Australia Weather News

The cost of not being ripped off

Sydney's troubled light rail project is in the spotlight again after revelations a contractor was paid almost $500,000 by the Government to prevent it from being ripped off.

The tender on a Government website showed East West Services was contracted from April last year to March to ensure the Government was not being overcharged for variations to the light rail contract.

Shadow Transport Minister Jodi Mckay said the position was a symptom of a mishandled project, which was already over budget and beset by legal action.

Transport NSW said the contractor's services would ensure the successful delivery of the complex light rail project.

Global appeal for most wanted man

NSW Police are again appealing for information leading to the capture of what it says is the state's most wanted man, with a $200,000 reward available.

James Dalamangas, 48, is wanted in relation to the stabbing murder of Sydney man George Giannopoulos at a nightclub in Belmore, in Sydney's south-west on Sunday, April 25, 1999.

Despite extensive inquiries, police have been unable to locate Mr Dalamangas, who is believed to be living in Greece.

$34 million cocaine bust

NSW police have charged a man over the importation of nearly 70 kilograms of cocaine into Sydney from South Africa.

Australian Border Force officers examined a consignment that was later deconstructed and found to contain the cocaine, with an estimated street value of $34 million.

A 45-year-old South African national was arrested and charged yesterday — he was refused bail and is set to appear in Campbelltown Local Court today.

Service for Sri Lanka

A multifaith service for the victims of the Sri Lanka bomb attacks heard Australians needed to "unite in peace" and find common humanity.

More than 350 people attended the service at Blacktown, in Sydney's west, last night, including members of the Islamic, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist communities.

Uniting Church Reverend Radhika Sukumar-White said the tragedy had touched many local families who wanted to make a stand against terrorism.

A much-needed drink

Rainfall in the state's far west this week has given some towns months', and even years' more drinking water but the drought is a long way from being broken.

White Cliffs and Tibooburra were both weeks away from having drinking water trucked in.

But the water supply in White Cliffs will now last for another 10 months, while the Tibooburra dam will supply the town for as long as three years.

ABC