Indigenous concerned about Cape York plan

TRADITIONAL owners on Queensland's Cape York say they need more time to consider the government's 20-year plan for the peninsula.

About 10 indigenous groups say they want the March 25 deadline for submissions on the Cape York regional plan extended because of the significance of the plan.

The draft, released in November, outlines future land use for the region - mapping areas where development may be considered and areas of high environmental value.

Laura traditional owner Desmond Tayley says indigenous land owners, who will be affected most by the land use changes, weren't consulted before the draft was drawn up.

"This could be one of the biggest plans that affects how we do business on Cape York," he told AAP on Friday.

"The cultural heritage aspects are not really recognised in this plan ... the traditional owners and land owners have never really been consulted."

Mr Tayley says although the government spoke with Cape York councils, this didn't necessarily mean traditional owners were consulted.

He also wants similar protections offered to the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, where mining has been banned, extended to include rock art sites in and around Laura.

Traditional owners from Western Yalanji, Mapoon, Pormpuraaw, Archer Point, Olkola, Lockhardt River, Chuula, Batavia Downs and the Wenlock Catchment Group have also expressed concern.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says the draft plan was developed in close consultation with traditional owners and discussions will extend beyond the official March 25 deadline.

"The Queensland government is prepared to take as long as is necessary to get this plan right," he said in a statement.

"I can reassure communities on the Cape that all their submissions and comments will be considered in finalisation of the plan."

The 28 members of the Cape York Regional Planning Committee includes MPs, mayors, green groups and resource sector representatives.

The government has said the plan encourages economic growth, while green groups say it opens up vast areas of the cape to mining.

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Gorgon could be delayed until 2016

AUSTRALIA'S largest gas project Gorgon could be delayed until at least 2016 as joint venture partners Chevron and Shell differ on the expected start-up date.

It follows a series of delays and cost blowouts to the massive $US54 billion ($A60.02 billion) liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in north Western Australia.

Shell chief executive Ben Van Beurden presented a table to analysts overnight showing the estimated start-up date for the massive 450 million ton project had been pushed back to between 2016 to 2018.

Shell's presentation in London contradicts lead partner's Chevron's assurances that the project is on track to begin in mid-2015.

Chevron this week reiterated its start-up date for first gas next year.

In December last year, Chevron pushed back the time-frame from the first quarter of 2015 and announced the cost of the project had blown out by $US2 billion to $US54 billion.

A spokeswoman for Royal Dutch Shell, which has a 25 per cent stake in Gorgon, referred questions about the start-up time to Chevron.

The original budgeted cost of Gorgon was $US37 billion when it was given the green light in 2009.

Earlier this week, Chevron said Gorgon was almost 80 per cent complete, with two thirds of the gas already committed to buyers.

Offshore pipelaying was now complete and 65 per cent of the LNG from Gorgon had been committed under long-term contracts.

Mr Beurden also reaffirmed the company's $US15 billion target for asset sales over 2014-15 but made no mention of whether it would include a sell down of its stake in Perth-based Woodside Petroleum.

Royal Dutch Shell, a joint venture partner in Woodside's Browse project in Western Australia, has previously indicated it will begin an asset sales program.

Analysts predict Shell could reap $US6.95 ($A7.82) billion by selling its 23.1 per cent interest in Woodside.

Mr Beurden said the company had already announced more than $US4.5 billion of asset sales, including equity in the Wheatstone LNG stake and downstream businesses in Australia.

"There are more divestments to come reaching an expected $US15 billion for 2014 and 2015 combined," Mr Beurden told analysts.

Shell also said start-up for its 110 million ton Prelude floating LNG project would be between 2016 2018.

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Jakarta governor to run for president

INDONESIA'S main opposition party has nominated popular Jakarta governor Joko Widodo as its candidate for July's presidential election.

"To the people of Indonesia, please give your support to Mr Joko Widodo as the candidate of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle," the party's deputy chairwoman Puan Maharani, daughter of former president Megawati Sukarnoputri, said at a press conference.

Recent polls suggest that Widodo, a former furniture businessman and mayor of Solo in Central Java province, would win the election if it were held now.

Widodo rose to political prominence as Solo mayor thanks to his hands-on leadership style and programmes including free healthcare and education.

As governor, he has a reputation for paying frequent visits to Jakarta's slums, and is known for riding a bicycle to work.

"I have been given a mandate by PDI-P chairwoman Madam Megawati Sukarnoputri to be the presidential candidate of PDI Perjuangan," Widodo said during a visit to a Jakarta neighbourhood.

Analysts say the party is hoping Widodo's nomination will boost its support in the April 9 legislative elections.

The popularity of the ruling Democratic Party, led by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has been declining following a series of corruption scandals.

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US producer prices dip

THE prices US companies receive for goods and services fell slightly in February, the latest sign inflation is tame.

The Labor Department says the producer price index, which measures price changes before they reach the consumer, dropped 0.1 per cent in February.

That's the first decline since November. A sharp fall in the price mark-ups by wholesalers and retailers pushed down the index.

Wholesale food and energy prices increased, as did the cost of pharmaceuticals.

Excluding the volatile categories of food, energy and retailer and wholesaler profit margins, core prices ticked up 0.1 per cent.

The figures underscore that US inflation remains largely in check.

Businesses have struggled to raise prices because of historically high levels of unemployment and meagre wage growth. That's made it harder for consumers to pay more.

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Children get wake-up call about sleep

CHILDREN and parents need a wake-up call about the importance of sleep, say medical experts who are visiting schools in Australia and New Zealand with their message.

They say too many children are not getting the good night's sleep they need to grow strong, think clearly and feel good.

Children aged five to 12 need nine to 11 hours a night. Older children need 8.5 to 9.5 hours until the age of 18.

But research shows 20 per cent don't get the recommended amount and up to 40 per cent have poor sleep schedules.

"Undoubtedly their physical and mental health is suffering," said sleep researcher Dr Sarah Biggs.

"We're on a mission to turn this trend around."

Increasing awareness and teaching good habits would ultimately boost health and learning, said Dr Biggs, co-ordinator of the Australasian Sleep Association and Sleep Health Foundation campaign.

Volunteers from the organisations will speak to 6000 students at 23 schools on Friday, world sleep day.

Their message includes the need for children to have a regular bed time, and to limit the use of electronic devices before bed.

Devices including televisions, computers and mobile phones should be kept out of the bedroom at night.

The volunteers will also promote MWorld smartphone app that teaches children about sleep and other interesting science topics.

"Sleep is regularly ignored, even though it's a pillar of healthy living alongside sensible eating and regular exercise, said Sleep Foundation chair Professor David Hillman.

Research shows short sleep duration and poor sleep scheduling are associated with health problems such as obesity, behavioural problems and poor academic performance.

"Healthy sleep is important for physical growth, learning, positive mood, energy and daytime concentration," said Associate Professor Nick Antic, who heads the Australasian Sleep Association.

"Healthy sleep is not just about duration. It's about quality and having a consistent sleep routine that keeps your body clock in sync."

Symptoms of a child being sleep deprived include being overactive or moody, struggling to concentrate, falling asleep during short car trips or while watching TV, or having problems at school.

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US retail sales rebounded 0.3 per cent

US retail sales have bounced back after suffering a steep decline during a bitterly cold January, with people spending more on cars, clothing and furniture.

The Commerce Department said on Thursday seasonally-adjusted retail sales rose 0.3 per cent in February. Spending had fallen 0.6 per cent in January and 0.3 per cent in December.

The increase suggests consumer spending has started to recover after being tempered by snowstorms and freezing temperatures that blanketed much of the country.

Auto sales rose 0.3 per cent. Excluding volatile spending on cars, petrol and building supplies, retail sales increased 0.3 per cent from December.

Last month's rebound almost brought retail spending back to its December levels. Purchases at restaurants, online retailers and department stores also improved.

Over the past 12 months, retail sales have risen 1.5 per cent.

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Labor gives Abbott no credit for SPC deal

LABOR has accused Prime Minister Tony Abbott of inconsistency in jobs investment, despite the announcement by food processor SPC Ardmona that it has signed a $70 million deal with supermarket giant Woolworths.

SPC announced on Tuesday the massive contract to supply 24,000 extra tonnes of tomatoes, fruit and beans to Woolworths, in a major boost to the company that was recently refused $25 million in federal government assistance.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he always believed SPC Ardmona was a sound business.

But Mr Shorten, who was in Perth to begin campaigning for the West Australian Senate election re-run, said the Abbott government should take no credit for its hardline approach.

"The Victorian government stepped into assist SPC," he said. "I am pleased that there is good news at any point about jobs, but I was appalled the Abbott government had no plan about SPC jobs.

"What makes this position so inconsistent is that a chocolate factory in Hobart (Cadbury) can get Abbott government money but a fruit-processing plant in the Goulburn Valley doesn't.

"There is no consistency."

The Abbott government refused to provide $25 million in support to the Shepparton cannery, saying its parent company, Coca-Cola Amatil, should step in and save the food processor.

In the end, the Victorian government offered the SPC Ardmona $22 million, as part of a $100 million co-investment strategy with the company.

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'Smuggling boss' to fight Aust extradition

AN alleged people smuggling kingpin will fight long and hard against a decision to grant his extradition to Australia, his lawyer says.

Sayed Abbas is accused of being a notorious people smuggler who has eluded Australian justice since 2009.

He is wanted on 27 charges including organising the passage of three boats intercepted en route to Christmas Island between 2009 and 2011.

But he is suspected of leading a syndicate behind many more journeys, including one that sent at least 200 asylum seekers to their deaths, when their boat sank in the Sunda Strait in December 2011.

Abbas denies the charges, claiming he is a victim of mistaken identity.

He has previously argued extradition should be rejected on humanitarian grounds, as he is a refugee, and claims he worked as a paid informant for the Australian Federal Police.

Australia last tried unsuccessfully to extradite him last year, when South Jakarta District Court found Indonesia's 1979 extradition law did not cover the crime of people-smuggling.

But he was re-arrested, the decision was reviewed and this week a panel of judges approved extradition, angering Abbas' lawyer Mohammad Mahdi, who says they will use every avenue of appeal.

"If ... they who didn't have grounds for appealing can do this and win, we'll definitely be using the same (avenues) as they did," he said.

The lawyer says he hasn't yet received the document granting the extradition, after which time he has seven days to launch a Supreme Court appeal.

If no appeal is received, the request can go to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for approval - but Mr Mahdi has flagged he will draw the case out beyond the president's term, which ends later this year.

"Believe me, there's still long time until the (extradition's) execution, even after SBY steps down," he said.

It's believed Abbas, an ethnic Hazara, even managed to stay in business while he was imprisoned in Jakarta, such was his reputation.

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Australia gives $10m aid to Somalia

The federal government has pledged $10 million in aid to war-ravaged Somalia. Source: AAP

AUSTRALIA will pledge $10 million in aid to war-ravaged Somalia.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says $2 million will be given to support the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) to combat terrorism, while a further $8 million will be granted for humanitarian efforts such as water access and medical care.

Ms Bishop said enhancing Somalia's stability was in Australia's national interest.

"It will help combat terrorism, improve stability in the Indian Ocean Rim and reduce piracy along important trading routes for Australia," she said in a statement on Monday.

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Sanctions against Russia unlikely: Bishop

FOREIGN Minister Julie Bishop has suggested economic and other sanctions against Russia are unlikely at this stage given the lack of consensus between the United States and Europe.

Ms Bishop also described Moscow's claim that it was acting to protect Russian-speaking communities in Ukraine as a "disturbing precedent".

The Australian foreign minister will meet with her UK counterpart William Hague in London on Monday afternoon (Tuesday morning AEDT) with Russia's "intervention" in Ukraine and the Crimea on the agenda.

"Economic and other sanctions are being considered," the Australian foreign minister told reporters after she opened the London stock exchange.

"You can't rule that out - but I don't believe there's consensus across the United States and the European Union."

Canberra has cancelled a planned visit to Russia by Trade Minister Andrew Robb and also scrapped the Russian national security adviser's scheduled trip to Australia.

Ms Bishop on Monday was asked if the UK should continue selling arms to Russia given the situation in Ukraine.

"That's a matter for the United Kingdom to consider in the context of the scenario that's unfolding between Russia, the Ukraine and Crimea," she said.

"I am concerned that Russia's claim that it has a right to intervene in other states to protect Russian-speaking communities is not only unjustifiable but it also sets a disturbing precedent for other former Soviet republics."

Ms Bishop argued for continuing dialogue and diplomacy.

"We urge the Russian government to de-escalate the tensions, withdraw troops and not breach Ukraine's sovereignty."

Diplomatic efforts to calm the Ukraine crisis are creeping forward with Moscow saying it will consider Western proposals for talks but insisting Crimea has the right to secede.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had reportedly promised to meet with his foreign minister on Monday to discuss the possibility of creating an "international contact group" - the first indication he may be willing to join talks being pushed by the US and Germany to ease the worst East-West crisis since the Cold War.

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Growing optimism among small firms: MYOB

A RISING proportion of small businesses is enjoying improved revenue flows, and there has been a sharp jump in those firms expecting better times this year, a new survey shows.

Research by business software provider MYOB found that while less than a quarter (22 per cent) of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) surveyed reported rising revenue over the year to February, it was the best result since March 2011.

Those reporting a decline in revenue also eased to 34 per cent compared to 39 per cent when last surveyed in August 2013.

The March 2014 MYOB Business Monitor also saw a significant increase in SMEs anticipating a revenue rise in the next 12 months - 34 per cent compared to 25 per cent previously.

MYOB CEO Tim Reed said the findings clearly told a positive story.

"Buoyed by record-low interest rates and a lower Australian dollar, local SMEs' hard work and resilience is now bearing fruit," he said when releasing the report on Tuesday.

The survey of 1032 sole traders to mid-sized companies found that those in finance and insurance were the most positive in terms of both actual revenue and the revenue expectations.

South Australia and Victoria were the most optimistic mainland states.

The price of fuel was once again the top pressure point for SMEs, as it had been since March 2011.

Cash flow remained in second place, while attracting new customers rose one place to equal third with competitive activity.

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More Americans riding public transit

AMERICANS are boarding public buses, trains and subways in greater numbers than any time since the suburbs began booming.

Nearly 10.7 billion trips in 2013, to be precise - the highest total since 1956, according to ridership data reported by transit systems nationally and released Monday by the American Public Transportation Association.

Transit ridership has now fully recovered from a dip caused by the Great Recession. With services restored following economy-driven cutbacks, ridership numbers appear set to continue what had been a steady increase.

"People are making a fundamental shift to having options" aside from a car in how they get around, said Michael Melaniphy, president and CEO of the public transportation association.

"This is a long-term trend. This isn't just a blip."

Expanding bus and train networks help spur the growth.

Ridership on Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority light-rail trains increased 6 per cent over 2012, as the public took advantage of an expanded network of lines.

Overall, LA Metro gained 9 million trips to reach 478 million in 2013, the transportation association said.

Among the other transit systems in California with record ridership was the Caltrain commuter rail service that connects San Francisco with Silicon Valley.

Houston, which has been more notable for its sprawl than its public transportation offerings, had a large ridership gain.

So did Seattle, Miami, Denver and San Diego.

The New York area's behemoth transit network saw the greatest gain, accounting for one in three trips nationally.

Transit advocates argue that the public increasingly values the ability to get around without a car. They offer as evidence the nation's urban shift and the movement to concentrate new development around transit hubs.

"People want to work and live along transit lines," Melaniphy said.

"Businesses, universities and housing are all moving along those corridors."

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Council demands action after record summer

THE Climate Council says Australia experienced "another angry summer" this year, with more than 150 temperature records broken.

The environmental group's report Angry Summer will be released by Professor Tim Flannery on Monday, who said Australia witnessed substantial heat records, heatwaves and extreme weather events over the season.

According to the report, Sydney had its driest summer in 27 years, and Melbourne experienced its hottest ever 24 hour period with an average temperature of 35.5 degrees celsius.

Perth had its second hottest summer and its hottest ever night, and Adelaide suffered through a record 11 days of 42 degrees or more.

Meanwhile, towns from Tamworth to Mount Gambia to Roma all broke records for the daily maximum temperature.

Professor Flannery said the scorching summer was part of an overall trend of more extreme weather events in Australia, and called for action on cutting carbon emissions.

"The latest summer was an another example of climate change tearing through the record books," he said in a statement.

"If we want to stop them getting worse this is the critical decade for action."

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