SAFETY FIRST

CAIRNS Regional Council chief executive John Andrejic said two recommendations had come out of the testing process – to install a physical barrier on Grafton St to stop cars crashing into the building, and to regularly check the level of heat produced by the building’s switchboards, which was already standard practice. A council spokeswoman said it would be inappropriate to release the report until it had been reviewed by QFES.

El Nino risk rises

THE Bureau of Meteorology ENSO Outlook has been raised to El Nino alert, meaning about a 70 per cent chance of El Nino occurring, around triple the normal likelihood. Similarly, in the Indian Ocean, a positive Indian Ocean Dipole may have started. Combined, these two events in spring increase the possibility of a dry and warm end to the year. It also raises the risk of heatwaves and bushfire weather in the south, but it also reduces the risk of tropical cyclones in the north.

Biker runs into dog

A MAN has been injured following a motorcycle crash at Mount Sheridan. A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said the man was taken to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition following an incident involving a motorcycle and dog about 10am yesterday on Keats Close. It’s understood the dog may have come into the path of the motorcycle and the man lost control.

Fire permits on hold

FIRE permits have been put on hold across the Mareeba Shire and Tablelands region due to heightened fire conditions. Permits are issued by local fire wardens to carry out controlled burns. But Queensland Fire and Emergency Services say permits cannot be obtained again until November 15.