Prepare now for severe weather

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The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 4.30pm
Date of issue: 12 March 2015    

 

Prepare now for severe weather for Kalbarri to Mandurah 

 

If you live between Kalbarri to Paynes Find to Southern Cross to Mandurah you need to prepare your home and family now for severe weather coming on Saturday.   

This includes people in Perth metropolitan area, Mandurah, York, Dalwallinu, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Northampton, Kalbarri and surrounding areas.  

This is very unusual weather that could cause significant damage to homes and make travel very dangerous.  

 

WHAT TO DO: 
DFES has these tips to help you and your family prepare before the bad weather starts:   

  • Trim branches around your home to prevent them falling on your roof or car.  

  • Clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain.  

  • Store or weigh down loose objects around your home or work like outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury.  

  • Prepare an emergency kit with a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.  

  • Organise an emergency plan, including a relocation plan for your family and pets in case your home becomes flooded.  

STORM/THUNDERSTORM/WEATHER DETAILS: 
As at 3.59pm on Thursday 12 March 2015 the Bureau of Meteorology advises Tropical Cyclone Olwyn is expected to weaken in northern parts of the Southwest Land Division during Saturday morning and the remnants of the system will move in a south south-east direction thorough central and western parts of the Southwest Land Division during the day.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds will be in parts of the warning area north of Jurien Bay to Paynes Find during the early morning before moving into the remainder of the warning area north of Mandurah to Southern Cross by the middle of the day.

On Saturday the ex-tropical cyclone will produce heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding. Widespread damaging winds to 100 kilometres per hour that could result in damage to homes and property. 

During Saturday afternoon and evening the system will move further south affecting remaining parts of the Southwest Land Division west of Southern Cross to Hopetoun.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

 

  • If your home has been badly damaged by a storm call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500  

  • In a life threatening situation call 000  

  • For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.auor call 1300 659 213.  

After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.  

 

KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

Lead found on nearly 20% of Northampton properties→

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Sarah Tallier reporting for the ABC: 

 Evidence of lead contamination has been found at nearly 20 per cent of properties tested in the West Australian town of Northampton.

 Click here to read full article. 

 

2015 Year 12 Drama Production - Antigone

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2015 Year 12 Drama Production

Antigone

· Date: Friday the 6th of March

· Time: Doors open at 6:45pm play begins at 7:00pm

· Who Can Come: Theatre lovers, Drama students, Friends and Family are all welcomed

· Where: Batavia Hall, Geraldton Grammar School

· A gold coin donation for entry and first in best dressed!

· After the production you will be able to meet the year 12 drama crew which include William Sturke, Ebony Teakle, Brianna Short, Annie Newcombe and Ellie Williams, and you will be able to discuss characters and production roles with them over a coffee and some nibbles.

· The production explores the style of Greek theatre, with a modern twist on some of the conventions.

· Antigone examines themes of love, loyalty, family, power, honour, control and fate.

Alert from B.O.M.; & Videos and Images of rivers in the area

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Email your videos or photos to geraldton@justeverything.com.au or message us on Facebook. 

Dave R. sent these images and a video of "Depot Hill Mingenew river full and flowing fast."

Dave B. sent in a couple of images from Ellendale Pool

Nik sent in these of the Irwin River

Shona sent a couple from Irwin river @ milo crossing

And some from Mountain bridge, on midlands road about 10 or so k's east of Dongara towards Mingenew.

... and this video

Blake sent this one in of the Greenough River

Shona also sent in some today of Dongara Beaches: Rivermouth wide open

Email your videos or photos to geraldton@justeverything.com.au or message us on Facebook. 

Alert: Flood Warning for the Greenough and Irwin River Catchments

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Flood Warning for the Greenough and Irwin River Catchments

Issued at 7:17 pm WST on Monday 2 March 2015

Western Australia Flood Warning Centre 

Heavy rainfall recorded for the 24 hours to 9am Monday has caused significant stream rises in the upper and middle areas of Greenough River and Irwin River Catchments.

The river levels in the lower areas of Greenough River and Irwin River are expected to rise overnight Monday and into Tuesday.

Predicted River Heights/Flows:

The Greenough River at Eradu is expected to peak at minor flood level (3.5 metres) overnight Monday.

The Greenough River at Karlanew Peak is expected to reach minor flood level (2.5 metres) during Tuesday morning.

The Irwin River at Dongara is expected to peak at 4.5 metres (minor flood level 5.0 metres) overnight Monday.

DFES advises people and communities to be aware that flooding is possible and be prepared to relocate equipment and livestock. Watch water levels. Travellers need to be aware that road conditions may be adversely affected and travel plans may need to be reconsidered. Do not drive into water of unknown depth and velocity.

Community information is available from DFES at www.dfes.wa.gov.au

Current river levels are available from Department of Water at www.water.wa.gov.au

This warning is available by dialling 1300 659 213. Warnings, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/wa/flood/

click here for more info.  

Weather Forecast:

For the latest weather forecasts see www.bom.gov.au/wa/forecasts/

Next Issue:

  • The next flood warning for the Greenough River catchment will be issued by 11 am Tuesday.

Information on road conditions contact Main Roads WA Customer Contact Centre on 138 138 or at www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

 

(Images sent in by Nic Johannsen and Shona Morton)

 

This video explains why we have such amazing biodiversity in our region

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It's a widely repeated fact that the flora (and fauna) biodiversity in the Mid West region of WA is among the greatest in the world. 

But anyone who has moved here from a more lush part of the world and tried to grow some veges in their back yard might be scratching their heads at such claims; It's quite clear the soils here aren't usually fit for the task. 

So how does one reconcile these seemingly contradicting assertions? ... our poor soil quality and our rich biodiversity. 

This video produced by MinuteEarth with support from UWA shows why this is the case. It's the very FACT that our soils are poor that has allowed such biodiversity to occur. 

4 Ways Fresh plants the seed for a new horticultural precinct and More jobs in the Mid West WA

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Around 50 full time equivalent and 75 casual positions will be created within the next five years in the Mid West as South Australian company 4 Ways Fresh expands its marketing and joint venture production arrangements with local horticulture producers in the Mid West. 

4 Ways Fresh will spend around $2.82million over the next four years to set up its operations on 135 acres of land at Bootenal,14kms south-east of Geraldton.  The company envisages around $7.50million in wages and other expenses will also be spent in the Geraldton area during this time. 

The Bootenal site will ultimately house 300 growing tunnels; a series of dams to conserve the natural rainfall run-off and a packing shed and cool rooms. 

Planting will commence in April with the company’s first crop of Lebanese and Continental cucumbers to be harvested towards the end of the year.  Produce grown on the property will be destined for Western Australian and overseas export markets with some over-run being sent to the Eastern seaboard.  

It is envisaged that after 3 years of production hydroponics will be introduced further enhancing the production level of the property. Summer cropping to include capsicum, zucchini and egg plant is also being considered for future production, opening up the variety of produce grown in the region.  

The company’s longer term vision is for further expansion of the site to enable outside growers to lease plots within the property for easier access to the packaging plant, in essence creating a new horticultural precinct. 

4 Ways Fresh is a privately family-owned company with 25 years’ experience in fresh produce production is one of the largest suppliers of fresh produce to major supermarket chains in most Australian states including Coles; Woolworths; IGA and Costco Wholesale.   

4 Ways Fresh chief executive officer Duy Ly believes the move to set up operations in Geraldton has been a long time coming. 

“4 Ways Fresh has had an association with Geraldton and local growers for the past 13 years purchasing local produce and we recognise the potential of this region to grow high quality produce.

“Our aim is to enhance the production of existing local growers by introducing new lines resulting in better crop rotation and better diversification to improve soil management. 

“We will provide local growers with access to our packing plant that will reduce their costs and provide better market opportunities,” Mr Ly said. 

Presentations made by 4 Ways Fresh to the Mid West Development Commission (MWDC) and Department of Agriculture and Food Geraldton were well received. 

MWDC Chair Murray Criddle reinforced that the development of the Agriculture and food industry was a key area of focus for the future development of the Mid West as outlined in the Mid West Regional Blueprint. 

“Agriculture and food is a key industry for the Mid West and there has been strong interest expressed for a dedicated horticultural precinct in this region,” Mr. Criddle said. 

“A horticultural precinct would offer environmental, logistical and efficiency advantages by having growers located close to each other and we are looking at ways in which the Commission may be able to assist local businesses equitably to achieve this,” Mr. Criddle said.

Department of Agriculture and Food central region director Pam I’Anson said the department supported development of new agricultural businesses in the region.

“While this area is traditionally known as a broad acre farming area based on cropping and livestock, it features a growing horticultural component which provides fresh produce to consumers in WA and nationally,” she said. 

Beautiful Video of Greenough River breaking

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This fantastic video from Chris Lewis of ABC Open shows the Greenough River breaking for the first time in 2015. It's set to some great music and really is well done. 

Filmed Feb 9, 2015. 

Definitely worth a watch. 

"Nibbled by a small shark"

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This was just sent in to Everything Geraldton: 

"My daughter was swimming today about half way between marina beach and Mitchell & Brown with me and a couple more of my kids. I think she was nibbled by a small shark on her right big toe. She was floating on a boogie board about 10m off shore. There is definite rows of teeth marks and because she kicked wildly to get it off the teeth cut her fairly deeply."

"She is ok, a bit shaken, but willing to get back into the water when it's all healed."

Video: Wildflowers of the Midwest

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Check out this wonderful 4 minute video about the Wildflowers of the Midwest
The Wildflower Video is being primed for the tourist season and has been produced by Cineport for the City. It showcases the colours and beauty of Wildflowers within the Mid West Region.
 

Wildlife deaths from fire upsets community - 15 year old charged over fire. Warning: graphic image

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Pic: Karl Monaghan Photography

A 15 year old has been charged with light fires that cause damage following yesterday's (10/1/15) fires in Geraldton.

Geraldton police could not release a large amount of information because the suspect is a juvenile, but they expressed that it was a very serious matter. 

While the offender is unlikely to receive the full penalty, the offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

Police said that the drain on their resources and other emergency services was a serious matter. The 15 year old will face Geraldton Children's Court early February. 

Click here for more images from fire. 

The following was sent in by Darren Darch from Fauna for the Future. FOTF relocate wildlife from land developments, rescue sick and injured fauna, and remove snakes from homes. They were on the scene at yesterday's fire to try and assist any wildlife they could. 

I apologize in advance for these pictures.
These DEATHS are a direct result of the fire which was started deliberty in Webberton area 10th Jan 2015. Please people who have the intention of lighting fires contact me and we can walk through the bush together and I can show you how many lives you will affect with your actions. 
This is not good enough and needs to be stopped at a grass roots level, before they light the fire.
The community can also be vigilant and call police regarding any suspicious activity.

15 year old in Police custody following Geraldton fire

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Geraldton Police say that a 15 year old is in custody and assisting them with inquiries following bushfires today (Saturday 10/1/15) in Strathalbyn, Webberton and Spalding. 

Various pics from community members

Study Confirms Earthquakes In Ohio Were Triggered By Fracking

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Via IFL Science:

A new study, released by the Seismological Society of America on Monday, has confirmed that a series of small earthquakes experienced in Ohio were triggered by fracking activity. This seismic sequence, which took place in March 2014, comprised five recorded earthquakes, ranging from magnitude 2.1 to 3.0.

Click here to read the full article. 

Full press release from the SSA

SAN FRANCISCO – A new study links the March 2014 earthquakes in Poland Township, Ohio to hydraulic fracturing that activated a previously unknown fault. The induced seismic sequence included a rare felt earthquake of magnitude 3.0, according to research published online by the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America (BSSA).

In March 2014, a series of five recorded earthquakes, ranging from magnitude 2.1 to 3.0, occurred within one kilometer (0.6 miles) of a group of oil and gas wells operated by Hilcorp Energy, which was conducting active hydraulic fracturing operations at the time. Due to the proximity of a magnitude 3.0 event near a well, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) halted operations at the Hilcorp well on March 10, 2014.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a method for extracting gas and oil from shale rock by injecting a high-pressure water mixture directed at the rock to release the oil and gas trapped inside. The process of fracturing the rocks normally results in micro-earthquakes much smaller than humans can feel.

It remains rare for hydraulic fracturing to cause larger earthquakes that are felt by humans. However, due to seismic monitoring advances and the increasing popularity of hydraulic fracturing to recover hydrocarbons, the number of earthquakes – felt and unfelt – associated with hydraulic fracturing has increased in the past decade.

“These earthquakes near Poland Township occurred in the Precambrian basement, a very old layer of rock where there are likely to be many pre-existing faults,” said Robert Skoumal who co-authored the study with Michael Brudzinski and Brian Currie at Miami University in Ohio. “This activity did not create a new fault, rather it activated one that we didn’t know about prior to the seismic activity.”

Using a technique called template matching, the researchers sifted through seismic data recorded by the Earthscope Transportable Array, a network of seismic stations, looking for repeating signals similar to the known Poland Township earthquakes, which were treated like seismic “fingerprints.” They identified 77 earthquakes with magnitudes from 1.0 and 3.0 that occurred between March 4 and 12 in the Poland Township area. The local community reported feeling only one earthquake, the magnitude 3.0, on March 10. 

Skoumal and his colleagues compared the identified earthquakes to well stimulation reports, released in August 2014 by the ODNR, and found the earthquakes coincided temporally and spatially with hydraulic fracturing at specific stages of the stimulation. The seismic activity outlined a roughly vertical, east-west oriented fault within one kilometer of the well. Industry activities at other nearby wells produced no seismicity, suggesting to the authors that the fault is limited in extent.

“Because earthquakes were identified at only the northeastern extent of the operation, it appears that a relatively small portion of the operation is responsible for the events,” said Skoumal, who suggests the template matching technique offers a cost-effective and reliable means to monitor seismicity induced by hydraulic fracturing operations.

“We just don’t know where all the faults are located,” said Skoumal. “It makes sense to have close cooperation among government, industry and the scientific community as hydraulic fracturing operations expand in areas where there’s the potential for unknown pre-existing faults.”

The paper, “Earthquakes Induced by Hydraulic fracturing in Poland Township, Ohio,” will be published online Jan. 6, 2015 and in print in the February/March issue of BSSA. 

Shark Alert

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Sent in: Just wanted to put a warning out to people. Hubby just got back from pulling his pots.  

Whilst out there in front of Mitchell and brown, had a HUGE shark come up to dingy. Our dingy is 14ft and the shark was as long as it easy, didn't have any way of taking video, worst luck.

Yes yes , it's the ocean and of course there's sharks and all that ridicule that people will come back with, but this was huge and I would rather put a warning out just in case. - Dannielle 

Video: Sharks circling cray pots

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Sent in to Everything Geraldton:

"Hubby shot this video this morning when pulling pots. Just amateurs, hadn't even thrown any bait over the side either, the sharks just came swirling up with the pot as it was being winched up. The longest was about 8ft. Hubby said they don't normally do that and they seemed very hungry and angry today, and more so when the old bait was tossed overboard. He said he was glad he was safe in the boat."

Price delivers funding for Durack trees projects (Wheatbelt and mid-west)

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FEDERAL Member for Durack, Melissa Price has announced $140 000 in funding by the Australian Government for two projects in Durack under the 20 Million Trees Programme.

Ms Price said the 20 Million Trees Programme is a key election commitment, providing $50 million over four years to deliver tree planting projects across the country.

“This funding is going to where the action is—to Landcare, community groups and organisations to enable them to plant native trees and shrubs in their local communities,” Ms Price said.

Both projects that have been successful in the first round for the 20 Million Trees Programme are in the southern part of Durack.

“The Yanget Station project, on ground between Geraldton and Mullewa, will see the planting of almost 17 000 trees to improve connectivity for three threatened flora species including the Endangered Grevillea bracteosa.

“The River Connection project in the northern Wheatbelt includes the planting of more than 32 000 trees on the Cunjardine River, a key tributary of the Mortlock River and Avon-Swan River system. This project will provide habitat and food sources for the endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo.

“I congratulate the Department of Parks and Wildlife and Greening Australia. These projects will provide valuable benefits to the environment and for our local community” Ms Price said.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt said nationwide, funding of $4.5 million has been approved for 57 projects.

“The projects funded by the Australian Government through this first grant funding round will deliver up to 1.6 million native trees towards the 20 million trees target.

“These trees and other plants will contribute to re-establishing native vegetation, providing habitat to support threatened plants and animals, and creating greener spaces to improve the liveability of our cities and towns,” Minister Hunt said.

As well as the grants, the Australian Government will be running a tender process for service providers to undertake large-scale tree plantings. Details are available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

The 20 Million Trees initiative is an important part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.