Australians hit by Cyclone Yasi warned to stay away from deadly giant Cassowaries

via telegraph.co.uk

Residents of communities around Mission Beach, on the north Queensland coast, which was almost flattened by the category five cyclone earlier this month, have been advised to beware of the 6ft tall birds, which are known to attack if they feel threatened.
Famed for their long talons – their dagger-like middle claws measure 12cm long – and powerful legs, the birds, which are unique to the rainforests of northern Australia, are said to be able to disembowel humans, dogs and horses with just one kick.
Weighing more than 10st, cassowaries resemble an emu, and in 2007 were named the most dangerous birds in the world by the Guinness Book of Records.

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Beattie Greenwashes Eco Tourism

Former Queensland Governor, Peter Beattie, now swanning it up in the United States is pitching eco tourism in Queensland to wealthy Americans and Europeans.

"Global warming not only demands environmental answers but will see an increasing desire ... for clean, green tourism destinations which are environmentally friendly and carbon neutral."

He said an increasing number of American and European tourists would demand eco-friendly tourist activities and accommodation.

"Queensland's rainforests and Great Barrier Reef will be prime targets for these environmental tourists, and operators who promote themselves as environmentally friendly and carbon neutral will be the big winners," he said.

"Indeed, holiday experiences which include a focus on the dangers facing the reef from rising global temperatures will have a particular appeal, especially if Australian tourism operators highlight the positive role Australia is playing in fighting carbon emissions and global warming."

The guests will have to live like those on Survivor (without the television crews), to balance out the carbon emissions from the long haul flights there and back. Probably a minimum sentence of two years in the bush eating insects and native vegetation.

And watch out for those crocs.

I am definitely not saying don't come. I understand that Australia is keen to attract foreign tourists, but I am not sure that this is the way to go. Fair enough if it is a marketing pitch, to get more tourists, but not too much in the way of reducing carbon emissions.