as posted here
Chalpat Sonti
May 22, 2009 - 2:19PM
WA's residential property market has experienced its best sales period in more than 18 months, with the average price for Perth houses jumping $10,000.
Real Estate Institute of WA figures show the number of sales in the state surged 40 per cent in the three months to March 31, driving up house prices everywhere.
The average house price in Perth is now $430,000, while unit prices in the city rose 2 per cent, to $348,500.
Residential land blocks also rose $10,000, to $230,000, driven by builders of first homes.
The average house price in regional areas rose 2.9 per cent, to $350,000, while unit prices jumped 7 per cent to $310,000 and land prices rose $2000 to $155,000.
There were 15,000 properties for sale during the period, with an average selling time of 76 days, similar to the previous three months.
"However, it is a patchy market and some areas such as Armadale, Gosnells and Wanneroo South have seen selling days come down quite a bit," REIWA president Rob Druitt said.
Much of the house price rise in Perth occurred in the "middle ring" and coastal areas.
Wanneroo South prices rose 7.6 per cent, while other healthy gains were posted in Waneroo North West (5 per cent), Stirling West (4 per cent), Gosnells (3.6 per cent), Cockburn (3.3 per cent), Bayswater-Bassendean (1.9 per cent).
However, western suburbs prices were down 12.5 per cent, Vincent fell 3.1 per cent and Armadale-Serpentine dropped 2.1 per cent.
The number of homes for sale in Perth stood at 14,300 at the end of April, down 3200 in about a year.
Meanwhile, the rental vacancy rate in the city was up slightly, at 2.9 per cent, with the average rent of $360 a week also showing little movement on the previous three months.
as posted here
Friday, 22 May 2009
Evicted Perth chef plans to keep on cooking
as posted here
Masterchef evictee Josh Catalano has accepted his demise from the Network Ten reality television show in the trademark laidback manner he became renowned, and often criticised for, during his stint on the show.
The Thornlie resident and fishmonger told thewest.com.au while he was obviously disappointed to leave the show, he was looking forward to the future.
His family have welcomed him back with open arms to the family business Catalano’s Seafood in Bassendean where Catalano will help set-up the company’s four new stores at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Centro Galleria, Garden City and Joondalup IGA’s store.
He also plans to host cooking demonstrations at the Bassendean store and is open to whatever career opportunities come his way.
“Anything is possible …but for now I will definitely stay in Perth and see what happens,” Catalano said.
He has his housemate to thank for his time in the spotlight, who convinced him to audition for the show after seeing the advert on television.
“I never thought from 7500 (people) I would get into the top 20,” he said.
In his Masterchef biogrpahy, Catalano stated he did not want to be a single man for much longer and it seems he may have got his wish.
During his time on the show, Catalano became close with fellow Masterchef contestant Kate Rodrigues, who also hails from WA.
However, he remained coy when questioned about what the future held for him and Kate.
“We are really good friends at this stage…we are pretty close,” he said.
“You’ve got no one else there (in the competition), if you are feeling down it’s a good feeling (to have) someone close to you.”
A highlight for Catalano was being told by judge and renowned food critic Matt Preston that he would pay money for his food.
He said it was an amazing compliment and confirmed to him he could actually cook.
However, he said he criticism from the judges that he was too laidback for the competition did not affect him.
“That’s just me …I’m not going to run around the kitchen in a panic,” he said.
With a big Italian family, Catalano said he wasn’t really into cooking Italian food and was instead “all about the seafood”.
“Seafood is a huge part …obviously (I’ve) got that fresh produce,” he said.
“With me it’s about stripping back the flavours and letting the natural flavours of seafood come out – that’s what I am about.”
Catalano tipped Victorian resident Sam to take out the Masterchef title because of his passion for food.
PERTH
LISA CALAUTTI
as posted here
Masterchef evictee Josh Catalano has accepted his demise from the Network Ten reality television show in the trademark laidback manner he became renowned, and often criticised for, during his stint on the show.
The Thornlie resident and fishmonger told thewest.com.au while he was obviously disappointed to leave the show, he was looking forward to the future.
His family have welcomed him back with open arms to the family business Catalano’s Seafood in Bassendean where Catalano will help set-up the company’s four new stores at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Centro Galleria, Garden City and Joondalup IGA’s store.
He also plans to host cooking demonstrations at the Bassendean store and is open to whatever career opportunities come his way.
“Anything is possible …but for now I will definitely stay in Perth and see what happens,” Catalano said.
He has his housemate to thank for his time in the spotlight, who convinced him to audition for the show after seeing the advert on television.
“I never thought from 7500 (people) I would get into the top 20,” he said.
In his Masterchef biogrpahy, Catalano stated he did not want to be a single man for much longer and it seems he may have got his wish.
During his time on the show, Catalano became close with fellow Masterchef contestant Kate Rodrigues, who also hails from WA.
However, he remained coy when questioned about what the future held for him and Kate.
“We are really good friends at this stage…we are pretty close,” he said.
“You’ve got no one else there (in the competition), if you are feeling down it’s a good feeling (to have) someone close to you.”
A highlight for Catalano was being told by judge and renowned food critic Matt Preston that he would pay money for his food.
He said it was an amazing compliment and confirmed to him he could actually cook.
However, he said he criticism from the judges that he was too laidback for the competition did not affect him.
“That’s just me …I’m not going to run around the kitchen in a panic,” he said.
With a big Italian family, Catalano said he wasn’t really into cooking Italian food and was instead “all about the seafood”.
“Seafood is a huge part …obviously (I’ve) got that fresh produce,” he said.
“With me it’s about stripping back the flavours and letting the natural flavours of seafood come out – that’s what I am about.”
Catalano tipped Victorian resident Sam to take out the Masterchef title because of his passion for food.
PERTH
LISA CALAUTTI
as posted here
Two lucky to escape after heavy seas swamp boat in storm
as posted here
Two people were lucky to escape after their dinghy overturned in heavy seas off Rockingham during last night’s storm.
The couple, a 20 year-old man and a 23 year-old woman were on their way to check on their yacht in Mangles Bay when their dinghy was swamped in the rough conditions about 6.30pm.
The pair managed to swim to their yacht and clamber aboard but were unable to return to the shore.
Water Police and the Rockingham Volunteer Sea Rescue Group later rescued the pair after friends, concerned for their welfare, raised the alarm just after 9.30pm.
Water police said the rescue served as a timely reminder for people to have safety equipment such as life jackets, flares and EPIRB’s on board when out on the water.
“It is also important to have some form of communication equipment, such as a marine radio or a mobile phone, to alert authorities to emergency situations quickly,” a police spokesperson said.
The historic pylon at Cottesloe Beach was knocked down overnight, with onlookers today describing conditions at the popular beach as fierce. High seas mean water is lapping at the surf club, and the beach has disappeared under the water.
Meanwhile more than 4000 homes are still without electricity today as Western Power battles to repair powerlines damaged by the storm.
The worst affected areas are in Canning Vale and Huntingdale where 2500 homes are without power.
Western Power spokeswoman Marisa Chapman said engineers were also facing issues at Mt Helena and Parkerville where trees knocked over powerlines.
“We still got a lot of work to do and there is a potential that people maybe without power for the rest of the day. It all depends on the weather and the amount of work. By lunch time we should have an idea on what the situation would be,” she said.
Since yesterday, SES volunteers have dealt with about 260 call outs and this morning are still dealing with hazards in Cockburn, Gosnells, Kalamunda and Swan.
Perth Metro SES operations manager Glenn Hall said most of the call outs related to localised flooding and trees falling over roads.
“We don’t expect the storm to be as bad as yesterday but people should still take precautions,” Mr Hall said.
Most of the hazards have been in Perth where 35 calls for help were made followed by Rockingham, 32, and Stirling, 28.
The Weather Bureau has this morning issued yet another alert, warning of possible widespread damaging winds, destructive gusts and abnormally high tides.
Wind speeds are expected to reach 125kmh while there is also a possibility of hail with the chance of a thunderstorm.
Rain is expected to continue for much of the day with temperatures reaching a maximum of 17C.
The State Emergency Service advises people to put away or weigh down loose objects, move vehicles under cover then stay inside away from windows when strong winds develop.
Boat owners should ensure boats are securely moored.
If caught outside find shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
If driving through heavy rain slow down and turn your lights on or if visibility becomes low, pull over and park.
For SES assistance call 132 500.
PERTH
LEE RONDGAGER
as posted here
Two people were lucky to escape after their dinghy overturned in heavy seas off Rockingham during last night’s storm.
The couple, a 20 year-old man and a 23 year-old woman were on their way to check on their yacht in Mangles Bay when their dinghy was swamped in the rough conditions about 6.30pm.
The pair managed to swim to their yacht and clamber aboard but were unable to return to the shore.
Water Police and the Rockingham Volunteer Sea Rescue Group later rescued the pair after friends, concerned for their welfare, raised the alarm just after 9.30pm.
Water police said the rescue served as a timely reminder for people to have safety equipment such as life jackets, flares and EPIRB’s on board when out on the water.
“It is also important to have some form of communication equipment, such as a marine radio or a mobile phone, to alert authorities to emergency situations quickly,” a police spokesperson said.
The historic pylon at Cottesloe Beach was knocked down overnight, with onlookers today describing conditions at the popular beach as fierce. High seas mean water is lapping at the surf club, and the beach has disappeared under the water.
Meanwhile more than 4000 homes are still without electricity today as Western Power battles to repair powerlines damaged by the storm.
The worst affected areas are in Canning Vale and Huntingdale where 2500 homes are without power.
Western Power spokeswoman Marisa Chapman said engineers were also facing issues at Mt Helena and Parkerville where trees knocked over powerlines.
“We still got a lot of work to do and there is a potential that people maybe without power for the rest of the day. It all depends on the weather and the amount of work. By lunch time we should have an idea on what the situation would be,” she said.
Since yesterday, SES volunteers have dealt with about 260 call outs and this morning are still dealing with hazards in Cockburn, Gosnells, Kalamunda and Swan.
Perth Metro SES operations manager Glenn Hall said most of the call outs related to localised flooding and trees falling over roads.
“We don’t expect the storm to be as bad as yesterday but people should still take precautions,” Mr Hall said.
Most of the hazards have been in Perth where 35 calls for help were made followed by Rockingham, 32, and Stirling, 28.
The Weather Bureau has this morning issued yet another alert, warning of possible widespread damaging winds, destructive gusts and abnormally high tides.
Wind speeds are expected to reach 125kmh while there is also a possibility of hail with the chance of a thunderstorm.
Rain is expected to continue for much of the day with temperatures reaching a maximum of 17C.
The State Emergency Service advises people to put away or weigh down loose objects, move vehicles under cover then stay inside away from windows when strong winds develop.
Boat owners should ensure boats are securely moored.
If caught outside find shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
If driving through heavy rain slow down and turn your lights on or if visibility becomes low, pull over and park.
For SES assistance call 132 500.
PERTH
LEE RONDGAGER
as posted here
REIWA claims Perth property market comeback
as posted here
DESPITE slumping house prices across the country, the Real Estate Institute of WA claims the Perth market has made a strong comeback in the March quarter.
According to REIWA, Perth’s median house price jumped by $10,000 since December last year, lifting the current median price to $430,000, with sales volumes returning to a 15 year average.
REIWA President Rob Druitt said WA’s property market experienced its strongest turnover since September 2007 with the number of sales increasing by more than 40 per cent since December.
“While the Federal Government’s first homebuyer boost has been a major reason behind this renewed activity, there is also evidence that trade-up buyers are returning to the market,” Mr Druitt said.
Perth also recorded an increase in unit prices, lifting by just under two per cent to a median of $348,500.
Blocks of residential land also saw growth in the March quarter, increasing by 4.5 per cent, or $10,000, to a median of $230,000, largely driven by first home builders.
Mr Druitt said there was a turnaround in house sales during the quarter, with evidence suggesting the number of sales for the month of March were 85 per cent above December last year.
“This increase in sales was experienced across all market sectors, particularly the coastal region from Scarborough to Butler and in the South East corridor in the Canning and Gosnells local government areas.
“Much of the increase in the overall median was driven by price growth in the middle ring and coastal markets such as Wanneroo North West (5 per cent), Wanneroo South (7.6 per cent), Stirling West (4 per cent), Bayswater-Bassendean (1.9 per cent), Gosnells (3.6 per cent), and Cockburn (3.3 per cent).”
“In contrast, some inner markets saw a fall in prices, including the Western Suburbs (-12.5 per cent) and Vincent (-3.1 per cent), while Armadale-Serpentine on Perth’s outer fringe also fell by 2.1 per cent,” Mr Druitt said.
The number of homes for sale in Perth had been progressively falling from the over-supply of March 2008. The figure had dropped from 17,500 dwellings in March last year to 14,300 at the end of April this year.
“This slide in the number of listings suggests that the excess stock built by speculators during the boom is likely to evaporate by the middle of this year, and probably triggering fresh construction,” Mr Druitt said.
Perth’s rental vacancy rate had eased to 2.9 percent, a figure that was historically normal for the city.
This had reduced the pressure on rents which had remained stable for the last six months, resting at a median price of $360 per week spread across both units and houses.
Mr Druitt said it was a similar positive story in regional WA, where house prices had also jumped by $10,000, or 2.9 per cent, in the quarter.
“A typical house in regional WA will now cost you $350,000, while units in the regions have jumped by almost 7 per
cent, or $20,000, to a new median of $310,000.
“However, unlike the city, land prices have remained quite stable, lifting by around $2,000 to a median block price of
$155,000,” Mr Druitt said.
According to REIWA there were about 15,000 properties on the market during the March quarter, down from around
16,000 in December.
“The number of selling days is steady at 76, meaning it’s taking about two and half months to sell a property in the
current climate. This is 5 days more than the same time last year.
“However, it is a patchy market and some areas such as Armadale, Gosnells and Wanneroo South have seen selling days come down quite a bit,” Mr Druitt said.
Mr Druitt said it was very hard to predict how the June quarter might fare, as the winter months were traditionally very quiet for the sector.
“The Rudd Government’s extension of the first homebuyer boost through to 30 September will have an impact, as will rates of unemployment and general overall consumer sentiment.
“Although it must be said that currently the market is looking pretty robust with keen buyers finding lots of opportunities to keep them motivated,” Mr Druitt said.
as posted here
DESPITE slumping house prices across the country, the Real Estate Institute of WA claims the Perth market has made a strong comeback in the March quarter.
According to REIWA, Perth’s median house price jumped by $10,000 since December last year, lifting the current median price to $430,000, with sales volumes returning to a 15 year average.
REIWA President Rob Druitt said WA’s property market experienced its strongest turnover since September 2007 with the number of sales increasing by more than 40 per cent since December.
“While the Federal Government’s first homebuyer boost has been a major reason behind this renewed activity, there is also evidence that trade-up buyers are returning to the market,” Mr Druitt said.
Perth also recorded an increase in unit prices, lifting by just under two per cent to a median of $348,500.
Blocks of residential land also saw growth in the March quarter, increasing by 4.5 per cent, or $10,000, to a median of $230,000, largely driven by first home builders.
Mr Druitt said there was a turnaround in house sales during the quarter, with evidence suggesting the number of sales for the month of March were 85 per cent above December last year.
“This increase in sales was experienced across all market sectors, particularly the coastal region from Scarborough to Butler and in the South East corridor in the Canning and Gosnells local government areas.
“Much of the increase in the overall median was driven by price growth in the middle ring and coastal markets such as Wanneroo North West (5 per cent), Wanneroo South (7.6 per cent), Stirling West (4 per cent), Bayswater-Bassendean (1.9 per cent), Gosnells (3.6 per cent), and Cockburn (3.3 per cent).”
“In contrast, some inner markets saw a fall in prices, including the Western Suburbs (-12.5 per cent) and Vincent (-3.1 per cent), while Armadale-Serpentine on Perth’s outer fringe also fell by 2.1 per cent,” Mr Druitt said.
The number of homes for sale in Perth had been progressively falling from the over-supply of March 2008. The figure had dropped from 17,500 dwellings in March last year to 14,300 at the end of April this year.
“This slide in the number of listings suggests that the excess stock built by speculators during the boom is likely to evaporate by the middle of this year, and probably triggering fresh construction,” Mr Druitt said.
Perth’s rental vacancy rate had eased to 2.9 percent, a figure that was historically normal for the city.
This had reduced the pressure on rents which had remained stable for the last six months, resting at a median price of $360 per week spread across both units and houses.
Mr Druitt said it was a similar positive story in regional WA, where house prices had also jumped by $10,000, or 2.9 per cent, in the quarter.
“A typical house in regional WA will now cost you $350,000, while units in the regions have jumped by almost 7 per
cent, or $20,000, to a new median of $310,000.
“However, unlike the city, land prices have remained quite stable, lifting by around $2,000 to a median block price of
$155,000,” Mr Druitt said.
According to REIWA there were about 15,000 properties on the market during the March quarter, down from around
16,000 in December.
“The number of selling days is steady at 76, meaning it’s taking about two and half months to sell a property in the
current climate. This is 5 days more than the same time last year.
“However, it is a patchy market and some areas such as Armadale, Gosnells and Wanneroo South have seen selling days come down quite a bit,” Mr Druitt said.
Mr Druitt said it was very hard to predict how the June quarter might fare, as the winter months were traditionally very quiet for the sector.
“The Rudd Government’s extension of the first homebuyer boost through to 30 September will have an impact, as will rates of unemployment and general overall consumer sentiment.
“Although it must be said that currently the market is looking pretty robust with keen buyers finding lots of opportunities to keep them motivated,” Mr Druitt said.
as posted here
Thornlie cook deemed weakest link
as posted here
Helen Ganska, tv editor
May 22, 2009 05:27am
THORNLIE fishmonger Joshua Catalano has been evicted from Channel 10's reality series MasterChef, but today he's cooking up a storm on Perth radio.
This morning he will be taking up a challenge from Nova radio station personalities Nathan and Nat to whip up a meal from the contents of the radio station's fridge.
From 8.30am Catalano will be on-air talking about his shock elimination from the highly-rating reality show last night and thinking what to do with Nova's employees lunches and leftovers.
The three judges, chefs and restaurateurs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris and food critic Matt Wilson, often felt that Catalano was too laid back in his approach in the fiercely competitive competition, but his dish rated highly with the judges.
However the red team lost and he was deemed by his fellow contestants to be the weakest link.
"We had a team challenge and I was pretty much tactically chosen by the red team to break up the so-called 'kiddie mafia' group with Kate and Sam and I," he said.
"It is really strange as my dish in that challenge was the highest scored dish out of our team and yet Chris serves up raw chicken and stays in the competition."
He was voted off by the red team but was lost for words as to why they eliminated him from the competition.
"They cited my food knowledge as the reason for voting me off - it had nothing to do with my cooking abilities," he said.
"When the red team went to vote I don't think I was the weakest link, but I was still voted off.
"I have come to terms with their decision now - it is a competition and these things happen in reality TV and maybe people vote tactically too."
The "kiddie mafia" group, named by outed competitor Brent, and discussed in the media is dismissed by Catalano who said the three of them are just close friends.
"We never sat there and plotted anything - we are just close friends," he explained.
"In the house we spent a lot of time together together.
"In fact Sam and I became really close and talked about things that we probably haven't shared with anybody else.
"You become really close to people when you spend every day cooking with them and sharing a house with them too."
Catalano was stoked to have made it into the top 50 competitors let alone into the final 20 - and has no regrets.
"Those Masterclasses with George and Gary were invaluable - I had to think what you would pay to listen to their advice," he said.
"This competition has really focused me - especially fuelled when Matt Preston said that he would pay money in a restaurant for my dish.
"I know I have a talent and I have to pursue it.
"I still dream of opening a seafood restaurant - but I had to put everything on hold while I went into the competition and now I have come back to bills that need to be paid and I still have a job to do.
"We have just opened out fourth retail store in Karrinyup and so as a start plan to do cooking demonstrations.
"The other retails stores are Garden City, Morley Galleria and in IGA in Joondalup - and I will also look at some cooking demonstrations at the Catalano operation in Collier Road on Saturday mornings."
Catalano thought that Nedlands-born Julia, who beat celebrity chef Peter Evans in the head-to-head challenge on Tuesday, will be in the final up against Sam and Chris - but said that Chris will take out the first Australian MasterChef title.
as posted here
Helen Ganska, tv editor
May 22, 2009 05:27am
THORNLIE fishmonger Joshua Catalano has been evicted from Channel 10's reality series MasterChef, but today he's cooking up a storm on Perth radio.
This morning he will be taking up a challenge from Nova radio station personalities Nathan and Nat to whip up a meal from the contents of the radio station's fridge.
From 8.30am Catalano will be on-air talking about his shock elimination from the highly-rating reality show last night and thinking what to do with Nova's employees lunches and leftovers.
The three judges, chefs and restaurateurs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris and food critic Matt Wilson, often felt that Catalano was too laid back in his approach in the fiercely competitive competition, but his dish rated highly with the judges.
However the red team lost and he was deemed by his fellow contestants to be the weakest link.
"We had a team challenge and I was pretty much tactically chosen by the red team to break up the so-called 'kiddie mafia' group with Kate and Sam and I," he said.
"It is really strange as my dish in that challenge was the highest scored dish out of our team and yet Chris serves up raw chicken and stays in the competition."
He was voted off by the red team but was lost for words as to why they eliminated him from the competition.
"They cited my food knowledge as the reason for voting me off - it had nothing to do with my cooking abilities," he said.
"When the red team went to vote I don't think I was the weakest link, but I was still voted off.
"I have come to terms with their decision now - it is a competition and these things happen in reality TV and maybe people vote tactically too."
The "kiddie mafia" group, named by outed competitor Brent, and discussed in the media is dismissed by Catalano who said the three of them are just close friends.
"We never sat there and plotted anything - we are just close friends," he explained.
"In the house we spent a lot of time together together.
"In fact Sam and I became really close and talked about things that we probably haven't shared with anybody else.
"You become really close to people when you spend every day cooking with them and sharing a house with them too."
Catalano was stoked to have made it into the top 50 competitors let alone into the final 20 - and has no regrets.
"Those Masterclasses with George and Gary were invaluable - I had to think what you would pay to listen to their advice," he said.
"This competition has really focused me - especially fuelled when Matt Preston said that he would pay money in a restaurant for my dish.
"I know I have a talent and I have to pursue it.
"I still dream of opening a seafood restaurant - but I had to put everything on hold while I went into the competition and now I have come back to bills that need to be paid and I still have a job to do.
"We have just opened out fourth retail store in Karrinyup and so as a start plan to do cooking demonstrations.
"The other retails stores are Garden City, Morley Galleria and in IGA in Joondalup - and I will also look at some cooking demonstrations at the Catalano operation in Collier Road on Saturday mornings."
Catalano thought that Nedlands-born Julia, who beat celebrity chef Peter Evans in the head-to-head challenge on Tuesday, will be in the final up against Sam and Chris - but said that Chris will take out the first Australian MasterChef title.
as posted here
Damaging storm hits WA
as posted here
Strong winds and heavy rain have lashed the Perth metropolitan area causing widespread damage and power cuts.
A storm which hit Perth early this afternoon carried winds up to 110 kilometres an hour.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) says fallen trees are blocking roads in Rockingham to the south of Perth, Canning and Hilton and about 60,000 homes are without power, including 3000 in the South West.
Allen Gale from FESA says the storm has also damaged properties.
"That's resulted in iron being lifted off some roofs, quite a few trees down," he said.
We're also aware of garden sheds, pergolas that have been flipped as well and in the city there's problems alongside the freeway because of unusually high tides and the wind action is causing water spray to come up over the freeway."
The Weather Bureau says more heavy rain is expected .
Grant Pipe from the State Emergency Service says calls for help are coming from all over the metropolitan area.
"It's widespread so it all the way from Wanneroo in the north and right down to Rockingham in the south and eastern suburbs as well both Armadale and Gosnells," he said.
Passenger train services on a number of lines in Perth were also disrupted due to electrical problems related to the storm.
Replacement buses were brought in to service the Fremantle line from 1.00pm.
Services on all Perth train lines have since returned to normal.
- ABC
as posted here
Strong winds and heavy rain have lashed the Perth metropolitan area causing widespread damage and power cuts.
A storm which hit Perth early this afternoon carried winds up to 110 kilometres an hour.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) says fallen trees are blocking roads in Rockingham to the south of Perth, Canning and Hilton and about 60,000 homes are without power, including 3000 in the South West.
Allen Gale from FESA says the storm has also damaged properties.
"That's resulted in iron being lifted off some roofs, quite a few trees down," he said.
We're also aware of garden sheds, pergolas that have been flipped as well and in the city there's problems alongside the freeway because of unusually high tides and the wind action is causing water spray to come up over the freeway."
The Weather Bureau says more heavy rain is expected .
Grant Pipe from the State Emergency Service says calls for help are coming from all over the metropolitan area.
"It's widespread so it all the way from Wanneroo in the north and right down to Rockingham in the south and eastern suburbs as well both Armadale and Gosnells," he said.
Passenger train services on a number of lines in Perth were also disrupted due to electrical problems related to the storm.
Replacement buses were brought in to service the Fremantle line from 1.00pm.
Services on all Perth train lines have since returned to normal.
- ABC
as posted here
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Cold front zaps 52,000 homes in metro area
as posted here
More than 50,000 homes in the Perth metropolitan area are now without power following the strong cold front that crossed the coast earlier today.
In the largest single interruption, power has been cut to a major transformer in the Riverton substation, affecting about 10,000 customers.
Western Power says the main cause of faults today was related to the storm. Debris, including household material, had blown into powerlines causing damage and in some cases bringing down the powerlines.
The other major power interruptions currently affecting the metro area includes Wanneroo (9000 properties), Amhurst (6000), Southern River (7000), Gosnells (3500), Padfields (2500), Arkana (2500), Yangebup (2500), Myaree (2500), Landsdale (2000), Parkwood (1700), Wilson, Forrestfield, Middle Swan and High Wycombe (all 1000) and Kalamunda (800).
There are a number of reports of powerlines down. Western Power has urged people to take care and stay clear of any downed or damaged powerlines.
Western Power said crews would attend to hazards in the first instance to ensure the safety of the general public and would then attend to faults and restore power. More than 120 hazards have been reported to Western Power so far today.
At 1pm, the Perth radar showed a strong cold front to the east of the city and is expected near Geraldton to Albany mid-afternoon before reaching Esperance this evening.
Widespread damaging winds up to 110kmh are expected to extend throughout the warning area during the day as the front moves east.
In isolated areas locally destructive gusts in excess of 125kmh may cause significant damage or destruction of property.
Today, Rottnest Island recorded a wind gust of 115kmh at 11.31am and Perth Airport 107kmh at 12.31pm.
Brunswick Junction has recorded 96.2mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am.
Meanwhile, a second front is expected near the south west corner on Friday and severe winds are likely to continue in southern areas.
Heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms may result in flash flooding mainly about the south-west district and adjacent lower-west and south-coastal districts today.
The State Emergency Service is advising people to put away or weigh down loose objects, move vehicles under cover and stay inside away from windows and boat owners should ensure boats are securely moored.
as posted here
More than 50,000 homes in the Perth metropolitan area are now without power following the strong cold front that crossed the coast earlier today.
In the largest single interruption, power has been cut to a major transformer in the Riverton substation, affecting about 10,000 customers.
Western Power says the main cause of faults today was related to the storm. Debris, including household material, had blown into powerlines causing damage and in some cases bringing down the powerlines.
The other major power interruptions currently affecting the metro area includes Wanneroo (9000 properties), Amhurst (6000), Southern River (7000), Gosnells (3500), Padfields (2500), Arkana (2500), Yangebup (2500), Myaree (2500), Landsdale (2000), Parkwood (1700), Wilson, Forrestfield, Middle Swan and High Wycombe (all 1000) and Kalamunda (800).
There are a number of reports of powerlines down. Western Power has urged people to take care and stay clear of any downed or damaged powerlines.
Western Power said crews would attend to hazards in the first instance to ensure the safety of the general public and would then attend to faults and restore power. More than 120 hazards have been reported to Western Power so far today.
At 1pm, the Perth radar showed a strong cold front to the east of the city and is expected near Geraldton to Albany mid-afternoon before reaching Esperance this evening.
Widespread damaging winds up to 110kmh are expected to extend throughout the warning area during the day as the front moves east.
In isolated areas locally destructive gusts in excess of 125kmh may cause significant damage or destruction of property.
Today, Rottnest Island recorded a wind gust of 115kmh at 11.31am and Perth Airport 107kmh at 12.31pm.
Brunswick Junction has recorded 96.2mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am.
Meanwhile, a second front is expected near the south west corner on Friday and severe winds are likely to continue in southern areas.
Heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms may result in flash flooding mainly about the south-west district and adjacent lower-west and south-coastal districts today.
The State Emergency Service is advising people to put away or weigh down loose objects, move vehicles under cover and stay inside away from windows and boat owners should ensure boats are securely moored.
as posted here
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Petrol tanker blast investigation continues
as posted here
Posted Fri May 15, 2009 5:08pm AEST
Updated Sat May 16, 2009 10:58am AEST
Police evacuate parts of Maddington as petrol tanker explodes (Ben White)
Authorities are investigating the cause of a petrol tanker fire in the Perth suburb of Maddington.
A rupture in a compartment of the tanker sparked a blaze which burnt through about 15,000 litres of fuel.
The fire spread to a nearby petrol station and shop on Albany Highway, forcing the evacuation of people within 500 metres of the blaze.
Local roads were closed for up to 10 hours during the clean up.
That involved transferring the remaining fuel to a second tanker, pumping fuel out of drains which lead to the Canning River, and mopping up.
20 Fire and Emergency Service firefighters remained at the scene overnight.
FESA spokesman Alan Gale says the blaze caused a significant amount of damage.
"The damage certainly to the rear of the tanker itself is fairly substantial, but probably more so to the building," he said.
"All the front driveway and canopy is extensively damaged."
Mark Brunt works opposite the petrol station and saw the explosion.
"I went and got a bit closer and could see everyone was bailing out of the servo and some guy was yelling 'Get out, get out' and yeah, this fire was just taking off," he said.
as posted here
Daylight saving 'dead and buried' in WA
as posted here
Western Australia will not get daylight saving after voters rejected the idea in the fourth referendum on the issue, electoral commissioner Warwick Gately has declared.
When polls closed with 71 per cent of the vote counted, the "No" vote has maintained a 55.5 per cent to 44.5 cent lead over the "Yes" vote - a lead which could translate into the biggest "No" result in WA history.
Daylight saving campaigner Matt Birney declared the concept of daylight saving in WA "dead and buried".
The "No" vote has registered about 532,000 votes to 426,000 for "Yes".
The "No" vote fared strongly in regional areas and the outer suburbs of Perth, including Armadale, Swan Hills, Gosnells, Geraldton, Dawesville, Darling Range, Central Wheatbelt and Albany.
Perth's northern electorates such as Hillarys, Churchlands, Midarie and Carine flew the flag for daylight saving in what was ultimately a losing race.
WA Premier Colin Barnett said the result was clear.
"West Australians don't like daylight saving,'' he told ABC radio.
Nationals WA president Colin Holt, one of the leading campaigners for the "No" vote, was understandably thrilled with the result.
"We're very pleased with the result of course," he said. "But we were a little surprised by how strong the ("No") vote was in some of the city electorates."
He expected the regional areas to vote against daylight saving, and they delivered with flying colours.
"If you were away from the coast, people didn't like it," Mr Holt said.
"There were (only) three or four electorates away from the coast who were in favour (of daylight saving).
"Some of the big ones who were against it were Darling Range, Armadale and Forrestfield."
He said most of the people who lived well away from the coast thought daylight saving would not improve their lifestyle, considering they "could not go to the beach" after a day's work.
Earlier today, Mr Birney told WAtoday: "It seems we are a little bit ahead in metro Perth and a whole lot behind in the country and that's not really sustainable unfortunately.
"... We're encouraged by so many people voting yes, but the great shame is that it doesn't appear to be enough at this stage."
More than 1.3 million West Australians today flooded their local school or sports centre to cast their vote on daylight saving.
In the weeks leading up to today's vote, WA was gripped with debate in the workplace, on talkback radio, on trains and even inside households. But now the people have finally had their say on the issue that has split the state in half.
Three times already the push for daylight saving in WA has failed.
The first vote on daylight saving in 1975 saw 53.7 per cent of the population vote against it.
The WA Electoral Commission has had its hands full to cater for the masses today with the Fremantle by-election also taking place today following the retirement of stalwart Labor MP Jim McGinty.
In that battle, Labor candidate and former Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferri has locked horns with Adele Carles of the Greens for the seat vacated by former Labor Health Minister Jim McGinty.
Before today, about 72,000 electors have already had their say on the daylight saving vote via postal and early in-person voting.
"The daylight saving debate has been of high interest to the people of Western Australia in recent weeks ... ," Mr Gately said.
The Commission set up about 800 polling places across the state and recruited 5000 casual staff for the day.
Almost 1.8 million ballot papers for the referendum and 62,000 for the Fremantle by-election have been produced during the campaigns.
- with AAP
as posted here
Western Australia will not get daylight saving after voters rejected the idea in the fourth referendum on the issue, electoral commissioner Warwick Gately has declared.
When polls closed with 71 per cent of the vote counted, the "No" vote has maintained a 55.5 per cent to 44.5 cent lead over the "Yes" vote - a lead which could translate into the biggest "No" result in WA history.
Daylight saving campaigner Matt Birney declared the concept of daylight saving in WA "dead and buried".
The "No" vote has registered about 532,000 votes to 426,000 for "Yes".
The "No" vote fared strongly in regional areas and the outer suburbs of Perth, including Armadale, Swan Hills, Gosnells, Geraldton, Dawesville, Darling Range, Central Wheatbelt and Albany.
Perth's northern electorates such as Hillarys, Churchlands, Midarie and Carine flew the flag for daylight saving in what was ultimately a losing race.
WA Premier Colin Barnett said the result was clear.
"West Australians don't like daylight saving,'' he told ABC radio.
Nationals WA president Colin Holt, one of the leading campaigners for the "No" vote, was understandably thrilled with the result.
"We're very pleased with the result of course," he said. "But we were a little surprised by how strong the ("No") vote was in some of the city electorates."
He expected the regional areas to vote against daylight saving, and they delivered with flying colours.
"If you were away from the coast, people didn't like it," Mr Holt said.
"There were (only) three or four electorates away from the coast who were in favour (of daylight saving).
"Some of the big ones who were against it were Darling Range, Armadale and Forrestfield."
He said most of the people who lived well away from the coast thought daylight saving would not improve their lifestyle, considering they "could not go to the beach" after a day's work.
Earlier today, Mr Birney told WAtoday: "It seems we are a little bit ahead in metro Perth and a whole lot behind in the country and that's not really sustainable unfortunately.
"... We're encouraged by so many people voting yes, but the great shame is that it doesn't appear to be enough at this stage."
More than 1.3 million West Australians today flooded their local school or sports centre to cast their vote on daylight saving.
In the weeks leading up to today's vote, WA was gripped with debate in the workplace, on talkback radio, on trains and even inside households. But now the people have finally had their say on the issue that has split the state in half.
Three times already the push for daylight saving in WA has failed.
The first vote on daylight saving in 1975 saw 53.7 per cent of the population vote against it.
The WA Electoral Commission has had its hands full to cater for the masses today with the Fremantle by-election also taking place today following the retirement of stalwart Labor MP Jim McGinty.
In that battle, Labor candidate and former Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferri has locked horns with Adele Carles of the Greens for the seat vacated by former Labor Health Minister Jim McGinty.
Before today, about 72,000 electors have already had their say on the daylight saving vote via postal and early in-person voting.
"The daylight saving debate has been of high interest to the people of Western Australia in recent weeks ... ," Mr Gately said.
The Commission set up about 800 polling places across the state and recruited 5000 casual staff for the day.
Almost 1.8 million ballot papers for the referendum and 62,000 for the Fremantle by-election have been produced during the campaigns.
- with AAP
as posted here
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