Geale takes down Mundine

THE fighting pride of Tasmania Daniel Geale stands alone at the top of Australian boxing after destroying Anthony Mundine in Sydney last night.

Geale dominated the IBF world middleweight title fight, perhaps silencing "The Man" permanently with a unanimous points win.

Geale ground the self-proclaimed "Australia's greatest athlete" into the Sydney Entertainment Centre canvas with his pure boxing skills and class.

Replay our live blog of the bout

At the final bell, after another Geale-dominated round, Mundine jumped on the corner buckle in triumph but it was obvious even from everyone in the 12,000-strong crowd who the winner would be as the judges scored it the champ's way 116-112, 117-111, 117-111.

Mundine showed mock disgust at the verdict but it could hardly have been more clear cut.

The only aspect missing from Geale's performance was the knock-out punch to put an exclamation mark on the bout.

Clearly out pointed, Mundine never got close to hitting the floor despite Geale's domination.

"I hurt him a few times and I was disappointed I didn't go on with it and give everyone what they wanted,"Geale said post fight.

The defeat should be Mundine's last chance for a major world crown while hopefully only the bright lights of Las Vegas await the Tasmanian boxing star.

It was the biggest fight in recent Australian boxing history, and the 31-year-old from Launceston could not have been more impressive -- except for that killer blow.

Unfortunately for Mundine, his fists were nowhere near as fast as his tongue that dominated the pre-bout hysterics.

From the outset, Mundine appeared tentative, while Geale landed the first decisive punch -- a left hook on the Man's chin.

In the third, Mundine was warned twice for headbutting as if even he started to lose faith in his own hype, and later resorted to an elbow as he was repeatedly spoken to, but had no points deducted.

Even when Mundine attacked, Geale would close up then sprint out on the offensive, with his left causing Mundine the most trouble, either straight or hook.

Geale was busier and his energy was palpable as Mundine was made to look every bit of the six year's difference between him and the younger champ.

It was the only blot on Geale's professional record but now has been completely dissolved.

Since that controversial defeat in Brisbane, Geale has taken the attitude of anyone anytime, while Mundine has battled no-names from boxing's retirement home and reality TV winners.

The difference in their careers was obvious as Geale showed the form that saw him become the first Australian to win two world titles -- the IBF and WBA -- in Germany.

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Hotel heist hunt continues

POLICE have released photographs of the knife-wielding bandit who held up Moonah's Valern Hotel early yesterday.

The armed robber, who entered the hotel's gaming area about 1.50am and demanded money, is described as 170-175cm tall, of medium to solid build with a husky, deep voice.

He was wearing yellow work boots, dark, possibly denim trousers and a dark blue spray jacket with a hood.

The man was holding a large carving knife in his right hand and fled the hotel carrying the stolen money in a white fabric ANZ banking bag.

The thief entered and left the building via a side entrance and ran across the car park towards Station St in New Town.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Glenorchy Crime and Drug Investigation Services on 6230 2881.

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Police seek fire witnesses

POLICE are searching for two potential witnesses to a Hobart fire that caused about $10 million damage to Bridge Brothers in Bathurst St.

The two females shown in this video were walking through the Elizabeth St Mall towards Liverpool St and then up Elizabeth St to Bathurst St about 2.50am on Saturday, January 19.

Police investigating the blaze early that morning hope the women will recognise themselves from the footage.

The fire gutted the historic building that housed Bridges Brothers and several other businesses. Only the facade remains.

Anyone who recognises the women is urged to contact Hobart CIB on 6230 2611 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Armed robber strikes hotel

POLICE are hunting an armed robber who held up a Moonah hotel early this morning.

The offender entered the Valern Hotel's gaming area armed with a knife at 1.50am and demanded cash before escaping with an undisclosed amount of money via the hotel's carpark.

He was last seen running towards Station St.

Police describe him as being of solid build and wearing a grey hoody with dark-coloured trousers and work boots.

His face was covered.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Glenorchy police on 6230 2881.

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Worse to come from floods

TWO police officers and bystanders had a narrow escape as a car drove out of a sea of foam in the Queensland floods.

Watch the video above.

Thousands of Brisbane and Ipswich residents face days of uncertainty as swollen waterways deliver huge floods for the second time in two years.

Premier Campbell Newman this morning warned thunderstorms forecast for this afternoon could add to the looming flood crisis.

"There is some indication from the Bureau of Meteorology of a thunderstorm," Mr Newman said.

"If that develops, we could see flash flooding, given the potential for intense rain events, and people need to be mindful of that along suburban creeks. People could see a rapid rise in water.

"I do stress though -- on everything I have to hand -- this will not be as significant as the 2011 flood."

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Ken Kato said the chances of a thunderstorm hitting Brisbane were about "30 per cent, maybe a little more".

"With thunderstorms, it's impossible to predict with certainty. There are some unstable conditions around today," Mr Kato said.

Bundaberg is facing its worst flood on record as the southeast also braces for flooding in the next 48 hours.

In his first briefing of the day, Mr Newman said "very significant" rain in the Laidley, Lockyer Creek and Bremer River catchments were recorded last night.

He said the falls appeared to make it more likely flooding would occur.

"Queensland is facing a very serious challenge right now. It's a serious challenge, but I stress we're up to it and people are not alone," he said.

"What I need people to do right now, is firstly to remain calm.

"There are expectations today of a major flood, probably the largest the city has ever seen."

Follow all the latest Queensland flood news at The Courier-Mail.

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Cash flows to victims

DEVASTATED: The small township of Dunalley was hardest hit by the bushfires earlier this month. The first of the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal money will be handed out the fire victims from tomorrow. Picture: TOBY ZERN

THE first of the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal money will be handed out to fire victims this week.

Payments of $3000 an adult and $1000 a child --  with a maximum of $10,000 a household -- will land in bank accounts from tomorrow.

About $5 million has been donated to the Red Cross appeal, which was established earlier this month following a series of devastating bushfires across the state.

The first round of the money -- $450,000 -- is being allocated to Tasmanians who lost their principal residence to fire, rather than a holiday home. The Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal Distribution Committee has identified 120 eligible people from a register of 230 applicants.

Chairwoman Pat Leary yesterday said the committee had acted quickly toe deliver the money.

"Last Thursday and Friday a group of people phoned everyone on that register to see if they were eligible for the first round of funding," she said.

"Within two days of having a register of names of people severely affected by the bushfires, the money was made available."

Ms Leary said the $5 million so far donated to the bushfire appeal was "incredible and extraordinary for a small place like Tasmania".

Local councils would help advise on how best to distribute the remaining money to individuals, families and communities, she said.

The money is in addition to the $7.3 million in federal and state assistance handed out so far, which included cash payments of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 a child.

Meanwhile, more than three weeks after bushfires devastated Tasmania's southeast, only three properties have undergone official clean-ups.

Figures from the State Government's Bushfire Recovery Unit show clean-ups were completed by Hazell Bros on three properties last week.

It's a slow start given that more than 200 homes were destroyed or badly damaged.

But clean-ups cannot go ahead until homeowners and their insurance companies give consent.

Many residents are still waiting for final insurance assessments, while others are still sifting through the remains of their homes before giving consent for sites to be cleared.

So far, 285 residents have applied for the government-funded clean-up service, but at the end of last week only 20 consent forms had been provided to Hazell Bros.

For details about clean-ups or Red Cross payments call 1800 567 567 or visit bushfirerecovery.tas.gov.au

-- with PHILIP HEYWARD

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Give buses priority

EFFECTIVE: Commuters enjoy a faster ride in an interstate bus lane.

TASMANIA should introduce a network of dedicated bus lanes and give buses priority in heavy traffic in a bid to encourage more residents to use public transport, a peak transport body says.

Bus Industry Confederation Australia executive director Michael Apps said policymakers needed to introduce more bus lanes and give buses priority passage at traffic lights as part of a "rapid transit" system.

He said such initiatives had been successfully introduced interstate, making buses faster than cars in many areas.

Mr Apps hit back at Tasmanian transport economist Bob Cotgrove, who last week said policymakers should do more to support car users.

"To put forward an argument that increasing the fees for parking and funding public transport is anti-car is simplistic," Mr Apps said.

"Many people are either too young to drive, too old to drive or can't afford to run a car, so at the most basic level there is a social aspect to making sure you have transport available for people who don't have access to a car."

Mr Apps said officials needed to develop a public transport system that was more competitive with private transport, making a bus trip quicker than using a private car.

"We should have frequencies of service that have no more than half an hour between services and 10 or 15 minutes in peak times," he said. 

Mr Apps also wanted buses to operate for longer hours.

Sustainable Transport Minister Nick McKim yesterday announced a number of options to boost public transport use between Glenorchy and Hobart.

"We want to improve the reliability of public transport along Main Road, increase bus frequency, reduce travel times, and improve the overall experience for passengers," he said.

Tasmanian Heart Foundation chief executive Graeme Lynch echoed calls to reduce dependency on cars.

"Bob Cotgrove is ignoring the other important forms of transport - walking and cycling, often used in conjunction with public transport," he said.

"Contrary to his comments, we want to reclaim streets as not solely the domain of motor vehicles but also of pedestrians and cyclists, and as public spaces for social and commercial interaction.

"In fact, by putting people first and providing pedestrian and cycling friendly environments, our communities will be more social, safe and healthy."

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Asta hits the Triple J-ackpot

SHOOTING STAR: Rosny College student Asta, is the first Tasmanian to hit the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown, at No.50. Picture: KAL YOUNG

HOBART rising star Asta yesterday became the first Tasmanian musician to be voted into Triple J's annual Hottest 100 countdown.

The 19-year-old Rosny College student's electro-pop song My Heart is On Fire came in at number 50, beating out some of the biggest names in music like Mumford & Sons, Jack White and Kanye West.

The honour was a big surprise, especially for the singer herself, who yesterday admitted to the Sunday Tasmanian that she had already given up on hearing it by the time it hit the airwaves.

Last week, a website had predicted she would enter the chart at number 79 and when that place came and went Asta thought her chances might be over.

In Brisbane for a gig today, Asta listened to the countdown in a pub with friends.

When her song was announced they all jumped up and down screaming with excitement.

"I'm amazed, I can't believe it," she said.

"Apparently you need millions of votes so if someone told me yesterday I'd be number 50, I would not have believed them.

"I'm very grateful to my fans and everyone who voted. Thanks Tasmania!"

Asta has a new single, I Need Answers, coming out in a few weeks on iTunes and the radio.

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Hostel rip-offs probe

TASMANIA'S consumer watchdog is set to investigate the conduct of several backpackers' hostels after complaints of alleged rip-offs.

Backpackers have warned Tasmania that scams being run by a few operators could harm the state's reputation as a destination for budget travellers.

Overseas visitors have told the Sunday Tasmanian of ripoffs by operators who are targeting backpackers seeking seasonal work picking fruit including being forced to pay accommodation bonds and being charged up to $170 a week for a patch of dirt to pitch a tent on.

British tourist Chris Smith, 22, said he and a friend had each been charged a $200 bond for a week's accommodation in a small room near Hobart.

They were then slugged a $60 fee for being found a $45-a-day job at a local strawberry farm that lasted for two days.

"We were charged $170 a week for a crappy room with no heating or $110 a week to sleep in a campervan. They gave us one blanket each to sleep in this caravan. It felt like it was about zero degrees.

"It was a complete scam, a pretty bad experience, the worst we've had by a long run," he said.

He said things became worse when the pair tried to leave.

"When we said we want to leave the hostel, they said that if you leave we'll take your $200 off you.

"They're just ripping loads of people off. As my first experience in Tasmania it really gives the place a bad name."

Dutch tourist Lou Benders is taking legal action to recover a bond she was charged.

"[They] conned us and kept our bond only because we wanted to leave early," she said.

Director of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Chris Batt said compliance officers from his office would look into the complaints.

Steve Old from the Tasmanian Hospitality Association said he had not heard of complaints from backpackers.

"If it is something that's not right then obviously we have to step on it. We only need one bad message to get out there and it can really hurt the industry," he said.

Tourism Australia figures reveal the nation hosted more than 1.5 million youth travellers last year, who spent an average of more than $7000 each during their stay.

Backpacker Operator Network founder Rod Parish, who runs the highly-regarded The Pickled Frog in Hobart, said the backpacker market was incredibly important to Tasmania and more needed to be done to promote the state.

"We've got an industry that brings in $60 million a year and Tourism Tasmania spends $6000 a year on us," Mr Parish said.

"All we hear from Tourism Tasmania is about how bad everything is."

"We've got everything that the market wants, you can do everything you ever wanted to do when you were young and yet we don't get 10 per cent of the market."

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History unlocked

HISTORICAL: Mt Wellington

RARE pictures of colonial Tasmania are among thousands of images of Australia cataloguing the growth of the colony, found after more than 150 years locked away in archives in London.

From a Hobart of horse-drawn carts and industrial wharves to tall ships entering Sydney Harbour and men in top hats in Melbourne, the images capture the capital cities' landmark buildings and everyday life.

The collection was gathered by the then British Colonial Office on the orders of the second Earl of Granville, to report back to London on the progress of Australia's colonies.

Archives show many of them were displayed at an international exposition in London in 1873 causing something of a sensation, with little understanding of life on the other side of the world.

But then they were stored away in volumes before staff at the United Kingdom National Archives received the books and spent the past 18 months digitising and cataloguing them to "show Australians their past".

Many of the images date back as far as the early 1860s and the first outdoor uses of the camera.

The "Australia collection" was contained in 45 albums of 2500 images, photographs and drawings.

All the images will be released now online on photo-sharing site Flickr and on the Archives website in time for Australia Day.

Many have no captions and the UK National Archives has invited feedback from Aussies to boost their understanding of the collection.

View the gallery

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