Mum Nancy is a terror on the tiles

IT began, 60 years ago, as something to do in her spare time - now Sydney mother Nancy Tai's love of mahjong could land her a $400,000 windfall.

Mrs Tai is Australia's No.1 ranked mahjong player - and No.8 internationally - and is hungry to capture the world crown and $388,000 in prizemoney in an upcoming tournament at The Star casino.

The 68-year-old mother of three came close to winning the World Series in Macau three years ago.

"I grew up in Hong Kong and all Chinese people there play," she said.

Ms Tai spends more than 10 hours every week training.

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Tristan the troll 'assaulted' reporter

Are they Super XD Trollz, cyber-bullies or brats with brains? You decide if Nebz and Tristan from Facebeef have too much time on their hands.

INTERNET troll Tristan Barker has been charged by New Zealand police over an alleged assault of Today Tonight reporter David Eccleston.

The Seven Network journalist travelled to the Bay of Plenty region of Haumurana to interview Australia's most prolific troll.

He landed back in Sydney this afternoon and was receiving medical attention.

Today Tonight executive producer John Choueifate told News Ltd his reporter had arranged to meet and interview Mr Barker.

It is alleged that he turned up and in the course of the interview, Mr Eccleston was assaulted.

"He was understandably shaken, the matter has been reported to police," Mr Choueifate said.

Tristan Barker has been arrested and charged for an alleged assault in New Zealand on a TV reporter. Picture: Kerry Grant/ Herald on Sunday NZ

There is video footage of the alleged assault.

A New Zealand police spokesman said: "Following an allegation of assault at an address in Rotorua earlier this week an 18-year-old Rotorua man has been arrested and subsequently charged with common assault. He will appear in Rotorua District Court later the month. As the matter is before the court Police will be making no further comment."

Mr Barker's encounter with Today Tonight follows a nasty campaign against A Current Affair's host Tracey Grimshaw which saw manipulated images of the star in pornographic poses posted to the internet last year after the show began investigating the troll.

The assault allegations come on the same day Mr Barker's father avoided being dumped from this weekend's WOMADelaide festival after publicly supporting his son's online antics.

The event's promoters ignored calls to dump The Swamp Thing from the bill, featuring Michael Barker of former Split Enz and The John Butler Trio fame, despite his support for his son's antics online.

A spokesperson for the event said today that The Swamp Thing "will be appearing at Womadelaide this weekend".

Today Tonight reporter David Eccleston was allegedly assaulted by internet troll Tristan Barker.

"Other than that, we have no comment."

Tristan Barker has made international headlines for his cyber attacks. The 18-year-old is currently wanted for questioning by Melbourne police in relation to allegations of a sustained harassment campaign against a small business owner. Police cannot do anything until he returns from Rotorua, New Zealand where he is living with his father in the Haumurana region.

WOMADelaide's promoters had received a number of calls from concerned sponsors including Coles, but the festival has confirmed Barker's act will play this weekend.Matters intensified last night with Tristan Barker using Facebook to mobilise his 300,000-plus "fans" to bombard the internet site of Austereo's Triple M with pro-Hitler messages.

"Hitler never did anything illegal," wrote one poster under the name Melinda Winterford.

Triple M's Grill Team managed to have a rough time interviewing Tristan Barker who is dubbed 'Australia's worst internet troll'.

Internet troll Tristan Barker singing with his dad Michael Barker in bottom right corner, on drums.

The parents of internet troll Tristan Barker - musician Michael Barker and his wife Cathy.

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Renoir among $100,000 stolen artwork

Police image of the Renoir art stolen from a Brooklyn Park home. Source: The Advertiser

A RENOIR painting is among art works valued at $100,000 that have been stolen from a Brooklyn Park home.

Police said the front door was forced open and six valuable paintings were taken from the home, some time between 1.30pm and 3pm on Tuesday.

The stolen works included an original canvas by French impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Two of his paintings have previously sold for more than $70 million.

Other works stolen from the home included paintings and sketches by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

Anyone with information on the theft or the location of any of the artwork is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au

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Tanika an angel gone too soon

An 'angel in heaven' ... little Tanika Norton. Source: The Daily Telegraph

A four year old girl has died in a house fire at Claymore in Sydney's south-west.

Tanika and Tallisha Norton / Pic: Facebook Source: The Daily Telegraph

Chevon Norton, mother of Tanika and Tallisha / Pic: Facebook Source: The Daily Telegraph

TWO brothers yesterday told of their desperate struggle to rescue a four-year-old girl trapped in her burning home, as her distraught family remembered her as an "angel".

The Giaquinto brothers Rocco, 18, and Sammi, 17, rushed from a nearby townhouse to help Chevon Norton in her desperate battle to save her twin daughters Tallisha and Tanika - who were trapped in an upstairs bedroom of the burning Claymore townhouse.

Ms Norton was able to grab Tallisha but Tanika perished in the blaze.

"I saw the fire and I told my brother: 'We have to go help'," Rocco said. "There was fire all around the house. The windows started smashing as we were going in."

With tears welling in his eyes, Rocco described his frustration as a wall of fire blocked his way to the twins' bedroom.

"It didn't look that bad from outside," he said.

"But when I got in ... I saw fire all around the house.

"I couldn't get to her ... I didn't do anything."

The brothers tore palings off the back fence to gain access to the property before kicking down the back door.

After grabbing Tallisha, Ms Norton, 22, was turned back by an "explosion" as she tried to grab Tanika.

"She could see her (Tanika)," a friend, who asked not to be named, said yesterday.

"She went to reach for her and something exploded."

The fire devastation in Claymore as seen from above / Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

As neighbours of the young family yesterday struggled with the horror of the blaze, Tanika's aunt remembered the little "angel" whose star "shines bright" .

"Lord, I understand you need angels up there too, look after her in paradise. Please let her soar," Rinnie Norton wrote on her Facebook page.

"Her star shines bright."

She posted pictures of the girls, promising that she would buy "that Barbie castle cake you always asked for me to get you. You'll never be forgotten princess," she wrote.

Nearby residents left presents in front of the home, with cards telling the family: "We are here for you."

Neighbour Lisiate Vaka said he had seized a metal bar from his property in an effort to save the girls. "I smashed a window and tried to go through," he said. "But by the time I got there it was too late. Everything was fire."

He said his sons used to play with the twins and he was afraid to tell them what had happened. "They were so beautiful. So kind." Mr Vaka said. "They would play with the cats out the front. They loved cats."

Fire Commissioner Greg Mullins said he was considering commendations for the neighbours and officers who tried to rescue Tanika: "They showed courage and determination in the face of fierce flames and thick smoke."

Fire crews at the scene / Pic: Ian Svegovic Source: The Daily Telegraph

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Gay Mardi Gras violence inquiry

NINE'S A Current Affair has interviewed the victim of alleged police brutality during Mardi Gras. See the full segment here. Credit: NINE

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has released more footage of a Mardi Gras incident between a reveller and police which has sparked widespread outrage.

A Mardi Gras reveller who was handcuffed when police apparently threw him to the ground has been charged.

Jamie Jackson the Mardi Gras reveller at the centre of the YouTube clip. Picture: Facebook Source: The Daily Telegraph

POLICE have begun investigations into two separate incidents of alleged brutality involving revellers at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

In the first incident a man, 18, was arrested and charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest and using offensive language.

Footage on the website YouTube appears to show the man, Jamie Jackson, handcuffed and with a head wound, repeating: "I didn't do anything wrong."

A policeman is then seen to roughly push him to the ground and put a foot on his back, pinning him for about 20 seconds.

The incident allegedly happened about 10pm on Saturday on Oxford St near Riley St.

Police are also investigating officers' response to the alleged assault of another officer an hour later, near Crown St.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said police would investigate both incidents.

"We have not received a complaint from either of the gentlemen involved but we ourselves have initiated an internal complaints process," Mr Murdoch told the Wentworth Courier yesterday.

Police Minister Mike Gallacher said the Ombudsman would also review the incident.

The YouTube footage of the first incident also shows the officer telling a bystander to turn off a camera because its use was illegal.

Mr Murdoch said the demand was not part of police policy and it was against their media procedures.

More than 1000 extra officers assisted with Operation Cromwell at Mardi Gras, but Mr Murdoch said the allegations of brutality did not directly arise because western Sydney officers were brought into unfamiliar terrain.

In response to the Greens party suggestion that officers be screened before being assigned to an event such as the Mardi Gras he replied: "Leave policing to the police."

The two incidents and the graphic YouTube footage have tarnished what was planned as a parade celebrating the improvement of social acceptance of the gay and lesbian community on the event's 35th anniversary.

Mardi Gras organiser Peter Urmson said police presence in the three weeks of the Mardi Gras festival had been a lot stronger this year, and at times had been "heavy handed".

"We want a full, open and transparent investigation," he said.

"Mardi Gras was born out of the problem of police brutality and this shows there is still work to do.

"In prior years we've enjoyed a healthier relationship (with police) than we do today."

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Crowds for PM past... and future?

Kevin Rudd speaks at the inter-faith conference today at the Ingle Farm Community Centre in northern Adelaide. Picture: Sam Wundke Source: adelaidenow

AN ABBOTT government would commit to a "flagship" road project for Adelaide, could consider a national approach to criminal gangs, and would never, ever ban live animal exports.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott faced a friendly crowd yesterday in the seat of Boothby, which the Liberals hold with a margin of less than 1 per cent.

The only challenge he faced was the "Ban Live Exports" protesters, whose chants threatened to drown out the community forum he was hosting with local member Andrew Southcott.

The protesters turned up to Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Community Cabinet last month, which was also held in the electorate of Boothby.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott walks into a community forum at Clovelly Park, with live export protesters behind him. Picture: Dean Martin

While Mr Abbott made no real announcements, one thing he made clear was that he would never cave in to the animal advocates on live exports.

He also said "watch this space" on infrastructure for SA.

After a meeting with state Liberal Leader Steven Marshall yesterday morning, Mr Abbott said substantial federal funding was on the table for a road project, with more details to come "between now and polling day".

Kevin Rudd at the Ingle Farm Community Centre in northern Adelaide, where he was speaking at an inter-faith conference. Picture: Sam Wundke

"I'm conscious of the fact that the current government did commit $500 million (to road funding) - that money has been frittered away ... What I want is to contribute the Commonwealth's assistance to a long-term solution rather than a series of Band-Aids," he said.

"The suggestion ... that we look at the north-south corridor ... is a very, very good one."

Mr Abbott also gave highly qualified but in-principle support to a plan for a national approach to gangs, organised crime and illegal firearms, saying it "sounds a bit like a proposal we had going to the last election".

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott speaks at a community forum at Clovelly Park, with the member for Boothby Andrew Southcott. Picture: Dean Martin

The Prime Minister wants the states to refer their powers to the Commonwealth under the FBI-style plan. The State Government also cautiously welcomed the plan. Attorney-General John Rau said the idea hadn't been discussed with him and he would like to see more details.

Mr Abbott's community forum, at the Clovelly Park Memorial Community Centre, was mainly attended by older voters, with some youth leaders from various schools.

The Opposition Leader fielded questions on welfare, same-sex marriage, climate change and a range of other issues, most of which he responded to with stock answers.

One bright child got a laugh by asking what his tactics were to beat Ms Gillard.

"I hope my tactics are successful, OK," Mr Abbott said, later describing the question as "cute".

Meanwhile, for Mr Rudd, it was 2007 all over again as KRudd dusted off his rockstar persona at a small recreation centre in Ingle Farm.

Making the hero's welcome accorded to Kevin Rudd all the more astonishing was the former Prime Minister was in front of an audience of 200 people at a religious conference - not exactly a wild crowd.

He spoke for about 35 minutes on the importance of different religions working together to generate greater understanding and world peace.

But when the floor was opened up to the audience, it took only two questions to get to the nub of the matter.

"Mr Rudd, after hearing you speak today ... I think you need to be prime minister of Australia as soon as possible," one questioner said to huge cheers.

With a restrained smile, the once and possibly future PM replied: "I think I have made my position on that very clear."

Last month, Mr Rudd cancelled a visit to Ingle Farm as it was to be on the same day Julia Gillard was bringing her cabinet to SA.

Mr Rudd has consistently dismissed the idea that he wants to return to the Lodge but reading the between the tea leaves yesterday provided enough evidence he hasn't completely abandoned the idea.

While Ms Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott have spent time in the past week demonising refugees and foreign workers, Mr Rudd yesterday spent a great deal of time praising the strength of Australia's multicultural system and the need to "welcome the strangers in our midst".

Asked later what he made of former One Nation MP Pauline Hanson supporting Ms Gillard's visa crackdown, he muttered an enigmatic "Mrs Hanson is entitled to her political views".

Perhaps more significantly, he expounded at length on the idea of "passive tolerance" and why in a religious sense it was not enough just to put up with those you didn't like. "Respect means not just a passive tolerance," he said.

Makes you wonder how long he'll stand by and watch the polls continue to plummet as the September 14 election nears.

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Ted Baillieu says a change is needed

Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu resigns and says 'I love this state but a change in leadership is needed'. Watch the raw resignation media presser courtesy of TEN

TED Baillieu has quit as Premier of Victoria and Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party.

Mr Baillieu made the announcement after a snap Liberal party meeting was called at 7pm in Parliament.

The meeting lasted about 20 minutes and applause could be heard throughout.

At 9.51pm, Mr Baillieu was seen entering Government House to resign his commission as premier.

And at 10.40pm, Victoria's racing minister Denis Napthine was sworn in to the top job.

Mr Baillieu earlier announced: "This evening I have tendered my resignation as leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party in Victoria and I will shortly visit the Governor to tender my resignation as the Premier of Victoria.

"Can I say I love this state, I love the Liberal party and I love this role that I have had the honour to enjoy over the last two and a bit years.

"I have appreciated the honour immensely of being the leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party over the last seven years but it is apparent to me that a change of leadership is in the best interests of the government."

Mr Baillieu revealed Dr Napthine would be the new Liberal Party leader and Premier of Victoria.

"I want to put my full support behind the new leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party Denis Napthine and to indicate that I will be staying on in Parliament to support him."

Ted Baillieu avoids the cameras as he heads into Government House to officially resign as premier. Picture: Ian Currie

Dr Napthine is Minister for Major Projects. He is also the Minister for Ports, Minister for Regional Cities and Minister for Racing.

He paid tribute to Mr Baillieu saying he was "proud to have served in his government".

"Ted Baillieu certainly served the state very well," he said.

"I am honoured and proud to say he is not just a colleague but a great friend."

He said he was proud to lead the party.

"I look forward to providing strong, stable and positive government for the people of Victoria."

Big Ted walked instead of fought. Blog with Susie O'Brien

During the shock resignation speech, Mr Baillieu was brought to tears as he thanked his staff and family for their support.

"I want to thank the Deputy Premier Peter Ryan in particular, members of the National Party and the Coalition team, I want to thank the members of the Cabinet," he said.

"I want to thank also all my very special friends, timeless friends who shall remain nameless and I want, of course, to thank my wife Robyn and our three children, I also want to thank my extended family. I am sure I will be having a good close cuddle with many of them later this evening."

Ted Baillieu - A life in politics

Mr Baillieu paid tribute to the legacy of the Victorian state.

"Victorians enjoy a legacy I believe unmatched across this country, unmatched across the world and its an honour to stand in this room and understand that over 160 years this Parliament has represented not just a beacon of democracy but also an icon of what's possible.

"The core character of Victorians is one of aspiration and ambition and Victorians have since first settlement days...demonstrated that core character over and over again."

Mr Baillieu said the multicultural community it enjoys was it's strength.

"Above all I want to thank the people of Victoria for the trust they placed in me over several years, particularly those who were good enough to afford us the opportunity to be in Government in 2010."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard pledged to work with Dr Napthine for the good of Victoria and wished Mr Baillieu the best for the future.

"The resignation of Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu tonight is significant news for all Victorians," Ms Gillard said.

Denis Napthine is sworn in as premier at Government House. Picture: Ian Currie

"This decision must have been a very difficult one for Mr Baillieu and for his family. I wish Mr Baillieu all the best for the future."

"I will seek to work in the interests of all Victorians with Mr Baillieu's successor, Denis Napthine."

Opposition leader Tony Abbott also thanked Mr Baillieu for his service to the people of Victoria.

"For the last two years Ted has worked hard to address the problems left behind after 11 years of Labor neglect," he said. "Ted has put Victoria's finances on a sustainable footing and made significant investments in the infrastructure the state so desperately needs.

"In recent months Ted has successfully taken the fight to the federal government after Julia Gillard ripped $1.6 billion out of Australia's public hospitals.

"I have worked closely with Ted Baillieu over the last few years. Ted is a man of integrity and honour and I wish him well for the future.

"I congratulate Denis Napthine on his election as leader of the Victorian parliamentary Liberal Party and I look forward to working closely with him."

Mr Baillieu's resignation comes as Geoff Shaw, who earlier today quit the Liberal Party, released a statement saying Victorians had lost confidence in the Baillieu leadership.

He said: "This morning I advised the Premier of Victoria of my resignation from the Parliamentary Liberal Party, effective immediately.

Ted Baillieu announces he is stepping down as Victoria's Premier at Melbourne Parliament. Picture: Alex Coppel

"As always my focus is on how I can best represent the people of Frankston and at the moment I believe that is from the cross bench.

"Labor left Victoria in a mess and Victorian's elected a Coalition Government to fix the problems and build for the future.

"While the government has made significant progress in that direction, I believe my actions reflect the general loss of confidence Victorians are feeling in the leadership of the government."

Earlier, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan had defended the Premier saying he was "made for the job".

High time for leadership

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Editorial: Napthine has trials to come

Mr Baillieu's leadership had been in the spotlight for his handling of the secret police tapes revealed by the Herald Sun on Monday.

Mr Ryan, who fronted the media this afternoon said the police crisis tapes were in the hands of IBAC, who will make a decision in due course.

Denis Napthine is taking over as Liberal leader after Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu's resignation.

"He (Premier Ted Baillieu) is doing a magnificent job on behalf of Victoria," he said.

"He is the Premier of a government which now has the most successful economic performance in the nation according to the ratings agencies.

"It is an outstanding performance in very difficult circumstances and we intend to ensure, we continue to govern Victoria under the Premiership of Ted Baillieu."

Emerging from a special Coalition party room meeting this morning, Mr Baillieu said the Coalition will continue to govern.

"I can tell you as I am sure you are aware Geoff Shaw has resigned as a member or the parliamentary Liberal Party," Mr Baillieu said.

"That means that he will, I understand, I haven't spoken to him but others have, that he will sit on the cross benches.

"He has, as I understand, indicated that he may not be here for today... but that aside, the government will continue to govern and we will continue to govern decisively in Coalition and we are looking forward to doing just that."

Mr Baillieu said he was confident the parliament would continue to be workable and said he hasn't spoken to the Governor.

"I'm not going to get into the details of what might or might not happen, what I can tell you is that we are committed, we have a very strong forthcoming agenda and we have been able to govern with a narrow margin and I believe we can continue to govern and we will continue to govern," he said.

Ted Baillieu makes his way out of Parliament in Melbourne after resigning as Victoria's Premier and Liberal leader. Picture: Alex Coppel

Mr Baillieu said Mr Shaw hadn't given any reasons for his departure.

"He has provided us with a very short letter and I think in that letter he indicates he wants to do this in the interest of his electors," he said.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews earlier said the government was in crisis.

"There is no one in the Baillieu Government today thinking about jobs, or hospitals or transport or schools, this is a government that has stopped governing," he said.

"The Premier is not so much running a government as running a complete and utter circus, it'd be funny if it weren't so serious."

Liberal Party colleagues yesterday admitted they were also "despairing" over the police crisis tapes ordeal.

The tapes, which were secretly recorded, and later obtained by the Herald Sun revealed a secret payout and job help for a former adviser that forced Mr Baillieu to refer to his chief of staff and party boss to IBAC.

In May, the  Sunday Herald Sun revealed claims Mr Shaw's parliamentary car had been used to frequently undertake long-distance deliveries for his private business.

Earlier today, Mr Ballieu distanced himself from the police tapes crisis, saying he had complete confidence in the pair involved - his chief of staff Tony Nutt and Liberal Party chief Damian Mantach.

New Premier Denis Napthine leaves the meeting after Ted Baillieu resigns. Picture: Ian Currie

"I don't know, and I can't make assumptions about the provenance or the origin of this material," Mr Baillieu said on Neil Mitchell's program on 3AW today.

"Nor do I know if this material has been previously supplied to the OPI or Ombudsman.

"The successor is IBAC and it is appropriate that they examine this material and assess whether any further consideration is required."

However, Mr Baillieu said he had referred the tapes to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission.

"I provided the information to IBAC, I've asked them to assess whether the matter requires further consideration," he said.

"IBAC has power to refer matters to other bodies, including Victoria Police and the ombudsman, as it seems fit."

He said he had not asked Mr Nutt to stand down, nor had he offered to stand aside while IBAC investigated the matter.

"I don't agree with standing down Tony Nutt," he said.

Mr Baillieu said he had now read "slabs" of the transcripts, published on the heraldsun.com.au on Monday.

Geoff Shaw in Parliament. Picture: Norm Oorloff

The Premier said he agreed that a third person on the tapes, Police Minister Peter Ryan's former adviser Tristan Weston, had gone through a difficult time personally and that his position had became untenable due to the OPI report.

The lack of action by the leaders of the Coalition has been slammed by the State Opposition, who accuse Mr Baillieu of running a "complete circus".

In Parliament, the Deputy Premier stood by his original testimony to the OPI over the police command crisis - which has been disputed in the secret tapes - saying it was Mr  Weston who was found to be at fault.

Mr Ryan said Mr Weston had been severely censored or "excoriated" by the OPI.

"I, at all times, co-operated very appropriately with the Office of Police Integrity. At all times I have told the absolute truth," Mr Ryan told parliament.

During Mr Ryan's attack on Mr Weston, Mr Ryan's former parliamentary secretary, Bill Tilley, was comforted by Liberal MP Christine Fyffe.

- with James Campbell, Annika Smethurst and Michelle Ainsworth

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan congratulates new Premier Denis Napthine. Picture: Ian Currie

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Keeping track of Sandy a nightmare

QUEENSLAND is expected to have its second cyclone of the season today when a major low 770km northeast of Townsville reaches cyclone strength.

But trying to work out which way Cyclone Sandra will head is proving a nightmare for forecasters.

It is expected to remain well offshore at least until the weekend but computer models cannot agree if it will merely head to sea or whether New Caledonia, Fiji or Australia will feel its brunt.

Two major weather systems are steering the big storm but it is not clear which will be the major player in its course.

If a strong northwest monsoon flow prevails over a southeasterly high, the storm will be pushed away from Australia. If the position is reversed it could head towards the coast.

Weather Bureau forecaster Pradeep Singh said Coral Sea cyclones had a reputation for erratic patterns.

"Some behave," he said. "Yasi did. It had a reasonably consistent track but some you see have really erratic paths.

"They do all sorts of things. They go north, go south, do loops and this one might live up to the reputation."

The Early Warning Network, a commercial organisation that sends out severe weather alerts, has produced a map showing computer modelling tracks.

It's a confusing array of directions.

Network manager Kerry Wainright said major US, European and Australian models differed, showing just how difficult it was to forecast Coral Sea cyclones.

"Everyone's got a different outcome," Mr Wainright said. "Some have it coming down near Brisbane, others have it crossing the coast in the north and others have it going away completely.

"Things should crystallise over the next 48 to 72 hours. I hope it doesn't come this way. We've had enough."

Communities Minister Tracy Davis said Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements had been activated in the Western Downs local government area, including Dalby after a weekend flood.

"Queensland has been hard hit yet again by Mother Nature, with very heavy rain causing flooding throughout the southwest," Ms Davis said.

Tropical cyclone tracks for cyclones that formed or moved through the Eastern region from 1970 - 2004 as shown on the Bureau of Meteorology website. Source: The Courier-Mail

A high is producing gale force winds and a big swell, with waves to 7m recorded by an Environment Department buoy off North Stradbroke Island yesterday.

Mr Singh said although showers would remain along the coastal strip, the low would draw moisture away from Australia for the next few days, disappointing graziers who were desperate for rain.

Meanwhile, the body of a Leyburn resident, 64, who went missing in floods last week has been found in the Condamine River south of Toowoomba. Police have not found his four-wheel-drive vehicle.

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