This is Eyewitness News with Jeff Mullins, Tony Ryan and the Eyewitness News team.
Tonight, a violent storm causes major damage in Brisbane's southern suburbs.
The public outcry against the sale of Linderman Island and serious questions about a high-speed police chase.
Good evening. Hundreds of people have been left without shelter tonight in Brisbane's southern suburbs after a violent storm ripped through the area.
Houses were unroofed, power lines were torn down and roads were blocked by fallen trees.
The damage appears to have been concentrated in the southern suburbs area.
The storm hit about four with the severity reminiscent of the disastrous hail storm of January 85.
In the Springwood area and around Woodridge, Daisy Hill and Kingston residents took the full brunt.
A steady stream of emergency calls were received by police as house after house was unroofed and power lines crashed to the ground.
The state emergency services went quickly into action in an area one policeman described as devastated.
A caravan park at Springwood was, as one local put it, wiped out.
A shopping centre nearby partly collapsed with the roof falling into a laundromat.
All the time torrential rain hampered emergency workers throwing traffic into confusion.
Telephones as well as power went out with the onslaught and in many areas are still out tonight.
Eagle Farm Airport closed down.
Hail stones again battered at already damaged cars, awnings and rooftops.
A build-up of heat and moisture and a trough triggered the ferocious storm which zigzagged its way through the southern Brisbane area, striking at random.
The clean-up operation will continue for many hours.
Mark Souleau, Eyewitness News.
The steamrolling campaign of opposition to the sale of Lindermen Island National Park today reached a climax with close to 1,000 people crowding into a protest rally.
The numbers surprised even the conservation groups as people overflowed their main auditorium into adjoining rooms and they sent the government a clear message.
This was no turn out of Daintree style greenies.
It was the broadest cross section of the community, young and old, radical and conservative.
In only one week the Lindermen Island issue has drawn support like few other conservation issues.
With the vote on the degazettle of the national park to be taken in parliament on Thursday,
it was noticed that absent from the rally were all national party and liberal party members of parliament.
Even the government backbenches threatening to abstain from voting stayed away.
Leader of the Lindermen Island Protection Campaign, Don Henry, called for greater efforts in the four days remaining before the crucial vote.
We're going to need the strongest people power this state has ever seen to turn around a government that seems hell bent on destroying our own very heritage.
So please become part of the growing Queensland people power that's fighting for our very own heritage.
Although the vote on the degazettle of the national park won't be held until Thursday, the fate of Lindermen Island is expected to be decided by Tuesday.
By then the Premier will have had a few words with those backbenchers who are threatening to withhold their support from the government on this issue.
The fate of Lindermen Island is in their hands.
Paul Michaels, Eyewitness News.
The Royal Tour of South Australia got off to a disappointing start today with rough seas and high winds forcing the cancellation of the day's major event.
The Queen couldn't even leave the Royal Barge.
The Royal Yacht Britannia steamed up the Gulf this morning with a 25 knot southerly behind her.
Organisers of the grand jubilee reception prayed the wind would abate to allow the Queen to step ashore at the Glenelg Jetty, but their hopes were in vain.
As the thousands gathered down at the site of the first landing, it became apparent that the docking of the Royal Barge would be extremely hazardous.
A test run was conducted and those in charge decided to try a landing with the Royal Party.
The Queen in particular looked as if she wasn't particularly amused as the barge tried to pull alongside the jetty.
The Duke tried to make the best of the situation as it became obvious the landing wouldn't take place.
Police have closed ranks on a high speed chase through the city streets last night which injured three people and extensively damaged several cars.
They're apparently unwilling to give specific details of the incident which involved a 16 year old driver.
The State Opposition now wonders why the chase was necessary.
When eyewitness news tried to find out exactly what happened in this chase last night, police were seemingly unwilling to say.
In fact one traffic sergeant told us he'd had details of the accident, but he wouldn't release them.
What we did manage to find out was that a 16 year old boy, unlicensed, borrowed his brother's car.
Several police cars tried to stop him in a city street at about 10 o'clock, but the boy panicked and drove away.
In the chase that followed, the boy collided with two other cars and all three drivers were injured.
He's now expected to be charged with dangerous driving.
But Opposition Police spokesman Terry McEnrope doesn't believe all the questions have been answered.
He wants to know why the police simply didn't give up the chase and attempt to arrest the boy later on.
There was no need for the police to go through a high speed chase where we see three people injured.
I think the police just like to put their sirens on and race around.
And he also believes the increasing incidence of police chases in Brisbane and the rising injury rate is an indication of bad police practice, brought on by inexperienced officers behind the wheel.
Rebecca Wilson, Eyewitness News.
In overseas news tonight, the Russians have reacted angrily to suggestions that the United Nations delegates are spying on America.
NASA's chief astronaut has hit out at his own organization over the space shuttle explosion, and President Marcos may have found a home.
With those stories, here's Mark Souleau.
When the U.S. told Moscow it would have to reduce its United Nations staff in New York, it was very blunt.
Their spying government officials said and they pose a threat to national security.
The Americans were given their proof by a former Soviet agent who said the diplomatic spying is widespread.
Their information is the largest.
The Russians now have until April the first, Fool's Day, to leave.
And while they worry about that, the American space agency can ponder the turncoats in its own ranks.
Senior astronaut John Young has released a memo accusing NASA of compromising safety on shuttle missions months before the Challenger explosion.
He said they were just too keen to get shuttles into space, although that of course is hotly denied.
In the less troubled U.S. waters of Hawaii, the former Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos has apparently settled for two homes side by side and worth about $2 million for his new accommodations.
It's very modest by palace standards, but then Marcos will probably be spending most of his money on security.
Mark Souleau, Eyewitness News.
There were claims today that senior liberals are preparing to appoint a de facto Lord Mayor because they are unhappy with the way Sally Ann Atkinson is doing the job.
The Council opposition leader, Brian Walsh, claims the sacking of the Town Clerk cleared the way for the appointment of a city manager who will take over most of the workload of the Lord Mayor.
Labor's Brian Walsh made sure the uproar continued today over the sacking of Town Clerk Tony Filbrick.
Last Wednesday, the Liberal Control Council terminated his 1981 appointment, but without reasons being given.
Alderman Walsh says it's now become apparent Mr Filbrick was dismissed because he refused to become a yes man in a Liberal Party plan to cover up for Alderman Atkinson's inadequacies.
The Labor leader says that after just 12 months in office, senior liberals have realized they only have a figurehead in Sally Ann Atkinson.
That they will leave Alderman Atkinson there to do the socializing, the overseas trips, that they will appoint a de facto Lord Mayor, a person with Liberal Party affiliations,
who will come in with a title such as City Manager or something like that, who will do the political work of the Lord Mayor of Brisbane.
Alderman Walsh says he believes a city manager will be appointed within several weeks and then predicts widespread industrial action within the Council.
And in Eyewitness Weekend News next, suggestions to license the Gold Coast brothels ridiculed.
And in memories of yesteryear over Florida.
As we reported exclusively last night, Australian Federal Police are confident they've made major inroads into a syndicate which has been shipping heroin into Australia.
This follows the seizure of $2.5 million worth of drugs.
Today the Federal Police release more details and video of their success.
It was in this bag belonging to a 25 year old woman that customs officers discovered the heroin.
She's been charged with importing a commercial quantity of the drug.
A particular attention was paid to a bag which appeared somewhat heavier than it should have.
Close inspection showed that in fact it had a false bottom and drilling revealed that it was then contained the heroin.
Customs officers say the concealment of the 2.5 kilogram slab of heroin was a thoroughly professional job.
After its discovery, the drug was then substituted and the woman was carefully followed for two days.
Federal Police arrested a Chinese man at Bondi's Ileukerin after he'd taken possession of the drug.
He appeared in court yesterday under charge of possessing a prohibited import.
The Gold Coast City Council has ridiculed suggestions it licenses brothels to control prostitution.
The Health Committee says there won't be any red light district for tourists on the coast.
Suggestions have been made in the wake of the Sturgis report. Vanessa Coates reports.
The controversial Sturgis report first raised the suggestion of legalizing brothels in Queensland.
If implemented, the most likely target for the changes would be the Gold Coast.
Renowned as Australia's Sun Sing capital, it boasts glitzy glamour and a large, ever-transient tourist population.
Following a recent clampdown by the Council on brothels operating in residential areas,
it's been suggested that legalized prostitution is imminent.
But Alderman Lex Bell today rejected any such suggestion.
We're not so naive as to think that we can stamp it out. It is going to be carried on.
However, that doesn't mean that we as Council would be a party to legalization of it.
Even today, when we contacted several established massage parlors, the operators declined to comment on the issue.
There are said to be as many as 500 call girls working on the Gold Coast,
and it's believed they favor decriminalization rather than licensing.
But while City Council policy stands firm, neither policy will be implemented.
It seems the world's oldest profession will have to continue operating as it always has, even on the Gold Coast.
Eyewitness News.
The biggest collection of World War II aircraft ever assembled is gathering in the United States this weekend.
For lovers of vintage warbirds, it's a sight you'd never forget,
with all the famous old aircraft parading proudly on the ground and in the skies.
The blue skies of Florida were literally filled with carefully preserved fighters and bombers that changed the course of history.
But the Valiant Air Command of Central Florida is expecting some 100 of these World War II aircraft
to participate in scheduled events over the next two days that should help spectators recall this bygone era.
Much of the attention would be focused on a reunion of Doolittle's Raiders,
a select group of flyers who 44 years ago were the first U.S. servicemen to bomb Tokyo in a surprise attack.
The best memory was that we lived through it, we got through it, those of us that are here.
They stood and applauded when their favorite warbird passed the reviewing tent.
And now to flying on a smaller scale, this time in Brisbane, where some of the state's top model planes were on show today.
The Tungalpa Mini Air Show today featured hundreds of model planes, each worth in excess of several thousand dollars.
All assembled from scratch and modified to suit the whim of the owner, these planes represent months of hard work.
Many are made to scale, and this 1912 Blackburn is a faithful quarter-scale version of the only remaining larger model in existence.
Its owner, Roy Dre, is a pretty good example of how the tiny planes can consume so much time.
He closed his business to finish the Blackburn.
Rebecca Wilson, Eyewitness News.
Onto the sport now in Eyewitness Weekend News.
Terry, we're doing pretty well in New Zealand with the Davis Cup.
You're right, Jeff. Yes, Peter Mac Tamara on the comeback trail secures us a place in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
Australia will now clash with Great Britain in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup.
The Aussies sealed our place in the finals by defeating New Zealand by 4-1 in Auckland today.
Peter Mac Tamara gave us an unbeatable 3-1 lead by taking his match against Kelly Everton, while Paul Mcdamee also won his reverse singles match.
With a win over Chris Lewis in his first singles match on Friday, Mac Tamara came out and broke Everton in the opening game before the local hope broke back in the very next.
With the huge crowd behind him, Everton was brimming with confidence, and his power play saw him take the opening set 6-3.
Everton lost his aggression in the second set and allowed Mac Tamara to find his form.
Breaks in the first and seventh games and this sensational backhand volley gave the Australian the set 6-1 and the match was level.
After a tough five setter on the opening day and the doubles yesterday, Everton appeared to be feeling the pressure.
His power strokes had deserted him and he began to struggle.
The third set belonged to Mac Tamara, six games to three.
Everton saved one match point, but Mac Tamara prevailed, taking the final set 6-3 and wrapping up the tie for Australia.
Wynnum Manly scored a four point win over a determined Valleys in the match of the day at Newman Oval.
Valleys left their run too late, losing by ten points to fourteen.
Brothers 20 down east ten, while an unlucky west lost to norths twelve to eighteen.
Scott Lewis replaced his injured brother Wally at 5-8 and he set up Wynnum's first try.
A little grubber kick through was followed up by Bob Lindner, who scored just inside the dead ball area and Wynnum had opened up an eight point lead.
With only two minutes remaining until quarter time, an ugly brawl broke out.
Stephen Boyes made a half break before he was tackled by Scott Nicholls and the two came to blows.
But it wasn't long before the reinforcements arrived on the scene, before the thunderstorm struck and our cameraman was forced to scamper for cover.
When the storm cleared in the final quarter, Wynnum held a two point lead.
Valleys tried desperately to peg back the Seagulls, but failed to finish off their moves.
Then with only three minutes remaining before full time, a penalty by Colin Scott wrapped up the match by fourteen points to ten.
In Sydney League, Balmain have upset Premier's Canterbury in a match which included a penalty try to the Tigers.
The final score, Balmain 18, Canterbury 12.
Cronulla defeated east, north snuck home against Illawarra and Penworth 26 down west eighteen.
Rain might have stopped the Fiji Police playing their spectacular style of rugby at the Redcliffe Sevens tournament held at Balli Moore today,
but it wasn't enough to prevent the police from taking their third successive sevens championship against Sydney's Warringah.
It only took the Fijians three minutes to stamp their style on the match when Koraduadua went over for a fine intercept try.
Then the police went over again before half time.
But Warringah hit back after the break with a well deserved try to Matthew Clegg.
With the score at four ten, Warringah quickly scored again.
But the Fijians sealed the match with a try right on the hooter to win 16-8.
California's Tommy Curran has taken out his second successive stubby surf crown and extended his lead in the World Championship ratings.
Curran outclassed the world's number two Barton Lynch in today's final at Burley Heads.
Steve O'Farrell has all the action.
Wayne Bartholomew was aiming for the final after his spectacular success yesterday.
But in contrast to Saturday, he started very slowly allowing the Hawaiian Hans Hederman to build a lead that was to prove too hard to peg back despite a desperate charge in the final minutes.
Manly's Barton Lynch made the final after first knocking out Glen Wynton, then Hederman.
Lynch used the tactic of surfing every wave till its end to get the maximum points.
This led to one spectacular fall as one of his fins was ripped off as he collided with exposed rocks.
Only seconds were lost as a replacement board was handed over, the board which took him into the final.
America's Tom Curran made the final after a very close duel with the explosive Mark Occalupo.
So it was the classic duel between the number one and number two in the world.
Conditions favoured each of the finalists so it was a matter of fitness, luck and wave selection which saw the Californian take the title for the second consecutive year, the first time in its 10 year history.
Steve O'Farrell, Eyewitness News.
Classy sprinter Just Blooming landed a plunge and qualified for the rich golden slipper by winning the $100,000 Black Opal Stakes today.
Beautifully written by Mark De Monfort, Just Blooming survived the photo finish to defeat Seaswell.
A further break as they race towards the turn, Biscay Bandit in behind those, Royal Nott followed further back in the field then, Piece of Candy and Nassau Gold Blast into the straight and the Black Opal.
300 metres to go, Celebrity Park taken on by Alinda and Just Blooming, three wide and four wide, Pre-Catalan is running on Fairleigh Will followed by Seaswell down the outside.
It's Alinda on the rails battling it out with Just Blooming, down the outside Seaswell is putting in a big run.
It's Just Blooming taken on by Seaswell, Just Blooming in front near the line, Seaswell dives, Just Blooming beats Seaswell.
Queensland cycling hero, Kenric Tucker made his farewell appearance at the Chamber Velodrome last night and had to play second fiddle to Englishman Paul McHugh.
The Rockhampton Rocket finished second to McHugh in the big clash of the night, the 1000 metres.