Carnival atmosphere at Dockers central

Fremantle's town centre will be buzzing come grand final day. Source: PerthNow

AROUND 20,000 diehard Dockers fans are expected to flock to a free grand final celebration hosted by the City of Fremantle this Saturday.

Three giant 6m outdoor TV screens in South Terrace will televise the game live and a fourth giant screen will be placed in Kings Square for families with children.

"It's the most anticipated sporting event to hit Fremantle in the past 30 years and everywhere I look in Freo is purple – it's purple mania," Fremantle mayor Brad Pettitt.

"A lot of people I talk to are likening the buzz around Freo at the moment with that of when Australia won the America's Cup in 1983.

"It's really exciting and a great boost for our city, both economically and to showcase Fremantle not only to Australia, but to the worldwide audience that an AFL Grand Final commands."

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Motorists are advised that roads to be closed include South Terrace between High Street and Norfolk Streets and limited access to adjoining streets from 6am Saturday to 6am Sunday.

Additional parking will be available at Fremantle Park and Wilson Park on the day but the City is advising people to utilise public transport where available.

"As soon as the final siren sounded last Saturday night, the City has been busily preparing for this Saturday and City staff are now working around the clock to ensure the day runs smoothly," Dr Pettitt said.

A zero tolerance approach will be taken to anti-social behaviour and the consumption of alcohol in the streets, with a bolstered police and security contractor presence as well as CCTV monitoring.

As this is a family friendly event, there will also be face painting and other activities to entertain the younger members of the crowd.

"I expect that the crowd will be loud and proud, but also on its best behaviour as there will be a lot of young families and people of all ages looking to enjoy what promises to be a historic day for Fremantle," Dr Pettitt said.
 

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First home buyers boost starts today

WA Treasurer Troy Buswell, who announced this morning that the new First Home Owners grant increase would start today.

THE boosted $10,000 First Home Buyer grant came into effect today after a snap backflip by the WA Government.

Treasurer Troy Buswell had originally announced the grant increase would start next month - but copped some real estate industry flak after claims it was unfair to buyers who were waiting to sign their building contracts.

As agents gathered at Crown Perth this morning for Australia's largest real estate conference - opened by Mr Buswell - a release was issued simultaneously from the minister's office announcing the grant push-through.

The boost to the First Home Owner Grant - from $7,000 to $10,000 - is welcome news for first home buyers signing a contract to build or purchase a new home and owner-builders who commence laying foundations for the home who will now be eligible for the increased amount.

More WA Real Estate news

First home buyers signing a contract to purchase an established home will be eligible for a $3000 grant.

In his statement, Mr Buswell said the changes were part of the Liberal National Government's commitment to support first home buyers enter the market and would also increase housing stock in Western Australia.

"These important changes not only reflect sound policy to increase our overall housing supply, but the decision will also help create jobs in the housing sector,'' Mr Buswell said.

"Increasing the grant for new homes will provide first home buyers with greater incentive to buy or build a new dwelling rather than purchase an established home. 

"This will help alleviate the pressure placed on the existing housing stock by the States high population growth and drive jobs growth.''

Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania are the only remaining States that still provide a grant to purchasers of established homes.

The FHOG changes are part of the Liberal National Governments housing initiatives outlined in the 2013-14 State Budget.

As the amount of the grant is specified in legislation, the changes were unable to commence until the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 had been amended.

"Following passage of these amendments by the Legislative Council last week, these amendments have now received Royal Assent,'' Mr Buswell said.

Further information on the changes to the First Home Owner Grant, including the updated application form and lodgement guide, can be found on the Department of Finance website at www.finance.wa.gov.au 

It is estimated that each year around 800 first home buyers will switch from purchasing established homes to new homes in response to the changes.

First home buyers will continue to be exempt from transfer duty on new and established home purchases up to $500,000 (or vacant land purchases up to $300,000), saving up to $17,765.

In 2012-13, first home owners in WA saved $176 million on duty exemptions and concessions.

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Airline defends grand final flights

Some Fremantle fans have forked out large amounts to fly to Melbourne. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

The AFL airline partner has defended its grand final week schedule, with Virgin's boss saying it has done everything possible to help Fremantle fans.

There are reports out of Perth that some Dockers fans are selling grand final tickets because they cannot secure affordable flights to Melbourne.

Others are taking the "planes, trains and automobiles" approach, with stories of chartered planes or flying to Melbourne via stops as far afield as Bali and Singapore.

Some are making the long road trip across the Nullarbor for Saturday's historic grand final against Hawthorn.

It is Fremantle's first grand final since they joined the league in 1995.

"It's the old story of peak period," said Virgin chief executive John Borghetti.

"We've put about six flights on already, in addition to the normal scheduled service from Perth to Melbourne.

"What you'll find is the fares we have are just as competitive as any other carrier that's flying over.

"Every carrier is trying to find seats."

Borghetti was speaking at the announcement of his airline's new five-year deal with the AFL.

He said he felt for fans who are unable to find flights to Melbourne.

"I'd love to be able to put on another 100 planes on the route," he said.

"But we don't have another 100 planes.

"We've moved everything we can, just like every other carrier I'm sure has.

"We've provided 5500 more seats in the market than what normally are the case."

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Record $18.2b WA debt set to balloon

WA Premier Colin Barnett, says current debt levels are high but sustainable. Source: The Sunday Times

STATE debt is at record levels, with the State Government's annual report into the state's finances showing a $18.2 billion debt - nearly five times more than it was when Colin Barnett took over as Premier five years ago.

Premier Barnett told state parliament today WA's debt levels – while high – were sustainable, although he did not want it to go beyond the $20 billion mark.

But state treasury forecasts show state debt will balloon to nearly $28 billion by 2017.

Today's report comes in the face of WA losing its AAA credit rating for the first time in 22 years.

The report showed a $249 million surplus for 2012-13, with the government adamant it will run surplus budgets despite growing debt.

Treasurer Troy Buswell said the annual report indicated WA's economy grew strongly last financial year with state final demand at 4.9 per cent.

"This is the strongest growth of all states,'' Mr Buswell said.

"However, this strong economic growth has not flowed through to revenue, with total general government revenue only growing by two per cent last financial year.

"Apart from the Global Financial Crisis in 2008-09, this is the lowest rate of revenue growth since 1996-97.''

Mr Buswell said the report also revealed the lowest rate of expense growth in 14 years at 3.7 per cent.

He also talked up the government's $7.4 billion infrastructure investment in 2012-13.

Mr Buswell said the surplus was $300 million lower than estimated in the recent state budget.

"Despite the recent loss of the AAA credit rating by Standard and Poor's, current net debt levels remain affordable,'' Mr Buswell said.

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Tributes for rider killed in North West rally

A motorcycle competitor at the Australian Safari. Picture: Sabine Albers (file image) Source: PerthNow

AN off-road motorcycle rider has has died from injuries after a crash in a long-distance off-road rally in Western Australia's north west.

Organisers have tonight named the man as Ivan Erceg. It's believed Mr Erceg was from the Perth suburb of Henley Brook and a regular competitor at the Safari.

Mr Erceg was competing in the Australasian Safari when he had an accident at about 9.30am this morning, about 50km east of Minilya Roadhouse near Carnarvon.

Emergency services were quick to assist the man, but he died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

Australasian Safari event director Justin Hunt paid tribute to Mr Erceg: "We extend our sincerest sympathies to Ivan's family, team members and friends at this time.

"Ivan was one of life's huge characters and was loved by the entire Safari family.

"He was a true competitor who loved his motorbikes and the mateship of competition. He will be sorely missed."

The remainder of today's leg of the Australasian Safari was cancelled but the event will resume tomorrow.

An Australasian Safari spokeswoman said the remainder of the leg had been cancelled and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death had begun.

Organisers had also arranged for a pastor and counsellors to be available at the bivouac, she said.

Police have seized the bike and crash investigators will examine it.

Although the man has not yet been formally identified by police, tributes have been posted on the Australasian Safari's Facebook page.

Kevin O'Bryan wrote: "One of the most respected desert racers Australia wide.''

James Arnold posted: "Condolences... R.I.P. you mad man, will be missed.''

Karlie Conner wrote: "A safari legend who will be missed by all.''

Dozens of tributes have been left on the Australasian Safari Facebook page after a crash that claimed the life of a competitor. Picture: Facebook Source: PerthNow

The WA government sponsors the Australasian Safari through Eventscorp, a division of Tourism WA.

It is an annual off-road rally for four-wheel drives, side by sides, motorbikes and quad bikes.

Considered Australia's toughest motorsport challenge, the event began on September 19 and runs until September 29.

It covers 3000km including Geraldton, the Gascoyne region, the Kennedy Ranges, Carnarvon and Kalbarri.

The extreme motorsport event attracts competitors from countries including China, France, Sweden, UK, Thailand, South Africa, Botswana, US, Italy and Germany.

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Appeal dismissed: no Rayney retrial

Barrister Lloyd Rayney leaves the Supreme Court with his daughter Sarah after the state's appeal against his acquittal for murder over the death of his estranged wife Corryn failed. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

BARRISTER Lloyd Rayney has been cleared after the Court of Appeal ruled against the State's challenge to his acquittal over the murder of Corryn Rayney.

It took just minutes for the three judges of the Court of Appeal to reveal the state's appeal had been unanimously dismissed.

Mr Rayney greeted the news with a faint smile.

Outside court, a vindicated Mr Rayney said: "For six years, I've been treated as if I was guilty.

"Now after millions of dollars, literally millions of dollars, have been spent pursuing me and me alone, a trial judge found that not only was I not guilty, but that I could not have possibly have done what was claimed I had done against Corryn in any way.''

Lloyd and Corryn Rayney on a trip to Bali just months before she was murdered in August 2007.

"I was not responsible in any way for her death. Three appeal judges have upheld the trial judge's verdict. That, I presume, is the end of the matter.

"What will happen to those police who the trial judge has said had acted reprehensibly, had used their positions and abused their positions of trust, had given misleading evidence that had persuaded, put pressure on and tried to make a doctor change his report.

"The person who is responsible is still out there and my family want that person to be caught.''

Mrs Rayney's sister, Sharon Coutinho and her husband Rohan told journalists she was "devastated'' by the Court of Appeal decision.

"We're gutted in the last year and we're gutted today as well. Here we are six years later, we've got a life sentence and we've got to go home and put up with that life sentence,'' Mr Coutinho said.

"The police . . . they've been magnificent and we can only urge them and the powers that be to take this as far as it can go."

Mr Coutinho said the police had "been the lifeline for us" and "absolutely fantastic".

It is understood that the decision now ends legal action against the former high profile barrister over the death of his Supreme Court registrar wife, who was killed in August 2007.

The State could apply for leave to appeal to the High Court, but that action is now considered unlikely.

Barrister Lloyd Rayney leaves the Supreme Court with his daughter Sarah after the state's appeal against his acquittal for murder over the death of his estranged wife Corryn failed. Picture: Kerris Berrington

If the appeal had been successful, a second trial would have been ordered.

Earlier, Mrs Rayney's family arrived minutes before Mr Rayney, staying close together as they entered the court.

Mr Rayney arrived just after 11.10am, for the 11.30am judgment, saying nothing as he negotiated a media barrage outside the court.

After a two-day appeal hearing in August and six weeks of consideration, three interstate judges are due to hand down their decision.

Mr Rayney, a barrister and former senior prosecutor, was acquitted after a three-month, judge-only trial last November.

Barrister Lloyd Rayney leaves the Supreme Court with his daughter Sarah after the state's appeal against his acquittal for murder over the death of his estranged wife Corryn failed. Picture: Kerris Berrington

But the state appealed against the decision by Northern Territory chief justice Brian Martin to find Mr Rayney not guilty of wilful murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Justice Martin had concluded Mrs Rayney was attacked either at or near her Como home and buried, possibly alive, in Kings Park in August 2007.

He found that Mr Rayney had engaged in "discreditable conduct" by having the family's home telephone tapped, lying under oath and falsely claiming legal professional privilege.

"But discreditable conduct does not prove guilt," he said.

In the appeal, lawyer for the state David Jackson QC argued Justice Martin did not properly consider the evidence as a whole, including a dinner place card with Mr Rayney's name on it found near the gravesite.

During the appeal, lawyers for Mr Rayney argued his acquittal was justified and Justice Martin had followed the law "faithfully".

Charges against Mr Rayney of alleged phone tapping, and Mr Rayney's own defamation action against the state, were suspended during the appeal.

Barrister Lloyd Rayney leaves the Supreme Court with his daughter Sarah after the state's appeal against his acquittal for murder over the death of his estranged wife Corryn failed. Picture: Kerris Berrington

Corryn Rayney's family arrive at the Supreme Court in Perth, followed soon after by Lloyd Rayney.

Lloyd Rayney has been cleared after the Court of Appeal ruled against the State's challenge to his acquittal over the murder of Corryn Rayney.

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20,000 without power in windy SW

The left lane of Kwinana Freeway, northbound is closed through Como, due to the Swan River being blown onto the roadway. Source: PerthNow

Ellamere Retreat in Maddington, where many homes were damaged by storms overnight. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Ellamere Retreat in Maddington, where many homes were damaged by storms overnight. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Ellamere Retreat in Maddington, where many homes were damaged by storms overnight. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

UP to 16,000 homes were left without power after violent 146km/h winds lashed the South West and metropolitan Perth overnight.

The South West bore the brunt of the storm with most of the blackouts in the Manjimup and Bridgetown area, where 5000 homes were blacked out but just over 1200 homes in the city are also without power.

At 11.30am about 13,000 homes were still without power, including a little over 1000 in Perth, and Manjimup-Bridgetown region remains the worst affected area with over 5000 homes affected.

Western Powers states that a fault on the transmission line appears to be the main cause of interruptions but they are unable to say when power will be restored.

A helicopter has been deployed to inspect the transmission line and find the fault.

Up to 16 Western Power crews have been working throughout the night to restore services, but many homes will be without power this morning.

In Perth, the areas hardest hit were Rockingham, Inglewood, Gosnells and Stirling, where homes suffered major structural damage, water damage and roof damage.

The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 52 calls for help from residents, including 12 from regional WA.

Fallen trees and standing water were causing havoc on the roads, with a fallen tree on the Great Southern Highway approximately 20km north of Katanning, with the Augusta-Margaret River region also affected.

SES units in Busselton, Bunbury, Mandurah and Augusta-Margaret River were also responding to calls.

A record wind gust of 146km/h, believed to be the strongest wind recorded in WA in September, hit Cape Leeuwin about 11pm last night.

The strong cold front and deep low pressure system also dumped heavy rain over the South West, with Collie and Jarrahwood topping the state with 45mm to 9am today, and Mount William 39mm.

In the metro area, Hills areas copped a deluge with Karnet 38mm, Pickering Brook 27mm and Bedfordale 25mm. Perth recorded 10mm, while the airport had 12mm.

At the height of the storm almost 20,000 customers were without power in Perth and the South West.

Almost 1200 homes in Spearwood also have no power as a result of the severe winds. 

A Western Power helicopter was deployed this morning to inspect the main transmission line which services the South West.

It's believed a fault on the line may be responsible for most of the outages in that region.

If you see fallen power lines remember to stay clear and call Western Power on 13 13 51.

Wild 146km/h winds blast South West

Winds peaked at a cyclonic 146km/h just on 11pm, but Cape Leeuwin was blasted by winds in excess of 100km/h for more than three hours till 2.30am.

At 4.30am the coast was still being blasted by 96km/h winds, which gradually eased closer to dawn.

Many parts of Perth were also blasted by wind gusts up to 100km/h with Ocean Reef recording a gust of 100km/h at 11.30pm with repeated winds up to 93km/h through to 2.30am.

Rottnest Island recorded repeated gusts of 102km/h from 11.30pm to 1am. Bickley, in the Hills south-east of Perth,  recorded a wind gust of 95km/h at 11.23pm. 

The SES received 45 calls for help from 6pm last night with the worst of the damage affecting homes in the City of Stirling.

Osborne Park was battered by last night's storm which also damaged a balcony at a home in Inglewood.

There was also damage to homes in the Rockingham and Mandurah area.

The left lane of Kwinana Freeway northbound, through Como, is closed due to the high winds forcing the Swan River onto the roadway.

Traffic lights knocked out

At least three sets of lights have been knocked out by the wild weather:

Spencer Road/Thornlie Station, Thornlie
Spencer Road/Yale Road, Thornlie
Manning Road/Centenary Avenue, Bentley

A diesel spill on the Leach Highway on-ramp on Kwinana Freeway, at Brentwood, is also causing traffic congestion, with emergency services at the scene.

Wettest September on record

Meanwhile Perth is on track for its wettest September on record with 124mm in the gauge this month. The record is 126mm, well above the monthly average of 81mm.    

The SES has received dozens of calls for assistance mainly from people with roof and shed damage.

The storm follows an earlier cold front which hit the South West and city early Sunday which resulted in around 90 calls for help from people it the city and southern WA.

Perth's south-eastern suburbs of Gosnells and Maddington were worst hit with more than 30 calls for assistance.

See the damage in pictures

Send your storm pictures to readerpics@perthnow.com.au

Higher than normal tides may cause flooding of low-lying coastal areas between Perth and Esperance.

CURRENT WARNING
If you live between Bunbury and Israelite Bay you need to get ready now for the bad weather including damaging wind coming tonight and tomorrow morning.

This includes people in Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Narrogin, Katanning, Albany and Esperance, and surrounding areas.

This is typical weather for this time of year but could damage homes and make travel dangerous.

WEATHER DETAILS
At 4.56am today the Bureau of Meteorology advised a cold front will move along the south coast late today and early Tuesday morning.

The cold front is likely to cause widespread damaging winds to 100km/h that could result in damage to homes and property.

Damaging winds are likely to develop south of a line Bunbury to Bremer Bay between 8pm Monday and 2am Tuesday and extend to south of a line Bunbury to Narrogin to Israelite Bay between 2am and 8am Tuesday.

Conditions should ease late Tuesday morning.

Residents whose property is badly damaged or flooded should contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

PERTH FORECAST .

Monday 23 September
Min 13 Max 21. Shower or two. Windy.

Tuesday 24 September
Min 15 Max 20. Shower or two. Wind easing.

Wednesday 25 September
Min 14 Max 21. Morning shower or two.

Thursday 26 September
Min 11 Max 20. Shower or two. Windy.

Friday 27 September
Min 11 Max 19. Cloudy.

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Kitesurfer killed at Cottesloe Beach

A kitesurfer has been killed in a freak accident at Cottesloe Beach, with a coronial investigation launched into the death.

FILE PICTURE: A 50-year-old Victoria Park man was killed yesterday while kitesurfing at Cottesloe Beach. Source: Supplied

A KITESURFER has been killed in a freak accident at Cottesloe Beach, with a coronial investigation launched into the death.

The 50-year-old from nearby Victoria Park was kitesurfing about 3.30pm yesterday when he stumbled and was knocked unconscious, and then blown by gusts of wind up a sand dune, through a tree and into a bollard.

Eyewitness accounts posted on a kite-surfing forum describe fellow kitesurfers desperately trying to grab hold of the man before he was blown away by the strong gusts of wind.

Despite extensive efforts from bystanders and a doctor at the scene, the man was pronounced dead at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital a short time later with extensive chest, neck and head injuries.

Police said they were compiling a report for the state coroner.

He is understood to have a three-year-old son.

The Kitesurfing Association of WA offered their condolences to the man's family, and said the whole community was in shock.
 

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'Clueless' Tully evicted from BB

Watch as Tully is the eighth Housemate to be Evicted from the Big Brother House.

HOW is Tully going to put her life back together again?

That is the big question after the 25-year-old social media strategist was evicted from Big Brother tonight.

The controversial housemate was eliminated from the Channel 9 reality show after scoring just 17 per cent of votes to save against Tahan (34 per cent) and Katie & Lucy (49 per cent).

When Tully walked out of the house she was unaware that her on-screen romance with Drew had led to her being dumped by girlfriend Tahlia via Twitter.

Tully also had no notion of the bitter social media backlash aimed her way in recent weeks.

Kruger didn't break the news to Tully about Tahlia. That will reportedly be left to one of the show's expert psychologists.

Tully is the latest Big Brother contestant to get the boot from the house.

Tully defended her rollercoaster emotions on the show and said that she had been working on reducing her negativity.

"I'm glad it (my negativity) was brought to my attention," Tully told Kruger.

"This week I've tried to be more positive.

"I think I did grow and get better than that. Half the time I didn't realise I sounded so negative.

"I'm an emotional person. I was always going to be a cryer. Everything in the house is ten times worse and ten times better (than real life)."

Big Brother evictee Tully has no idea about the public backlash against her.

Tully also indicated that she doesn't have any serious romantic inklings for Drew.

"At times I was concerned about that (relationship with Drew) but at the end of the day he made my time in the house what it was.

"Drew was my house husband. He was one of the only people that would put up with my constant wining and tears and tantrums. He was a huge support for me.

"I want him to do really well and he's going to make someone very lucky one day.

"(Saying I love you) is not a big deal to me. I said that to Tahan first week in the house. I'm a very affectionate person, a very touchy-feely person."

Tully took her eviction on the chin.

"It's only a game, Sonia," she said.

The producers of Big Brother put all evicted housemates through a thorough psychological de-brief to ensure they are ready for life outside the house.

Tully is yet to learn that an "I hate Tully from Big Brother" Facebook page has more than 63,000 likes and posts such as "Knowing that Tully could possibly leave tonight has made Monday that much better!"

Twitter went into hyperdrive after Tully was evicted.

Comments included: "Bye Bye Tully. Boy are you in for a relationship surprise" and "when Tully finds out she has been dumped prepare for the crying."

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Toddler takes meth to Perth daycare centre

SHOCK FIND: Child protection officers have been called in after a four-year-old was found with white power - later confirmed methamphetamine - at a daycare centre in Osborne Park today. File picture Source: Supplied

A four-year-old child has allegedly been caught with methamphetamine at a child care centre in Perth.

A FOUR-year-old child has allegedly been caught with methamphetamine at a child care centre in Perth.

Police were called to the Tuart Hill Baby and Child Care Centre today after the youngster was found to be in possession of some white powder.

The substance was tested and initial indications returned a positive result for methamphetamine, police said.

Inquiries are continuing with the family of the youngster and the Department for Child Protection has also been notified.

A spokeswoman for the child care centre declined to comment on the matter.

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