partnerships and Integration West Holly Davies said the review assessed a number of factors including location, crash history, road environment, the number of access points, road usage, traffic mix and traffic volumes and recommended a speed reduction for all users.

“Currently the speed limit past the rest area along the Newell Highway is 80 km/h for northbound traffic and 110 km/h for southbound traffic,” Ms Davies said.

“The review recommended a speed limit reduction from 110 km/h to 80 km/h for all southbound traffic. The 80 km/h speed limit will be extended for 1.2 kilometres south of Obley Road and ending 70 metres south of Blackbutt Road.

“The speed limit for northbound traffic will not change.”

The speed limit change will add about 12 seconds to the average journey, a minor change that will deliver significant improvements for safety with no major impact on commuter or tourist trips through Dubbo.

The reduced speed limit will come into effect on Thursday 25 September and new roadside signage will be installed to advise motorists of the change.

Members of the community can sign up here to receive the latest updates on speed limits changes in their nominated area and to have their say on speed limits.

Source:

Five CFA brigades in Melbourne’s outer northwest have taken to the football field to challenge local umpires to help fundraise and raise awareness in the annual Mental Health Cup.

Brigade members from Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Truganina, Wyndham Vale and Point Cook swapped their yellows for guernseys at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday (21 September).

As a long-standing tradition spanning 17 years, Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade Captain Paul DiMartino said the proceeds from the last ten games have proudly gone toward a wide range of mental health organisations.

“As someone with hats in both camps, as a firefighter and an umpire in the Western Football League, I thought it would be a great opportunity to all come together,” Paul said.

“Once a footy season finishes, often the umpires themselves have a celebratory night which then flows into a mock game the next day for a bit of a fun run around.

“I started arranging and supporting that and thought why not get the firies involved. For those who are a firefighter and an umpire, it is not uncommon for your mental health to be impacted at some point in time.

“In both cases, it’s not easy and a lot of stress comes with it, so if we can support someone further, then great, and that extends beyond those professions too.”

Former Western Bulldogs AFL Premiership player Tom Boyd was a guest speaker on the day and spent his time mingling with the locals during the footy before chatting to them throughout a Q&A session post-game.

Tom put Paul in touch with Reclink as the lead foundation for the day, with all money raised going towards their programs that help to achieve better physical and mental health and greater social inclusion in Victorian communities.

Paul said while raising money is one thing for the chosen foundation, it is the awareness raised that they are most passionate about.

“There is obviously a stigma around mental health, and we want to help people feel comfortable to communicate their feelings,” Paul said.

“We know there are still a number of people in our community who know they can reach out for help but are not there yet.

“It’s just continuing to reiterate the importance of checking on people, and them knowing support is there, whether that is a friend, chaplain, psychologist, or counsellor, and that what they can offer is better than not talking to anybody. We’ve lost too many people too soon.”

Paul said the door is open for anyone over 16 to play, with no experience required and thanks all players, officials, supporters and sponsors for making this special day possible every year.

“Some firies are just pulling on the boots for the first time for the fun of it, while some have played before.” Paul said.

“In some games we’ve had both men and women play, and one of our best players in recent years was the daughter of one of the firefighters who was 17.

“This year, the umpires had the last laugh and took out the game by 20 points.”