WA's Taste Master reluctant to leave

With six weeks to go on his six-month contract, WA's Taste Master Rich Keam is reluctant to say goodbye. Source: News Limited

JUMPING out of a plane was not as frightening as scaling the famously hair-raising Gloucester Tree in Western Australia's South West region, the man with one of the best jobs in the world says.

Rich Keam counts the 72-metre tree near Pemberton as the only challenge that's bested him in his enviable role as Tourism WA's "taste master" over the past four months.

The 35-year-old Englishman believes he scored the best of all seven gigs offered by Tourism Australia - including "chief funster" in NSW - as he's tasked with munching his way through WA's considerable culinary delights after beating more than 600,000 other applicants from around the world.

With about six weeks of his six-month contract remaining, he's yet to take in the temperate towns of Denmark, Albany and Esperance in the state's Great Southern region, and Geraldton in the Mid West.

But he's been dazzled by the Kimberley's rugged beauty, relished the South West - where he rubbed shoulders with top chefs such as Heston Blumenthal at the Margaret River Gourmet Escape - and taken the plunge from a tiny plane in the middle of Perth.

"I was absolutely terrified," Keam said of the tandem dive that landed him in the city's central Langley Park.

"I'm tall, so I had to stick my leg out onto the wheel and go head first down. That was surreal." However, it wasn't as scary as trying to climbing 153 thin pegs to the top of the Gloucester Tree, a former fire lookout in the middle of Karri forest.

Keam twice made it about 15 metres up then declared: "I'm coming down!".

"My eyes were blurring, I got sweaty hands.

"I'd sooner jump out of a plane.

"If there was a harness, I'd do it, but that's the challenge, isn't it - to do it without a harness." Keam said another top adventure was participating in the Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash, which starts in desert inland from Carnarvon.

The Brighton-based film costumer reached 220km in a souped-up buggy driven by WA's off-road racing champion Bradley Cooper, but it was the people he met in the fishing town that left the greatest impression.

"I just had a great time there," he said.

"There were really friendly people in Carnarvon - some real characters." And after sampling boab tuber chutney, ants and pearl meat, Keam's gourmet highlight was at the Sal Salis luxury eco-camp on the Coral Coast at Ningaloo Reef, where he feasted on pork belly and mud crab salad.

"I was the only person there," Keam said.

"It was so peaceful and serene, looking out at the ocean, so I took two hours to eat it." Keam says he'll miss WA - the ultimate self-drive holiday destination with its vast distances - and its family-friendly capital.

"I don't really want to leave.

"I'd like to stay here for a couple of years."

Cyclist injured in Bedford crash

POLICE are seeking witnesses to a crash in Bedford which left a cyclist with serious injuries. Source: News Limited

POLICE are seeking witnesses to a crash in Bedford which left a cyclist with serious injuries.

About 5.30pm a 38-year-old driver of a Mitsubishi station wagon collided with a 22-year-old cyclist at the intersection of Drummond and Beaufort Streets.

The cyclist was taken to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries.

Anyone who saw the vehicle or the cyclist prior to the crash, or the incident itself, should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Jemma's a starter for Cup glory

Horse trainer Jemma Hayman with Knightlike. The pair have their eyes set on the Perth Cup. Source: News Limited

IT'S a rags-to-riches fairytale just waiting to be written.

Not that trainer Jemma Hayman will be too disappointed in Knightlike if the reborn seven-year-old gelding doesn't win Wednesday's $500,000 Perth Cup.

Hayman can barely believe she has a starter in the race after gaining her licence in May and picking up Knightlike, which was bought for $8000 at a dispersal sale.

The 22-year-old, whose team consists of just three gallopers, believes the personal bond she has formed with Knightlike has been integral to his improvement.

"He came in with a real chip on his shoulder,'' the rookie trainer said. "He's a big horse and he was very intimidating and didn't want to trust anyone.

"Gradually over time he's become an absolute pet. He's beautiful now and he's very trusting. He meets you at the gate every morning and he wants to be worked. He's the true definition of a racehorse."

More than 15,000 people are expected at Ascot on Wednesday for Cup day.

DJ Ruby Rose is jetting in to entertain crowds with a one hour set from 5.50pm.

Knightlike is an $8 chance for the Cup, rocketing into calculations after winning the $100,000 Towton Cup three weeks ago.

It meant Hayman trained the first winner of her short career in a listed race.

Shaun O'Donnell will ride Knightlike.

Gates open at 8am and races start at 12.20pm, with the Cup race at 4.20pm.

A free bus will run from Wellington Street bus station to Ascot racecourse every 15 minutes from 9.45am to 1.30pm, returning from 3.30pm to 7.45pm.

Police shut down Camillo party

A 49-year-old woman has been charged after police shut down a party in Camillo overnight. Picture: File image Source: News Limited

A 49-YEAR-OLD woman has been charged after police shut down a party in Camillo overnight.

Officers were called to the Camillo Rd home about 11.40pm with reports from neighbours the gathering was getting out-of-control.

On police arrival groups of young people left the area, heading towards the train station and other areas. They were monitored by police but the groups dissolved without any incidents.

Officers allege a woman refused to allow police to enter the home where the party was being held and was involved in an incident with police.

She was charged with obstructing a public officer and assaulting a public officer.

Woman dies in crash near Narrogin

A WOMAN has died and one man is seriously injured following a crash near Narrogin last night.

A WA Police spokesman said the 30-year-old man was driving west towards Williams 10km outside of Narrogin about 6.45pm with his 31-year-old female passenger when the white commodore collided with a tree.

St John Ambulance officers attended the scene and performed CPR on the unconscious woman.

She was not responsive and declared deceased at about 7.30pm.

The spokesman said the car's engine became dislocated from the vehicle due to the force of the impact.

He said investigators from the Major Crash Unit would attend the scene last night.

The crash takes WA's road death toll to 160 this calendar year and falls just one death short of the lowest toll recorded since records began in 1965.

A St John Ambulance spokeswoman confirmed the RAC Rescue Helicopter was transporting one person to Royal Perth Hospital.

Anyone who saw the car before the crash should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Shoppers rush in to Perth

Shoppers have Source: News Limited

SHOPPERS rushed into Perth City today to finish their Christmas shopping.

Murray and Hay Street Malls came alive with buskers, charities collecting donations and decorations galore just three days before Santa comes to town.

What are you doing this Christmas? Tell us below.

While there were many shoppers out and about in the warm conditions, gift-wrapping volunteer Lisa Pitman said she expected a bigger crowd.

"We've been flat out but I did expect more people," Ms Pitman said.

"I think the extended shopping hours has helped."

Seven more reasons to celebrate

PICTURES: Christmas spirit in the city

The gift-wrapping service donates all funds collected to HeartKids, an organisation which supports families of children with heart disease.

Ms Pitman said as it got closer to the big day, shoppers were getting more generous.

"People are giving notes and getting much more generous," she said.

"Last year we raised over $10,000 - shows you how generous Perth can be."

Ciaran Fitzpatrick and Helen White were in the city to get some last minute gifts for friends.

"It's really good - not crazy busy," Ms White said.

"Quite a good atmosphere too."

Dog rescued but house gutted by fire

A two-storey home in Booragoon was gutted by fire overnight. Picture: Josh Tucker Source: Supplied

A two-storey home in Booragoon was gutted by fire overnight. Picture: Josh Tucker Source: Supplied

A DOG had to be rescued from a house fire in Booragoon overnight which caused $600,000 damage.

Firefighters were called to the Aldridge St home just after midnight after a fire erupted in the home.

Five career crews attended the blaze, which was extinguished by 1pm.

The second storey of the home was destroyed and about 50 per cent of the ground floor also damaged.

The cause of the blaze was accidental, sparked by an electrical fault in the home office.

Dog squad attend street fight

THE police dog squad and mounted section helped break up a street fight in Warnbro overnight.

Just after midnight police were called to Teraglin Way with reports people were fighting in the street.

About 50 people, mostly juveniles, were fighting and throwing bottles.

Officers declared it an out of control gathering and attempted to move the people on, during which a male police officer was punched and others were hit by glass bottles thrown at them.

The regional operations group, mounted section and dog squad helped clear the area.

Inquiries are continuing.

Police vow hoon crackdown

Police have vowed to crackdown on hoons. The Sunday Times and PerthNow have launched the Summer Slowdown road safety campaign. Source: Supplied

MORE than 1800 cars have been seized by WA police this year for hoon offences as senior officers vow to "ramp up" intelligence gathering on lunatic drivers this summer.

It comes as a police crackdown on speeding drivers north of Perth this week nabbed hundreds of motorists blatantly breaking road rules - including one driver who was allegedly driving 107km/h above the speed limit at 6.30am.

The figures were released to The Sunday Times and PerthNow as part of our Summer Slowdown road safety campaign.

The campaign is a call for West Australians to remain vigilant behind the wheel during summer, often the most dangerous time on our roads.

Superintendent Mick Emmanuel said so far this year 1826 cars had been seized for hoon related offences.

He's flagged an "aggressive targeting" of hoons by police this summer.

"We are only going to push harder on hoons, our intelligence on them is ramping up and we will target them aggressively and we make no apologies for that," Supt Emmanuel said.

Results from a speed camera operation north of Perth over several days this week clearly showed many drivers have a long way to go when it comes to adhering to simple speed limits.

The speed camera was placed on Marmion Av in Tamala Park on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

On Tuesday, 100 cars were flashed for exceeding the 80km/h limit.

One was allegedly doing 187km/h at 6.30am. Another car was clocked doing 139km/h.

Both cars will be seized by police under hoon laws and impounded for 28 days.

On Wednesday, 176 cars were flashed by the camera.

By Thursday, the number of cars caught speeding had plunged to just eight, a clear sign that drivers using the road were beginning to realise the police action.

Supt Emmanuel said police deployed the camera on Marmion Av following a string of complaints from residents in the area about speeding drivers.

He described the speeds of some of the cars as "totally unacceptable."

"It goes without saying this sort of behaviour is totally irresponsible," he said.

"Not only do they put themselves at risk and the passengers in their vehicle at risk but they are putting the wider community at risk and that is totally unacceptable."

Supt Emmanuel said members of the public should call police if they want a speed camera placed in their suburb, as was the case with the Marmion Av operation.

"We encourage people to let us know what is happening in their area," he said.

Supt Emmanuel said one of the key messages police wanted to get out to the public when they were driving was just to be "patient."

"We need to be diligent because now we are into the festive season, more people are off work, more people will be celebrating with their family and friends, so there is more reason for us to take care on the roads, exercise patience and look after each other," he said.

To keep the safe driving message at the forefront of drivers' minds, The Sunday Times and PerthNow will continue to publicise our Summer Slowdown message for the next three months.

Man, 64, dies in diving accident

A MAN has died in a diving accident off Point Peron.

About 9.30am, four men were diving and when they surfaced, noticed the 64-year-old was not with them.

A short time later they located his body floating unconscious nearby.

The three men pulled him into a boat and attempted to revive him, before transporting him back to shore to meet Ambulance officers.

He was declared dead a short time later.

The man's death is not being treated as suspicious. Police will now prepare a report for the coroner.

It's believed that the man was an experienced diver and from the Rockingham region.

200 arrests in Operation Unite

CRACKDOWN: A woman is arrested during Operation Unite in Perth. Picture: Nine News Perth. Source: Supplied

WA POLICE arrested more than 200 revellers this weekend as part of the national Operation Unite crackdown on loutish behaviour.

Releasing details of the two-day blitz, police said today that 10 locals had been being charged with assaulting a public officer and 38 people arrested for disorderly behaviour since Friday.

Operation Unite is a joint initiative between police forces in Australia and New Zealand, which targets drunken and loutish behaviour in popular night spots.

WA Police said 11 people were arrested for drug-related offences for a total of 66 offences, with a further 41 dealt with by summons.

Ten drug-related infringement notices were also handed out.

Seven people were arrested for assault and a further four juveniles were cautioned for the same offence.

More than 220 liquor cautions and 152 liquor infringements were dished out to drunken louts and 10 people were arrested for obstructing a public officer, and 352 move-on notices were also issued over the two nights.

Operation Unite will end tonight.

40 arrests from Operation Unite

Operation Unite police officers in Northbridge - part of the annual trans-Tasman crackdown on anti-social alcohol related violence. Source: News Limited

POLICE arrested more than 40 people and issued over a 100 infringements overnight as part of a trans-Tasman crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence.

Last night marked the start of Operation Unite, a joint initiative between police forces in Australia and New Zealand, which targets drunken and loutish behaviour in popular night spots.

The first stage of the blitz, which was carried out from 6pm last night until 4am this morning, resulted in four people being charged with assaulting a public officer and 18 people arrested for disorderly behaviour.

Five people were arrested for drug-related offences for a total of 19 offences, with a further six dealt with by summons. Six drug-related cautions were also issued as well as one for a juvenile.

Ten drug-related infringement notices were also handed out.

Six people were arrested for assault and a further four juveniles were cautioned for the same offence.

Almost 80 liquor cautions and 90 liquor infringements were dished out to drunken louts and nine people were arrested for obstructing a public officer.

180 move on notices were also issued during the night.

Operation Unite will end Sunday evening.

WA shark 'kill' threatens world forum

Canadian free-diver William Winran with a great white shark. Picture: D.J. ROLLER/COURTESY GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D. Source: Supplied

THERE are calls to dump Australia as the venue for an important international conference on conservation because of WA's plan to hunt white sharks near populated beaches.

Just a few weeks ago the Federal Government trumpeted that Sydney had been chosen to stage the International Union for Conservation of Nature World Parks Congress - a significant global meeting held once every ten years.

Canadian conservationist and white shark free diver William Winram, who is currently in Australia promoting a new film, wants the organisation to move the congress to a different country because of the WA Government plan, announced this week, to kill sharks.

Mr Winram is an IUCN ocean ambassador and has spent the latter part of his life dedicated to educating the public about white shark behaviour.

Under the Barnett Government strategy two marine areas or "kill zones" will be created and any shark over three metres sighted within these zones would be hunted by professional fishermen.

Drum lines - drums with a baited hook fixed to the ocean floor designed to attract sharks - will also be placed 1km from the shore off beaches and surf breaks from next month and will be monitored daily by commercial fishermen.

Local conservationists and scientists say there is no evidence the measures will prevent further shark attacks.

And the WA professional fishing industry says the controversial plan raises more questions than answers.

Mr Winram said giving professional fisherman a licence to kill a protected species, because they might bother swimmers, and setting baited traps to catch sharks went against the IUCN charter.

"I don't have the power to change the direction of the congress - I'm not George Clooney," he said. "But I am an IUCN ocean ambassador and I am hoping to have a discussion with senior members of the IUCN about the congress because I think they should pull out."

Mr Winram said since being in Australia he had spoken with Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt's office about the WA Government's plan.

He claims even though Mr Hunt said he would not change the threatened species list, under Commonwealth law he did not have the power to stop white sharks being killed unless they were three kilometres offshore.

"He (Mr Hunt) came out with this press release lauding this great honour to be chosen (to host the event) saying 'from today, we'll be showcasing Australia's parks on land and sea, not just as beautiful places delegates will visit, but also for their enormous contribution to biodiversity conservation, scientific research and protecting threatened species'," Mr Winram said.

"Now we are in Western Australia where we are going to kill protected species if they bother beach goers. And in the Great Barrier Reef we are going to dredge because it's OK now.

"It's just very disappointing."

John Harrison of the WA Fishing Industry Council said it had not been briefed by the state government over its plans and that it was not clear how the strategies would actually work.

He said there were still many unanswered questions and that no professional fisherman would risk hunting a great white without Commonwealth approval.

170 firefighters save Toodyay homes

CLOSING IN: Fire comes close to properties near Toodyay. More than 100ha of land was lost. Pictures: Nine News Perth Source: News Limited

MORE than 170 fire fighters from 21 brigades - using four aircraft - have brought a fierce bushfire under control 4km east of Toodyay.

The fire had edged dangerously close to homes in Wicklow Estate and Dumbarton Estate, destroying 100ha of land.

Residents were told to flee and were prevented from returning to their properties after the bushfire was reported just after 9am.

It is not known how the fire began.

PROPERTY THREAT: Flames lap at a shed on a property near Toodyay. Pictures: Nine News Perth

By mid-afternoon the fire was still burning on both sides of the Goomalling-Toodyay Road and there was a possible threat to lives and homes because conditions are changing.

But the emergency warning was downgraded to a bushfire "watch and act''.

The Department for Child Protection has set up a temporary evacuation centre at the Toodyay Community Hall.

LINE OF FIRE: More than 170 fightfighters were needed to control the blaze which edged towards two housing estates. Pictures: Nine News Perth

Motorists were warned to avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

In an update at 4.30pm, authorities warned of smoke in the area.
A number of roads will remain closed including the Goomalling-Toodyay Road at the intersection of Boyagerring Rd, and the intersection of Woodindale Rd.

By late afternoon, Whitfield Rd was opened to allow residents to return to the estate.

BALES ON FIRE: A farm near Toodyay burns. Pictures Nine News Perth

Motorists were warned to avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

The fire was reported at 9.18am, travelling fast in a south-southeastern direction.

DAMAGE: More than 100ha of land was burnt near Toodyay.

Pilbara and Central West warnings

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a severe fire danger rating for tomorrow for inland parts of the Pilbara, mainly the Shire of East Pilbara.
It has also forecast an extreme fire danger rating for inland parts of the Central West, including the shires of Carnamah, Chapman Valley, Coorow, Dandaragan, Greater Geraldton, Mingenew, Moora, Morawa, Northampton, Perenjori, Three Springs and Victoria Plains.

DANGEROUSLY CLOSE: A heliopter dumps water on a property near Toodyay. Pictures: Nine News Perth

National parks close
AS temperatures hit 38C, the Department of Parks and Wildlife ordered the closure of Serpentine National Park and Avon Valley National Park due to fire threat.

A severe fire danger rating forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology exists today for inland parts of Perth and surrounding areas.

BUSHFIRE HEROES: Flames are doused close to home near Toodyay. Pictures: Nine News Perth

People are urged to avoid the two national parks and follow the advice of staff.

The department said people already in the area should leave for "a safer place".

The department will provide an update if the situation changes or when parks and recreation sites have been reopened.

Great Southern
A SEVERE bushfire danger is threatening parts of the Great Southern, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warns.

The department said the threat had been upgraded from very high to severe due to a change in weather conditions and the shires of Corrigin, Kondinin and Kulin are under threat.

Property owners and people travelling through the area are being advised to remain alert and prepared for a fire.

Meanwhile, the Department of Parks and Wildlife will be conducting prescribed burns across the shire of Manjimup.

The burns will be conducted 29km south-east of Manjimup, 42km south-east of Manjimup and 5km north of Walpole.

Motorists are recommended to turn on headlights and drive carefully through areas where there is smoke.

More details of the burns are available at www.dpaw.wa.gov.au

Kennedy frocks up for charity

West Coast Eagle Josh Kennedy will frock up to play the fairy godmother's assistant in Cinderella The Pantomime, presented by Multiple Sclerosis Australia. Picture Theo Fakos Source: News Limited

WITH his thick beard and muscular frame, West Coast Eagle Josh Kennedy may not look like your average fairy.

But the star forward will frock up for the role of the fairy godmother's assistant in Cinderella The Pantomine this week.

"It's probably just like a normal Saturday night for me," Kennedy joked.

The production is presented by The Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA, for which Kennedy is an ambassador.

Yesterday, he admitted that he wasn't aware of the costume requirement - a pink ensemble - when he agreed to take part in the pantomime.

"But it's all for a good cause and if me getting dressed up in a fairy costume is going to get people to come and buy tickets, then I'll do it any day," Kennedy said.

Yet, he's stopping short of shaving his legs for the role.

"I think I'm wearing stockings, so apparently you don't have to shave your legs if you wear those," he said.

Kennedy said his partner, Lauren Atkinson, thought he looked gorgeous in a pink wig.

"I'll probably have to do some role playing at home and get Lauren to hear me out," he said.

"I might have to change my voice. I don't know what a fairy is supposed to sound like."

In his third year of supporting the MSWA, Kennedy said he had been touched by those living with the condition.

"Just to hear their stories and their journeys have been a massive inspiration and it's amazing how much we take for granted," he said.

"The biggest thing with MS is there still is no cure for it and so a lot of the money goes to research."

The 26-year-old will take to the stage at Churchlands Concert Hall, along with other celebrities including comedian Pete Rowsthorn and former Olympian Allana Slater.

He will appear in four of the twelve shows, which will run over four days.

All performances will feature one celebrity, who will each play the fairy godmother's assistant.

Directed by Ian Toyne, the pantomime will also star local actors including Igor Sas and Michael Loney.

Cinderella The Pantomine runs from Thursday December 19 to Sunday December 22.

Phone 6454 3131 or trybooking.com/DCTC. All proceeds will be donated to the The Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA.

Live trade stand-off in Fremantle

Farmers and others in support of live exports at a rally in Fremantle today. Picture: Gemma Lee Steere Source: Supplied

HUNDREDS of protesters both in favour and against live animal exports came face to face at Fremantle Port today.

Western Australian and interstate livestock producers, stock agents, and exporters came face to face with anti-export protesters in what was described as a "positive" demonstration.

West Pilbara cattle producer Murray Grey, 28, travelled from his West Pilbara property Glen Forrise Station to take part.

"Both sides were represented and certainly on our side of things we were there to just show that (live export) it means a lot to us," Mr Grey, who produces under a family owned cattle business said.

Have your say: Do you support live animal exports? Comment below

"We as Australian producers to the utmost because our animals are our life, they are our livelihood and we certainly done raise them to see and undue harm come to them.

"Live exports are a critical part of our marketing and of our industry as a whole."

He said compared to a live export process that took place in Fremantle last year, today's was less "emotive".

WA Farmers Federation president Dale Park participated in the protest as did Ban Live Export spokeswoman Katrina Love.

Ms Love took to social media yesterday calling for support to today's event.

She asked anti-export supporters to join a 'human chain' across Stirling Bridge.

Event organiser Michael Trant reportedly said it was important the public understood all sides of the live export industry.

Mr Trant said protesters had united to put a face to the industry which he says is often described as 'big business'.

He said farmers worked hard to care for their animals and shared a passion for the welfare of their livestock.

From the AFL to the classroom

Fremantle Docker Tendai Mzungu is training to be a school teacher. He's also the ambassador for this year's Premier's Summer Reading Challenge. Pictured is Tendai with West Coast Fever's Kate Beverage and school children Angus Temby (9), Lara Sivwright (9), Perry Kronberger (8) and Dwayne Riley (9). Source: News Limited

FREMANTLE Docker Tendai Mzungu is destined for the classroom.

The mature-age success story might be living out his AFL dream, but says he's never underestimated the power of education.

The 27-year-old is studying to become a high school teacher at Edith Cowan University after completing a sports science degree.

Today, he will help launch the Premier's Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages children to read or be read to for 15 minutes a day over the nine weeks.

"I've always loved sport and imparting some knowledge onto other people, so I've always been interested in teaching," Mzungu said.

"You can't not study, in my opinion. I think you've got to do something to further yourself, whether it's doing a trade or university or anything. I think that's really important.

"Especially with Ross (Lyon) coming in, he's made it compulsory for every player to do something outside of football. We all love to play football, and we wish we could do it forever but that's the reality and we've got to have something to fall back on when your career ends."

Mzungu said he had fond memories of reading Roald Dahl's The BFG, Spot the Dog and the Goosebumps series both with his parents and by himself as a teen.

Star West Coast Fever shooter Kate Beveridge said it was important to have a long-term career plan, even if playing professional sport was your goal.

"Tomorrow at training, you could do your knee or your ankle so you've got to have that stability in your life, as well as playing sport," she said.

Education Minister Peter Collier said it was vital for parents to read to their children from an early age.

"We know that if children are read to from birth, and keep up reading through their childhood, they are much more likely to develop good literacy skills and be successful in school," he said.

Premier Colin Barnett said parents could also join this year's challenge and help raise money for people living with Multiple Sclerosis.

"The challenge has raised more than $50,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA since the partnership began in 2011," he said. "I encourage all WA families to get involved and take up the Premier's Summer Reading Challenge."

Every child who takes part in the challenge will go in the running to win an overseas adventure holiday for their family, along with $2500 towards accommodation.

Visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.au for more information.

Push for motorbikes to share bus lanes

MOTORCYCLISTS would be allowed to ride in bus lanes under a plan to ease congestion being considered by the Barnett Government.

A working group established by the Road Safety Council this year has recommended a six-month trial of shared bus lanes.

"Evidence presented suggested that allowing motorcycles and scooters to use bus lanes for a traffic efficiency gain would not adversely impact on safety for motorcyclists and other users,'' the council said in a recent report.

Motorcycle Riders Association president Dave Wright said bus lanes were an under used asset.

He said the move would free up Perth's congested highways by encouraging more commuters to hop on a bike and would also improve safety for motorcyclists.

"I looked around and really the bus lane was an under-utilised asset that we have as taxpayers,'' Mr Wright said.

"We have 120,000 registered road motorcycles in WA, a lot of them are sitting in people's sheds.

"If you were stuck in traffic going no where and you saw scooters and motorcycles going down a relatively empty lane ... We're hoping people will get them out the shed and use them instead of cars.''

Mr Wright said the group had identified two sections of road for a trial, including South St and the Kwinana Fwy.

"We haven't got a lot of bus lanes in Perth yet but in 10 years time there is going to be a lot of bus lanes in Perth," he said.

"We will be educating our motorcycle riders that it's a bus lane so we can't hold up buses in any way, shape or form.

"The only issues I can see is maybe cars turning left across the bus lane but that would be part of the education and communication leading up to the trial.''

Mr Wright said he expected the trial to start next year.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the Barnett Government was still considering the idea.

"It is important to note no decision on whether this trial will proceed has been made and I am waiting on a comprehensive proposal from the Public Transport Authority on how the Government would conduct such a trial,'' Mr Buswell said.

"However, I note the working group found evidence in Australia and overseas that the use of bus lanes by motorcycles could improve efficiency on our road network without compromising safety.

"Any trial, if approved would carefully monitor the impacts on other road users, buses and motorcyclists.''

The plan comes after the VIC State Government carried out a similar trial, allowing motorcyclists to share lanes with buses and cyclists in the southbound Hoddle St bus lane.

VicRoads said it chose Hoddle St for the trial because of the level of congestion during peak hours.

Magistrates 'paid enough': Tribunal

Salaries and Allowances Tribunal knocks back plea for magistrates wages to be risen. Picture: file image Source: News Limited

A BID by one of the state's top law enforcers to secure a pay rise for magistrates has been rejected by the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal.

The knock-back comes despite the board acknowledging the increasing workload of the court officials.

Chief Magistrate Steven Heath wrote to the Sat as part of its review of judicial pay packets.

Both Mr Heath and the Magistrates' Society of WA called on the Tribunal to make an "upwardly adjustment of the salaries of magistrates" because of increases in workload and value.

Currently, the average magistrate has an annual salary of $313,848. Mr Heath, in his role as Chief Magistrate, receives $380,421.

The report said that magistrates already received a cumulative 6.14 per cent salary increase between October 2009 and May 2011 because of the higher work loads.

"The Tribunal has acknowledged workload and jurisdictional increases for magistrates, including the devolution of responsibilities from other courts," the report reads.

"The Tribunal considers that the present relationship between the salaries paid to magistrates, District Court judges and Supreme Court judges properly reflects the work value of the various positions."

Fishermen risk lives to save shark

A tiger shark, accidentally caught by beach fishermen, is set free after after several tense minutes removing the hook from its mouth.

A screenshot of the incredible YouTube video. Source: Supplied

INCREDIBLE footage has emerged of brave WA fishermen returning a tiger shark to the sea.

As some West Australians call for a cull to reduce the number of man-eating sharks off our coast, these anglers put their lives in danger to save the beast.

At one stage one of the fishermen sits on the 3m shark as it thrashes on the beach at Maud's Landing in Coral Bay and pries its mouth as his friend attempts to unhook it from a fishing line.

The video was shot on Wednesday, according to locals.

A red towel is placed on the shark's head as the group use pliers to release it as onlookers filming the rescue.

After almost three minutes the shark is eventually freed and the group pull it into the sea by its tail.

The creature struggles in the shallows for another minute before it eventually returns to the deep, to the delight of the applauding crowd.

The 4 minutes and 53 seconds clip - called "400kg Tiger Shark caught in Western Australia" - was posted on YouTube on Thursday.

A description of the video says: "A 4m 400kg Tiger Shark was accidentally caught off the coast of Western Australia in popular fishing area in the late afternoon.

"The local experienced fishermen came together ensuring the safe and humane release of this beautiful animal.

"The community cheered as the Tiger was successfully released back into the water."

A Coral Bay businesswoman, who didn't want to be named, said the shark had been caught accidentally and probably weighed under 200kg.

Streets of Leederville buzzing

It was a festive atmosphere at this year's Light Up Leederville Carnival. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited

IT was a fiesta of colour, food and fun at the annual Leederville Festival today.

Cars lined the streets as people of all ages headed to the event, which featured local stores, rides and a variety of food stalls.

Lisa Keogh brought her children Lily, 11, Milla, 8, and Fin, 6, to the festival thinking it would be a "pint-sized" version of the Beaufort St Festival, held a few weeks ago.

"There's so much to do and see," Ms Keogh said.

"We can get a late lunch and look around and see a whole heap of things."

Finn and Milla said they liked all the food and entertainment.

"I love the rides," Finn said.

Judy Dinnison brought her granddaughter Sarah Giles, 8, to the festival for an afternoon out.

Sarah said she loved all the activities available for children.

"I got to paint a parasol and I got my face painted," she said.

"I do like festivals."

The festival ends at 8pm tonight.

Prepare for 'challenging' bushfire season

Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith urges Australians to be bushfire ready this season.

A NEW bushfire awareness campaign launched by the State Government today puts the onus back onto homeowners, telling them to prepare themselves for this fire season.

Emergency services minister Joe Francis, environment minister Albert Jacob and energy minister Mike Nahan this morning launched the 'Are You Ready?' campaign in Kings Park.

Last year there were more than 3,800 bushfires across WA.

Mr Francis said the theme of the campaign was that while the government is doing everything they can to prevent bushfires, the community needed to 'do their bit'.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis and his dog Stormy, Environment Minister Albert Jacob and Energy Minister Mike Nahan launch a new bushfire awareness campaign. Source: News Limited

"It's to encourage people in bushfire prone areas to do everything they can to make sure their houses are ready for this coming bushfire season, because it is a shared responsibility," he said.

"Certainly what they should be doing is making sure their property is as fire ready as possible...so that if the worst happens and a bushfire starts roaring towards their house they know when to leave, when to stay, what to do if they choose to stay and who to listen to.

"What we do know is that the lottery of life that mother nature has dealt out to us so far is predicting that it's going to be a very challenging bushfire season."

Stormy the dog helped launch the latest bushfire awareness campaign. Source: News Limited

Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith is the face of the campaign which asks homeowners in bushfire prone areas if they are ready for the threat of bushfire.

"He's a very dignified, significant achiever in the Australian community," Mr Francis said.

"People know that when he talks, he's saying something worth listening to."

As part of the campaign, the state government has assured the community that they have done 'everything they can' to ensure firefighters - both career and volunteer - have the necessary resources to be prepared for the season.

Mr Jacob said the late rain this year meant there was more vegetation than usual, and the bushfire threat is expected to be higher.

"High rainfall in September also meant it was not possible to conduct prescribed burns until conditions dried out in October. Since then, the Department of Parks and Wildlife has been using every opportunity to carry out prescribed burns, but they are not a silver bullet," he said.

Mr Nahan said Western Power had spent $250 million preparing for bushfires, including $180 million on power pole replacements and vegetation management.

Man in hospital after skydiving accident

THE RAC Rescue helicopter has taken a man to hospital following a skydiving accident south of Perth.

The chopper was dispatched about 11.15am to an area near intersection of Pinjarra-Williams Road and George Street, Pinjarra.

The injured man has been taken to Royal Perth Hospital.

The extent of his injuries is unknown.

More to come.

The RAC rescue helicopter has been sent to a skydiving incident in Pinjarra. File image. Source: News Limited

Police convict first drug 'smurf'

POLICE have convicted the first drug "smurf" in WA - the term given to someone who buys flu tablets and passes them onto drug cooks to turn into methamphetamine.

The District Court of WA heard Seville Grove woman Kim Marie Hassell, 34, was part of a "significant drug manufacturing syndicate" that involved drug makers being supplied by a "network of pseudoephedrine shoppers."

"Smurfing" has made big headlines in the US, with drug dealers even going to the extremes of using homeless people as part of their shopping networks.

The term is used because it takes several people to buy up enough pseudoephedrine to make a batch of meth - conjuring up the image of the smurf population from the popular cartoon show.

Hassell, who bought the medication from pharmacies legitimately, was jailed for 10 months.

Police say she is believed to be the first person in WA convicted for manufacturing a prohibited drug by supplying a drug cook with pseudoephedrine medication, knowing it would be used to make drugs.

Hassell pleaded guilty to three charges of manufacturing a prohibited drug in the District Court in September.

At her sentencing this week, the court was told on three separate occasions she bought boxes of pseudoephedrine tablets and then gave them to Byford man Michael Grueter, 40, who used them to manufacture methylamphetamine.

The court heard Hassell gave Grueter the medication so she could get the finished product off him later.

In handing down the sentence District Court Chief Judge Peter Martino noted Hassell was not physically involved in the drug making process.

"But you did know that the pseudoephedrine you supplied … was to be used to manufacture the drug," Judge Martino said.

He added: "The sentence I impose … must deter others tempted to assist in the process of manufacture of methylamphetamine by supplying pseudoephedrine to a person who is capable of manufacturing the drug."

The court heard Hassell was one of several people supplying Grueter with cold and flu medication.

"And while I don't know what the motivations for the other persons' involvement was, I wouldn't mind betting that they were doing it in order to obtain some of the finished product as well," Hassell's lawyer said.

Grueter was also jailed this week for two years and nine months after he pleaded guilty to more than 30 drug related charges, including seven counts of manufacturing a prohibited drug.

Organised Crime Squad Detective Sergeant Peter Healy said people who supply drug manufacturers should be put on notice as a result of the case.

"Those who buy pseudoephedrine based medication on a recidivist basis and then knowingly supply it to drug manufacturers for the manufacture of drugs can expect to be investigated by police," Det-Sgt Healy said.

Both Hassell and Grueter were made eligible for parole

Shark tower idea sinking fast

An aerial shot of Cottesloe Beach. Source: News Limited

A $300,000 shark observation tower planned for Cottesloe Beach will not be ready for at least another year.

A design for the structure is yet to be finalised and the decision on where it will go is still being debated.

Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club president Ben Stephens said the club initially believed it could have the tower up and running by this summer but were forced to scale back their expectations after advice from experts.

In January, Premier Colin Barnett announced the tower would be built as part of the government's shark mitigation strategy.

The tower would surf lifesavers a 270 degree view of the beach.

"It is very important surf lifesavers have the best equipment and infrastructure to help create the safest environment for all beachgoers," Mr Barnett said at the time.

Mr Stephens said the club had identified the foot at the end of the groyne as the ideal location, but it could be placed on the headland.

He also said the observation tower would be built offsite, with one plan to make it demountable.

"The reality is we, as a club, made a presentation to the Premier which was based on what we thought was a good idea at the time," Mr Stephens said.

"Once it became public people started giving feedback.

"That then resulted in a change of approach in terms of structure and location.

"And the feedback we got from the council, in terms of timing, was that it wasn't feasible. They told us that it took them six months to get approval for any construction on Cottesloe Beach."

Mr Stephens said he would prefer the tower to be built on the groyne or at its base but the ultimate decision would not be known until next month.

A Department of Premier Cabinet spokeswoman said the Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club was managing the watchtower project.

She said it was understood it would not be ready until next summer.

"As far as we are concerned the project remains on schedule," she said.