DUI man caught again in missing tyre car

A MAN charged with DUI after he jack-knifed a truck was allegedly caught by police again several hours later driving a car with only three tyres.

Police spokesman Samuel Dinnison said officers received a report about 9.30pm on Friday night that a truck towing a trailer with a tractor on board had attempted a three-point turn on Steere St in Bridgetown when it jack-knifed, causing the trailer to separate from the truck.

The truck drove off and the trailer rolled downhill through a four-way intersection and crashed into a parked car.

While officers were dealing with the trailer, the truck was seen heading back towards the scene.

Officers on foot tried to wave down the truck, but it failed to stop.

The vehicle was stopped about 500m further down the road and the driver was taken into custody.

The 28-year-old Beaconsfield man was told he would be charged for DUI by summons and was released.

At about 12.45am, Australind Police officers were on patrol when they saw a white Holden Colorado ute driving on Sandridge Rd in Bunbury with one of the rear wheels missing.

The rim was grinding on the road causing a large amount of sparks.

Police stopped the vehicle, and it will be alleged the same man was driving this car.

"Officers back-tracked the movements of the vehicle by following the gouge marks in the road, and it appears the vehicle was driven for about 8km on the rim," Mr Dinnison said.

"The gouges also suggest the vehicle had crossed to the wrong side of the road, including through intersections, a number of times and had gone the wrong way through a roundabout."

The 28-year-old man was charged with reckless driving, excess 0.08 and no authority to drive, as his licence was suspended after the earlier incident.

He was refused bail and will appear in Bunbury Magistrates Court today.

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Three tornadoes hit coastal towns: 17 hurt

A badly damaged house and downed power lines are seen after a tornado ripped through Bargara on Queensland's coast. YouTube/nikkogsxr

WARNING signals will be broadcast for the Wide Bay area as tornado activity continues throughout the night, with five tornadoes earlier hitting the region.

Earlier this evening, radar imagery was showing a sixth tornado gaining strength about 30km west of Maryborough and moving south to southwest at about 50km/h.

Locals are watching nervously after seeing Bargara, near Bundaberg, hit with the first tornado about 1pm.

It brought down powerlines, tearing off roofs and flinging iron and windows across the streets.

Burnett Heads, just north of Bargara, was then hit about 3pm with a third tornado ripping through Coonarr soon after.

For our comprehensive wrap of the flood crisis, click here.

Bungadoo, around 40km south southwest of Bundaberg was hit just after 4pm and the fifth tornado struck again at Burnett Heads about 6.21pm, damaging the roofs of two homes and several powerlines.

"We've had quite a lot of damage from the tornadoes, with major damage to shopping centres and powerlines down," Bureau of Meteorology technical forecaster Ken Kato said.

Raw vision from Channel Ten shows the impact of wild storms and a tornado near Bundaberg on Queensland's coast.

"I would not call them mini, they are proper tornados," he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology and Emergency Management Queensland will be issuing the Standard Emergency Warning Signal before updates to the severe weather events over radio or television.

EMQ Assistant Director-General Bruce Grady said EMQ had been advised by the BoM that current radar imagery suggests the strong possibility of tornado-like activity would continue to affect areas across the Wide Bay and Burnett District.

"While it is not possible to indicate where exactly these events will occur, destructive winds, heavy rainfall, abnormally high tides and dangerous surf has been forecast for the Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt Districts," Mr Grady said.

The tornadoes have left at least 20 people injured and two people seriously hurt.

Two people were critically injured when a giant pine fell on their parked car on the Esplanade at Bargara, while two homes were completely destroyed in the tornado that struck Burnett Heads.

Authorities said Burnett Heads was again struck by the latest in the series of twisters, which hit the area at 6pm AEST and 6.30pm.

Bargara Bowling Club after the tornado. Picture: Sabrina Lauriston

Two people were believed to have been injured in the second onslaught, with powerlines down and at least one roof torn from a home.

And the Bureau of Meteorology says the worst may be yet to come.

It has forecast the "strong possibility" of further tornado activity around Burnett Heads, Wide Bay and at Maryborough, south of Bundaberg.

See more pictures from the damage

Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey, who lives in Bundaberg, said 150 homes had been damaged at Burnett Heads.

Mr Dempsey said he could not confirm the number of injuries, but said a triage centre had been set up in Bargara to deal to tend to at least a dozen people injured by flying glass and other debris.

Two people were critically injured when their car was struck by a tree and were undergoing emergency treatment in Bundaberg hospital, he said.

This Twitter photo from Channel 7 Bundaberg shows emergency crews working to free a man trapped in his car after a pine tree fell on the vehicle during a mini-tornado. PIC: Pippa Bradshaw/ Channel 7

Mr Dempsey said East Bundaberg and small townships in the area had also been hit by mini-tornadoes, but it was not clear whether there had been several individual tornadoes or whether they were part of the same weather system.

Local councillor Greg Barnes told The Courier-Mail he witnessed the Bargara tornado as it tore through his neighbourhood.

Cr Barnes said a man and woman are currently trapped in their ute after a Norfolk Pine was brought down onto the cab of the vehicle. They appear to be seriously injured, he said.

Cr Barnes said the tornado swept through the northern end of Bargara, impacting buildings and homes including his own.

He said the most affected areas were between Bargara Road and McCavanagh Street and Davidson Street and the Esplanade.

Emergency crews have been activated and residents are urged to stay away from the area as there are live wires down.

Cr Barnes said he had heard reports the local bowls club may have lost its roof (Story continues below).

View Triple Twisters in a larger map

"It's not a good situation. I urge people to keep away. It's not something you need to come and see. It's very dangerous. There are live wires down in nearly every street,' Cr Barnes said.

"They're going to have to shut down the power out here. We need the public to play their part and keep away."

Bargara resident Judith McNamara, who witnessed the tornado through her kitchen window, said it left a car in her yard with a tree through it.

"All of a sudden ... I looked up and a tree went flying through the air ... and the car went up," she told ABC radio.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said it damaged homes, shops, a bowling club and government buildings.

All roads into the town are closed.

DAMAGE in Bargara after a tornado struck on Saturday. Pic: Ergon Facebook

Kathleen Donaghy, Kelmeny Fraser and Brittany Vonow with AAP

This Twitter picture from Channel Nine News shows emergency personnel at Bargara after the mini tornado hit. PIC: Courtesy Nine News.

A tornado has ripped through Bargara, tearing roofs off homes, ripping down powerlines and knocking down trees. Emergency crews are on scene and many roads have been closed. Picture: Ergon Enegy Facebook Page

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WA celebrates Australia Day

Thousands flocked to Cottesloe Beach for the Havaianas Thong Challenge. Picture: Thomas Davidson Source: PerthNow

WEST Australians revelled in all the colours of the flag for Australia Day - from swimming in the blue waters of Broome to kicking a footy across the red dirt of the Pilbara or camping on the white beaches of Esperance.

The nation's proudest day brought 300,000 to the shores of the Swan River to see Perth's Australia Day climax, the Skyworks, with nine tonnes of explosive material lighting up the night sky.

Families crowded the shoreline for the 30-minute display, which was accompanied for the first time by giant water fountains lit up with coloured laser beams.

It followed a day of barbecues, beers and beach bathing for many Sandgropers keen to enjoy the clear-blue skies and 35C temperatures.

As the Australian and Aboriginal flags flew side-by-side on the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the first time yesterday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard granted Englishman Ian Mears his Australia Day wish by giving him a kiss on the cheek during his citizenship pledge in Canberra.

The downpours across central Queensland caused by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald forced the cancellation of many Australia Day activities, including Yeppoon's Aussie beach party.

In WA, the hot weather proved a boon for the Havaianas Thong Challenge, with almost 2100 people turning out to Cottesloe Beach to break the world record to create the longest line of inflatable airbeds for the second year in a row.

Revellers south of the river flocked to Bathers Bay in Fremantle for the Indian Ocean Skyshow fireworks after a day of family entertainment and activities.

There were also fireworks in Broome, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Bunbury and Bassendean.

In Karratha, the Whittles family celebrated the life of Steve Irwin by dressing as the famous crocodile hunter.

A flash mob entertained beach-goers cooling off at Scarborough, while young Jordyn Niemann and Kaylee Clift escaped the Kalgoorlie heat by visiting the local pool.

Australia Day breakfast celebrations were a big family hit, with thousands making their way to dozens of bush and beach locations across WA for a snagger and some serenity.

Settled on the South Perth foreshore since 9.30am, Dianella brothers Clint and Rhys Jasper enjoyed the day from the comfort of their 25-foot ski boat.

"What's not to love?" Clint Jasper said, from his inflatable island. "Beautiful city views, beautiful water and we're a pretty good-looking bunch of people."

Accompanied by about 30 family and friends, he said his day would be dictated by "when the beer runs out". Megan Schmitt, 22, held an Australia Day party in the front yard of her $500-a-week rental, complete with a DJ set up and inflatable pool.

In a prime position, only one street back from the South Perth foreshore, the party was attracting attention from honking motorists as they exited the freeway.

Ms Schmitt said she was not worried about gate crashers, providing they had "the right attitude".

"We invited about 100 people but it was a Facebook invite so we only expect half of that," she said.

The party was interrupted by a passing motorcyclist, who fell off his bike after crashing into road barriers.

 That was hectic, she said, before inviting the shaken man in for a beer. Meanwhile, those after something a little different turned up to various Fringe World Festival shows in Perth, including acts with comedy and stripping, drag queens and murder mysteries.

In community centres around the state, thousands of new citizens stood together to pledge their loyalty to Australia.

The biggest citizenship ceremony was held at the Wanneroo showgrounds, with almost 700 people from countries as diverse as Iran to Austria officially becoming Australians.

Further north, ordinary West Australians were honoured for their extraordinary efforts at the City of Joondalup's 2013 Premier's Australia Day Awards.

Sacred Heart College student Rossana Hywood received the Individual Active Citizenship Award for her humanitarian efforts both here and abroad.

Teenager Esme Keogh received the council's Active Citizenship Award for under 25s for her extensive community work, and the West Perth District Football Development Council and the West Perth Football Club were honoured for expanding and developing football opportunities for young people in the north-west corridor of Perth.

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Oz Day: Small steps to reconciliation

As Australia Day is celebrated at home, troops overseas send messages to family and friends.

IT was a small step, but a significant one.

At around 8am (AEDT) on Saturday, before the obligatory family barbecues and citizenship ceremonies were under way across the country, the Aboriginal and Australian flags were slowly raised on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Full Australia's Day honours list here

It was the first time both flags have flown side by side atop the bridge on Australia Day.

But while the iconic bridge may have become a symbol of unity for the day, many Aboriginal people see little reason to celebrate January 26, which also marks 225 years since the First Fleet arrived.

The Aboriginal flag sits on top the Harbour Bridge for the first time. Picture: Sam Ruttyn Source: News Limited

About 50 people marked the day near the famous tent embassy in Canberra by announcing that the country's first Aboriginal political party, formed in the Northern Territory two years ago, would contest this year's federal election.

There were calls for people to stand up for their rights and end the NT intervention program, but no repeat of the angry protests that marred last year's Australia Day celebrations in the nation's capital.

In Sydney, NSW Governor Marie Bashir said Captain Arthur Phillip knew he was an intruder who would change the lives of Aboriginal people forever.

Australia Day celebrations are ready to go off this long weekend

''We are walking together, I believe, as one people,'' she said of steps being taken toward reconciliation.

The message of ''one people'' rang true today for the more than 17,000 people from 145 countries who took the citizenship pledge to become freshly-minted Aussies.

At a ceremony in Canberra, National Australia Day Council chair Adam Gilchrist told a crowd that new citizens will enjoy all the opportunities Australia can provide.

PM Julia Gillard kisses Ian Mears from London .. who has now becoman Australian Citizen today in a ceremony with Governor General Quentin Bryce on the shore of lake burley griffin in Canberra . Picture: Kym Smith Source: News Limited

''There's no doubt we are richer, we are stronger and a more egalitarian country because they and many others choose to come here,'' he said.

The Canberra ceremony kicked off  with a parade of the Federation Guard and the playing of the national anthem.

The ceremony was attended by Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose, Young Australian of the Year Akram Azimi, Senior Australian of the Year Professor Ian Maddocks and Australia's 2013 Local Hero Indigenous leader Shane Phillips.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Governor-General Quentin Bryce looked on as the Australian flags were raised and a group of Hawk 127 aircraft flew overhead. A 21-gun salute resounded over the capital.

Jessica Mauboy will perform on two floating stages at Athol Bay and Blues point reserve as part of North Sydney's Australia Day celebrations. Picture: John Appleyard

Almost 100 people from 22 countries were taking part in the citizenship pledge in Canberra.

Ms Gillard, who was born in the UK, said she was a proud member of the millions who had taken the pledge since 1949.

A 90 second wrap up of the live Sky coverage of flag raising and citizenship ceremony in Canberra

''As migrants - all four million of us - we did not just adopt a new country,'' she said.

''This is your new country, and you'll never want another. Welcome to citizenship. Welcome to Australia. Welcome home.''

Ms Gillard also gave one Englishman a kiss on the cheek, when he became a citizen.

Ian Mears from London was wearing a tie saying "Kiss me I'm Aussie", and the Prime Minister gave him his Australia Day wish.

World-renowned British actor Miriam Margolyes, known for her roles in the television comedy Blackadder and as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, was among those to take the pledge in Canberra.

As Australian of the Year, Ita Buttrose will have ageist attitudes and dementia in her sights.

''I'm just very happy to be here, and I will be with friends and the rest of my life will be joyous,'' she said.

Thousands of new people were welcomed at citizenship ceremonies in each state, and families were encouraged to soak up the fun and atmosphere at a variety of free events.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott told an Australia Day breakfast and citizenship ceremony in Adelaide that new citizens are changing the country for the better.

PM Julia Gillard giving actress Miriam Margolyes her certificate for becoming an Australian Citizen at the Australia Day Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith Source: News Limited

Change should be welcomed ''when it's in accordance with the customs and traditions of our people'', he said.

Thousands of people turned out in Sydney's CBD to watch The Wiggles unveil their new line-up, as indigenous artist Jessica Mauboy performed on a floating stage in Sydney Harbour.

In Tamworth, country music fans lined the town's main drag for an annual cavalcade that celebrates both Australia Day and the finale of the iconic 10-day country music festival.

There was less fanfare in Queensland, where Premier Campbell Newman warned Australia Day revellers to batten down the hatches as heavy downpours threatened parts of the state with flooding.

Almost 100 people have taken part in a citizenship ceremony in Canberra.

Gladstone was declared a disaster area, while mini-tornadoes damaged scores of buildings and injured up to 20 people in Bargara, Burnett Heads and other townships in the Bundaberg district.

Australia Day video messages from Australian Defence Force personnel serving in United Arab Emirates

Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan said the second anniversary of the Queensland floods this year reminded him of those who pulled together to help friends and strangers faced with losing everything.

''The Australian spirit is never stronger than when we face these kinds of events together,'' he said.

Sydney Harbour turns into a race course as the iconic Sydney Ferries race under the Harbour Bridge. Photo: Sam Ruttyn Source: News Limited

Victorians were reminded to remember the volunteers spending their Australia Day fighting blazes in some parts of the state and dealing with the aftermath of others.

Thousands of Tasmanians gathered for a concert at the same pub in Dunally, in the state's east, where ferocious bushfires tore through the region earlier this month.

Local Mayor Kerry Vincent said despite the horror the bushfires brought with them, the community was coming together in the spirit of solidarity.

Not all Australians are celebrating January 26. The Aboriginal community in Tasmania speak out against what they call Invasion Day.

In Western Australia, more than 2500 new citizens from 92 countries took the pledge at more than 80 citizenship ceremonies around the state, including the second-largest in the country, at Wanneroo in Perth's north.

About 300,000 people are expected to attend Perth's Skyworks display on the Swan River tonight, up 50,000 from last year thanks to milder weather.

The city has enjoyed a 36C degree maximum, compared to 2012's sweltering 41C.

Overseas in Afghanistan, Aussie troops sent their recorded messages to loved ones via video link.

Jessica Mauboy's moving rendition of Advance Australia Fair celebrating Australia Day

In the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wished all Aussies a safe and happy Australia Day and reiterated that the US remains a committed partner and friend.

"As you celebrate your national day with loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a committed partner and friend," Ms Clinton said in a statement received today.

"I wish all Australians a safe and happy holiday celebration and continued peace and prosperity in the coming year."

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says new Australian citizens are changing the country for the better.

Ms Clinton said her recent visit to Australia for the annual AUSMIN talks had reminded her of the strong bonds that united the two countries.

Brad Ivers of Eltham CFA bats with Matt Thomas (left) of Eltham CFA and Andrew Griffith (centre) of Wattleglen CFA in the field as they celebrate Australia Day with a game of cricket after their night shift on the Hurstbridge Tanker 2 before heading home on January 26, 2013 in Hayfield, Australia Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

 "We are cooperating on more issues than ever before, from strengthening security to space exploration, from expanding educational exchanges to increasing trade and commerce," she said.

"We are also working tirelessly to advance the causes of freedom, democracy and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and across the globe. All of this is reinforced by the ties of family, friends, values and principles."

Australia in our own words

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No cane and able to return home to Perth

THE Perth-based maritime worker arrested by Singaporean authorities for swearing on a Tiger Airways flight out of Perth has had his passport returned and been told he faces no further action.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed today that Bruce Griffiths, 47, had been allowed to leave the country after initially being accused under the country's outrage of modesty laws.

It had originally been thought he may face the cane as a potential punishment, after becoming involved in a swearing match with another male passenger whose sleep he disturbed while allowing a female passenger out of her seat.

But as PerthNow revealed yesterday, that punishment was ruled out by local police and Mr Griffiths was today told he was free to leave the country.

"Singapore Police have advised the Australian High Commission that Mr Griffith's case was concluded today and his passport has been returned to him,'' a DFAT spokeswoman said.

"Our obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 constrain us from providing any further details of the case without consent of the individual concerned.''

Australian consular officials have been assisting Mr Griffiths, who had his passport seized on January 4.

Tiger Airways had earlier confirmed there was an incident on the flight, and said it would not compromise on its zero-tolerance policy of bad behaviour on its carriers.

"Tiger Airways has a zero tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour on board our aircraft,'' a spokeswoman said.

"Safety and security of staff and passengers underpins the operation at all times and is something we will not compromise.''

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Serial killer Catherine Birnie could walk

Serial killer Catherine Birnie's life sentence will be reviewed on Friday, January 25 2013. Source: PerthNow

CATHERINE Birnie, jailed for life over four horrific murders which shocked Perth in the 1980s, will have her life sentence reviewed tomorrow by the Prisoners Review Board.

Birnie, who is now aged in her early 60s, was jailed for a minimum 20 years for the murders of four young Perth women she committed with her de facto husband David Birnie in 1986.

The pair had known each other since childhood, before beginning a love affair a year before the murder spree in which they killed Mary Frances Neilson, 22, Susannah Candy, 15, Noelene Gladys Patterson, 31, and Denise Karen Brown, 21.

The couple were sentenced to strict-security life sentences with 20-year minimums.

David Birnie was found dead in his cell in 2005.

Under law, Catherine Birine must now have her jail sentence reviewed every three years.

Three years ago, the then Attorney-General Christian Porter rejected Birnie's release and any change in her status.

Tomorrow, the Prisoners Review Board will again review Birnie's jail sentence before providing a report on their recommendation to current Attorney General Michael Mischin for a final decision.

"I can confirm that the Prisoners Review Board will be reviewing Ms Birnie's matter tomorrow (Thursday) for her three-yearly statutory review," a Prisoners Review Board spokeswoman said.

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Parched towns soaked by Peta onslaught

Cyclone Peta as seen from the PerthNow car on the North West Coastal Highway, 70km west of Karratha. PICTURES: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

ASTONISHING rainfall in the Pilbara region of Western Australia has doubled the water in one of the state's dams in just 24 hours.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Peta and associated weather have dumped more than 28 gigalitres of water into the Harding Dam since Wednesday morning, elevating the dam's storage level from under 40 per cent to 80 per cent in just one day.

The category one cyclone weakened rapidly after crossing the Pilbara coast to the east of Point Samson at around 4pm on Wednesday, the Bureau of Meteorology in WA said.

But the weakening front still brought huge rains.

Hooley Station was the wettest location in WA in the 24 hours to 9am this morning with 261.6 mm, which was its wettest day in 29 years of record.

The last wettest day on record for the station was 159.5 mm on February 22, 2001.

Mount Florance also recorded its wettest day since records started at the station 106 years ago, recording 220mm, while Coolawanyah received 178mm and Wittenoom 122mm.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Peta is now lying in the inland central parts of the Pilbara and will move slowly westwards as it weakens.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, are still forecast for parts of the Pilbara.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned people in the Fortescue River catchment to prepare for possible minor flooding expected on Thursday and Friday.

All roads are open but authorities advise drivers to take extreme caution on approach to floodways.

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Bushfire contained in Trigg

Amateur footage of bushfires in the suburb of Trigg in northern Perth.

Trigg resident 'Snakey' hoses down his home as a fire burns in nearby Trigg Bushland Reserve. Picture: Thomas Roy Photography. Source: PerthNow

Trigg Bushland Reserve after the fire that threatened homes in Trigg and Karrinyup. Picture: Thomas Roy Photography Source: PerthNow

A helitac works to bring a bushfire in Trigg and Karrinyup under control. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

The aerial view from the Channel 10 news chopper. PICTURE: Channel 10 Source: PerthNow

Another view of the fire from Karrinyup Road. PICTURE: Amelia Broun / Twitter Source: PerthNow

A fire burns near West Coast Highway in Karrinyup, forcing road closures and peak-hour traffic mayhem. PICTURE: Drew Barrett Source: PerthNow

ROADS were closed and Trigg residents were told to evacuate their million-dollar homes as a bushfire burned in Trigg Bushland Reserve this afternoon.

The fire was first reported at 4:06pm and contained just after 6:30pm.

There is no longer any threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

Firefighters from eight stations and volunteer firefighters from five stations are working to bring the blaze under control.

They have been assisted by the aircrane, four helitacs and an aerial intelligence helicopter.

West Coast Highway remains closed between Pearl Parade and Karrinyup Road.

Karrinyup Road is closed between West Coast Highway/Marmion Ave and West Coast Drive.

Motorists have been warned to avoid the area.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a bushfire advice for people in Trigg and Karrinyup in an area bounded by West Coast Highway, Milverton Avenue, Lynn Street, and West Coast Drive.

This includes Elliott Road, Lefroy Street, King Albert Road, Hepworth Avenue, Joffrey Road, Spence Street, Trigg Place.
 

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The Hottest 100: What the bands think

Hottest of the hot: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Birds of Tokyo and the boys from The Rubens. Picture: Supplied Source: news.com.au

THE votes are in and the day is nearly upon us where we all crank up the volume and settle in to enjoy the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown. But who have the bands got their money on?

Having backed their top songs for 2012, music lovers across the nation will tune in to Triple J this Saturday for the famed Australia Day countdown to see how their faves fare against the rest.

Of course, there are the "sure things" expected to crack the holy list - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are the boys we can't stop talking about, while Aussie beat-maker Flume will surely score a nod or two and Mumford and Sons looks set to dominate.

We chatted to The Rubens frontman Sam Margin, who was happy to spill on his predictions as to who will top this year's list.

Sam Margin's predictions:

-Alt-J: Breezeblocks
-Tame Impala (probably two songs)

-The Black Keys: Gold On The Ceiling

While The Rubens are favourites this year with hit singles My Gun and The Best We Got, the super talented musician said the four boys from country NSW will be content with just cracking the list.

"Anywhere in the top 100, if we beat the top 100, we'll be happy. If we scrape into the top 20 that would be absolutely amazing", he said.

Birds of Tokyo drummer Adam Weston shared his own fantasy forecast for the countdown:

Adam Weston's predictions:

-The Shins: Simple Song
-Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Thrift Shop
-Tame Impala: Elephant

"[Elephant] is a stompin' kind of track; it's quite infectious", he confessed.

Adam, who's mother's birthday falls on Australia Day, admitted that there is a fairly strict "no radio" policy in his house so he relies on updates from the band via text.

"We'll be happy to crack the top 50 this year", Weston told.

Online bookmakers were forced to suspend betting earlier this week when some tech-whiz decided to ruin the surprise and circulate his very own Warmest 100 Countdown, which was created by compiling some 35,000 song votes shared on social media sites.

But this doesn't mean we can't still have our very own Fantasy Top 10.

PerthNow's Top 10 Frontrunners:

Of Monsters and Men: Little Talks
Flume: Holdin On
Mumford & Sons: I Will Wait
The Rubens: My Gun
The XX: Angels
The Temper Trap: Trembling Hands
Rudemental: Not Giving In (ft. John Newman & Alex Clare)
Ball Park Music: Surrender
Two Door Cinema Club: Sun
Alabama Shakes: Hold On

Last year, Aussies voted for Gotye's Somebody That I Used To Know as the top song of 2011, with Angus and Julia Stone's Big Jet Plane taking out the title in 2010.

Who have you tipped to take out the top dog spot for 2012? Have your say below.

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Perth prepares for big bang at Skyworks

PERTH CELEBRATES: Fireworks from the South Perth foreshore on Australia Day last year. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: PerthNow

IT will begin with bouncy castles and a circus and end with several big bangs when Perth celebrates Australia Day this weekend.

In what has become Western Australia's biggest annual community event, the City of Perth's 29th annual Australia Day Skyworks on the Swan River is expected to be more colourful than ever this year.

Last year's crowd numbers were down to about 250,000 due to extreme heat and a thunderstorm, but with a sunny 35 degrees expected this Saturday, organisers are hoping for larger crowds.

There are free activities at Langley Park, following the closure of some viewing points due to the construction of Elizabeth Quay.

The Langley Park Entertainment Zone would offer circus shows, motor cross displays, bouncy castles, mini-golf, face painting, and a laser and water show during the 30-minute pyrotechnics display.

Boaties will also be able to get closer this year, with new river access restrictions expanded to east of the Narrows Bridge.

Limited alcohol will be permitted in two Picnic Zones at Langley Park and Kings Park, but other areas will remain alcohol-free.

Other local councils will also host events including the Cities of Fremantle and Cockburn that will host the Indian Ocean Skyshow at Bathers Bay.

Police Commander Murray Smalpage said there would be a significant police presence where large crowds were expected to gather.

"Police will focus on anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence as they ensure families have a safe and enjoyable night wherever they choose to celebrate,'' he said.

Surf lifesavers are also reminding beach-goers to swim between the red and yellow flags, apply sunscreen and stay hydrated over the long weekend.

Since patrols began this season in October, Surf Life Saving WA volunteers have performed 481 rescues, administered first aid to 1840 beach-goers and carried out 10,609 preventative actions.

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WA minister defends observatory decision

Perth Observatory , Bickley Generic Pic Stewart Allen Picture: Allen Stewart Source: PerthNow

THE West Australian government has defended its decision to axe research at Perth Observatory, saving $300,000 but putting a handful of astronomers out of work.

WA Environment Minister Bill Marmion today said the State Government had limited funds for research so they had to be put to use effectively.

Mr Marmion said the observatory at Bickley, near Kalamunda in the Hills region, suffered from light pollution due to nearby residential development and didn't have the same capacity as the University of WA's Gingin observatory, about 84km north of Perth.

The WA government had invested $70 million in the Square Kilometre Array radiotelescope project in remote parts of the state's Murchison region, which would create spin-offs for local astronomers, he said.

And optical astronomy was simply being overtaken by radioastronomy, Mr Marmion said.

"Sometimes the hard decisions have to be made," he told ABC radio.

"We are moving our focus more towards the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and supporting (key SKA scientists) Professor (Peter) Quinn's team in what is a world-leading technology which allows telescopes to look further into the universe.

"Technology is moving on."

Mr Marmion said WA was set to lead the world in radioastronomy.

"We will still have the optical telescope at the Perth Observatory.

"We've actually got more telescopes looking up into the night sky.

"We're moving into the new age with radioastronomy and will be able to look further into the universe through our advance in technology."

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Aussie 'bikie links' in Thai shooting

This gun was photographed on a police desk as the Australians were interviewed. Picture: Phuketwan.com Source: Supplied

TWO Australian men with alleged links to an outlaw motorcycle gang have been arrested in Phuket over the shooting of two German tourists.

The men were allegedly involved in an altercation with a Danish man over a motorbike at Patong Beach on Tuesday.

Johann Baschenegger, 41, and Joseph Woerner, 71, were wounded near the Baan Pirin Hotel about 7.45pm in Soi Sansabai, according to Thai news service Phuketwan.

Shea, believed to be from Sydney, was arrested at The Aussie Bar in Soi Bangla.

Cohen, reportedly a long-term expat who owns a hotel in Patong, was arrested in the OTOP bar sector off Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi Rd.

Police are questioning the men, believed to have links to either the Rebels or Bandidos motorcycle gangs, over the incident.

The shooting victims were taken to Patong Hospital.

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Deep shock on death row in Bali

Lindsay June Sandiford in the cell she now refuses to leave. Source: AFP

BRITISH woman Lindsay Sandiford is in shock and tears after being sentenced to death in Bali and won't leave her jail cell, refusing to even see her sister.

Guards at Bali's Kerobokan Jail said that the 56-year-old had spent most of the day in her cell crying and depressed and had not wanted to see anyone.

When her sister, Hilary Parsons came to the jail to visit her, she even refused to leave the cell to go to the visiting area and eventually Ms Parsons was escorted to the cell block, in highly unusual circumstances.

"She looked shocked and very depressed today. She also kept crying. She just locked herself in the cell and she doesn't want to talk and meet anyone," a female guard said.

Sandiford is being held in Cell number 10 at the women's block of the jail and has about 12 women in her cell.

She is not in a cell with Australians Schapelle Corby or Renae Lawrence, but in a cell especially for detainees, or women not yet convicted.

That however will now change with her conviction and death sentence handed down yesterday.

She will be one of four foreigners on death row in Kerobokan Jail.

One guard said that during her detention Sandiford, had been dubbed the "Queen of Cocaine" over the drug she was caught with in her suitcase as she flew in to Bali from Bangkok.

Schapelle Corby has long been dubbed the Queen of Marijuana by the Indonesian press.

Prior to her conviction this week, guards said that Sandiford had adapted well to prison life and spent time doing embroidery in the cell block.

But the prison itself is highly overcrowded and three times over capacity. There are 988 male and female prisoners in a jail originally built to house one-third that number.

There are 126 female prisoners held in 10 cells in the women's block area, known as Block W.

Sandiford, a grandmother, now joins almost 200 other people on death row in Indonesia.

She faces years of appeals. If she loses all of those in court, her final chance at reprieve will be to seek clemency from the Indonesian President.

It took Schapelle Corby seven years from the time of her conviction to receive her clemency, cutting her sentence from 20 years to 15 years.

Indonesia has not executed anyone since the Bali bombers in late 2008 and many analysts had believed this signaled an unofficial moratorium on the death penalty.

But then, at Christmas time, the Attorney-General's office announced that 10 prisoners would be executed in 2013.

Two Australians, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran of the Bali Nine, are on death row in Bali, having lost all their legal appeals.

They have lodged clemency pleas with the President, but these are yet to be decided.

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Mayor stuck after Pilbara cyclone fury

Cyclone Peta as seen from the PerthNow car on the North West Coastal Highway, 70km west of Karratha. PICTURES: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Cyclone Peta as seen from the PerthNow car on the North West Coastal Highway, 70km west of Karratha. PICTURES: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Heavy rain as a result of a tropical has caused flooding in Port Headland. Source: PerthNow

THE Pilbara coast has felt the force of category one Tropical Cyclone Peta, with communities on high alert although conditions were expected to weaken.

The major export operations at Port Hedland were to resume today after temporarily closing when Peta hit to the east of Point Samson.

Send your pictures to the PerthNow newsdesk

Port Hedland Port Authority said conditions had improved, with the swell and wind reducing enough to allow shipping operations to restart from 4pm.

The Bureau of Meteorology's alert just before 3pm said a cyclone warning continued in coastal areas from Port Hedland to Dampier, including Karratha.

Gales with gusts to 100km/h are expected close to the cyclone centre over the next few hours, the bureau said.

Squally thunderstorms are expected while locally heavy rainfall is possible, prompting a flood watch for the Pilbara.

Mining giant Rio Tinto closed its Cape Lambert facility at Port Walcott and Dampier port yesterday as it prepared for the wild weather and expects most of its coastal operations will resume in the morning.

The resumption of ship loading will depend on prevailing sea conditions, however.

Although the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Peta could move back off the west Pilbara coast later in the week, it was not expected to redevelop into a tropical cyclone.

MAYOR REFUSED ENTRY INTO TOWN

Port Hedland mayor Kelly Howlett was even caught up in the drama, forced to miss a council meeting due to the severe conditions.

Ms Howlett was travelling with PerthNow to Port Hedland to attend a council meeting when our team was forced to turn around due to the extreme weather.

She said the severity of the cyclone caught her by surprise.

"It was very intense considering it was a Category 1 system," she said of the conditions.

"We couldn't get through and were forced to turn back.

"There was 30-45cm flooding on the highway and extreme gusts of winds."

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Election pledge for Kimberley education

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan and Josie Farrer, the Labor candidate for Kimberley, at Town Beach in Broome. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

OPPOSITION leader Mark McGowan made his pitch for votes in the Kimberley this morning by promising an extra $90 million for the region, mostly in education.

The Labor leader was in Broome but almost didn't make it, after his flight was threatened by storms from a monsoon low pressure system.

He said a Labor Government would instate a Minister for the Kimberley, with other Cabinet members formally taking responsibility for a region in WA - a system scrapped by the Barnett Government when it won the last election.

Mr McGowan joined Labor candidate for the Kimberley, Josie Farrer, at Broome's Town Beach to pledge:
* Six new classrooms, a science laboratory and other facilities for Broome Senior High at a cost of more than $8 million.
* A new "primary behaviour centre" in Broome to support children, parents and teachers.

* A "child and parent centre" for Broome and for Derby.
* $21 million for a new primary school in Broome's northern suburbs.
* $10 million for Halls Creek District High School and almost $10 million to be shared by Wyndham and Derby district high schools.

Mr McGowan said "removing the barriers" for country kids to finish high school and attend university was a priority.

He said the Kimberley could also expect extra funding for sporting facilities and $10 million to expand an indigenous ranger program.

And he accused Mr Barnett of prioritising Perth at the expense of the regions, saying he would take the regional development portfolio if he became Premier in the March 9 state election.

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Lucky escape after plane crash lands

TWO people are in a satisfactory condition in hospital after their light plane crash landed at Kununurra Airport in Western Australia's far north early today.

A Health Department spokesman said the pair received minor injuries in the incident, which occurred before 9am as the light plane was attempting to take off.

The plane was reportedly a single engine Cessna and wound up on its roof, leaking fuel.

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Barnett defends record on police funding

WA Premier Colin Barnett. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: The Australian

Police Union boss George Tilbury. Source: PerthNow

WESTERN Australia's Premier Colin Barnett has stoutly defended his government's record on police funding, as the force's union placed itself at the heart of the state election campaign with a demand for 800 more officers.

The WA police union released its pre-election submission, arguing for 800 more officers over the next four years, demanding exemption from any government funding cuts, and also flagging a future demand for more pay and more allowances.

"Policing is a profession unlike any other, and it is up to our politicians to ensure police have the right training, knowledge and equipment to be as effective and as safe as they can be on our streets," union president George Tilbury said.

A defiant premier defended his government's record on resourcing the state's police, saying it was on track to deliver a previous promise of 700 new staff, including 350 new officers.

And he said new laws and new technology had given the state's police more scope to protect the community during the past four years.

"We made a commitment at the last election for a big increase in police numbers up until 2014 and we are on track to do that," Mr Barnett said.

"We always need more numbers and the policing numbers will continue to grow as the population grows.

"Policing is changing, and a lot of what the police commissioner is requesting has been better technology ... things like new legislation to protect police officers, laws on out-of-control parties.

"Numbers matter but it is not just that."

The police union's 17-point wish list also included new laws to make offenders who assault police take a mandatory blood test for communicable diseases and a minimum six month prison term for those who assault police.

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Message in bottle reaches Perth after 76 years

A message in a bottle found 76 years after it was thrown into the sea has been reunited with the family of the Perth man who wrote it.

A message in a bottle, written by a Perth man in 1936, has been reunited with the man's family. Source: Herald Sun

A MESSAGE in a bottle found 76 years after it was thrown into the sea has been reunited with the family of the Perth man who wrote it.

Sky News UK reports that the bottle was found on a beach in New Zealand by Geoff Flood in November 2012, but had been set adrift in 1936.

Inside was a note, dated March 17, which said: "At sea. Would the finder of this bottle kindly forward this note...to undermentioned address."

Underneath the note was written the name: "H E Hillbrick, 72, Richmond Street, Leederville, Western Australia".

The message had been written on headed paper bearing the mark of the shipping company P&O and the ship's name SS Strathnaver.

Mr Flood had been out for a walk on Ninety Mile Beach at the top end of New Zealand's North Island when he made the discovery.

He told local media he was astonished and quickly decided to find out how the bottle had got there.

It took him a couple of months to find the sender, who turned out to be a man called Herbert Ernest Hillbrick.

Mr Hillbrick had died in the 1940s, but further investigation led Mr Flood to Herbert's grandson Peter Hillbrick, who was living in Perth.

Peter Hillbrick was amazed by the discovery: "For this one to be floating around in the ocean for 76 years and just all of a sudden pop up in New Zealand. Where has it been? What story is it going to tell?"

His only theory was that his grandfather had dropped it into the sea during a P&O cruise. His family still have photos that Herbert and his wife Ethel took on board the ship.

He said that because his grandfather had died so many years ago, he had never got to know him so was delighted another link had turned up.

"The only connection I have with Grandfather is now that bottle. That's about all. So, it's a fascinating story," he said.

Mr Hillbrick has decided to donate the bottle to a maritime museum in New Zealand.

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WA ports close for cyclone threat

The latest tracking map for a tropical low near the Pilbara coast that may develop into a cyclone. Picture: Bureau of Meterology Source: PerthNow

RIO Tinto is closing its Cape Lambert and Dampier ports in WA's Pilbara region to prepare for a low-pressure weather system that could become a tropical cyclone tomorrow.

The miner said harbour masters were expected to close the Cape Lambert facility at Port Walcott and Dampier port later this afternoon to allow ships to move outside the affected area.

"Operations are continuing at this stage, but preparations are commencing to secure port and associated coastal infrastructure ahead of expected deteriorating conditions this evening,'' the company said in a statement.

The Port Hedland harbour, Australia's highest-tonnage port, is also being evacuated for closure.

The last vessel will set sail from its inner harbour at 3.30pm.

The low-pressure system brought heavy rain overnight and today across the region and is expected to continue into Wednesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) estimated at 2pm that the tropical low was 130km northeast of Port Hedland and 305km east-northeast of Karratha, and moving west-southwest at 11km/h.

The low may develop into a tropical cyclone tomorrow as it moves to the west just off the Pilbara coastline.

If the system reaches cyclone intensity, gales with wind gusts to 100km/h could develop between De Grey and Dampier during Wednesday and possibly extend west to Onslow on Thursday, the bureau said.

Squally thunderstorms are also expected with locally heavy rainfall.

Blue alert for Pilbara towns

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a blue alert - warning people to take precautions - for communities between De Grey and Mardie including Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Wickham, Point Samson, Karratha and Dampier.

A cyclone watch is also current for people in or near coastal communities from Mardie to Onslow, while the all-clear has been given to the communities of Pardoo and De Grey.

The Pilbara coast was on alert earlier this month as Cyclone Narelle threatened, although the system never reached the mainland and eventually petered out.

Hot and humid temperatures are forecast for much of the Pilbara and Kimberley regions this week, with thunderstorms possible.

Clear and sunny skies ahead

In Perth, sunny skies are here to stay and while the weather will be warm tomorrow with a predicted maximum of 36, the rest of the week will be sunny and fairly mild.

Australia Day looks set to be a hot one, with the mercury expected to reach 35C.

Tuesday 22 January - Max 36. Sunny. Winds easterly 25 to 30 km/h tending east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then turning south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the late afternoon.

Wednesday 23 January - Min 21, Max 30. Sunny.
Thursday 24 January - Min 16, Max 32. Cloud clearing.
Friday 25 January - Min 17, Max 33. Sunny.
Saturday 26 January - Min 20, Max 35. Sunny.
Sunday 27 January - Min 21, Max 35. Sunny.

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Colourful characters, colourful language

Rhoda Lopez, Austin Castiglione performing in the stage production The Motherf--ker with the Hat. Picture: Gary Marsh Source: PerthNow

Austin Castiglione performing in the stage production The Motherf--ker with the Hat. Picture: Gary Marsh Source: PerthNow

FAST, fearless, funny and flashy are four more F-words that come to mind during the Black Swan State Theatre Company's colourful new production of The Motherf**ker with the Hat.

Just as the title might suggest, the hysterical play, which premiered on Broadway in 2011, is chock-full of vibrant language as it follows the lives of its five equally vibrant characters, each struggling with addiction and adultery in their own way.

It's a clever piece, infused with comedy, drama and misguided romance, written by American playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis, and it has been nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Play, as well as three Drama Desk Awards. The Black Swan version is directed by Adam Mitchell.

Jackie, a recently paroled recovering alcoholic and drug dealer, has just landed a new job and is trying to stay on the straight and narrow with the help of his AA Sponsor Ralph D.

The problem is he's still shacked up and desperately in love with his super-sassy, cocaine-addicted childhood sweetheart Veronica.

Things really go awry when Jackie arrives home one day, in the mood to celebrate his new lease on life, only to discover a stranger's hat in their apartment, sending him into a jealous rage.

The explosive first scene between Jackie, played by Austin Castiglione, and Veronica, played by Rhoda Lopez, reels the audience in hook, line and sinker as the characters exchange passionate profanities in an electric and side-splittingly funny argument.

Lopez owns the stage with real and raw emotion. The words of her fiery, dominating character leap at the audience, leaving a lasting sting and, at times, evoking a gasp or two followed by the exchange of shocked glances.

While the language is well-suited to the story and the style of the play, there are a couple of lines that most will likely find difficult to swallow.

Jackie seeks help and guidance from the enigmatic Ralph, who brings another dimension to the play with his cool wit and weird words of wisdom, and his wife Victoria, played by Alison Van Reeken.

While US comedian Chris Rock played Ralph in the Broadway version, Kenneth Ransom has the honours in this production and doesn't disappoint.

But it's Jackie's fiercely loyal cousin Julio, a health food obsessed gym junkie played particularly well by Fayssal Bazzi, who adds real depth and a sense of pizzazz to the play.

The meticulous revolving sets, three living areas designed by Bryan Woltjen, are great and rotate fairly seamlessly throughout the twists and turns of the play.

The production isn't perfect. Set amongst New York's Puerto Rican community, the accents don't always hit the right note and the mannerisms are, at times, overacted.

Plus, there are moments when it feels that the script and the characters, in particular Ralph and his wife, don't seem to have been written to their full potential.

But overall it's a genuinely interesting and dynamic production. Hats off to Black Swan for throwing this bold, gutsy piece into the mix of their 2013 program and attempting to add a little spice to the palettes of Perth theatre-goers.

*The Motherf**ker with the Hat continues until February 3 at Studio Underground in the State Theatre Centre of WA. Tickets from Ticketek.

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Smoky bushland fires north of Perth

Water bombers have been called to assist at two fires north of Perth. Source: PerthNow

FIRE crews are working to control two large fires burning north of Perth, which are causing a lot of smoke but not posing a risk to lives or homes.

Lake Pinjar fire

AN out of control and unpredictable bushfire is raging near Lake Pinjar, north east of Perth this afternoon.

The fire started about 1.30pm between Higgins Road and Regelia Road.

Up to fifty volunteer fire-fighters are on the scene and water bombers are also helping put out the blaze.

The cause of the fire is unknown and while there is no threat to lives or homes, there is a lot of smoke in the area

Tree top fires in Gnangara Pine Plantation

Bushfire advice has been issued for people in the northern part of the Gnangara Pine Plantation in the City of Wanneroo.

The out-of-control fire is burning in a north-east direction and flames are burning in the tree tops.

No roads are closed but motorists should avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

The Department of Environment and Conservation is managing the fire.

Laverton fire reaches 45,000 hectares

Bushfire advice also remains for people travelling on Connie Sue Road, 80km south of Warburton in the Shire of Laverton today.

A fire there is burning in bushland on both sides of Connie Sue Road and although there is no immediate danger, residents in the area need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

The fire is approximately 45,000 hectares in size and the DFES is continuing to monitor the blaze.

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Pilot praised after TV chopper crash

A Channel 10 cameraman is in hospital after a helicopter crashed east of Perth.

The wreckage of the Channel 10 news helicopter. Source: PerthNow

THE TV cameraman who had a lucky escape when the helicopter he was filming from crash landed in Perth has returned to his office, after thanking the pilot of the aircraft for saving his life.

Adam Delmage, a cameraman for the Ten Network in Perth, and Paul Debenham from helicopter charter company Heliwest, both walked away from the crash in Baskerville, a rural suburb northeast of Perth on Saturday.

They were filming a truck rollover from the air when their aircraft made a 'hard landing', with the tail snapping away from the body of the chopper as it rolled.

Mr Delmage made a brief appearance at the Network Ten offices today to thank friends and colleagues for their support. Having been treated for neck pain, and with his arm in a sling, Mr Delmage is believed to be taking some time off work to recover.

He was also keen to praise the actions of the pilot, whom he said had saved his life, and those of others already on the scene for the earlier traffic accident.

"Debo my chopper pilot today did an amazing job getting us down the way he did with trees, people, powerlines, hills etc. Everything happened so fast, he saved my life and I didn't know if he was alive for a while there," Mr Delmage posted on his Facebook page.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an inquiry into the crash, which was caught on camera by other media personnel at the scene.

"I kind of got flung out the cabin and was hanging over the door," Mr Delmage said.

"If it had rolled one more time I wouldn't be here. The tail was up on end, the chopper was on its side.

"I thought the pilot was dead. I didn't know whether to run back and help him out because I didn't know if it was going to go up in flames."

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Driver critical after Swan River car plunge

A car is removed from the Swan River near Barrack Street Jetty by police and emergency services. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

A car is removed from the Swan River near Barrack Street Jetty by police and emergency services. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

Two police officers involved in the rescue of a man after his car ploughed into the Swan River. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

THREE police officers have dived into water with near zero visibility to free a man whose car had plunged into the Swan River near the Barrack Street jetty.

Police say three of its officers, two from the Central Metro Traffic bureau and one from Wembley police station, jumped into the water to rescue the man.

Police said before the man drove the white Hyundai sedan into the water, witnesses saw him leave some objects on the jetty, which included a jerry can and general personal items.

After stopping the vehicle, and placing some personal items including an empty jerry can on the jetty side, the man got back into his car, accelerated hard and ploughed through a temporary fence.

At speed, the car hit rocks at the water's edge, which catapulted the vehicle metres into the water.

Duty Inspector Derek Staats said the man was seen to come to the surface of the water initially after the car hit the river but then went back under the water, after which police arrived and dived into the 3-4m deep water to help him.

Insp Staats added there was zero visibility under the water.

"One witness indicated he saw the car driving along the footpath towards the jetty," Insp Staats said.

"A few minutes later he heard the revving of the car and the squealing tyres and he looked up and saw the vehicle drive off the end of the jetty."

The incident was reported to police just after 10.40am and the driver, whose age has not been released, has been taken to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition.

The car was completely submerged and is expected to be removed from the river this afternoon.

with AAP

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Shots heard, spent cartridge found

POLICE have launched an investigation after shots were heard in South Perth overnight.

About 10pm last night police were called to an address in Garden Street, South Perth after reports of gunshots.

It's been confirmed at least one spent cartridge was found in the street.

Police say they have not yet received reports of anyone presenting at hospital overnight with gunshot type injuries buy say a black hatchback vehicle and a white utility were seen in the vicinity at the time the shots rang out.

"Detectives are continuing their investigations into the matter," a police spokeswomen said.

Anyone who has information about the incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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