Health warning issued over extreme heatwave

HEALTH authorities are warning Queenslanders to take care and avoid extreme heat as the state braces for more sweltering temperatures throughout the week.

While fine and sunny conditions are predicted for most of the state today, temperatures are set to soar up to 40 degrees in central and northwest Queensland as the week progresses, with hot and dry conditions predicted to be tough on outdoor workers, young children, the elderly and those with medical issues.

Queensland Ambulance

Services acting executive manager of clinical standards Alex Thompson said those who worked outside should seek shade whenever possible during the extreme heat and, most importantly, stay hydrated.

While fire conditions were expected to ease today, it will be a brief respite, with severe danger ratings set to return tomorrow. Severe weather warnings issued for the Southeast Coast, Darling Downs, Wide Bay and Burnett, Capricornia and Central Highlands districts on Monday have now dropped to very high as a cooler change moves up the Queensland coast today.

GOLD Coast councillors will delay annual leave to debate the massive feedback from residents furious about proposed changes to the City Plan.

Councillors were privately briefed for the first time yesterday about consultation on the planning changes. Officers have produced a 1000-page report.

Councillors were due to debate the changes at a planning committee meeting today, and tick off on recommendations at full council on Friday. But they agreed it would be better to stage a special meeting on December 13.

“There was general agreement about another meeting,” a council source said. “It will give councillors time to review the material.”

The Bulletin understands the bulk of the opposition voiced in community consultation is about removing lowdensity zones at Labrador and Chirn Park.

The Gold Coast City Council has recommended Biggera Waters, Labrador and Southport West as the next expansion hot spots as the city braced for another 350,000 people by 2041.

Council election candidate Brooke Patterson said the extraordinary feedback called for change in council’s management approach.

“No one is doubting whether the process was technically proficient, but was it effective?” she said.

“By the time council allowed