Key Points
- Flash flooding, strong wind across Far North Queensland
- Death toll rises in Iran anti-government protests
- Australia scores gold in relay at World Cross Country Championships
TRANSCRIPT
Tropical Cyclone Koji has weakened below cyclone strength, after making landfall in Queensland, but the weather system is still bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli says flooding remains a concern for communities, warning anyone in low-lying areas to stay safe on the roads.
Authorities say residents of the region should be aware that the Bruce Highway has been cut at Peter’s Flat just north of Bowen.
Mr Crisafulli has urged residents traveling on local roads to use the official disaster website ahead of other map services.
"The best source of truth is that disaster website and your local council's dashboard is also on there, and they update it in real time. The best source of messaging for things like roads is to listen and trust the locals and place your faith in them ahead of Google Maps, we really must stress that to people."
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Emergency authorities in Victoria say a change in conditions is bringing some relief to firefighters but warn there is still risk to community.
There are now more than 15 hundred emergency warnings and 17 Watch and Act notices in effect across Victoria, with a state of emergency declared in 20 local government areas.
Emergency level blazes are dotted across the state, but firefighting efforts are
concentrated on a huge fire in Victoria's centre and another in the northeast.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the $19.5 million support package announced by Premier Jacinta Allan will assist the recovery of primary producers.
"This package of funding will assist primary producers with the extraordinary costs of undertaking immediate and emergency livestock fodder distribution to ensure humane treatment of stranded livestock. And it's great that we had the VFF with us here today. In addition to that, we've activated the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment for those who've been communities worst impacted."
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Human rights groups say the death toll from anti-government protests in Iran has reached at least 116 people, after the regime cut access to internet and international phone calls.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says more than 2,600 people have been arrested, as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei signalled a crackdown.
The regime has escalated threats against protesters, with warnings from Iran's attorney general that anyone taking part will be considered an "enemy of God", a charge punishable by death.
The son of detained Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi says the people of Iran urgently need support.
"Therefore, at the present time, the Iranians mainly need satellites, they mainly need the internet, they mainly need logistical support and the support of politicians and the population outside the country. The Iranian regime is not insensitive to this, this has already been proven. Therefore, as an Iranian outside of Iran, I can only ask for the help of the international community."
Protests have spread across Iran since December 28, beginning in response to soaring inflation and quickly turning political with protesters demanding an end to clerical rule.
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The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union have released a joint statement commending the bravery of the Iranian protesters.
The ministers condemned the use of lethal force by security forces; and urged the Iranian authorities to allow people to exercise freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.
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The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have reportedly left the Syrian city of Aleppo, with a ceasefire allowing evacuations after days of deadly clashes.
The SDF's departure marks the removal of Kurdish forces from parts of Aleppo they've held since 2011, while Kurdish forces continuing to run a semi-autonomous zone through large parts of northeastern Syria.
SDF commander, Mazloum Abdi, says the group reached an understanding on a ceasefire and safe evacuation through international mediation.
The recent violence in Aleppo has deepened a key tension in Syria.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa's vow to unify the country after 14 years of war is facing resistance from Kurdish forces, who are wary of an Islamist-led government.
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In athletics, Australia has won gold in the mixed relay event at the World Cross Country Championships in Florida.
Olympic medallist Jessica Hull achieved the result with Oliver Hoare, Linden Hall and Jack Anstey, recording a time of 22 minutes and 23 seconds across the four 2-kilometre stages of the race.
That time was three seconds ahead of team from France, with Ethiopia in third place.
It is Australia's fifth gold medal over the history of the event.
Hull says she has really enjoyed winning this gold medal as a team.
"Coming off the Olympics it was a really hard grind but having this on the 10th of January 2026, my race was so much better, because I was preparing for something that wasn't just about me, it was about the team. I really liked the timing of it, I really liked the chance that we combined forces and have a chance at the medal. I think even before our team was set, we knew that we came to the goal, and trying to make it a habit; trying to make it a mindset."
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